Sharjah is home to one of the largest industrial zones in the UAE named as the Industrial Area. It accounts for 16% of the GDP of the emirate, behind the real estate and commercial sector. This massive development encompasses 19 sub-divisions that include two free zones. More importantly, the Industrial Area Sharjah represents the second largest industry that contributes to the economic growth and development of the entire emirate.
Sharjah started offering zoning areas for industrial projects more than 40 years ago and now we see a significantly large and progressive community dedicated to commercial and manufacturing activities. Known simply as the Industrial Area, this leading industrialised real estate of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is located at a prime location of the third-largest city and is near the border that separates Sharjah from Dubai. Established close to the city’s waterfront locations, Industrial Area lets residents enjoy the best of both the metropolises.
With a wide variety of commercial and industrial projects as well as a few residential properties. There are 18 industrial zones in Sharjah Industrial Area varying in size and location. Zones 1, 2, 3, 10 and 11 are the biggest sub-communities, more towards Dubai on Maliha Road (S112). Zones 4, 5, 6, 12 and 13 are also large communities on the other side of Maliha Road. The remaining zones lie on the Dubai – Sharjah border and are quite small. Muwailih Commercial is also a part of Industrial Area, it lies to the east of the community on Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road (E311).
Four major roads serve the development and link it to other important areas of Sharjah. These include Al Wahda Street (E11) that runs parallel to the western boundary and Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road (E311) stretched along the eastern boundary. Whereas, Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Road (S121) and Maliha Road (S112) horizontally cut through Industrial Area, and the Sharjah-Dubai (S102) highway borders from the south.
The development is heavily concentrated with commercial properties such as warehouses, showrooms, shops, offices, labour camps, factories, open yards and industrial lands. However, there is a small yet substantial presence of residential properties in certain zones of the Industrial Area.
The most popular locations in Industrial Area include Industrial Area 3, Industrial Area 2, Industrial Area 18, Industrial Area 6 and Industrial Area 13.
In Industrial Area 3, 1-bedroom apartments for rent are priced from AED 16k to AED 35k .
There are several dedicated car parking spaces in the Industrial Area. Since trucks and other heavy vehicles play a critical role in transporting goods and equipment to and from the site, there are well-designed road layouts and parking bays. There are also truck depots that can accommodate two or more trucks at a time.
For residents, parking is included in some buildings, this affects rental prices as well. It would be best to check if your building offers a dedicated parking space.
The community of Industrial Area benefits from passenger bus services that operate within the entire city as well as across the borders. There are multiple bus stops along King Faisal Street (S112), from here you can commute within the community or to central Sharjah.
As for other means of transportation in the Industrial Area, taxis are also a reasonable option. Few of the major taxi operators include Sharjah Taxi, Emirates Cab and Union Taxi. Another notable mention is Citi Taxi LLC, whose headquarters is based in Industrial Area 1.
The Macro Emirates supermarket is located on Second Industrial Street in Industrial Area 6. Lulu Hypermarket, Al Mubarak Hypermarket LLC and Rabie Al Madina Hypermarket are other supermarkets in Industrial Area that stock a range of everyday items.
With a travel time of under 15 minutes, Christian residents can access numerous religious facilities in the community of Al Yarmook. A few of the churches near Industrial Area include Marthoma Parish Sharjah, St. Gregorios Orthodox Church, St. Michael’s Roman Catholic Church, Grace Evangelical Church and CSI Tamil Church.
Hindu and Sikh residents will have to travel to the temples in Bur Dubai area in Dubai. Here they will find Shiva Temple, ShrinathJi Temple, Sikh Gurudwara and the Sindhi Gurdarbar. Bur Dubai is 22 minutes away from Industrial Area.
Mosques are abundantly present and strategically dispersed across the district. Mosques in Industrial Area include Bilal Masjid, Hassan Jabir Mosque, Mu’qal Ibn Sinan Mosque and more.
Although it is an industrialised area, those with school-going children have many educational options to choose from that are close to or within the development. For instance, The International School of Choueifat and Our Own English High School are two institutes found here. Latter is also one of the top Indian schools in Sharjah to date. These schools in Industrial Area are conveniently located on the main University City Road, away from the busy industrial centre.
Australian International School on Maliha – Kalba Road in Industrial Area 18 offers the Australian curriculum until Grade 10 and a choice of International Baccalaureate Diploma Program and The Queensland Certificate of Education for Grade 11 and 12. The institute is counted among the most notable schools in Sharjah.
Schools in Muwailih Commercial are also easily accessible. The community features plenty of international and local educational institutes, such as Providence English Private School, Gulf Asian English School, India International School and Delhi Private School Sharjah.
Those pursuing higher education have many options to consider among universities near Industrial Area. These include Skyline University College, University of Sharjah and American University of Sharjah, which is one of the best universities in Sharjah, are all part of University City Sharjah, just 10 minutes from Industrial Area.
There are several medical facilities such as clinics and hospitals in Industrial Area. These include Noora Pharmacy, Sahar Medical Centre, Al Shifa Al Khaleej Medical Centre and Al Sanaiya Al Jadeeda Medical Centre located on Second Industrial Street.
Nearby healthcare service providers for zone 1, 4 and 7 are Mega Medical Centre, Mother and Child Care Medical Centre and Russian Hospital for One Day Surgical.
Zones 10, 11, 12 and 13 are facilitated by Apple Clinic Noor Al Madinah Medical Centre, Thumbay Medical and Dental Specialty Centre, Al Furqan Medical Centre LLC and Alreef Drug Store.
The neighbouring community of University City lies to the east. What Dubai Knowledge Park is to the city of Dubai, this prestigious educational district is to Sharjah. University City is a multi-dimensional academic development that boasts a broad and varied network of educational institutes, especially catering to students who are pursuing further studies. Few of the many institutes that are found here include the American University of Sharjah, University of Sharjah, Higher Colleges of Technology and Police Science Academy.
The mixed-use community of Muwailih Commercial is another popular neighbourhood that joins the industrial development from the east. Because it has many affordable residences for rent, it is one of the areas in Sharjah preferred by many expats. The residential buildings in Muwailih Commercial consist of adequately-sized 1, 2 and 3 BHK apartments as well as studio flats. It also has some of the best schools in the city, making it suitable for families with young children.
On the west lies the stunning waterfront destination of Al Majaz that features many family-friendly attractions spread across 231,000 sq. ft. of land.
Located to the west of Al Wahda Street is one of the malls in Industrial Area called City Centre Sharjah. It is a mall that has an exclusive collection of fashion and lifestyle stores, a hypermarket, a large food court and an entertainment centre for kids.
If you are looking for items related to home improvement, Danube Home is situated just around the western corner of Industrial Area and is a great place to find everything under one roof. Max Fashion, RedTag and Splash are some of the widely-known clothing retailers located in the vicinity.
If you are fond of fragrances, head to Afnan Perfumes in Industrial Area 1, one of the best perfume shops in Sharjah. While those hoping to buy some gorgeous pieces of pure gold jewellery will find the popular-favourite DAMAS Jewellery store on Al Wahda Road, Industrial Area 4. It is one of the best gold shops in Sharjah.
There are many affordable restaurants in Industrial Area. Asian expats would appreciate the presence of many sub-continental restaurants such as Sindh Palace Restaurant, Lazeez Manosalwa Restaurant and Pak Sarhad Restaurant.
The eastern side of the development features a few fast-food restaurants such as Potato Station, The Pasta Workshop, Astoria Burger and Italiere. Also, Freedom Pizza within the area is one of the best pizza joints in Sharjah.
If you have plans early morning, there’s one of the best breakfast places of Sharjah right in proximity to you. Qasr Lahore Restaurant in Industrial Area 3 is most known for its wide selection of authentic Pakistani breakfast menu.
The closest beach without a doubt is Al Khan Beach, located just 18 minutes from the heart of the development. It is a 600-metre long sandy stretch. This beach features multiple facilities and activities for water-sport enthusiasts, such as parasailing and surfing.
If your hobby is to read books then you can visit Sharjah Library near Cultural Square. If you like to spend your leisure time catching up on the latest films, the movie theatre called Star Cineplex on Al Wahda Street will surely be your favourite weekend spot. Individuals with a deep interest in scientific facts and discoveries could visit Sharjah Science Museum. On the other hand, if history interests them more then Sharjah Archaeological Museum will be a wonderful place to visit.
Holding a record for hosting the most number of One Day International (ODI) matches in the world. Sharjah Cricket Stadium is a remarkable landmark that Industrial Area takes pride in.
A significant number of sports venues exist either within or around the development, such as Sharjah Wanderers Sports Club based in the Samnan suburb and Sharjah Sports Club in Industrial Area 5. For a unique experience out in fresh air, visit Sharjah Auto Parts Park. It is eco-friendly park with green space for visitors to unwind after long day. Wondering where the name comes from? This park has a themed décor carved out of used car parts, recycled to look pleasing and reduce waste.
With a short drive, fitness enthusiasts can explore the many options present in Muwailih Commercial. Some of these include Al Reem Fitness Gym, Golden Powerhouse Gym and Al Nukhbah Bodybuilding Gym.
Muwailih Commercial also features Al Ayadhi Spa Massage and Slimming Centre that offers a variety of therapy techniques originating from Thailand, Sweden, Philippines and India. Beauty salons in the area include Creation Beauty Lounge Sharjah, Qasr Al Ameera Ladies Salon and Beverly Hills Nails Care.
One can expect a lot of tradeshows to be held in the Expo Centre Sharjah in Al Khan, about 15 minutes away.
Many families would prefer living in a family-focused community. Industrial Area best suits bachelors and professionals who have their work based here.
There are 19 industrial zones in Sharjah.