Arada awards $165mn contract to build the first phase of Arada Central Business District
Construction Arada awards $165mn contract to build the first phase of Arada Central Business District
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The business park's full master plan features 40 office blocks, employee-friendly elements and landscaped 'green spine'
Arada has awarded a contract valued at US $165mn to build the first phase of the Arada Central Business District (CBD). Billed as the 'commercial centre for Sharjah', the CBD will take shape in the developer's $9.52bn Aljada mega project.
The contract for construction has been awarded to Modern Building Contracting Company (MBCC). Works are expected to begin on the first cluster of Arada CBD immediately, with completion and handover scheduled for the first quarter of 2027.
In total, the cluster will feature 812,000sqft of Grade A leasable space, as well as 1,666 parking spaces, 76,000sqft of landscaped green space, and 26,500sqft of retail space. Each office also benefits from smart technology as part of Aljada's overall smart city programme, employing next-generation solutions for everything from waste and traffic management to the circular economy and smart lighting.
The eight smart blocks included in the first phase include Arada's headquarters, a nine-floor building that will introduce a new workplace for the master developer's 1,500 staff. Arada's headquarters contains extensive facilities including an accessible roof for events, an amphitheatre, ground floor café and staff restaurant. A grand atrium that reaches from the ground floor to the roof will connect all of Arada's departments both visually and physically, said a statement from the developer.
'Since the launch of Arada CBD, we've seen strong investor demand for commercial space within this impressive business park, in line with the overall performance of the sector in the UAE. With its contemporary urban architecture, facilities designed to enable and inspire workforces and excellent connectivity in close proximity to Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road, international airports in both Sharjah and Dubai and the upcoming Etihad Rail station, Arada CBD is set to play a leading role in Sharjah's future economy,' said Ahmed Alkhoshaibi, Group CEO of Arada.
The signature feature of Arada CBD is the 'green spine,' a forest park that runs the length of the district, featuring shaded walkways, an amphitheatre, and green rooftop terraces on most buildings. It also includes a variety of cafés, dining venues, and retail spaces, complemented by extensive parking.
In total, the 40 smart buildings in Arada CBD incorporate prime leasable space, setting a new standard for sustainability and connectivity. Arada is aiming for all buildings in Arada CBD to achieve LEED, WiredScore and SmartScore certification when the district is completed, in a first for the Sharjah market. LEED is a globally recognised green building rating system, while WiredScore and SmartScore are internationally recognised standards for digital connectivity and smart buildings.
Around 30% of Aljada's 25,000 homes are now completed, alongside entertainment, retail, educational, and sporting attractions and amenities, including the SABIS International School–Aljada, the Wellfit Madar flagship gym, the Zad food truck park, Aljada Skate Park, and East Boulevard, the tree-lined avenue filled with shopping and dining experiences.
Aljada is Sharjah's largest project, transforming the Emirate with its residential districts and hospitality, entertainment, sports, education and healthcare facilities—all set within a walkable, green community.
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