Al Manakh

Al Manakh is an urban area located next to the Kuwait Square roundabout. Popular residential areas of Sharjah surround it, such as Al Yarmook, Al Musalla and Al Mahatah. There are key government bodies and important buildings of Sharjah in Al Manakh like Al Gharb Police Station, the Sharjah headquarters for the telecommunication corporation Etisalat, Pakistan Social Centre Sharjah and Indian Association Sharjah.

The area has the large Al Manakh Park which is a key attraction for residents and visitors. Besides that, there’s a mix of residential properties – villas and apartment buildings. Some of these properties are mixed-used comprising of offices and retail outlets on the ground level and residential spaces on the top.

• A mixed-used area with residential and commercial properties
• A wide range of accommodation options in villas, townhouses and apartments
• Affordable shops and commercial spaces for rent and sale
• Al Manakh Park accessible to all residents and visitors
• Home to the Sharjah headquarters for Etisalat

The area certainly offers convenience and comfort with a variety of schools, utility shops, supermarkets and attractions nearby, as well as within the community. Besides these facilities, Al Manakh promotes a vibrant and healthy environment with parks, sports grounds, leafy walkways and lawns.

The residential properties in Manakh range from low-rise to mid-rise towers housing rental apartments. Apartment buildings that consist of shops and offices on the ground floor have separate entrances for residents, hence their privacy is not disturbed.

One can expect all the modern facilities from swimming pools and health clubs to advanced security in each complex. As a result, it is hard to find vacant spaces in Al Manakh at the moment.

The Etisalat headquarters in Sharjah is the major highlight and the tallest skyscraper in this area. It lies in the north-western end of Al Manakh, standing tall with a luxurious façade of glasswork. It is an 18-storey tower with different departments on each floor. The building is an epitome of modern architecture and is visible from many parts of the city.

Street parking is generally offered for those living in and visiting Al Manakh. A few residential apartments also offer covered basement parking but this depends on the building you live in.

There are three ways to get to the community, by bus, taxi or car. Public buses that stop nearby are E303, E307, E307 A and E400. It is recommended to use a car if you have one because the bus stations are more than 20 minutes away on foot, while the taxis are readily available in the area.

Many supermarkets are located close to Al Manakh, and some of them are found in the community as well. Istanbul Foodstuff Trading Co. on Al Wahda Street has bakery items and other utilities like frozen and canned goods, kitchenware and electronics.

Sahal Al Lulu is a convenient grocery store with discounted wholesale items, and Darb Al Madina Hypermarket has a variety of everyday items. There is a branch of Talal Hypermarket in the neighbouring Al Qasimia community and a Lulu Hypermarket in Mayasaloon. Both these options are 5 minutes away in opposing directions.

There is a Carrefour in My City Centre Nasseriya, 8 minutes away and in Oasis Mall in Al Ghubaiba, 4 minutes away. Local supermarkets in Al Manakh are preferred for regular shopping.

Al Manakh is an ideal location to live with family because it caters to the needs of all residents no matter where they come from. There are some churches in Al Yarmook, which lies to the east of Al Manakh. These are located at short intervals such as Saint Gregory’s Orthodox Church, Amazing Grace Church and Apostolic Church.

If you want to visit a Hindu Temple near Al Manakh, you have to drive to Shiva Temple in Dubai, opposite Dubai Museum. The ride will be at least 30 minutes long. Sikh Gurudwara and the Sindhi Gurdarbar are also located opposite Dubai Museum.

However, the Muslim community can attend their prayers on time no matter where they work or live in the community. There are plenty of mosques in Al Manakh such as Al Emam Al Nawawi Mosque, Jasim Saif Mosque and Abu Mas’uod Al Ansari Mosque. The biggest, most popular King Faisal Mosque which was built in the 1980s is a short 5-minute walk away from Al Manakh.

Parents shouldn’t worry as there are a few reputable schools in Al Manakh. The most noteworthy options are Emirates Private School and Al Qasimiya Primary School. There are more options in Al Yarmook such as Al Maarifa International Private School, Al Mustaqbal Private School, Progressive English School and Early Intervention Centre. Al Maarifa International School is a famous school, which offers education from grade 1 to grade 12 under the British and American curricula.

Higher education options nearby include Institute of Modern Technologies (IMTECH), Middle East Research Academy for Consultancy & Learning Centre and Lincoln University of Business and Management, which is considered as one of the best universities in Sharjah.

The main medical facility in the area is Al Manakh Medical Center. In the nearby areas you can find NMC Medical Centre near Rolla Square Park, which is only 6 minutes away, Al Saha Al Shifa Hospital in the same region is also 6 minutes away and Al Zahra Hospital near Clock Tower is 7 minutes away.

Near the community, you will also find Doctors Medical Centre, Access Clinic, Al Soor Speciality Clinic and Abrahams Medical Centre. Pharmacies close to the neighbourhood of Al Manakh include Al Rafah Pharmacy, Al Fayha Pharmacy and Sahar Pharmacy.

Several residential communities such as Al Musalla, Al Mahatah and Al Yarmook are next-door neighbours of Al Manakh. The neighbourhoods of Al Fahya, Rolla Area, Al Ghubaiba and Al Qasimia are quite close too, each reachable in 5 minutes or less.

Reaching malls near Al Manakh is a matter of a short drive. Grand Mall Sharjah on Ibrahim Mohammed Al Medfa’a Street is just opposite Emirates Private School. It is a small community mall with a Grand Hypermarket, a few restaurants and retail stores. It is popular for its weekly promotions on grocery items.

Oasis Mall is another popular mall in Sharjah, it is 5 minutes away. The mall spans over three floors featuring over 45 retail stores. A few popular ones include Centrepoint, Home Centre and Max Fashions. The mall also features a Carrefour Market, a 10-screen cinema and a 575 seat food court.

Mega Mall is a little further away, at a drive of 8 minutes. It is one of the leading retail destinations in the emirate and is visited by residents, visitors and tourists. It has over 150 retail stores, 15 food court outlets, many other casual dining restaurants, a 7-screen Novo Cinemas and the family entertainment destination Antic’s Land.

Other popular choices include Sharjah Shopping Centre on Al Arouba Street, Al Ghuwair Centre, K.M Trading and Rolla Mall. For a more traditional experience, you can visit the souks and street markets which are a part of Al Ghuwair and Rolla Area such as Al Ghuwair Market and Rolla Market.

You will find many restaurants in Al Manakh including friendly cafes and local tea shops such as Tareeq Al Manakh Cafeteria.

Restaurants in Al Manakh include Alpha Restaurant that serves Pakistani cuisine, Al Yemen Mandi Restaurant that serves the traditional mandi dish and Al Bahr Al Ahmar Restaurant which is popular for its barbecued dishes. Those looking for more upscale options can head towards Qasr Al Ibrahimi Restaurant, Peking Chinese Restaurant and Calicut Park Restaurant in Al Mahatah.

There are no beaches near Al Manakh. However, one can visit Al Khan Beach which is 15 minutes away. It is a lively area with water sports, slides and benches.

Al Mamzar Beach is 20 minutes away and is a family-favourite destination for picnics and adventurous speed boat rides.

Al Manakh is a busy district and is close to some major historical landmarks. Major landmarks such as King Faisal Mosque, Sharjah Museum and Khalid Lake are close within a close distance. King Faisal Mosque is only a few blocks away which is buzzing with festivities during Ramadan and Eid.

Life in Al Manakh is fun, the streets are lined with date palms and small lawns are maintained at short intervals. Moreover, the community has a huge public park, Al Manakh Park which is a favourite spot for kids and adults alike. They can jog, play, ride bikes and spend a quiet and relaxing time in the garden area.

Universal Sports Club and Al Adhalat Body Building Gym are two gyms nearby. Zahrat Al Nahda Salon, Bab Al Hind Gents Salon and Yodit Ladies Saloon are some local salons in Al Manakh.

Community events can be attended in nearby localities. Khalid Lake hosts a speed boat tournament every year which attracts a lot of sports lovers from around the town and neighbouring areas. Moreover, Al Noor Mosque is close by. It is a popular spot for Sharjah’s religious and cultural festivals.

Al Manakh is an ideal place if you are looking at affordable apartments for rent. But those who wish to buy one may face a hard time as the community has populated rapidly and most properties are sold out.

• Al Manakh shares borders with Al Mahatah, Al Yarmook and Al Fayha
• It is bound by Ibrahim Mohammed Al Medfa’a Street and Al Estiqlal Street on either side
• The community is adjacent to Al Estiqlal Square and Kuwait Square
• Rolla Area and Corniche Street are about 7 minutes away
• Sharjah International Airport is 14 minutes away