Al Qasba announces a successful half year

The family destination which has evolved into one of the favourite haunts of the Northern Emirates has had an unparallel successful mid year, placing the destination firmly on the region's map.

Marwan Jassim Al Sarkal, CEO of Al Qasba Development Authority announced that the visitors' figures of the mid of the year 2008 comparing to 2007 has increased greatly.

The 17 restaurants, cafes and outlets dotting Al Qasba's canal banks have recorded a 147.22% jump in sales compared to same period last year and the restaurants and outlets have recorded 250,000 visitors in mid of 2008 with an increase of 186% compared to 2007.

"Etisalat-Eye of the Emirates" the highest wheel in the region has recorded over 460,000 visitors from Jan until June 2008. The Etisalat-Eye of the Emirates is one of the most imaginative projects undertaken in the Middle East, consisting of 42 futuristic looking gondolas accommodating up to 336 riders at a time

"Al Qasba is sparing no efforts in developing the destination and transforming it into the ultimate cultural, entertainment, tourism and family destination of the region. The destination has helped in boosting tourism in the UAE, and particularly in the Emirates of Sharjah. In middle of the year 2008, the restaurants and outlets located at Al Qasba have recorded a percent increase in sales, and we would like to thank all the restaurants and outlets who helped in achieving these results,"

said Al Sarkal.

Al Sarkal also added that Al Qasba will continue witnessing major changes in the coming years in order to elevate its position as the ultimate cultural, leisure and family destination in the region, and will deliver more attractive events and new activities that will enrich the experience of its visitors in the future.

A variety of elements has cemented the success of the destination which boasts a number of special attractions including the highest observatory wheel in the region, restaurants and cafes of international repute, a fantastic walkway and a peaceful and ambient atmosphere among many others. The plethora of year round services, events and attractions has helped in attracting more visitors from different nationalities and age groups, say Al Qasba officials.

"Al Qasba aims at attracting more visitors and tourists in the coming period of time and it has many future projects lined up which will also help us in accomplishing our vision and goals, playing a crucial role in attracting tourists and visitors into the country. In addition, our strength also lies in a hard working team of local and foreign talents formed from experiences over the years who constantly strive to make Al Qasba the best destination," concluded Al Sarkal.

Al Qasba offers a potpourri of delicious international cuisines offered at the restaurants and cafes lining the banks of the canal where visitors can savor fare from Italian, Lebanese and Thai to Mediterranean, French and Portuguese.