Sharjah is studying an Al Aween Mountain project that could create substantial new residential space in mountainous Khorfakkan.
KHORFAKKAN: Sharjah is studying plans to level the summit of Al Aween Mountain to create a new residential area capable of accommodating a large number of people, as authorities prepare to unveil Khorfakkan’s completed administrative division.
The potential Al Aween Mountain project was revealed by the Ruler of Sharjah during a telephone intervention on the “Direct Line” programme. The proposal is currently being studied, meaning no construction timetable or final development details have yet been announced.
The study reflects the challenge of finding additional space for homes in Khorfakkan, where mountains surround much of the city and restrict the availability of land for future expansion.
The Ruler explained that Al Aween Mountain is the largest mountain in the area and dominates its surroundings. Authorities are therefore examining whether its summit could be levelled and used for residential development, potentially opening a substantial new area for housing.
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The announcement comes alongside the completion of Khorfakkan’s new administrative division. The city has been planned in a similar way to Kalba, with its neighbourhoods and suburbs being reorganised to create a clearer administrative structure. Details of the division are expected to be published soon.
Khorfakkan’s geography plays an important role in the planning process. Surrounded by mountains and facing the Gulf of Oman, the city has limited conventional space available for outward residential expansion.
The proposed Al Aween Mountain project could provide another option by making use of elevated terrain. The mountain extends from Victoria School towards Al Ghazir and the wider area includes the Al Ashqar neighbourhood.
Plans also involve reorganising neighbourhoods so that the area will ultimately have two suburbs. The wider administrative exercise includes Al Subaihiya, which encompasses Al Nakheel, Al Luluyah, Al Zubarah and Hasi.
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The Ruler also highlighted the importance of choosing positive and meaningful names for neighbourhoods as the administrative structure develops.
For residents, the key point is that the mountain development has not yet moved beyond the study stage. There has been no announcement about the number of homes, infrastructure, construction dates or completion schedule.
Further information is likely to become clearer when Sharjah publishes Khorfakkan’s new administrative division and provides details about how the city’s neighbourhoods will be organised.
Impact to expect
If approved, the proposal could unlock significant new housing space in land-constrained Khorfakkan while supporting the city’s longer-term residential expansion and urban planning.
