Sharjah Ruler Announces Completion of Khorfakkan Administrative Plan

Sharjah, The Gulf Observer: His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, has announced that planning for the new administrative division of Khorfakkan has been completed and will be officially unveiled soon.

Speaking by phone during the “Direct Line” programme with Mohamed Hassan Khalaf, Director General of the Sharjah Broadcasting Authority, Sheikh Sultan said the administrative plan had been developed to reflect Khorfakkan’s geographical characteristics and the identity of its various neighbourhoods.

The Ruler explained that Khorfakkan is surrounded by mountains and extends from Al Hawami towards the sea, covering areas to the north and south and reaching Al Aqaba at the entrance to Al Luluyah. He emphasised that these areas should be regarded as integral neighbourhoods of Khorfakkan rather than merely its suburbs.

Sheikh Sultan also discussed the naming and organisation of residential areas, stressing the importance of assigning names that carry positive meanings and reflect the historical or geographical characteristics of each locality.

He cited Al Subaihiya as an example, explaining that the name was derived from an old location in the area. The suburb encompasses Al Nakheel, Al Luluyah, Al Zubarah and Hasi.

The Sharjah Ruler also referred to Al Haray, explaining that the name is associated with a location where snakes were traditionally found. He questioned whether such a name would be appropriate for a residential suburb, stressing that place names should convey positive and meaningful associations for present and future generations.

Discussing the mountainous areas surrounding Khorfakkan, Sheikh Sultan highlighted the extensive Al Aween Mountain, which stretches from Victoria School towards Al Ghazir and includes the Al Ashqar neighbourhood.

He explained that “Al Ashqar” refers to a type of mountain characterised by light-brown soil and is an adjective describing the geological features of mountains rather than a reference to blonde colour.

The Ruler said the area would be reorganised, with plans envisaging two suburbs in the locality. Given the limited availability of land, authorities are studying the possibility of expanding residential development into the mountainous terrain.

Sheikh Sultan revealed that a study is specifically underway to level the summit of Al Aween Mountain and develop a residential area there. Such a project, he said, could create substantial additional space capable of accommodating a large number of residents.

The proposed development reflects Sharjah’s broader approach to planned urban expansion while taking into consideration the emirate’s geographical characteristics and the need to preserve meaningful identities for its communities.

Sheikh Sultan recalled that the administrative division of Kalba had previously been published and said the administrative division of Khorfakkan would similarly be announced soon.

The initiative underscores Sharjah’s continued efforts to undertake comprehensive urban planning, expand residential capacity and organise its communities in a manner that combines development with geographical and cultural identity.