Sharjah ruler opens 132,000 square metre Kalba lake project

His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, inaugurated Al Hefaiyah Lake in Kalba on Saturday.

The 132,000 square metre lake, located on the Sharjah-Kalba Road following the Al Hiyar Tunnel, employed the most recent technology, including innovative construction materials suited for the hilly climate and pipes linking the mountains to the lake for surplus water storage, rainwater collection, and valley run-off management.

It has a capacity of 155 million gallons and a depth of up to four metres, and has a 3.2 kilometre water conduit that brings water from the lowlands and surrounding mountains into it and drains precipitation.

A 3.17 kilometre dual-lane road surrounds it, allowing tourists to stroll and take in the scenery. 

In addition, three barriers and filters have been erected to minimise the entry of valley water into the lake and purify it of contaminants and sediment.

Upon his arrival, Sheikh Sultan unveiled a commemorative plaque announcing the lake's launch, which aims to serve as a strategic water reservoir for the city's people while also enhancing regional environmental variety.

The Sharjah ruler also toured the mountain trails, which span 11.7 kilometres and include a variety of paths of varying lengths and difficulty levels, including the Al Hefaiyah Lake Trail, Eastern Mountain Trail, Southern Al Friesh Mountain Trail, Northern Al Friesh Mountain Trail, and Al Friesh Lake Trail.

During his trip, His Highness met children who performed in the shaded play area. Rubber flooring covers the area, which hosts a variety of children's leisure activities.

He also witnessed a variety of sporting events and maritime competitions, as well as marine boats accessible for guests to tour the lake.

He then travelled to Al Hefaiyah Mosque, which can accommodate 495 worshippers, lifting the curtain over its plaque, signalling the formal opening, and led the audience in the Maghrib prayer. The mosque, which covers an area of 852 square metres, is designed in the Fatimid style and decorated with geometric and floral themes.

It has a 36-metre-tall minaret, a women's prayer hall for 110 worshippers, an outdoor courtyard for 2040 worshippers, an Islamic library with books on interpretation, jurisprudence, and legal rulings, and several washing and lavatory areas for men and women.

Following that, the Ruler of Sharjah witnessed a drone show, showing visual images inspired by Kalba's main attractions and newly launched construction projects. The display culminated with drones creating the word "Thank you, Sultan".

The project also includes the Al Hefaiyah Rest House, which is 500 square metres with a direct view of the lake and Kalba's high mountains, with hanging gardens and waterfalls on one side and an 8500-square-metre play area and green space on the other. It also houses a restaurant and café.

H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, and H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Salem bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, also attended the inauguration.