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Gulf Today
28-04-2025
- Politics
- Gulf Today
Sultan opens new buildings of Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services
His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, praised the efforts of those managing the Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services (SCHS) and its distinguished and specialised level of service as it approaches its 50th year. He commended Sheikha Jameela Bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Chairperson of SCHS, for her great effort in founding the city after studying and specialising in this field in the United States. This came during the inauguration of the new buildings of SCHS by Sheikh Sultan on Monday in the Barashi area. The new buildings mark the first phase of the city, covering an area of 100,000 square metres, and embody the concept of a cohesive community within an integrated complex that offers an inclusive educational and rehabilitative environment based on the best international practices. Sheikh Sultan praised the structures, facilities, and the beautiful layout of the buildings, which meet the needs and requirements of the city's beneficiaries. He appreciated the rapid progress in treating cases that even leading medical institutions find challenging to handle. He stressed the importance of the city's expansion and doubling its space along Emirates Road, emphasising that the expansion should not only include treatment institutions but also employee housing to facilitate proximity to the city. Sheikh Sultan directed the allocation of the back area and the northern section adjacent to the city to become part of SCHS property, to be developed into buildings providing direct services for treating various cases of disability. His vision is to elevate the city to a global standard in serving and treating people with disabilities. The Ruler of Sharjah noted the continuous increase in enrollment applications, which he confirmed reflects the high quality of services and the excellent reputation achieved through the dedicated work of Sheikha Jameela and her team, along with generous contributions from institutions and individuals. He added that the government covers the city's operational expenses. Sheikh Sultan expressed gratitude to government entities for their strong cooperation with the city and stressed the need for ongoing collaboration to complete the aesthetic vision of the new buildings by planting trees, improving the surrounding roads, and removing electrical barriers to create an ideal environment for students and visitors. Sheikh Sultan praised the donation of Dhs44.4 million by The Big Heart Foundation to construct the treatment centre at SCHS, which will cover 8,188 square metres with a capacity to serve 2,800 beneficiaries as part of the city's second phase of development. Sheikh Sultan concluded his speech by wishing all those involved with SCHS success in providing outstanding treatment services for people with disabilities and urged them to continue excelling and working hard to ensure the city becomes a leading global centre for supporting and empowering individuals with disabilities. Sheikh Sultan unveiled the commemorative plaque marking the official opening of the new buildings, which include the Sharjah Autism Centre, Al Wafa School for Capacity Development, and the administrative building. Sheikh Sultan toured the Sharjah Autism Centre, which offers specialised services for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder. WAM The facilities will serve 3,000 individuals, including 1,287 daily service recipients and 1,159 treatment centre beneficiaries. The new buildings rely on innovative initiatives grounded in scientific research, adhere to the latest global practices, are environmentally friendly, technologically advanced, and meet universal design standards to offer an inclusive and accessible environment. Sheikh Sultan toured the Sharjah Autism Centre, which offers specialised services for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) based on the latest practices, with a capacity of 120 students across 4,934 square metres. Sheikh Sultan observed the skills and efforts of the teaching staff, interacted with the students, and witnessed practical applications of lessons in specialised classrooms such as arts, music, life skills, the gym, and the library. Sheikh Sultan then visited Al Wafa School for Capacity Development, which accommodates 352 students with intellectual disabilities, offering specialised programmes and services following global best practices. He toured the school, visiting classrooms, physical therapy and occupational therapy rooms, and severe disabilities units, noting the attractive and inclusive learning environment. Sheikh Sultan also visited the city's new administrative building, which houses administrative offices, meeting rooms, and multipurpose halls. He posed for a commemorative photo with the city's staff. The new buildings were designed to meet the deep and noble needs of humanitarian services, while also strategically preparing for future development with a foundation in scientific research and best engineering and operational practices in education, rehabilitation, and support services. Sheikh Sultan received a detailed explanation of the city's future expansion plans, including the second phase, which features: Early Intervention Centre: Specialised services for children from birth to 5 years old. Al Amal School and Kindergarten for the Deaf: Educational services for deaf and hard-of-hearing students. Sheikh Sultan visits Al Wafa School for Capacity Development, which accommodates 352 students with intellectual disabilities. WAM Masarat Centre for Development and Empowerment: Vocational and independent living training for young people with disabilities. The second phase also includes Independent Living Units, a unique regional project offering services for adults with disabilities who seek independent living, contributing to building an inclusive and sustainable community and supporting thousands of families and individuals. Sheikha Jameela extended her deepest thanks and appreciation to Sheikh Sultan for his unwavering support of the rights of persons with disabilities across scientific, academic, intellectual, economic, and social fields. Sheikha Jameela stated, "The city's new buildings are not only an achievement for SCHS but also a milestone for the Emirate of Sharjah and the UAE. This accomplishment would not have been possible without the grace of God and the continuous support of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah and Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher Bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs, whose concern for individuals with disabilities has driven progress and leadership in providing cutting-edge services and raising community awareness.' Sheikha Jameela emphasised that SCHS places great importance on strategic and phased planning to achieve the best outcomes, with education being a top priority, staying aligned with the latest global best practices. Since its founding in 1979, SCHS has been committed to offering integrated services by expanding facilities and opening new branches, now comprising 13 specialised centres and three branches in Khorfakkan, Al Dhaid, and Kalba. The city continues to deliver modern and advanced services with a comprehensive infrastructure that ensures smooth operations and high-quality services. Thanks to the patronage and support of Sheikh Sultan, SCHS has established a pioneering reputation locally, regionally, and internationally, achieving its vision of being a leading institution in advocating for and empowering individuals with disabilities in the UAE, the Arab world, and globally. Accompanying Sheikh Sultan on the tour were Sheikha Jameela, Sheikh Saqr Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Sharjah Charity International, several senior officials, heads of government departments and authorities, and SCHS staff members. WAM
Gulf Business
05-02-2025
- Business
- Gulf Business
Dubai: Property sales hit Dhs44.4bn in Jan
Image: fäm Properties Dubai's real estate market has kicked off 2025 with a strong start, marking a significant year-on-year rise in property sales. In January, total sales reached Dhs 44.4 bn, representing a 24.1 per cent increase in value compared to the same month last year, according to a recent market update released by fäm Properties. The total number of transactions surged to 14,236, a 23.2 per cent rise in volume over January 2024, as demand for residential and commercial properties remained strong. Key highlights in January: In numbers Total sales: Dhs44.4 bn (24.1 per cent increase from January 2024) Total transactions: 14,236 (23.2 per cent increase from January 2024) Land sales: Dhs8.6 bn from 811 plots (151.9 per cent month-on-month increase) Villa sales: Dhs16.4 bn (89.6 per cent increase in volume, 3,117 units sold) Apartment sales: Dhs18.2 bn (7.1 per cent increase in volume, 9,945 units sold) Commercial sales: Dhs 1.2bn from 363 transactions (17.9 per cent increase in volume) Average price per square feet: Dhs 1,550 (4 per cent decrease from last year but an 81.2 per cent increase over five years) Strong performance across key segments Land sales saw the most significant growth in January, with a 151.9 per cent month-on-month increase in volume. A total of 811 land plots sold for Dhs 8.6 bn, demonstrating strong investor interest in both residential and commercial properties. Data from DXBinteract showed that villa sales were also particularly notable, totaling Dhs16.4 bn, a sharp 89.6 per cent increase compared to the same period last year. Apartment sales remained steady, with Dhs18.2 bn in transactions, marking a 7.1 per cent increase in volume. Commercial properties also saw a notable uptick, with 363 transactions worth Dhs1.2 bn, a 17.9 per cent rise in volume. While the average price per square foot for commercial properties dipped slightly by 4 per cent, it remains a significant 81.2 per cent higher than five years ago. Investor confidence reflects long-term growth Firas Al Msaddi, CEO of Rising market value over five years The market's growth trajectory over the past five years is particularly striking. Property sales have surged by 822 per cent in value since 2020, when total sales for January amounted to just Dhs 4.8 bn across 2,700 transactions. Since then, sales have consistently increased, reaching Dhs 35.8 bn in January 2024. This upward trend reflects the long-term value of Dubai's real estate sector, which continues to evolve and expand as a global investment destination. Notable high-end transactions Among the highest-profile sales in January, a luxury villa at Dubai Hills Estate fetched Dhs 140 million, making it the most expensive property sold during the month. Meanwhile, the most expensive apartment sold was at Ava At Palm Jumeirah By Omniyat, which went for Dhs57m. These transactions highlight the continued demand for high-end properties in Dubai's prime locations. Off-plan and ready properties in high demand The sales figures for Meanwhile, in the ready property segment, projects like Remraam and Rukan were among the most popular choices. Top performing areas in Dubai January 2025 saw some key areas in Dubai outperforming others in terms of transaction volumes: Wadi Al Safa 5: 1,400 units sold Jumeirah Village Circle: 982 units sold Dubai South: 942 units sold Al Yelayiss 1: 868 units sold Business Bay: 761 units sold This trend indicates growing demand in both established and emerging neighborhoods across the city, reflecting broader shifts in the market as investors and homebuyers look for opportunities in a variety of real estate market has begun the year on a strong note, with significant growth in both volume and value. The continued increase in land, villa, and apartment sales, coupled with Dubai's strategic positioning as a global business hub, suggests that the market will remain robust throughout 2025.
