His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, laid the foundation stone for the Abu Al Kizan Marine Village project in Khorfakkan on Thursday morning.

The new project is part of Sharjah’s vision to boost tourism, urban development, and quality of life across the emirate. Spread across 7 million square feet, the project is designed to become a major tourism and investment destination in Khorfakkan.

The Abu Al Kizan Marine Village draws inspiration from famous coastal villages in Italy. Its architecture combines the traditional Ligurian style with elements of Islamic design, creating a unique waterfront destination. The project features colourful terraced buildings built around a natural harbour carved into the rocks, offering panoramic sea views within a scenic natural environment.

During the ceremony, the Ruler of Sharjah reviewed the project’s masterplan and facilities. The development will include green spaces, a beach, a main promenade boulevard, roads, pedestrian walkways, and integrated public services designed to improve the experience for both residents and visitors.

The name “Abu Al Kizan” reflects the area’s marine identity. “Kizan” is the plural of “Koz,” a large shellfish from the mollusc family, highlighting the project’s strong connection to the coastal environment.

The project enjoys a strategic location in Khorfakkan and is linked to several major landmarks, including Khorfakkan Corniche, the Old Souq, Khorfakkan Port, and Al Suhub Rest Area. This location is expected to strengthen the project’s tourism and investment appeal.

According to officials, the development includes 201 land plots for the construction of 285 buildings. These will include multi-storey residential buildings, villas, mixed-use residential and commercial properties, office spaces, a hotel, and a mosque. The project aims to create a modern and integrated urban community that meets different residential and commercial needs.

The design also takes into account the natural topography of the area by carefully distributing building heights across the site. Sustainable environmental standards will be followed to protect marine habitats and preserve biodiversity in the region.

The Abu Al Kizan Marine Village project reflects Sharjah’s long-term vision of developing sustainable tourism and urban destinations that combine natural beauty, environmental protection, and modern infrastructure.

Several senior officials attended the foundation stone ceremony, including Abdulrahman Mohammed Al Owais, Minister of State for Federal National Council Affairs and Chairman of Sharjah Islamic Bank; Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman of the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority; and Dr Salah bin Butti Al Muhairi, Chairman of Mubadara.