Sharjah Animation Conference announces 3rd edition awards
The Sharjah Animation Conference (SAC), a premier global gathering for animation industry specialists and leaders, as well as aspiring and emerging creative talents, has announced its call for entries for their awards programme at its upcoming third edition.
Organised by the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), the four-day event, which will take place from May 1 to 4 at Expo Center Sharjah, invites talented animators and creatives from around the world to compete in the 'Pitch the Project Award' and the 'Book Trailer Award' categories.
With a total prize pool of $20,000, the top three winners in each category will stand a chance to share in $10,000 respectively, and in addition to the cash prizes, winners will gain exclusive access to industry experts, and be provided a global stage to showcase their work, connect with peers, and explore new opportunities in the evolving world of animation.
Submissions for the Pitch the Project Award are open until April 15, while entries for the Book Trailer Award will be accepted until April 21.
The winners will be announced during the SAC closing ceremony on May 4.
Pitch the Project Award
The Pitch the Project Award invites artists, producers, writers, and creatives from around the world to develop a pitch for an animated series designed for preschoolers or young children. The project must draw inspiration from the region's rich culture, traditions, and heritage.
The top three winners will receive cash prizes, with US$5,000 awarded to the first-place winner, 3,000 to second place, and 2,000 to third place. This award seeks to foster innovative storytelling in children's animation while promoting cultural diversity, dialogue, and mutual understanding through creative expression.
Submissions must be in PDF format, limited to 15 slides, and no larger than 20 MB. The pitch should include a captivating title, a compelling concept, detailed character descriptions, a well-structured narrative, and an episode outline highlighting key plot points. Participants may also enhance their submissions with optional supporting materials such as character sketches, concept art, and mood boards to showcase the series' artistic vision.
For more details, visit the official conference
https://www.sharjahanimation.com/awards/pitch-the-project
.
The Book Trailer Award
The Book Trailer Award celebrates the championing of literature through visual storytelling, recognising the artistry involved in crafting compelling promotional videos for books. This prestigious accolade honours creative professionals who skilfully capture a book's essence, igniting readers' imaginations through short, engaging trailers. Inspired by the vision of His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, the award not only elevates the importance of books on the global stage but also reinforces Sharjah's position as a cultural capital in the region, and further cementing the emirate's status as a leading force in the publishing industry.
This year's challenge requires participants to create a promotional video for the book 'Dooq Dooq' by Shereen Sabbagh, and published by Hachette Antoine. Part of the 'Sakaker... Sweet Stories' series, the book explores the theme of hearing impairment, offering children a way to understand and visualise physical differences.
More details on the book and award criteria are available on the official conference website:
https://www.sharjahanimation.com/awards/book-trailer-award-nda
.
The Sharjah Animation Conference celebrates the innovation and artistry within the animation industry, bringing together content creators, professionals, and animation enthusiasts from around the world. The 4-day conference includes workshops, talks, film screenings, and exhibitions led by award-winning artists and industry experts to encourage creativity, inspire professionalism, and serve as a central point for exchange and collaboration within the animation world.
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It is due to open in 2025, but we are keeping our eyes peeled for any updates. The museum will brag engaging exhibits curated to illuminate the universe's 13.8 billion year story and a scientific research centre. What to expect inside? Natural History Museums, which are found around the world, deal with the history of the earth and often feature full-skeletal reconstructions of long-extinct creatures, such as the London Museum's famous 'Dippy' (the Diplodocus). Read more here. Zayed National Museum Once completed, the Zayed National Museum will represent nothing less than an architectural marvel, a fitting home for the inspiring story of our nation and its visionary founder. Located on Saadiyat Island, already the seat of so much cultural import, the breathtaking structure designed by Foster + Partners will include a 123-metre-high tower. 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From the patchwork-shaded alleyways of the UAE heritage-style marketplace to the leafy open courtyards, waterfront hotel and vibrant new restaurant district — it's a project that's somehow both in synergy with the neighbourhood it joins and yet something truly different. Velodrome Abu Dhabi On track for opening in 2025, Velodrome Abu Dhabi will roll out the first UCI Category 1 indoor cycling track in the region. This makes it capable of hosting international championships and peddling all sorts of track-based tournaments. Vital statistics and stand-out features include a rooftop track, with a 600-meter cycling incline rising along the external walls, showing off a picturesque 360-degree view of Hudayriyat and the jagged Abu Dhabi skyscraper skyline beyond. Louvre Abu Dhabi Residences Abu Dhabi will be home to the first-ever residential project to carry the Louvre name. 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Saadiyat Grove Saadiyat Grove will play a large part in the look and layout of Saadiyat Island island, a blended leisure, commercial and residential project that looks to be linking (or close enough) the individual culture mega projects and the beachfront entertainment district of Mamsha Al Saadiyat. There'll be a 'Town Square', more than 70 retail stores, a gym, a cinema, offices, and 50,000 sqm of dining space. Once complete, there'll be a residential complex of 400 apartments, with an iconic address, stunning ocean views and next-door-neighbour-status to one of the world's most impressive collections of art and historical artefacts. An update on the completion date is yet to be announced. Mina Zayed redevelopment Mina Zayed, named after the UAE's founding father, is a 40-year-old port-side community that was instrumental in Abu Dhabi's meteoric growth as a trading hub. The three million square metre glow-up project aims to create a blended housing, tourism and entertainment destination, in addition to building on the reputation of the area as a colourful commerce hub. When the project is completed, visitors will be able to enjoy enhanced shopping experiences, such as a brand new fish market, seasonal market and redeveloped plant souq. The redevelopment includes the involvement of both Modon Properties and Aldar Properties, which means the concept and execution of the new set-up is in the very best hands. Ramhan Island The latest island confirmed to receive the mega project treatment is — Ramhan Island in Abu Dhabi. It's located just to the east of Jubail Island, which is undergoing something of a dramatic cosmetic transformation itself. The island's vital statistics include plans for 1,800 villas; a 120-key luxury hotel; 900 marina apartment residencies; a 1.7km retail store parade; 120 marina berths; there will be a wellness hub, restaurants, a beach bar on the community beach; green spaces; running tracks; nursery; mosque; school and more. Ramhan Island will offer some pretty incredible villa options with the top end serving up features like your own stretch of private beach. The residential component of the project will be divided into four communities — Marine, Breeze, Cove and Views. Then there are those 'floating villas' we mentioned — overwater living, with open sea views and an adjacent sand bar. In addition to all the luxury amenities nearby (including an infinity pool, wellness centre and fine dining options) — it'll all still sit just an energetic stone's throw away from the mainland of Abu Dhabi. 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Villas feature customisable interiors with cool gray tones. dark wood and warm beige schemes to choose from. With an eye on the future, each villa also includes a garage with electric car charging. You'll also have direct access to Soul Beach. Dubai Dubai Mangroves The Dubai Mangroves, if approved, will be a groundbreaking initiative striving to plant over 100 million mangrove trees spanning 72 kilometres of coastline. The project will include various edutainment assets such as the Mangrove Visitor Hub, a Botanical Museum and a Nature Reserve Conservation Center. The activities will include guided nature walks, educational programs, and conservation activities. Read more here. Palm Jebel Ali HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Vice President of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai unveiled the masterplan of Palm Jebel Ali early in 2023. The new mega project will be twice the size of the original and is spread over some 13.4 square kilometres. With seven connected islands, Palm Jebel Ali will be home to no less than 80 new hotels and resorts. Although we don't know much more than that yet, Sheikh Mohammed tweeted that the mega project would feature 'a wide choice of entertainment and leisure facilities.' The original plans featured six marinas, a water theme park, and even a 'Sea Village', where homes would be built over the water. In August 2024, Nakheel also confirmed that the first villas on Palm Jebel Ali, which went on sale in September 2023, are slated to handover in late 2026. Here's everything we know so far about Palm Jebel Ali. Al Maktoum International Airport expansion Plans have been announced to continue the expansion of Al Maktoum International Airport, also known as Dubai World Central (DWC) in Dubai South, which will see it become the world's largest airport. It currently has a five to seven million passenger capacity but upon completion, it will serve more than 260 million passengers. Its completion date is set to 2050, but plans are in place for Phase 1 to be complete by 2030 where it will support an annual capacity of 130 million. Phase 1 will include the completion of two more runways, Concourse 1 and the West Terminal building. The airport will also include a plethora of retail, food and beverage, relaxation and entertainment facilities. Dubai Metro – Blue Line #Dubai Metro's Blue Line … A new chapter in #Dubai's development and sustainable transportation.@rta_dubai — Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) November 24, 2023 Love the Dubai Metro? It's a game changer for most of us who have to travel to and from work, or anywhere in the city to be honest. There are still a few districts in Dubai that aren't a walking-distance from the Dubai Metro, but the Blue Line could change that for you. A Blue Line for Dubai's Metro was first discussed back in 2006, along with other potential lines and expansion of the existing Red and Green lines. Plans changed amid the global economic slowdown, but by the looks of it, the Blue Line now looks like it might be back on track. The project will cross Marsa, Dubai Creek, Festival City, International City, Al Rashidiya, Al Warqa, Mirdif, and urban areas such as Silicon Oasis, and Academic City. The Dubai Metro Blue Line will be ready to start operations on September 9, 2029, aka 09-09-29 as announced by Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority. For those of us who use the Dubai Metro, we know that this is an ode to the opening of the original Dubai Metro, which opened on September 9, 2009, aka 09-09-09. This also means that the launch will coincide with the 20th anniversary of the Dubai Metro. Dubai Loop The Dubai Loop project was announced in a virtual session with Elon Musk and Omar Al Olama, UAE's Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications. The Dubai Loop will be a mode of transportation that covers the city's most densely populated areas, transporting people from point to point. Musk described it as a 'wormhole', adding that passengers will board from one part of the city and then be out in another part. The project will have 11 stations, have the capacity to transport 20,000 passengers per hour, and be able to move at speeds of up to 160kmph. Read more here. The RAILBUS will be a sustainable future mass transit system powered by solar energy, thus making it a sustainable and efficient public transport solution. The system aligns with UAE Net Zero Strategy 2050, which aims to make 25 per cent of all trips in Dubai autonomous by 2030. It will be made using 3D printing technology using recyclable materials and will be able to carry 40 passengers. It will move on tracks across the city through a network of bridges. Read more here. Seaglider The Seaglider was unveiled by Billy Thalheimer, founder and CEO of Regent Craft at WGS 2025. The fully electric craft is a cross between a glider (a light aircraft) and boat. It combines the speed of an aircraft with the accessibility of a boat and is designed for travel between coastal cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi. It essentially uses the 'wing-in-ground effect' – a technology that has been around for over 60 years. It will be able to travel up to speeds of 290kph cutting down travel times. Sounds expensive? Not really, as the seaglider will set you back probably just around Dhs165. Read more here. Floc Duo Rail At Gitex Global 2024, Dubai's Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) has unveiled plans for another new way to get around town, that could see us saying goodbye to sitting in Sheikh Zayed Road traffic. The Floc Duo Rail is a self-driving, futuristic-looking electric pod rail system, and could become a hassle-free way to travel around Dubai. It will be able to operate both suspended in the air and on the ground, and could help passengers get either from A to B, or be used to take multiple passengers from certain points to other transport networks, such as the Dubai Metro. Read more here. Sky Pods These dangling cable car-looking contraptions are more correctly titled 'Suspended Transport Systems'. HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE approved the 65km long network as part of Dubai's Smart Mobility Strategy. The service will connect Umm Suqeim Street, Al Khor and Zabeel. Manufacturers claim it can reach speeds of up to 150kph and because they're group transit and solar-powered, they can be five times as energy efficient as current-gen electric vehicles. Read more here. Dubai Green Spine The recent updates from the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan include the Dubai Green Spine Project. It aims to redefine Sheikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Road (E311) transforming it into a sustainable corridor. The project will be spearheaded by urban planning and development firm URB. Around 64km of the road will be reconstructed and a new non-motorized public transportation system will be added to reduce the city's carbon footprint. It will also include walking and bicycle tracks, green spaces and gardens, playgrounds, outfoot fitness areas and more. Read more here. Therme Dubai Details about the Dhs2bn wellbeing resort were revealed to HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, during a visit to the World Government Summit. It will be the world's tallest wellness resort, and home to some unique features, including a waterfall, an indoor botanical garden, and a water park. The world-class destination will span 500,000 square feet and will soar to 100 meters high. Guests who visit or stay will be able to enjoy wellbeing zones, diverse thermal pools, dedicated luxury floors, and restaurants. Read more here. Jebel Ali Beach The Jebel Ali Beach megaproject was signed off by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai which will make a sandy stretch in the south of the emirate, the longest public open beach in Dubai at 6.6km. There will be an open beach, viewing platforms, recreational and service areas for beachgoers of all ages including sports and marine activity areas and more. Read more here. Al Mamzar and Jumeirah 1 beach This megaproject will see two Dubai beaches getting a total makeover. The beaches will be elevated, that's both in the traditional sense to resist the effects of climate change, as well as in the more modern sense which is essentially shorthand for sophistication. It's also worth noting for the Jumeirah 1 and Al Mamzar faithful that both beaches will remain partially open during the renovations. Read more here. Burj Azizi Set to make a wow-worthy impression on the city's skyline, Dubai will soon be home to a new landmark architectural marvel: Burj Azizi. The megaproject was first announced back in January 2024, with a completion date set for 2028. The USD1.5 billion skyscraper will offer a mix of residential, hotel, and entertainment spaces plus a luxury mall. Every 20 floors of the residence will have a dedicated swimming pool, sauna, steam room, gym, yoga centre, a spa, a game room, business centre, kids' play area, a restaurant, coffee shop, and supermarket. And the cherry on top? A cinema. Wow. Up even higher, we will be able to check into an all-suite seven-star hotel. It will be inspired by seven cultural themes – Arabic, Chinese, Persian, Indian, Turkish, French, and Russian. And each theme will have a culturally styled restaurant. We can also expect an authentic Emirati restaurant to be a key feature of the hotel. And of course, since this is Dubai, Burj Azizi will also be home to the world's highest observation deck (level 130), the world's highest nightclub (level 126), the world's highest restaurant (level 122), and the world's highest hotel room (level 118). Read more here. Franck Muller Aeternitas Tower A tall residental tower in Dubai? Nothing new, but the Franck Muller Aeternitas Tower it isn't just a regular tower, it will be the city's first residential clock tower. And… since this is Dubai, it is going a step further to make it the tallest residential clock tower in the world. The collaboration is between Swiss luxury watch manufacturer Franck Muller and UAE's premium real estate developer, London Gate. The Franck Muller Aeternitas Tower will stand at a height of 450 meters adding another jewel to the (already) gorgeous Dubai skyline. It is set to the built in the Dubai Marina. According to a post on Franck Muller's website, 'residents can expect a handover by 2026.' Bugatti Residences by Binghatti Bugatti and Binghatti, two visionary brands have come together for a ground-breaking real estate development in Dubai called Bugatti Residences by Binghatti. The Bugatti Residences by Binghatti is the first-ever Residences in the world and it will be located in the heart of Dubai at Business Bay. It will occupy the space right next to the stunning The Opus by OMNIYAT by Zaha Hadid. It will be home to a collection of 171 Riviera Mansions and 11 Sky Mansion Penthouses – each of which will have a unique and bespoke layout. Read more here. Ciel Tower The opening of Ciel Tower – one of Dubai's top megaprojects and the world's tallest hotel is on track with an expected opening next year in 2025. The record currently belongs to Gevora Hotel on Sheikh Zayed Road which stands at 358m. The new luxurious hotel will soar 365 metres into the sky and will be home to over 1,000 rooms spanning 80-plus floors. It will join the other sky-rise buildings in Dubai Marina, and will surely be a great addition to Dubai's magnificent skyline. The hotel will officially be known as Ciel, Vignette Collection – part of the Vignette Collection by IHG Hotels and Resorts. Muraba Veil Dubai is all set to erect another architectural wonder to add to the many existing ones glittering on the skyline. The Muraba Veil will be one of the world's thinnest residential towers, and is to be located along the Dubai Water Canal. Designed to be just one apartment wide, the building will sit at 22.5 metres or 73-feet wide and rise to 380 metres (1,247 feet), with 74 storeys plus five basement levels. The tower will have an estimated 131 units with a mix of 2, 3, 4 and 5-bedroom apartments. You can read more about this exciting upcoming project here. Dubai Reef During the COP28 summit at Expo City in December, HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai's Crown Prince officially launched the landmark Dubai Reef project set to be one of the world's largest marine reef development projects. In April 2024, Sheikh Hamdan officially launched the project overseeing the launch of the pilot reef modules – the first step towards developing a 600 square kilometre reef that will stretch across Dubai's waters. While the first modules of the reef have now been activated, over the next three years the Dubai Reef project, a sustainable initiative by Dubai Can, will see 20,000 purpose-built reef modules of various sizes created. According to the latest news, the project reached a significant milestone with the fabrication of 1,000 modules which were deployed in the last week of November 2024. Read more here. Dubai Islands Formerly known as Deira Islands, in August 2022 master developer Nahkeel revealed that this project off the coast of Deira will now be known as Dubai Islands. There are huge plans to transform the five-island development into a space that will redefine the concept of waterfront living. Each island will offer up something unique from innovative living experiences to cultural hubs, recreational sports beaches and beach clubs. The islands will be home to over 80 resorts and hotels. According to Nakheel, this includes 'luxury and wellness resorts, boutique, family and eco-conscious hotels' – all of which will help support Dubai's tourism and hospitality drive. There's already a Riu and Centara hotel on the development, with plans in place to also add a Rixos hotel and residences. It also features 20 kilometres of beaches including a Blue Flag-certified beach – a recognised award given to beaches for following a series of stringent environmental, educational, safety, and accessibility criteria. The World Islands The World Islands was another ultra-ambitious island project that was launched in 2008. After more than a decade of being dormant, there's now lots of movement at this offshore archipelago, with megaprojects popping up across the islands. You can already check in to Thai-born luxury hotel brand Anantara's dreamy resort and voco Monaco Dubai (previously Cote D'Azur Monaco). On this same island, you'll also find 'the raining street', the biggest swimming pool in the Middle East, and an additional selection of soon-to-open hotels, all designed to bring European charm to Dubai. Dubai-based Amali Properties has recently unveiled plans for a dreamy private island, nestled within the prestigious World Islands archipelago mega project. The iconic new residential address is set to be a millionaire's playground and promises to be 'Dubai's first true residential sail-in sail-out experience'. Read more about this property here. In 2025, joining their ranks will be Zuha Island, from the creators of Abu Dhabi's amazing Zaya resort. The private island will be home to a collection of just 30, six-bedroom residential villas, plus a boutique retreat complete with 70 villas with private pools, a beach club and a serene spa and healing centre. MGM and Bellagio Hotel & Residences Bellagio and MGM are officially heading to Dubai, bringing with them hotels, residences, and a brand new resort destination set to open in 2027. Construction is already climbing upwards at the site, located on a 26-acre stretch of prime beachfront. The Bellagio brand – known worldwide for its roots in Las Vegas – will make its Middle East debut right here. Expect contemporary luxury with an unmistakable Bellagio twist, though there's no word yet on whether famous fountain shows will make the jump across continents. The MGM Hotel will sit alongside Bellagio but we are awaiting more details. And for those looking to stay a little longer, the MGM Residences will offer beachfront homes with front-row views. Think resort perks with private space – ideal for anyone wanting a home that feels like a holiday. Read more here. Dubai Square Emaar has unveiled the design of Dubai Square, a new retail and entertainment mall that will allow visitors to drive through it in electric cars. Located in Dubai Creek Harbour, Dubai Square will be connected to the iconic Dubai Creek Tower (see below). The mall aims to set a new standard in retail and go beyond traditional shopping environments. The project will use breakthrough technologies such as AI and will introduce innovative dining, entertainment, and retail concepts to visitors. Read more here. Dubai Creek Tower Located in Dubai Creek Harbour, near Ras Al Khor National Wildlife Sanctuary, Dubai Creek Tower was set to be a new landmark architectural marvel with a 360-degree viewing deck inspired by the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, a viewing deck with a café, as well as a central plaza featuring shops, a museum, and an indoor auditorium. But, last year in August, Emirates News Agency (WAM) announced it is set to be redesigned. Emaar is expecting to reveal the new concept soon. The Loop This Dubai mega project is a planned concept by URB – the same team behind Dubai Reefs and Dubai Mangroves. By 2040, Dubai could be home to a 93km city-wide climate-controlled urban highway called The Loop, which will connect residents across the city. This means that year-round, you'll be able to walk and cycle around Dubai. The Loop will be able to provide a primary mode of transport for over 80 per cent of the city's inhabitants, as well as being a place that brings together communities and provides leisure and wellness facilities. This multi-functional utopia will include luscious parks and vertical farming projects that contribute to maintaining food security in surrounding areas. Sounds dreamy… Sustainability is at the heart of this project, with the 93km stretch of urban highway utilising state-of-the-art environmentally friendly technology to foster its upkeep. This includes 100 per cent renewable kinetic energy flooring as well as 100 per cent recycled water to irrigate its parks and vertical farms. Dubai Urban Tech District Another green, futuristic planned development by URB, Dubai Urban Tech District will be developed on the banks of the creek in Al Jaddaf. Described by URB as a 'living laboratory,' this mini-city-within-a-city will be at the forefront of green urban tech and innovation. Spread over a 140,000 square metre space, it will create 4,000 jobs in its field, and come complete with facilities for conferences, training, research, seminars and business incubation. Additional facilities will include shared offices and restaurants. As part of the commitment to a greener future, the building will offset all its embodied carbon emissions from construction and operation. Hatta Beach Hatta has several megaprojects coming up, the latest of which was approved in January 2024 by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai. The 'Hatta Beach' development will include a human-engineered Hatta Beach 'Crystal Lagoon' system that will stretch across a 10,000 square metre expanse, bordered by a rich melange of leisure facilities. Other developments on the Hatta Master Development Plan include the development of more eco-friendly hotels and luxury resorts; cable cars (which will take a scenic route over Hatta Dam); hiking trails; biking trails; the restoration of Wadi Lim Lake; enhancing UNESCO World Heritage sites such as the Hatta tombs and the Falaj Al Shari'a (places of deep archaeological importance dating back to the Bronze and Iron Ages); Hatta Souq, which will be home to 70 commercial units; the residential and commercial development of Hatta downtown; new attractions at Hatta Heritage Village and the development of the Leem lake area. In latest news from this exclave, the sustainable waterfall in Hatta opened at the end of 2024. Saih Al Salam Scenic Route Sheikh Hamdan has approved a series of 37 countryside enhancement projects worth a combined total of Dhs390 million focusing on the Saih Al Salam Scenic Route. Works will include beautifying the area; facilitating access to the indigenous wildlife and 'preserving the region's unique nature and identity'; expanding the total length of the cycling track to 156.61 kilometres; traffic improvements; and constructing five themed tourist stations along the route. At the main hub station in Al Qudra Lakes, there will be a traditional market, an alfresco cinema and spots to go glamping. At Expo 2020 Lake, we can expect a dedicated adventure park, oryx station, walking trails, cycle tracks, exercise facilities, restaurants and budget camping options. In Al Marmoon, an entertainment theatre is being planned, plus an enchanting majlis. Want to learn more? Head to this link here. Sharjah Aljada Sharjah As we have seen, the UAE is home to some wow-worthy developments and architectural marvels, and the emirate of Sharjah is no exception… Construction is already underway on Sharjah's ambitious megaproject, Aljada which will be home to four hotels, three schools, a shopping mall, a business district, an observation deck, an entertainment complex designed by Zaha Hadid Architects, and much more. Described as the 'downtown of new Sharjah', it is set for completion by 2028. Read more here. Ras Al Khaimah Wynn Resorts A slice of Las Vegas is headed to Ras Al Khaimah as Wynn Resorts plans to open its first integrated resort in the MENA region in the adventure emirate. The resort is gearing up to be a super luxurious venue, it will have 1,530 rooms, suites and villas, Wynn Al Marjan Island will also feature 24 dining venues, a five-star spa, designer boutiques, 12 pools with cabanas, a private marina, a white-sand beach. You can check out photos of the resort here. The Wynn Resort in Ras Al Khaimah will be the first Wynn Resort in the world to be set on a beach and visitors can expect gorgeous Arabian Gulf views, sandy beaches, and even a marina to enjoy within the five-star facilities. Reuters also confirmed that Wynn Resorts had been granted the UAE's first commercial gaming operator's licence by the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA), meaning that the resort will feature a casino. Read more here. RAK Central When you think of Ras Al Khaimah, you may think of nature, adventure and leisure activities. But Marjan, a Ras Al Khaimah property developer has announced plans for a major commercial district in Al Hamra – RAK Central. It will basically turn the district into a Live-Work-Play destination, and so will include office spaces, more than 4,000 apartments and three hotels. It will also be home to several parks and green spaces, shops and entertainment areas. Mira Coral Bay Marjan, the master developer of freehold properties in Ras Al Khaimah has announced a new large-scale waterfront project in the Al Mairid area. In partnership with Mira Developments, the ambitious project is a mixed-use destination that will convert Al Mairid into a tourism and investment hub. Mira Coral Bay will boast stunning one-of-a-kind architecture and facilities that are inspired by its surroundings and natural coral formation. The waterfront destination will feature a five-star branded spa hotel with 100 rooms, a beach resort with 250 rooms, a state-of-the-art yacht club, and two exclusive branded beach clubs. Additionally, it will be home to villas, townhouses and apartments, and for us foodies, 10 premium branded restaurants. Umm Al Quwain Sobha Siniya Island The sleepy emirate of Umm Al Quwain is getting in on the action too with an exciting new megaproject bringing dreamy island living to Siniya Island. Developed by Sobha Realty, Sobha Siniya Island will see the site of the oldest fishing town in the Gulf transformed into a luxury real estate development, complete with gorgeous amenities and luxury residences. The island will be nestled among Umm Al Quwain's beautiful natural mangroves, home to waterfront apartments, beach-facing mansions and a duo of resorts. Images: Supplied and socials
