Al Freish Lake in Kalba Set for Major Revamp as Sharjah Unveils Plans for Scenic Waterfalls, Lush Landscapes and New Green Areas to Enhance the Waterfront and Create a More Attractive Destination for Residents and Visitors
Sharjah Approves Al Freish Lake Development in Kalba, Featuring Cascading Waterfalls and Expanded Green Spaces.
Covering an area of 51,200 square metres, the planned lake is designed to accommodate approximately 28 million gallons of water, while its surroundings will feature scenic mountains, lush trees and flowing waterfalls for families to enjoy.
New Al Freish Lake Project Set to Add Another Family Destination to Kalba
Kalba is set to gain another major outdoor attraction as Sharjah moves forward with plans for Al Freish Lake, a large waterfront development designed to combine water, greenery, mountain scenery and recreational spaces.
The project is expected to add a new dimension to Kalba’s growing collection of nature-focused destinations, with the planned site featuring a sizeable lake, landscaped areas, waterfalls, walking routes and views of the surrounding mountains.
The development forms part of wider efforts to enhance Kalba’s tourism and leisure offerings while making greater use of the emirate’s distinctive combination of mountains, greenery and coastline.
Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, has approved the development of Al Freish Lake. The project will cover approximately 51,200 square metres and will have the capacity to hold as much as 28 million gallons of water.
The planned lake is expected to become another prominent destination for residents and visitors looking for outdoor spaces in Kalba, particularly families seeking areas where they can enjoy nature and spend time away from the city.
A new lake destination in Kalba
Al Freish Lake will be located behind Al Marsh Square and will extend for around 750 metres. The development is being planned as a landscaped destination where visitors can enjoy the natural surroundings while spending time near the water.
Details of the project were previously announced by Sheikh Dr Sultan, who described the planned development as a park intended to provide a place for children and families to enjoy outdoor activities.
The concept has been compared with Al Rafisah Dam in Khorfakkan, another major Sharjah destination where water, mountains and family-oriented facilities come together to create a popular outdoor attraction.
Al Rafisah Dam is situated among the mountains of Khorfakkan and has become one of Sharjah’s well-known destinations for families and visitors interested in nature and outdoor recreation.
Its expansive lake covers approximately 82,000 square metres. Visitors can enjoy activities on the water, including kayaking and pedal boating, while the surrounding mountains provide a distinctive natural backdrop.
The destination also includes cafés, restaurants and seating areas, allowing visitors to spend extended periods at the site. Rather than serving solely as a scenic viewpoint, Al Rafisah has developed into a destination where families can combine sightseeing with recreation and dining.
The concept planned for Al Freish appears to follow a similar approach by bringing together water, landscaping, family spaces and the natural character of Kalba.
Water, mountains and landscaped surroundings
The new lake will become part of a broader transformation taking place across Kalba, where several large-scale projects have introduced new attractions while making use of the area’s mountainous terrain.
Over recent years, the eastern coast city has seen the development of destinations combining natural landscapes with recreational and tourism facilities.
Among the most notable additions is the Hanging Gardens, which opened along the Sharjah-Kalba Road in March 2024.
The Hanging Gardens occupies an area of approximately 1.6 million square feet and reaches an elevation of about 281 metres above sea level. The attraction has been developed around extensive greenery, mountain landscapes and cascading water features.
More than 100,000 trees have been planted across the site, alongside flower-filled terraces and landscaped areas designed to blend into the surrounding mountain environment.
Waterfalls form another important feature of the attraction, flowing through the landscaped terrain and adding to the visual character of the gardens.
The destination also provides several ways for visitors to explore the area. Mountain trails have been developed with different levels of difficulty, giving visitors the option of choosing routes according to their interests and abilities.
For those looking for a more structured activity, the site includes a 760-metre running track. Visitors can also use an excursion train that follows an approximately 820-metre route and includes four stations.
Dining facilities have also been incorporated into the development, with restaurants positioned to take advantage of the views.
One of the restaurants is located approximately 270 metres above sea level, providing visitors with panoramic views across the surrounding mountain landscape.
Al Hefaiyah Lake adds to Kalba’s water attractions
Another significant project in the area is Al Hefaiyah Lake, which has added a substantial water feature to Kalba’s mountainous surroundings.
The lake covers approximately 132,000 square metres and has a storage capacity of around 155 million gallons of water.
Unlike a development designed solely for recreation, Al Hefaiyah Lake has also been engineered to serve a water-management function. The project is designed to collect rainfall and runoff from valleys and surrounding areas.
Water from the mountains and low-lying areas is channelled towards the lake through a conduit extending approximately 3.2 kilometres.
This combination of environmental, water-management and recreational functions has made the lake an important addition to Kalba’s growing network of outdoor destinations.
Visitors can explore the landscape through a mountain trail network extending for approximately 11.7 kilometres.
The surrounding facilities include a rest house positioned to overlook the water, providing visitors with views towards Kalba’s mountains.
Green areas have also been incorporated around the lake, together with facilities designed for children.
Waterfalls form another element of the surrounding landscape, further connecting the development with Kalba’s broader focus on combining water features with mountain scenery.
Al Freish to add more greenery
The landscape around the future Al Freish Lake is also being developed with an emphasis on greenery.
Trees are being planted on the mountain near the project site, helping to create a greener setting around the planned lake and recreational areas.
The landscaping is expected to integrate naturally with the mountainous surroundings, creating a setting where water, vegetation and rocky terrain are brought together.
Waterfalls will be incorporated into the landscape, with water flowing through the planted areas before eventually making its way towards the sea.
The combination of waterfalls, trees and mountain views is expected to give the destination a distinct visual identity while reinforcing Kalba’s growing reputation for nature-based attractions.
The project is not being designed simply as a lake. Instead, the surrounding landscape is expected to form an important part of the visitor experience.
People will be able to walk through the landscaped areas, view the waterfalls and enjoy the mountain scenery while spending time around the water.
Walking spaces for families
At ground level, the development will provide parking for visitors, with around 200 spaces planned at the site.
Once parked, visitors will be able to explore the destination on foot and move through the lake’s surrounding areas.
The walking spaces are intended to make the site suitable for families and groups who want to spend time outdoors without necessarily taking part in water-based activities.
The lake, greenery, waterfalls and walking areas will create a setting where visitors can enjoy a leisurely day surrounded by natural scenery.
The development is expected to provide opportunities for people to pause, walk, take photographs and enjoy views of the mountains and coastline.
For families, the combination of open spaces, water and greenery could provide a setting for spending extended periods outdoors.
Building Kalba’s nature tourism identity
The Al Freish project comes as Kalba continues to develop a collection of destinations centred around its natural environment.
The city’s location between the Hajar Mountains and the Gulf of Oman provides a distinctive landscape that has increasingly been incorporated into tourism, leisure and recreational developments.
Instead of creating attractions that are separate from the natural surroundings, several recent projects have been designed to work with the existing mountain terrain.
Al Freish Lake follows this broader approach by placing a large body of water within a landscaped mountain setting.
The planned waterfalls and tree-covered areas are expected to further strengthen the connection between the project and Kalba’s natural environment.
The development will also add another family-oriented attraction to the city, complementing existing destinations such as Al Rafisah Dam, the Hanging Gardens and Al Hefaiyah Lake.
Together, these projects have contributed to a growing network of outdoor destinations across the eastern part of Sharjah.
A landscape shaped around water
Water is becoming an increasingly visible feature of Kalba’s recreational landscape.
Al Rafisah Dam already provides a major lake surrounded by mountains in Khorfakkan, while Al Hefaiyah Lake has created another substantial water body in Kalba.
The planned Al Freish Lake will add a further 51,200 square metres of water surface to this network of destinations.
With a capacity of up to 28 million gallons, the lake will form the centrepiece of the new development.
Its approximately 750-metre length will give the project a substantial presence within the surrounding landscape.
The waterfalls planned around the lake will provide movement through the landscape, while planted areas and trees will introduce additional greenery.
The result is expected to be a destination where visitors can experience several elements of Kalba’s environment in one location.
From mountain scenery to the coastline
The landscaping around Al Freish Lake will also create a visual connection between the mountains and the coastline.
Trees planted on the nearby mountain will add greenery to the higher sections of the landscape, while water from the planned waterfalls will travel through the landscaped areas.
The water will eventually move towards the sea, creating a natural flow through the development.
This arrangement is intended to make the lake more than an isolated water feature. Instead, it will form part of a wider landscape that incorporates the surrounding mountains and Kalba’s coastal setting.
Visitors walking through the area will be able to experience changing views as they move between the lake, greenery, waterfalls and mountain surroundings.
A destination designed for outdoor experiences
The planned development is expected to provide a variety of experiences for visitors.
Families will be able to use the walking areas, enjoy the landscaped spaces and spend time around the lake.
The waterfalls will provide scenic points throughout the site, while the surrounding trees will contribute to shaded and greener areas.
The mountain setting will remain a key part of the experience, giving the project a backdrop that distinguishes it from urban parks and conventional waterfront developments.
With parking facilities planned for approximately 200 vehicles, the site is also being designed to accommodate visitors arriving by car.
Once they reach the destination, visitors will be able to explore the area on foot rather than simply viewing the lake from a single location.
Kalba’s expanding attractions
The Al Freish Lake project is the latest in a series of developments that have expanded Kalba’s recreational and tourism options.
The Hanging Gardens has introduced a large-scale elevated garden destination featuring trees, flowers, waterfalls and mountain trails.
Al Hefaiyah Lake has created a major reservoir and recreational area, with extensive trails and landscaped spaces.
Meanwhile, the wider Sharjah east coast region has continued to attract visitors through destinations that combine natural landscapes with modern facilities.
The addition of Al Freish Lake will further diversify these offerings.
Its smaller water area compared with Al Hefaiyah Lake will nonetheless provide a different type of experience, with the project focusing strongly on family recreation, walking and landscaped scenery.
Green development around the lake
Planting trees around the project is expected to play a major role in shaping the final appearance of the destination.
The greenery will soften the surrounding landscape and create a contrast with the mountains and water.
The planned waterfalls will also run through these planted areas, helping to integrate the different elements of the development.
The landscape has been conceived to provide visitors with multiple viewpoints, allowing them to experience the lake and mountains from different locations.
As the trees mature and the landscaping develops, the overall character of the destination is expected to become increasingly green.
A new place to spend time outdoors
The project is intended to encourage residents and visitors to spend more time outside and engage with Kalba’s natural surroundings.
Walking along the lake, viewing the waterfalls and enjoying the mountain landscape will form part of the visitor experience.
The availability of parking and pedestrian areas is intended to make the site accessible to families and other visitors.
Rather than functioning simply as a scenic attraction, the project is being developed as a place where people can stay, walk and enjoy the surroundings.
The inclusion of greenery and water features is expected to make the destination particularly attractive for those seeking a quieter outdoor environment.
Linking Kalba’s mountains and coastline
The planned development also reflects the way Sharjah has increasingly incorporated Kalba’s natural geography into its tourism projects.
The mountains provide the setting, while the lakes and waterfalls introduce water elements into the landscape.
The proximity of the coastline adds another defining feature to the area.
At Al Freish, these elements will be brought together within one destination.
The planned water flow from the waterfalls towards the sea will create another connection between the inland mountain landscape and Kalba’s coastal environment.
A growing family tourism hub
With the addition of Al Freish Lake, Kalba is continuing to build an identity as a destination for families and nature enthusiasts.
The city now has several attractions offering different ways to experience the region’s mountains and landscapes.
The Hanging Gardens provides elevated trails and gardens, while Al Hefaiyah Lake offers extensive water and mountain scenery.
The new Al Freish project is expected to complement these destinations with a lake surrounded by greenery, waterfalls and pedestrian areas.
Its family-oriented design could make it another popular stop for residents and tourists exploring Sharjah’s eastern coast.
The planned visitor experience
Visitors arriving at Al Freish Lake will be able to park their vehicles in the planned 200-space parking area before exploring the destination on foot.
From there, they will be able to move through the landscaped surroundings and view the lake from different points.
The nearby mountains will provide the backdrop, while trees and vegetation will form part of the lower landscape.
Waterfalls will run through the greenery, adding another feature to the walking environment.
The lake itself will form the centre of the destination, with its approximately 51,200-square-metre area providing a major visual feature.
With the capacity to hold as much as 28 million gallons of water, the project will represent a substantial addition to Kalba’s collection of water-based attractions.
Continuing transformation of Kalba
The Al Freish Lake plan is part of a broader transformation of Kalba, where several projects have sought to combine environmental features with recreation and tourism.
The development of new lakes, gardens, trails and waterfalls has created a series of destinations that make use of the city’s mountain setting.
These projects are also expanding the range of activities available to visitors, from walking and hiking to sightseeing, dining and family recreation.
Al Freish Lake will add another destination to this growing network.
Its design places particular emphasis on the relationship between water and greenery, with the surrounding mountains providing a natural framework for the project.
A new chapter for the eastern coast
As work progresses on the planned development, Al Freish Lake is expected to become another notable feature of Kalba’s changing landscape.
The project will bring together a large lake, cascading waterfalls, planted mountain areas, walking spaces and views towards the surrounding landscape.
The 51,200-square-metre site will have a water capacity of approximately 28 million gallons, while the lake itself will extend for around 750 metres.
The development will be situated behind Al Marsh Square, adding another major attraction within Kalba.
Its design reflects the wider direction of development in the area, where natural scenery is being incorporated into family and tourism destinations.
With its combination of water, mountains and greenery, Al Freish Lake is planned as a place where residents and visitors can experience Kalba’s landscape in an accessible outdoor setting.
Trees planted around the nearby mountain will contribute to the green character of the development, while waterfalls will pass through the landscaped areas before flowing towards the sea.
The 200-space parking facility will provide access for visitors, who will then be able to explore the lake and its surroundings on foot.
The planned project is therefore expected to add another significant recreational space to Kalba while continuing the city’s evolution as a destination built around its mountains, water features, greenery and coastline.
As the wider programme of development continues, Al Freish Lake will join destinations such as the Hanging Gardens and Al Hefaiyah Lake in creating a network of outdoor attractions across Kalba.
The result will be a landscape increasingly shaped by the combination of natural features and purpose-built recreational spaces, offering residents and visitors more opportunities to experience the eastern coast of Sharjah.
Kalba’s Ongoing Transformation
Kalba’s Wider Development Plans
The proposed Al Freish Lake forms part of a much broader programme of development taking place across Kalba, as the eastern Sharjah city continues to expand its tourism, infrastructure, residential and cultural offerings.
Located approximately 120 kilometres east of Sharjah city and around 12 kilometres south of Fujairah, Kalba has been undergoing a series of projects aimed at reshaping the city and strengthening its appeal as a destination for residents, families and visitors.
The transformation extends well beyond the development of new lakes and green spaces. A number of projects are being planned or carried out across different parts of the city, covering roads, public areas, mountain destinations, residential communities and cultural attractions.
Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, said earlier this year that several major projects in Kalba are expected to be inaugurated in December 2026.
While discussing the progress of the developments, Sheikh Dr Sultan described the authorities as being in a “race against time” to complete the projects within the planned timeframe.
The projects form part of a wider vision for Kalba, with new attractions and infrastructure being introduced across the city.
Among the developments planned for the area is the Al Hiyar project, which will include a lake and a rest area. The project is expected to provide another recreational space while contributing to the wider development of Kalba’s landscape.
Development is also planned around Jebel Deem, adding another area of the city’s mountainous environment to the ongoing programme of improvements.
The Corniche is also included in the development plans, with upgrades intended to improve the waterfront environment and enhance the experience for residents and visitors.
Road infrastructure represents another important part of Kalba’s transformation. New routes are being developed to improve connections across the city and make movement between its different destinations easier.
The planned road network is expected to support the city’s growing collection of residential, recreational and tourism projects while improving access to various parts of Kalba.
New residential developments
Kalba’s transformation is also extending into the residential sector.
In July, Sheikh Dr Sultan revealed plans for two residential developments that will feature homes constructed within the sea.
The projects represent another distinctive element of the city’s development programme and are intended to add new forms of residential accommodation to Kalba’s expanding landscape.
The proposed sea-based homes are part of a wider series of projects that seek to introduce new experiences and developments while making use of Kalba’s unique geographical setting.
The city’s location between the mountains and the sea provides opportunities for projects that combine residential, tourism and recreational elements with the surrounding natural environment.
Preserving Kalba’s heritage
While new infrastructure and contemporary attractions are being developed, Kalba’s history and cultural identity are also being incorporated into its future visitor offering.
Plans announced this year include the development of a Kalba Heritage Museum, which is being envisioned as a “living museum”.
Rather than simply displaying historical objects behind glass, the concept is intended to allow visitors to see traditional arts and crafts being practised and demonstrated.
This approach would give visitors an opportunity to experience aspects of Kalba’s heritage in a more interactive setting.
Traditional skills and crafts would form part of the visitor experience, allowing cultural practices to be presented as activities that can be observed and experienced rather than simply viewed as exhibits.
The planned museum is expected to contribute to the preservation and presentation of local heritage while also becoming part of Kalba’s growing tourism offering.
An elevated restaurant is also planned as part of the development.
The restaurant is expected to provide visitors with views over the surrounding development, adding a dining component to the cultural attraction.
The combination of heritage, traditional craftsmanship, architecture and dining is intended to create a destination that connects Kalba’s past with its evolving present.
A distinctive theatre experience
Another cultural attraction planned for Kalba is the Shell Theatre, which is being designed around an unusual architectural concept.
One of its defining features will be the entrance route. Visitors will approach the theatre through a passage located beneath the water, creating a distinctive arrival experience before they enter the main venue.
The underwater approach is expected to give the theatre a character different from conventional performance spaces.
The project is another example of how Kalba’s development programme is incorporating unusual architectural and visitor experiences alongside more traditional infrastructure projects.
Together with the proposed heritage museum, the Shell Theatre would add cultural destinations to the city’s expanding collection of recreational and tourism attractions.
Connecting development across the city
The various projects planned for Kalba are designed to work alongside one another, creating a broader network of destinations rather than isolated developments.
The Al Hiyar project, Jebel Deem developments, Corniche improvements and new roads will contribute to the city’s physical transformation.
At the same time, projects such as the Al Freish Lake, heritage museum and Shell Theatre are expected to broaden the range of experiences available to visitors.
The development of new roads will be particularly important as more attractions and residential areas are added.
Improved routes can provide better access between different parts of the city, helping residents and visitors move more easily between the coast, mountains, recreational areas and new developments.
The road projects are therefore an important part of the wider transformation rather than simply standalone infrastructure improvements.
A growing tourism destination
Kalba’s development programme is increasingly positioning the city as a destination where natural scenery, family attractions, cultural experiences and modern infrastructure come together.
The city’s mountains and coastline provide a distinctive setting for many of the planned projects.
New lakes and landscaped spaces are being incorporated into the environment, while existing natural features are being used as part of the visitor experience.
At the same time, the addition of heritage and cultural attractions will provide visitors with opportunities to learn more about Kalba’s history and traditions.
This combination is expected to create a broader visitor offering, allowing people to experience different aspects of the city during a single trip.
The programme also reflects the changing role of Kalba within Sharjah’s eastern region.
Once known primarily for its natural landscapes and coastal setting, the city is developing a wider collection of destinations designed for both residents and visitors.
Projects scheduled through 2026
The expected December 2026 inauguration of several projects represents an important milestone in Kalba’s ongoing development.
Sheikh Dr Sultan’s earlier comments highlighted the scale and pace of the work under way, with authorities working towards the targeted completion date.
The projects expected to form part of this next stage include developments at Al Hiyar, Jebel Deem and the Corniche, along with road improvements across the city.
These projects will complement the other attractions being developed around Kalba.
As work progresses, the city is expected to see continued changes to its landscape, infrastructure and visitor facilities.
The planned developments will also increase the number of places where residents can spend time outdoors, access recreational facilities or explore the area’s natural and cultural attractions.
Combining nature and modern development
One of the defining features of Kalba’s transformation is the emphasis on integrating development with the city’s natural surroundings.
The mountains, coastline and existing landscape are being incorporated into several projects rather than being treated as separate from the built environment.
The proposed Al Freish Lake is one example, bringing water, greenery and waterfalls together against a mountain backdrop.
Other developments similarly make use of Kalba’s geographical characteristics.
The planned homes within the sea, for example, represent a residential concept that directly incorporates the coastal environment.
The Shell Theatre’s underwater entrance also reflects an approach in which the surrounding environment becomes part of the visitor experience.
Heritage alongside new attractions
The focus on heritage ensures that Kalba’s development is not limited to modern architecture and new leisure facilities.
The proposed Kalba Heritage Museum is intended to preserve and present traditional culture while giving visitors a more interactive experience.
The idea of demonstrating traditional crafts and arts could allow visitors to see how these practices are carried out rather than encountering them only through static displays.
The planned elevated restaurant would provide an additional feature and potentially offer views across the surrounding area.
By combining cultural interpretation with hospitality, the project is expected to become another destination within Kalba’s expanding tourism network.
More reasons to visit Kalba
The number of planned developments is expected to give visitors more reasons to spend time in the city.
Nature-focused destinations such as Al Freish Lake can provide outdoor experiences, while the Corniche can offer a waterfront setting.
Mountain developments around Jebel Deem will add another dimension to the city’s landscape, while the Al Hiyar project will introduce another lake and rest area.
Cultural projects will provide different types of experiences, with the heritage museum focusing on traditional life and the Shell Theatre offering a distinctive venue for performances and entertainment.
The combination of these attractions could allow visitors to experience several aspects of Kalba without having to travel outside the city.
Improving movement around Kalba
As the number of attractions grows, transportation infrastructure will become increasingly important.
New roads and routes are being developed to make movement through Kalba more efficient and to provide improved access to different parts of the city.
Better connectivity will support both existing communities and newly developed areas.
It will also make it easier for visitors to reach attractions located across different parts of Kalba, including destinations near the mountains, coast and newly developed areas.
The infrastructure programme therefore forms an essential foundation for the city’s broader transformation.
Looking towards the future
Kalba’s development plans point towards a city that combines natural landscapes with new recreational, cultural, residential and infrastructure projects.
The programme includes large-scale developments as well as attractions focused on heritage and visitor experiences.
The planned Al Freish Lake will add another family-oriented outdoor destination, while Al Hiyar will introduce another lake and rest area.
Development around Jebel Deem will expand the city’s mountain-based offerings, and improvements to the Corniche will enhance one of its key waterfront areas.
New roads will connect these developments and improve access across the city.
At the same time, the planned residential projects featuring homes within the sea will introduce a distinctive new element to Kalba’s built environment.
The heritage museum and Shell Theatre will provide cultural and entertainment options, ensuring that the city’s development includes more than tourism and infrastructure alone.
Kalba’s evolving identity
The collection of projects under development is gradually creating a new identity for Kalba, one that places its natural surroundings at the centre while adding modern facilities and cultural experiences.
The city’s mountains and coastline remain important features, but new lakes, gardens, walking areas, roads, residential developments and cultural venues are adding further layers to the landscape.
The planned heritage museum will provide a link to the city’s past, while the Shell Theatre will introduce an unusual contemporary attraction.
Residential projects will expand the city’s accommodation and living options, while improved roads will help connect its different neighbourhoods and destinations.
The result will be a more diverse urban and tourism environment.
With several projects targeted for completion and inauguration by December 2026, the coming period is expected to be an important stage in Kalba’s continuing transformation.
The development programme is being carried out across multiple parts of the city, covering recreational areas, mountains, waterfront spaces, residential communities, cultural destinations and transport infrastructure.
As these projects progress, Kalba is set to offer an increasingly varied mix of attractions and experiences.
The planned developments demonstrate an approach that combines the city’s natural setting with new facilities while retaining a strong connection to its heritage.
From lakes and mountain areas to the Corniche and cultural attractions, the projects are expected to reshape how residents and visitors experience the city.
Kalba’s transformation is therefore not centred on a single project. Instead, it involves a series of developments that are collectively changing the city’s landscape and expanding its role as a destination on Sharjah’s east coast.
With new roads improving accessibility, recreational projects creating additional public spaces, residential developments introducing new housing concepts and cultural attractions highlighting local heritage, the city is preparing for another major stage of growth.
The expected 2026 openings will provide a significant milestone in that process, bringing several of the planned projects closer to completion and adding new destinations to Kalba’s already expanding portfolio.
The continuing development of Kalba ultimately brings together several themes: nature, recreation, culture, infrastructure and residential growth. By combining these elements, the city is being shaped into a destination where visitors can experience mountains, coastline, lakes, heritage and modern attractions within the same area.
