In the presence of Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of Sharjah Investment and Development Authority, (Shurooq), the authority unveiled Al Noor Island: its latest tourism and leisure project which boasts state-of-the-art facilities and is set to serve as a vibrant cultural and recreational destination for the emirate's residents and visitors.

The announcement of the new project was made during a press conference held at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) in Dubai World Trade Centre in the presence of media representatives.

Speaking on the occasion, Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi said, "The launch of Al Noor Island is in line with the vision of H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah and well synchronised with Sharjah being selected as the Capital of Arab Tourism 2015, the project comes as part of our commitment to develop the emirate, raise its economic and social merits and reinforces its position as a leading cultural, tourism and investment destination in the region that serves the ambition of its residents and visitors and meets their interests.

Al Noor Island is located in Khalid Lagoon and is the Arab world's first island to combine nature, art and entertainment. The island extends over an area of 45,470 square meters and reflects the art styles of a world renowned designer who has many outstanding achievements and projects around the globe, such as the Swarovski Crystal Worlds (Swarovski Kristallwelten) museum, including the green spaces and several imaginative sculptures at the Schonbrunn Palace in the Austrian capital – Vienna.

Mohammed Ali Al Noman, Chairman of Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) said, "Sharjah presents an excellent model of using cultural heritage to advance the modern tourism development. No doubt, the launch of Al Noor Island will give a further boost to Sharjah as a premier tourism destination, sought after by visitors from the UAE and beyond. The project highlights the emirate's position as cultural, tourism and investment destination, reflects the architectural style in the emirate and emphasises its attention to culture and art".

Al Noman added, "Keeping up with the developments of projects and the launch of development initiatives which serves the tourism sector will contribute to increasing tourists flow to the emirate, thus, achieving the emirate's vision, aiming to attract 10 million visitors by 2021."

Marwan bin Jassim Al Sarkal, CEO of Sharjah Investment and Development Authority, Shurooq, stressed the authority's commitment to developing many tourism and leisure destinations that give Sharjah's residents and visitors the opportunity to enjoy the emirate's dynamic cultural, artistic and social landscape, while encouraging the influx of more tourists. "The emirate has gained a world reputation in cultural and heritage tourism as well as in family tourism, and therefore tourists flock to the emirate to discover its landmarks," he added.
Source: WAM