The Sharjah Urban Planning Council (SUPC), has launched the University City Road Enhancement Project at an estimated cost of Dh146 million ($39.7 million), in collaboration with the Sharjah Road and Transport Authority, a report said.

The project will transform the land in front of the existing businesses on University City Road, starting from Sheikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Road to University City, into a modern, well organised, useable and sustainable public realm, reported Wam, the Emirates official news agency.

The space will include wide sidewalks, native species landscaping areas, a bike path and parking.

Sheikh Khalid Bin Sultan Al Qasimi, chairman of SUPC, said the project has been launched as per the directives of Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, and it is in line with the SUPC’s goals which aim to respond the needs of citizens, residents and businesses to strengthen Sharjah’s position as a livable, sustainable and environmentally conscious city.

"The project is part of a series of civic improvement projects being executed by the SUPC as part of its comprehensive strategic planning to ensure sustainable development coupled with social, urban and economic integrity at all levels," Sheikh Khalid added.

Khalid Al Ali, secretary-general of SUPC, explained that the project will extend almost 3km encompassing around 52,000 sq m of land.