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Picnics in Al Majaz Waterfront area - one of the most popular attractions among residents and tourists in Sharjah - has been banned for the visitors due to aesthetic reasons, a senior official confirmed.
"The green spaces at Al Majaz waterfront are part of aesthetics of the facility and are not equipped for picnics. Meanwhile, visitors can enjoy all the facilities, play areas, enjoy the fountain shows, and the beautiful serene waters of Khalid Lagoon," said Marwa Obaid Al Shamsi, general manager of Al Majaz Waterfront.
"As part of Al Majaz Waterfront continuous efforts to provide the ultimate experience as a family leisure destination, we have set rules and regulations that are prominently displayed across the facility for visitors to adhere to," Al Shamsi said in a statement to Khaleej Times.
Covering an area of 231,000sqft and overlooking Khaled Lagoon, Al Majaz Waterfront is quite popular among families and friends to have picnics and parties.
The residents also feel that there was already shortage of outdoor locations for barbecues in the emirate as they mostly drive out of the city for outdoor barbecues.
Ahmareen Siddiqui, a Sharjah resident, said since its inception, Sharjah Waterfront has been on the "must go" list of everyone who happens to live or visit the emirate and is an ideal destination for people who want to spend quality time with their families and friends.
Rather than banning picnics, she suggested that certain areas could be allocated only for picnics.
"The decision to ban picnics at this beautiful place has dampened the excitement of the families which always look for an opportunity to have a get-together in the green and serene surroundings. Instead of banning picnics all together they could have designated specific area at the Waterfront for wwpeople to enjoy picnics," said Siddiqui, who is the resident of Al Majaz area for over a decade.
Al Shamsi noted that to ensure the facility is properly maintained, cleaning crews conduct daily inspections after the closing hours of Al Majaz Waterfront, to keep the destination clean, safe and environmentally friendly. "Visitors can still enjoy a walk inside the destination after 2am, without interfering with ongoing operations."
Sheikh Najm-us-Saqib, also a Sharjah resident, felt that public convenience should be kept in mind when such decisions are taken. "Sharjah residents already have a very few choices for the outdoor fun, where they can do barbecue and have lunch or dinner under the open skies. And this decision further reduces the number of options residents have for outdoor get-togethers," he said.
waheedabbas@khaleejtimes.com
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