Work on the new extension of Al Majaz Waterfront, a tourist destination in the UAE emirate of Sharjah, is nearing completion and is well on track for launch by the end of this year, according to a report.

The Dh35-million ($9.52 million) project, which will add another 53,000 sq ft to the total area at the Al Majaz Waterfront, is being implemented by Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), said the state news agency Wam, citing a senior official.

Phase Two of the project will see more world-class amenities added to the facility that will further facilitate the park’s growth. The work is currently 90 per cent complete and on opening, the emirate's tourist destination will cover a total area to 284,000 sq ft, stated Ahmed Obaid Al Qaseer, the chief operating officer of Shurooq.

"Since its inauguration in 2012, the 231,000-sq-ft Al Majaz Waterfront has established itself as one of Sharjah’s leading family and tourist destinations and one of the most popular attractions in the UAE," remarked Al Qaseer.

"The park has witnessed increasing growth in its number of visitors and draws hundreds of thousands of UAE residents and tourists from across the globe. This underlines the importance of diversifying the tourism product in Sharjah and in providing world-class projects that cater to all family members visiting from across the emirates and internationally," he added.
 
Al Qaseer pointed out that with the rising number of visitors each year, it had become necessary to proceed with implementing the second phase of the project.

"By the end of this phase, we will have ensured that the destination provides services that meet the highest international standards in hospitality, tourism, leisure and family-based activities. These additions will meet the needs and expectations of visitors and enable us to elevate the aesthetic and cultural scene of Sharjah and the UAE," he added.

Mohammed Fadhil Al Mazroui, the manager of Al Majaz Waterfront, said the expansion will see a number of key facilities, most notably a range of cafes and restaurants.

"We are carefully selecting these to ensure that they will provide the same level of unique services that Al Majaz Waterfront has become renowned for and to provide even more options for our visitors," he added.