THE Gulf’s largest water fountain is currently taking shape as part of the Dh100-million ($27 million) Al Majaz Waterfront development at Khalid Lagoon area in Sharjah. Onsite installation, which began last month, is scheduled for completion shortly.

“The Al Majaz Park project is on schedule and will be open to the public by the end of this year,” says Marwan bin Jassim Al Sarkal, CEO of Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq).

The 220-m-wide fountain, will comprise two large water displays including a musical fountain with sound, light and laser techniques and a geyser shooting water 100 m high. The fountain, surrounded by a circular courtyard, will be initially synchronised for five displays per day ranging from five to 10 minutes each, at a 30-minute interval.

The fountain is the only one of its kind in the UAE to include musical, laser and video shows, says Al Sarkal, adding that most fountains in the region do not feature video shows. 

Spain-headquartered Ghesa is responsible for designing this water feature.

“We will start testing and commissioning the fountain this month.  We are planning a repertoire of 20 musical shows and five different video shows.  Every day, we will be featuring three musical and two video shows,” he says.  “In addition, we will have special shows to mark every major occasion such as national day and Eid.”

Al Majaz Waterfront ... developed as an integrated family park, says Al Sarkal (below).

“The 100-m geyser is basically a redevelopment of a fountain that was a major attraction in Sharjah back in 1984 – so in effect, Sharjah will now have two new landmark fountains,” he adds.

The cybernetic fountain is a part of Shurooq’s plan to develop Al Majaz Waterfront into a state-of-the-art leisure and tourism complex that offers services and facilities in compliance with the highest international standards, he adds.

Situated between Jamal Abdul Nasser Street and the Khalid Lagoon Corniche, the development will also comprise 2,000 sq m of retail space. The project has entailed beautifying and extending the existing park. The expansion of the park has aimed at not only enhancing the greenery and public space but also at creating an ecological setting, in a bid to boost activity and bring together people of all cultures.

WSP is responsible for the masterplan of the development.

“As this is our flagship urban development, we are ensuring that all aspects of the project are carried out to our satisfaction. The learning curve was extreme at the beginning.  One of the major challenges was rerouting the roads while minimising the disruption to the traffic – and we achieved this on a fast-track basis within 55 days,” he says.

Describing the features of the 231,000-sq-ft development, Al Sarkal says: “Al Majaz Waterfront is being developed as an integrated family park, including several facilities designed to transform it into a top destination for tourists, visitors and residents of Sharjah.”

As part of the development, an 800-sq-m garden-themed aquatic facility called the Splash Park will be opened by the end of the year. Designed for families and children, the park will provide a safe and fun-filled environment that combines unique architectural designs and safety features.

“The park will be a fully-automated, zero-depth aquatic play area suitable for the entire family – from toddlers through to adults as well as for children with special needs. The state-of-the-art technology will optimise water consumption through sequenced activation and low-flow nozzle technology.

The Splash Park ... set to open shortly.

What makes the park different is that there is no standing water such as pools, so there are fewer risks involved, says Al Sarkal. “This makes it possible for handicapped children to use the park with their wheelchairs and play with others unlike in other facilities,” he explains.

“Splash Park offers a variety of spray strengths and features to entertain everyone. For toddlers, there are soft ground sprays and low features, while older children can play under the water curtain of the Aquadome, chase their friends through water tunnels and jets, or target others with water cannons and team sprays,” Al Sarkal adds.

Rerouting roads ... achieved on a fast-track basis.

Other key facilities at the waterfront will include a number of restaurant chains and cafes overlooking the lagoon, play areas for children including an art centre, areas for cultural and entertainment activities, a mosque with a modern architectural design, special areas for walking, jogging and cycling, a sculpture garden, public amenities, parking space for 1,000 vehicles, and sidewalks.

The project is being developed in two phases, with the first phase covering 121,000 sq m now in progress. The second phase spreading over 110,000 sq m will be implemented on completion of the first phase.

Among the amenities that would stand out is a mini golf course, a first in the emirate. Other highlights include environment-friendly facilities and play rides for children with special needs. Eco-friendly plants and LED lighting systems will help conserve 93 per cent of the power when compared to traditional lighting, Al Sarkal points out, adding that recycled materials are being used to construct the running track and other play areas.

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