ABOUT
Al Qasba, formerly known as Qanat Al Qasba, is a cultural landmark and leisure center for the Prime Minister in Sharjah. It is located in the Al Khan region – an area south of the Sharjah. Development along the canal, Al Qasba has two 150-meter buildings facing across the Qasba Canal. It is known for its various commercial areas such as shops, restaurants, office spaces and art galleries as well as many tourist attractions. As an arts and culture center, development has hosted many notable events in the city. Al Qasba Development Authority (AQDA), a member of Shurooq (Sharjah Investment and Development Authority), manages development and develops it as a major tourist destination and heritage. There are also a growing number of collaborative art projects and a few non-program buildings.
FAMOUS BUILDINGS
There are a few residential projects available near development. Near the northern border of Al Qasba, Al Seer Tower is a 32-story residence building. The 44-story high-rise building Rose Rose 1 is only 2 minutes away by car. A project created by the Maraya Art Center, Artist Residencies is a residential program that provides medium-sized UAE artists and composers with the task of staying here and performing well in their field. With adequate residency, the artists get to work with others and institutions around the world. Three artists were selected annually and held for 1 to 3 months. A few unplanned buildings in Al Qasba are in the pipeline as well; will be an asset to the Sharjah tourism sector.
CHURCHES, TEMPLE AND MOSQUES
Located on the south-eastern development corner, the Al Qasbah Mosque is a sacred center of Islam. The mosque in Al Qasba is amazing because its construction incorporates beautiful details of Islamic art. Inside are Arabic calligraphy drawings and geometric patterns, and the highlight of the Al Qasbah Mosque is the beautiful chandelier hanging from the roof of the dome. Residents can reach two weeks near Al Qasba which is about 7.5 kilometers away. Closer to each other, is the Roman Catholic Church St. Michael’s and the Russian Orthodox Church, accessible in about 18 minutes. Hindu residents will have to visit the local temples of Bur Dubai, 40 minutes from there to visit the Shiva Temple, Shree Krishna Haveli and ShrinathJi Temple. Sikh residents can visit Sikh Gurudwara and Sindhi Gurdarbar here.
SCHOOLS
In addition to the arts center, there is a nearby district school, called Al Khan Primary School (for girls only). About four miles north of Al Khaledia Suburb. Traveling by bus can take as long as 8 to 10 minutes to reach your destination. Other schools near Al Qasba include Victoria International School, Sharjah Indian School and Our Own English High School. A well-known language school, the Babylonian Institute offers more than 2,000 language courses. It is located on Al Taawaun Street, about six minutes from there. With higher education, students can drive to Sharjah University which contains many prestigious universities.
MEDICAL STORES AND HOSPITALS
There are many clinics and hospitals near Al Qasba. Located in the immediate vicinity of Al Majaz, Mulk Physiotherapy and Homecare Center, Atlas Specialized Medical Center and Kedar Dental Center are 8 minutes away. Genova Medical Center, IR Dental Clinic and Ewan Medical Center are based near Al Qasba. Other nearby health care facilities include New Life Medical Center, Arab Doctors Specialist Center and Al Hijama Alternative Medical Center. The nearest hospitals are Oriana Hospital and Euro Arabian Hospital.
NEARBY AREAS
Neighboring community, Al Majaz is a waterfront area surrounded by commercial and residential areas. It is home to many tourist attractions and landmarks such as Al Majaz Splash Park, Al Nakheel Oasis and Al Noor Mosque. Many outstanding hotels such as Holiday International and Embassy Suites are located in Al Majaz. To the northwest of Al Qasba lies Al Khaledia Suburb and Al Layyeh Suburb. The former has many beach resorts and hotels and educational institutions, while the latter includes many government facilities such as the Sharjah Museum Authority and the Sharjah Department of Economic Development.
MALLS
The three-story Al Fardan Center is the first major shopping center to establish in Sharjah. It is in the middle of a two-kilometer development area, much closer to the many shopping malls near Al Qasba. Al Fardan Center has a total rental area of 80,900 sq. M. Ft., Divided between three levels. It includes well-known retail stores such as Mothercare and Carrefour Market as well as several lifestyles, cosmetics, electronics and stores. 10 minutes drive, City Center Sharjah is one of the largest shopping destinations in Sharjah. This mall has a wide range of shopping options
RESTAURANTS
When it comes to choosing where to eat, there are many types of restaurants and restaurants in Al Qasba. One can have snacks and drinks at Starbucks, Carino Café and Caribou Shop. The more flexible Bert’s Café offers a variety of frittatas for breakfast and a variety of salads, sandwiches and burgers for lunch. On the other hand, Gerard Café is not only a coffee shop but also a patisserie. There is a Lebanese restaurant Shababeek, an Italian restaurant Stefano’s, a Thai Limetree Restaurant and an Indian ‘Masala Craft’. Seafood lovers can eat at Fish Corner. Those who have developed a strong love for sushi can go to Sumo Sushi and Bento. Other options are Jucito for fresh fruit drinks, Napoli Gelato for Italian ice cream, Yogurberry frozen yogurt and Dunkin ’Donuts donuts.
EVENTS
Built on a three-story art gallery, Maraya Art Center is a non-profit organization based in Al Qasba. She does a variety of outreach activities such as conferences, workshops, exhibitions and book exchanges. It showcases emerging talent and works from leading Arab and foreign artists. Maraya Art Center also hosts the Barjeel Art Foundation – a well-crafted exhibition showcasing the collection of independent artist Sultan Sooud Al Qassemi. Based on various art programs, some of its works include Maraya Art Park, Maraya Project Space, 1971 Design Space, Maraya Art Gallery, Maraya Residences and Jedary. With two stages at the nearby Al Majaz Waterfront, Maraya Art Park showcases outdoor art projects through art, educational activities and collaborative games at various prestigious venues in Sharjah. Al Qasba has also been the site of various festivals
