Pros and cons of living in Al Majaz: Urban jungle or waterfront paradise?
If you are in search of a peaceful and self-contained community to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, Al Majaz in Sharjah is an ideal option. Mixing stylish and comfortable living in equal measure, the waterfront community is spread over an area of 231,000 sq.m. It is located close to Al Taawun and Al Nahda on the border areas between Dubai and Sharjah.
The locality is divided into three major residential areas – Al Majaz 1, Al Majaz 2 and Al Majaz 3. Each area reflects Sharjah’s historical and cultural heritage. Here, we guide you on the pros and cons of living in Al Majaz before you consider moving to the community.
Pros of Living in Al Majaz
Al Majaz is a hub of various popular eateries, daycare centres and religious institutions, making it an ideal community for those planning to live here. Let’s take a closer look at some of the reasons for moving to Al Majaz in Sharjah.
Ideal Location
Al Majaz’s proximity to Dubai makes it ideal for those who work here and need to commute between the two emirates regularly. The emirate of Dubai is a 27-minute drive away from the community. Additionally, Sharjah International Airport and Dubai International Airport are also just 20 or so minutes away.
Waterfront Living in Al Majaz
If you love waterfront developments, living in Al Majaz is perfect for you. It offers a clean and green environment, with the rippling blue waters in view at all times. You can set sail in a traditional abra, indulge in water sports, such as fishing and boating or enjoy the tropical breeze. The island is also lined with various date palms which add to its charm.
Abundant Amenities in Al Majaz
One of the benefits of living in Al Majaz is that it offers all the amenities that you would expect from a well-planned development. It has swimming pools, well-equipped fitness clubs, steam rooms, intercom, and a satellite/cable TV facility.
Iconic Landmarks
If you enjoy spending time with your family and exploring new things, you will love living in this community. There are some fun places to visit in Al Majaz. For example, the neighbourhood is home to Sharjah’s musical fountain which is 220 metres wide at its base and shoots water up to 100 metres in the air. Equipped with two giant water screens, the fountain hosts different laser and musical shows.
Looking for Al Majaz tourist attractions? Consider a trip to Al Noor Mosque, which is a major landmark in Sharjah. Holding a Guinness World Record for the ‘world’s largest wooden charity box’, the mosque is perfect for those who love Turkish Ottoman architecture. If you are someone who enjoys taking pictures of beautiful monuments, you will love photographing Al Noor’s soaring minarets and its majestic domes.
Activities in Al Majaz
There are several things to do in Al Majaz. For one, there is the Al Majaz Waterfront with its restaurants, picnic areas and other leisure spaces. An example is Al Majaz Waterfront Park, a popular space for families and fitness enthusiasts with a mini-golf course, picnic spots, jogging and cycling tracks. The park is also home to the popular Al Majaz Splash Park which offers wheelchair access. Art enthusiasts will appreciate the Maraya Art Centre and The Sculptures Park which are also located in the park. Another famous destination in Al Majaz is Al Safya Park — one of the most beautiful parks in Sharjah particularly popular for its basketball court and football field.
Sharjah Aquarium is located 8 minutes away from the residential area in nearby Al Khan. The attraction features over 20 different aquariums over two floors, with plenty of underwater species.
Access to Premier Restaurants
Al Majaz is home to an eclectic collection of eateries that offer a variety of international and local cuisines. Located opposite Al Safeer, The Katis Restaurant offers both Chinese and Indian dishes such as dum biryani, dumplings, and chicken lollipops. If you are craving more varied dining experiences, you can always head to the Embassy Suites and Marbella Resort, which have restaurants serving local and Italian cuisine respectively.
Supermarkets and malls
The nearby grocery stores or malls are also a part of the pros and cons of living in Al Majaz. For those looking for retail therapy, there are several shopping centres in and nearby the area. For shopping, residents can head to Safeer Mall nearby, which features around 140 speciality stores and a massive hypermarket — easily accessible by those who own or rent apartments in Al Majaz.
Retail options close to Al Majaz include the Sahara Centre located 10 minutes away in Al Nahda. The Centre has more than 120 entertainment, dining, and shopping outlets. It also features a theme park that has more than 21 thrilling rides, including a 2-level Go-Kart facility and an elevated train for kids.
If Sahara Centre isn’t enough, you could always go and explore the City Centre Sharjah mall, 6 minutes away. The mall features around 140 trendy international stores, 10 fast food outlets and a Magic Planet family centre.
Affordable apartments
Recreational facilities aside, the community of Al Majaz is also popular for its apartments. Whether you are looking for a studio or a spacious 2 or 4-bed apartment for a growing family, you will surely find what you are looking for here. Apart from their multiple configurations, the apartments here are relatively affordable — starting as low as AED 14k for a studio to AED 145k per annum for a 4-bed flat on the waterfront.
Healthcare in Al Majaz
If you ever require medical assistance, you will feel safe knowing that Al Majaz lies close to three highly reputed hospitals such as Sharjah Corniche Hospital, The New Medical Centre and Al Zahra Hospital. These hospitals offer various specialisations such as general medicine, cardiology, nephrology, endocrinology, bariatric surgery, urology, paediatrics, and pulmonology. In fact, you can go to these hospitals for a monthly checkup too. The area’s healthcare facilities definitely add to the list of considerations when weighing the benefits and challenges of living in Al Majaz.
Cons of Living in Al Majaz
While there are numerous benefits of living in this residential community, there are certain things to consider before moving to Al Majaz.
Over-crowded Area
Al Majaz has various commercial buildings, such as SEWA Sharjah, telephone companies and banks. This clearly leads to the area being crowded mostly. If you like living in a quieter area, the neighbourhood may not be ideal for you. However, it is always a good idea to visit Al Majaz personally before you make a decision.
Hotter During Summers
Given the fact that there are less shaded areas in Al Majaz, the area gets pretty hot in summer. This makes it difficult for residents to go for a stroll or even relax on their balcony during the day. But summers don’t last all year round!
It is always better to be safe than sorry. So factor in both the pros and cons of living in Al Majaz, before moving to this waterfront community. If you like what you see, speak to your real estate agent and ask him to get you a reasonable unit in the community.
If you’re wondering where to stay with family in Sharjah, our guide offers valuable insights.
Interested renters and buyers can check out the pros and cons of living in Rolla Area Sharjah. Similarly, one can also weigh the advantages and disadvantages of living in Al Taawun as it is also a popular neighbourhood.
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