Sharjah Waterfront City Set to Surge Real Estate and Tourism with New Development Plans, Including Theme Park

Published on April 22, 2025

Sharjah is seeing the emergence of a new, ambitious real estate development—Sharjah Waterfront City (SWC). With its sprawling 60 million square feet of space, the project promises to be a game-changer in the emirate’s real estate landscape. Located off the coast of Hamriyah, which is becoming an increasingly popular mixed-use location, Sharjah Waterfront City is set to include a collection of eight islands. While still in its development stages, the city has already begun welcoming residents in its initial phases, and further plans include building a theme park and water-based attractions in the future.

The project’s developer, Ajmal Makan, is eager to increase its appeal, particularly among off-plan investors. The company has already planned a roadshow in Dubai to attract a wider pool of potential buyers. The developer hopes to capture the growing demand for real estate investments in the UAE, especially from those seeking to invest in the Sharjah property market.

The Vision for Sharjah Waterfront City

The idea behind Sharjah Waterfront City is to create a modern, vibrant community that blends residential, commercial, and recreational spaces. As the project progresses, it aims to offer not only high-quality homes but also leisure activities and amenities that will enhance the overall living experience. The inclusion of a theme park and water attractions aligns with the city’s goal to attract families, tourists, and residents alike.

The development is part of a broader effort to position Sharjah as a growing hub for real estate investment, particularly for those looking for freehold properties. The recent shift in government policies regarding property ownership and rental regulations in Sharjah has led to a growing interest from investors. With more off-plan options available, Sharjah Waterfront City is positioned to benefit from this trend, attracting both local and international buyers.

Targeting Off-Plan Investors

To further attract investors, Ajmal Makan has started its roadshow in Dubai, aiming to reach a broader mix of potential buyers. Farid Jamal, the General Manager of Sales and Marketing at Ajmal Makan, explained that those who commit to purchasing a property in Sharjah Waterfront City will be given an “initial contract.” This contract is similar to the Oqood certificates issued by the Dubai Land Department for off-plan purchases, a sign of the growing legitimacy and structure in the Sharjah property market.

Once the properties are handed over to the owners, they will proceed with the final registration and receive the title deed, formalizing their ownership. This process not only boosts investor confidence but also strengthens the legitimacy of Sharjah’s real estate market as an attractive location for property investment.

Sharjah’s Property Market Primed for Growth

Property market experts believe that Sharjah’s real estate market is well-positioned for a freehold boom. The government’s recent reforms to property ownership and rental regulations have made it easier for both residents and non-residents to invest in real estate within the emirate. With this shift, Sharjah is now an appealing option for investors who may have previously focused on Dubai or Abu Dhabi.

This new dynamic in the Sharjah property market is what Ajmal Makan aims to capitalize on with Sharjah Waterfront City. The project’s launch and the focus on attracting off-plan investors through events like the Dubai roadshow are key strategies in expanding Sharjah’s real estate appeal. In the past, the growth in Sharjah’s freehold market has largely been centered around existing residents purchasing homes. However, with new off-plan developments like SWC, there is potential for a broader investor base, including people from other parts of the UAE looking to own property for rental income in Sharjah.

• Targeting off-plan buyers: The Dubai roadshow is designed to attract a broader range of investors, particularly those looking to invest in Sharjah’s growing freehold market.
• Reform-driven growth: Recent policy changes in Sharjah have made the property market more accessible to both residents and international investors.

Prices and Investment Potential

As for pricing, the Sharjah Waterfront City offers a range of affordable options for those interested in investing. A one-bedroom apartment in the development starts at around Dh750,000, while a two-bedroom unit can be purchased for up to Dh1.2 million. The villas on the ‘View Island,’ which are positioned as a more luxurious option, have starting prices of Dh2.6 million for a four-bedroom unit and Dh5.3 million for a five-bedroom unit.

The pricing structure has been designed to offer attractive value for investors, with experts pointing out that these initial prices present a solid margin for potential value growth in the future. Many investors are looking at SWC as an opportunity to hold properties for a 3-5 year period, anticipating an increase in value as the development progresses.

According to Jamal, the overall cost of developing Sharjah Waterfront City will be approximately Dh20 billion. The scale of the project and its high-end offerings make it an enticing investment opportunity for those looking for properties in Sharjah, a city that is increasingly viewed as a viable investment alternative to Dubai.

Long-Term Development Plans and Global Impact

Looking to the future, the development of Sharjah Waterfront City is expected to have far-reaching effects not only on the local real estate market but on the global property landscape as well. The introduction of high-quality, freehold properties in Sharjah offers investors around the world a new option for real estate investment in the UAE. As more international buyers and investors recognize Sharjah’s potential as a growing hub for luxury living and tourism, it could help shift the global focus on UAE real estate towards Sharjah, especially with the region’s competitive pricing.

For travelers and tourists, the completion of this major development will lead to enhanced experiences in Sharjah, which has long been known for its rich cultural heritage. The inclusion of a theme park and water-based attractions will boost Sharjah’s appeal as a family-friendly destination, offering more options for leisure and entertainment. This increase in tourism infrastructure will also create new job opportunities in the hospitality and tourism sectors, benefiting both local and international workers.

For the global travel market, Sharjah Waterfront City represents an opportunity to experience a new type of UAE destination—one that combines residential living with high-end tourism. As these developments grow, the global interest in Sharjah as both a tourist destination and an investment hub will likely continue to rise, diversifying the tourism offerings in the UAE and providing travelers with more options for exploring the region.

The Future of Sharjah Waterfront City

Sharjah Waterfront City stands to be a landmark development in the emirate’s real estate landscape. By offering freehold properties in a prime location, with the addition of a theme park and enhanced recreational options, it has the potential to attract both investors and tourists. As the development progresses, it is likely that Sharjah will become an even more prominent player in the UAE’s property market, drawing attention from around the world.

The roadshow in Dubai represents just the beginning of the efforts to elevate Sharjah’s profile as an attractive investment destination. The combination of affordable prices, high-quality residential options, and a strong focus on tourism infrastructure is set to make Sharjah Waterfront City a central hub for real estate development in the region.

• Investment growth: Sharjah’s real estate market is poised for growth, with SWC offering a solid investment opportunity.
• Tourism boost: The addition of theme parks and water attractions will enhance Sharjah’s appeal to tourists, especially families.

Sharjah’s Real Estate Future

Sharjah Waterfront City represents a bold vision for the future of real estate in the emirate, with its expansive development plans, focus on freehold properties, and inclusion of recreational facilities. As the project continues to progress, it has the potential to reshape the landscape of Sharjah’s real estate market, offering investors attractive opportunities and giving travelers a fresh destination to explore. With the combination of strategic pricing, long-term development plans, and a growing tourism sector, Sharjah Waterfront City could become a key player in the UAE’s real estate and tourism industries.

• Growing investment opportunity: Sharjah’s real estate market is attracting international attention due to the development of Sharjah Waterfront City.
• Enhanced tourist offerings: The inclusion of a theme park and leisure amenities will increase Sharjah’s appeal as a family-friendly tourist destination.