WAM Sharjah, 28th April 2012 (WAM) - Al Majaz Waterfront, the debut project of Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) and the newest leisure and tourist destination in the emirate, has won the Sharjah Tourism Excellence Award as the best tourist destination in the emirate.

Al Majaz Waterfront was opened to public in December last year, and was officially inaugurated by His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, last month.

Al Majaz Waterfront is situated in the emirate's most vital residential district on the picturesque Khalid Lagoon, between Jamal Abdul Nasser Street and the Khalid Lagoon Corniche, a highly populated area with an estimated population of 100,000 people. The emirate's newest tourist destination managed to attract a large number of residents, visitors and tourists in the past few months.

Speaking on this occasion, Marwan bin Jassim Al Sarkal, CEO of Shurooq, said:" the award comes in recognition of Shurooq's hard work and dedication to upgrading the emirate's tourism sector and enriching it with facilities and services benchmarked with the highest quality standards, thus placing Sharjah among the world's top tourist destinations." Al Sarkal expressed his profound pride in winning this prestigious award which is given to Shurooq's debut project, which represents an incentive and strong motivation for further devotion, creativity and innovative ideas.

In line with its strategy and work philosophy, Shurooq will press ahead with its ambitious plans to develop the emirate's tourist product and upgrade its tourist facilities in line with the highest international standards of quality and efficiency.

"Shurooq always aspires to be a top achiever and receive all international awards that recognize its efforts aiming to raise the status of Sharjah among all countries in the world," Al Sarkal said.

The Sharjah Tourism Excellence Award is given annually by the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) to the best establishment that implements international quality standards in compliance with the potential of the emirate's tourism sector, under the patronage of HH Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah.

The Al Majaz Waterfront boasts many landmark leisure amenities, most notably the Sharjah Fountain, which was launched in February with daily spectacular musical shows.

The Sharjah fountain, the largest of its kind in the region, is the Waterfront's star attraction with the ability to shoot water up to 100 meters high and 220 meters wide. It has two giant water screens, and is equipped with the latest sound and light techniques. It will have different musical and laser shows, with laser arrangements and eight video projections on water screens.

The Waterfront also boasts covered areas for entertainment and cultural activities, green spaces and a distinguished mosque, in addition to kiosks for snacks and soft drinks, walking areas, public utilities and 1000 parking lots.

Shurooq had begun work on the construction of this project in mid 2010 with the aim of developing a leisure and tourism destination of choice benchmarked with the highest standards, in collaboration with various government departments and establishments, as well as with elite of leading international companies.

The project, which is valued at Dhs120m, spreads over 231000 square feet.

WAM/TF