Imagine living in a home built underwater. Sharjah has unveiled plans for an unprecedented residential development in Kalba, part of a long-term strategy to transform the coastal city into a premier tourism and lifestyle destination.
WEBDESK – SHARJAH NEWS – AB
Sharjah has unveiled one of its most ambitious real estate projects to date, announcing plans to build homes underwater in the coastal city of Kalba as part of a broader strategy to transform the emirate’s eastern region into a world-class waterfront destination.
The announcement was made by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, during a public broadcast on Sharjah Broadcasting Authority.
Unlike traditional waterfront developments overlooking the coastline, the proposed residences will be constructed within the sea itself, creating a distinctive living experience that sets the project apart from conventional coastal communities.
Sea-based community planned near the University of Kalba
According to the announcement, the new residential developments will be located behind the University of Kalba and extend toward the coastline.
The innovative project forms part of the wider Khor Kalba City masterplan, a long-term vision that Sharjah has been implementing for nearly seven years to preserve Kalba’s historical character while expanding its tourism, leisure, and residential offerings.
The masterplan seeks to balance sustainable urban growth with the protection of the city’s rich archaeological and environmental heritage.
Part of a wider transformation
The sea-based housing project is only one component of a larger development program scheduled to be unveiled in December.
The next phase will also include new road networks, an upgraded corniche, compensation housing projects, Al Hayer Lake and its surrounding rest area, and road improvements in Wadi Al Helo.
Together, these initiatives represent a coordinated effort to modernize Kalba’s infrastructure, improve residents’ quality of life, and strengthen the city’s appeal as a destination for tourism and investment.
Key details yet to be revealed
While the concept has generated considerable interest, several important details remain undisclosed.
Authorities have not yet announced the project’s total investment, the number of residential units, construction timeline, or whether the homes will be offered to UAE citizens, private buyers, or tourism investors.
Architectural designs, engineering specifications, and sales plans are also expected to be released closer to the project’s official launch later this year.
Why it matters
The announcement reinforces Sharjah’s commitment to innovative, sustainable urban development while expanding investment opportunities beyond the emirate’s central districts.
For residents, investors, and expatriates across the UAE—including large communities from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, the UK, and the United States—the project signals Kalba’s growing importance as an emerging coastal destination combining modern living, environmental stewardship, and heritage preservation.
If realized as planned, the development could become one of the UAE’s most distinctive residential projects, further enhancing Sharjah’s reputation for forward-looking urban planning while creating a new landmark along the emirate’s eastern coastline.
