Sharjah launches island development project 65 km off the coast.

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9 May 2007

Following the instructions of His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohamed Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah and Member of the Supreme Council of the UAE, the Sharjah Department of Civil Aviation has been assigned to oversee the construction of airfield facilities and the development of the Sir Abu Nu'air Island.

Located 65 kilometres off the northern coast of the UAE and belonging to the Emirate of Sharjah, Sir Abu Nu'air is known for its superb beaches and natural beauty. Airfield development at the island will cost US$ 68 million. Halcrow International Partnership is serving as the design consultant for the airfield and its facilities.

Sir Abu Nu'air Island is located 65 kilometres off UAE's northern coast (Image by Google Earth).

The first phase of the environmentally sensitive development will include the replacement of the existing airstrip with a modern runway and airfield capable of accommodating Airbus A320 or Boeing 737 aircraft. Additional infrastructure will include a passenger terminal, control tower and all other facilities necessary to ensure operations and safety.

As part of the development project, the existing marina will be dredged and increased in size to accommodate more yachts and leisure boats. Facilities at the marina, including the slipway, fuelling facilities and ancillary services, will also be upgraded.

Sheikh Abdullah Bin Mohammed Al Thani, Chairman of the Sharjah Department of Civil Aviation, said: "We are extremely proud to have been appointed by His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohamed Al Qasimi to oversee the development of Sir Abu Nu'air Island. The island is known for its beautiful beaches surrounded by coral reefs, and this low-impact development will allow many more people to enjoy its rugged beauty while simultaneously preserving its natural splendour.'

He continued: 'By focusing on environmentally friendly design, we will ensure that the project will be entirely pollution-free. The development, which will offer high-quality facilities and services for visitors to the island, will preserve Sir Abu Nu'air's inimitable nature while introducing it to those who seek to discover its myriad charms.'

As the few who have had the good fortune to sail near it know, Sir Abu Nu'air Island is today pristine and nearly uninhabited, except for a few fishermen who ply the nearby waters and turtles that lay their eggs in the island's fine sand.

A ceramic vessel found on the island dates back to the Iron Age, some 3,500 years ago. Other finds date from between 1,000-1,500 years ago. According to archaeologists, more recent finds, along with the Iron Age ceramic vessel, are evidence of continual maritime activity on the island across the last 35 centuries.