Sharjah Ruler: Jebel Al Deem Projs. in Kalba to open in Mar. 2026

Sharjah 24

5 days ago

He also announced the construction of a new road that will traverse the peaks and slopes of the mountains and descend into Khorfakkan. His Highness described it as a marvel unlike anything seen before.
Speaking during a phone call on the 'Direct Line' program aired on Sharjah Broadcasting Authority, His Highness reassured the people of Khorfakkan:
'I want to emphasise that our focus is not solely on Kalba. The development program in Kalba is progressing, and, Allah willing, we will inaugurate the Jebel Al Deem projects in March 2026, which will include the 'Above the Clouds' rest area, sports fields, and farms. The roadworks will be finished soon, Allah willing, to ensure convenient access to the site.'
Ensuring the UAE's Food Security
His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah said: 'We have focused on Kalba because 'Jebel Al Deem' located there, has a special feature — it is in a unique area where most parts of the mountain consist of high-quality soil suitable for farming, not rocks. Therefore, agriculture on this mountain is successful. Praise be to God, the young trees we planted will bear fruit in three years and provide us with large quantities, God willing. His Highness continued, 'We are working to ensure food security for the entire United Arab Emirates. Our concept of food security includes vegetables, fruits, livestock, and products such as wheat, all of which, thanks to God, are organic. The Jebel Al Deem project is part of our food security initiative and is dedicated to fruit production. However, when we look at the other elements that secure food products, we find that we now have vegetables, all organic and free from any interference, that will be completed soon, God willing. Also coming to market soon will be beef, veal, and goat meat, in addition to poultry meat, which is already available and will continue, God willing. All of these meats come from clean, properly raised breeds.'
140 New Food Products from Sharjah
His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah continued, saying: 'We are also working on a project to produce food industries, with 140 new food products being manufactured from clean and healthy ingredients. We are establishing dedicated factories for these products, and if people observe the operations in the areas behind the cow barns, they will see a scene reminiscent of a 'beehive'.'
Above 1,100 Meters in Khorfakkan: A Unique Perspective
His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah continued: 'Since Jebel Al Deem alone cannot fulfill our goal of ensuring food security for the entire nation, we have explored other regions. When we inaugurated the Khorfakkan Road and reached the Al Ghazeer Tunnel, I told those with me, 'You will witness something no one has seen before,' because I am well-acquainted with every detail of this area. I have studied these projects thoroughly over the past five years. At that moment, I was referring to the peak of the mountain next to us, which rises 1,100 meters above sea level. Looking west from this summit, we can see Bur Dubai, Deira, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, and the land beyond these cities all the way to the TV tower in Al Dhaid. As the sun sets over this mountaintop, a stunning view emerges: a sparkling carpet of lights spreads across all the mentioned cities. If we gaze to the other side, we can see the city of Khorfakkan with its gentle clouds, the Port of Khorfakkan, and the surrounding mountains.'
On Mountain Peaks and Slopes… A New Road to Khorfakkan
His Highness also stated, 'We will build a road that runs along the peaks and slopes of the mountains and descends into Khorfakkan. This road will be a marvel unlike anything seen before. In Khorfakkan, we will plant what we are currently planting in
Jebel
Deem in the city of Kalba. Driving along this road will be a true pleasure, as it will be surrounded by trees, crops, water channels, and beautiful houses. The road will ascend from the Al Ghazeer Tunnel to the highest mountain peak in Khorfakkan, at an elevation of 1,100 meters above sea level. By the grace of Allah, we consistently achieve success in every project we approach with dedication and hard work. And to the people of Khorfakkan, we say: we have never forgotten you.'
Community Cohesion and Elevating Individuals
His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah emphasised that development is not limited to various types of projects; rather, true development begins with the development of society itself. His Highness said: 'We are not only concerned with food and tourism projects, but we also care deeply about academic achievement and uplifting people in their knowledge, understanding, and behavior. In the past, the community was not closely connected. I used to ask some fathers which school their children attended or what grade they were in, and they would respond that they didn't know. But now, thanks to Allah, after three generations and entering the fourth, whom I know and follow closely, the community has become united. Fathers have become more involved in their children's lives. I noticed in the past that residents of the central region often moved around, as they were Bedouins searching for agriculture. I wanted them to unite around something, to settle down, and to grow attached to their homeland. I spoke to them, and as Antarah Ibn Shaddad once said in his famous poem: 'To me, the souls; to the birds, the meat; and to the beasts, the bones'—I told them, I too seek the souls. My happiness comes from people gathering and forming bonds, not from sporadic meetings, but from daily interactions. This is how societies are built. Today, thanks be to Allah, we witness a deeply united community that brings joy to the heart.'
His Highness has further stated: 'We now have 26 male and female students from the College of Marine Science at Khorfakkan University beginning a scientific program at the University of Exeter—one of the leading British institutions specializing in environmental and marine sciences. This initiative aims to equip students with both theoretical and practical knowledge in marine sciences and to prepare a generation of researchers and scientists in the field of marine environment. Each student will earn dual degrees, one from Khorfakkan University and another from Exeter, while those enrolled exclusively at Exeter will receive a single degree from that university.'
Water Security… Sharjah's Reserve Covers 6 Months
Regarding the water security of the Emirate of Sharjah, His Highness said: 'We have reservoirs in which we collect water so that, Allah forbid, if the Gulf were to become polluted and desalination plants were to shut down, the Emirate of Sharjah would still have a water reserve sufficient for six months. We pray that such crises never occur and that Allah protects us.'
New Residential Complex in Al Dahiat, Kalba
Regarding the new residential area in Al Dahiat suburb of Kalba City, approved Thursday by His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, His Highness announced that a residential complex will be built on the site, consisting of 190 residential land plots, a main park, and a mosque. The first phase will begin with the construction of 54 housing units.
His Highness concluded: 'We shifted our focus to building residential complexes due to challenges with funds spent on homes that stalled at the column stage because of legal disputes. Some homeowners wanted to make additions and expected the government to cover these costs. Additionally, we encountered various conflicts between homeowners and contractors. As a result, we decided to construct ready-made housing complexes, enabling homeowners to make personal modifications after receiving their homes. We wish them a happy and comfortable life in their new residences, Allah willing.'