Special Features
Qanat Al Qasba
Qanat Al Qasba, a premiere cultural, leisure and entertainment destination, reopened to the public in April 2005 following an extensive redevelopment drive by the Qanat Al Qasba Development Authority. Created by His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, the Authority is chaired by H.E. Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi.Since its reopening in 2005, Qanat Al Qasba has evolved as a perfect community location to the UAE residents and visitors. It has proved to be a meeting place for all families who wish to experience high-class and modern entertainment, cultural and leisure attractions, which are original and based on traditional Arabian values.
Qanat Al Qasba (QAQ) is one of the key tourist, cultural and entertainment destinations in the Emirate of Sharjah. Occupies an area of 10,000 acres near the Dubai – Sharjah highway, QAQ comprises of a water canal of a depth of 5-meters, a length of 1,000-meters and a width of 30-meters. Three pedestrian bridges cross the canal where a number of restaurants and cafés are stretched by both banks, in addition to many stylish and executive outlets built in a mixture of oriental and contemporary European architecture.
Located at the center of QAQ is the 300-seat theatre, Masrah Al Qasba, which hosts regular musical events, shows and plays representing Arabian and international arts. In addition, QAQ includes a 1,500-square meter exhibition area where various cultural and educational local and international activities are held, as well as plastic arts and painting galleries from all over the Arab World and abroad are hosted.
The landmark of Qanat Al Qasba is the ‘Eye of the Emirates’, which is the highest observatory wheel in the region. It goes up to 60 meters giving the rider an unprecedented opportunity of a fabulous panoramic view. This artistic wheel was specially designed for Qanat Al Qasba in Netherlands supervised by world reputed experts to comply with the internationally accepted standards. The Eye of the Emirates comprises of 42 futuristic-looking, fully air-conditioned cabins and can accommodate up to 336 riders at one time.
Qanat Al Qasba is also making the most of its waterfront location by having a number of traditional abras (wooden boats) cruising the canal offering visitors a tour of the lagoons.
Qanat Al Qasba has grown to be a focal point of culture-based entertainment in Sharjah, inviting the world to experience the Arab heritage in an environment that is enriching and inclusive. Qanat Al Qasba couples culture with entertainment by continuously developing leisure activities that highlight Arab and Islamic heritage to its visitors.
About Qanat Al Qasba Development Authority Qanat Al Qasba Development Authority was established in 2004, as per the directives of His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qassimi, a Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah. The purpose was to oversee the development of the Qasba Canal, renamed Qanat Al Qasba, into an impressive entertainment, leisure and cultural hub of the Middle East. Chaired by H.E. Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qassimi, the Authority seeks to reinforce the Emirate’s position as the cultural capital of the region and promote the flow of learning and information within specific disciplines. Marwan Jassim Al Sarkal is the CEO of QAQ Development Authority, who leads qualified employees who are full of team sprit.
