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Sharjah steps up drive to woo more tourists

The buildings, which were officially opened in November 2000 and which accommodate around 21 social welfare associations, will have more than 20 shops on the ground floor, the contractor in charge of the project, told Khaleej Times.

He explained that construction works at the ground level are under way at both buildings standing opposite each other and walls are being demolished according to new setup designs.

Each of the associations occupied a three-level premises comprising the ground, first and second floors. However, a few months ago, they received notices from the Sharjah Public Works Directorate, asking them to vacate the ground and first floors.

Although the move was inconvenient and annoying for some welfare bodies, others welcomed it. Commenting on the project, engineer Hassan Al Kuthairi, Chairman of the Emirates Society For Consumer Protection, one of the associations at the buildings, confirmed that the society, like others, has already vacated its ground and first floor offices and confined to the third floor.

"We would benefit from the step, since more people will come to shopping malls, and luring shoppers to come to the area will eventually reflect positively on the associations as people will get to know that they exist and learn more about their activities and objectives," Mr Al Kuthairi told Khaleej Times.

"The changes will not have any negative effect on us and the space left is more than enough to maintain our public services and conduct our activities," he pointed out, hailing the efforts of His Highness Dr Shaikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, to initiate such a pioneering project.

The Supreme Family Council, however, will shift to a new building located besides Sharjah Women's Club, according to an official of the council.

"We had to move to another premises since we have a large number of employees and the space left was not sufficient. We are supporting the project since it would attract an increasing number of people to visit the area and know more about the societies," the official added.

An official of the Emirates Volunteer Association said: "We had some reservations before the project began, thinking mainly that the shops and the associations will have the same entrance. But as the construction started, we knew that the entrance will be separate and this would certainly benefit the associations."

A member of the associations pointed to the main problem that they earlier faced - the poor public response to their programmes and functions.

"The fact that these functions will take place at a commercial and touristic venue will definitely be a plus point to us, because we guarantee that some audience will be there and that our efforts to achieve our goals in spreading awareness are not wasted."

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