Qanat Al Qasba turns Al Qasba

Representatives of the new Al Qasba, including Marwan Al Sarkal, CEO of the Al Qasba Development Authority detailed the new brand image, the upcoming events, new strategies and future objectives at the press conference which was held at Maraya Al Qasba.

'Al Qasba, which has been established under the wise vision of His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qassimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, and the continuous supervision of Her Excellency Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qassimi, chairperson of Al Qasba Development Authority, we have to decided to turn this destination the focus of the attention of all visitors, both from inside or outside the country, through organizing a host of high quality events that can be enjoyed by adults and children alike.It has always been our priority to provide visitors with all the facilities and services that will make their visit to Al Qasba an unforgettable one. Through, our variety of world class restaurants, cafes, outlets, entertainment and fun zone for children, our beautiful and convenient location, we do not see this is as a challenging task.'

The Al Qasba Development Authority also announced the visitors' figures of the year of 2007 comparing to 2006 had increased greatly. The 18 restaurants, cafes and outlets dotting Al Qasba's canal banks have recorded a 99 percent jump in sales compared to last year and the restaurants and outlets have recorded 226,300 visitors in 2007 with an increase of 80 percent compared to 2006.

Henceforth, Qanat Al Qasba, which will be known and referred to as Al Qasba, brings around not only a new name, but an identity of its own, better - yet deeply embodied in all its cultural aspects and embracing all what the destination has stood for over the years,' said Al Sarkal.

'As has been our past priority, we plan to continue to provide visitors all the facilities and services that will make their visit to Al Qasba an unforgettable one. With our variety of world class restaurants, cafes, outlets, entertainment and fun zone for children, our beautiful and convenient location, we do not see this is as a challenging task,' Al Sarkal added

According to Hazem Sawaf, marketing manager of Al Qasba Development Authority the core idea behind the brand and the main drive is to establish with Al Qasba's target audience that 'There is always something happening at Al Qasba'.

'Al Qasba's new identity expresses not only our ambitions but also goes well with the whole transformation of Al Qasba to a family and tourism attraction with all the meaning of the word - especially in the sense that we are gearing up currently for more development within the destination and some and major projects,' said Sawaf.

'The new Al Qasba brand identity reflects the experience of Al Qasba which is exciting, rich, lively, and unique in a way that refreshes the mind and soul and unites people in one place. The brand is charismatic, enriching, energized, and indulgent. And the essence of it is to be impassioned.

'The new logo was created with extensive care and it has been influenced by the previous logo which consists of clear lines that represents a bow that symbolizes the unique architecture and wavy lines that symbolizes the water canal which is an integral part of Al Qasba's own identity,' he added.

Highlighting the new future projects of Al Qasba, which are many and varied, Ahmed Al Qaseer Business Development Manager said, 'In order to give our visitors a complete package during their visit to Al Qasba, a gym and a health club are being designed and special halls for large meetings and conferences that will meet the requirements of companies and government departments will also be built. The business centre and administrative services that provides the latest techniques will be announced and inaugurated soon, while the establishment of a permanent edutainment Kids Area that includes games and entertainment facilities coupled with educational activities will be provided for children.

Describing the plethora of events and happenings that will dot Al Qasba's calendar this year, Dina Al Nakhi, events manager of the Al Qasba Development Authority said, 'At Al Qasba, we have always given priority to activities and events. Through the years we have made sure that the events are designed to suit the various nationalities our visitors belong to and the various tastes of people, while conforming to sensitivities and good taste. The calendar of events will include the Al Qasba Food Festival 2008, the Eye of Emirates third anniversary celebrations, Al Qasba Flowers Festival, Opera under the stars, Euro 2008, Al Qasba Summer Activities, Italian art (Artie Aitaliana), Sharjah Biennial - the art of Arabic calligraphy, Brazilian exhibition and Ramadaniat Al Qasba among others.'