Al Qasba receives 1.3 million visitors in first half of 2012

The Play Area and Kids Fun Zone came third and fourth in number of visitors, followed by Al Qasba Musical Fountain,Masrah Al Qasba- Theatre, Multaqa Al Qasba 'Meetings and Conference Halls', Maraya Art Centre and the walkways, respectively.

Ahmed Obaid Al Qaseer, Chief Operating Officer at Sharjah Investment and Development Authority 'Shurooq', attributed the growing number of visitors to Al Qasba's ability to meet the varied recreational, cultural and artistic needs of visitors and to offer diverse programmes and an ideal environment for all members of family to communicate and socialize.

He added that the increasing prominence of Al Qasba as a landmark tourist destination in the UAE and region has also helped grow the number of visitors.

Al Qaseer said, "The various facilities and amenities that the authority is continuously developing in Al Qasba have significantly contributed to diversify the tourist product in the region, attract and entertain visitors."

He noted, "The results of the many surveys conducted to measure the customer satisfaction were positive, with some comments and suggestions that are always put into consideration."

He remarked, "The impressive family turnout for Al Qasba is the best evidence of success and excellence in meeting the needs of all members of family."

"We have developed integrated organizational measures to provide all means of comfort and luxury to all visitors," he added.

Al Qaseer added that Al Qasba continues its steady growth toward achieving its target of attracting a higher number of visitors in 2013.

"In a time of accelerated rate of progress reported in the investment projects in the UAE, in general, and in Sharjah, in particular, the tourist promotion of Al Qasba has continued its strong growth. Al Qasba has become a first class family destination that is able to capitalize on its leisure attractions to build a thriving tourist destination and to significantly and increasingly support domestic tourism, thanks to its integrated leisure and entertainment services which makes it a reliable destination for community, corporate and individuals, alike," he said.

"Figures show a steady increase in number of visitors year after year. Al Qasba had bet big on family tourism and eventually won the bet. Chief Operating Officer at Sharjah Investment and Development Authority 'Shurooq' clarified that Al Qasba boasts a multitude of tourism infrastructure and investment opportunities in many sectors, therefore it is in position to be a first-class tourist destination. The concept of tourism in Al Qasba focuses on quality and highest level of service. The unique architectural designs of Al Qasba's premises coupled with its integrated family and tourism system and varied cultural, recreational, artistic and business facilities have been jointly contributing to attract more and more visitors," he added.

Al Qasba is spread over 10,000 hectares and boasts a range of state-of-the-art tourist, entertainment, cultural and business venues and has become the heart of tourism in Sharjah. Al Qasba features a manmade water canal that runs for 1 km through the destination, crossed by pedestrian bridges.

Wooden boats are available to give the visitor a cruise along the canal and to the neighbouring Khalid and Al Khan lagoons.

Facilities include the 60 meters high Etisalat Eye of the Emirates Ferris Wheel, Maraya Art Centre; the 300 seat Masrah Al Qasba-Theatre, which hosts various Arabic and international concerts, films, plays and poetry evenings; Multaqa Al Qasba; Al Qasba Business Centre and much more.

Al Qasba is managed by Al Qasba Development Authority, a subdivision of Sharjah Investment and Development Authority 'Shurooq'.