Arada has recently witnessed a surge in the arrival of dining outlets and retail brands at East Boulevard, the vibrant shopping and lifestyle hub situated at the heart of the AED35 billion Aljada megaproject in Sharjah. A total of 87 new shops, cafes, and restaurants have now commenced operations along the popular 2.2-kilometre avenue, solidifying its status as one of the most sought-after social destinations in the UAE.
With recent completions of the East Village and Nest residential communities neighboring East Boulevard, the available leasable space has expanded by 80% to reach 130,000 square feet. This transformation has resulted in a spacious, pedestrian-friendly street adorned with trees, aimed at providing an elevated customer experience.
Recently opened establishments include Berenjak, the popular Persian home-cooked cuisine concept from London’s Soho, and Sharjah’s inaugural edition of Home Bakery, a well-received café and dining venue. Additionally, La Brioche, the renowned French patisserie, has made its debut in Aljada, alongside TBK, the Italian-American restaurant opening its second location after its initial outlet in Dubai. Furthermore, Pickl, a trendy fast-food joint renowned for its burgers, has also joined the lineup at East Boulevard.
Upcoming additions to the venue include Rang, a vibrant Indian restaurant opening its second location after Dubai Mall, Chef Eyad specializing in delicious smoked meats, the Late Lounge coffee shop, and Mara Lounge, a popular world-cuisine concept with branches across the UAE.
These new establishments join an array of existing F&B brands at East Boulevard, including Bosporus, Five Guys, Starbucks, Hoof Café, Moon Slice Pizza, and Origami. They are complemented by various shops and services such as Spinneys, Carrefour, Maple Bear Nursery, Mumuso, First Abu Dhabi Bank, and the Artal fashion outlet, alongside pharmacies, salons, florists, and cleaners.
Ahmed Alkhoshaibi, Group CEO of Arada, remarked, “The expansion of East Boulevard not only solidifies Aljada’s standing as Sharjah’s most vibrant community but also highlights Arada’s dedication to enhancing the Emirate’s lifestyle offerings, contributing to its continuous growth and economic progress. We are delighted by the high commercial demand for our retail space, enabling us to curate a diverse mix of outlets for our residents and visitors.”
In 2023, East Boulevard welcomed 2.4 million visitors, with this figure expected to rise significantly following the flurry of new openings in the first half of the year and the recent completion of homes at Aljada. With over 7,500 homes now completed at the megaproject, alongside amenities like the SABIS International School-Aljada, a Wellfit flagship gym, the Zad food truck park, and the Aljada Skate Park, all set amidst extensive green landscapes.
Upon completion, Aljada is estimated to have a population of 70,000, with a catchment area encompassing Sharjah city and much of northern Dubai. Retail, leisure, and entertainment form integral components of the Aljada master plan, with approximately 1.2 million square feet of leasable space available in the Madar central district alone. The main contract for Madar Mall is slated to be awarded in 2024.
Encompassing a vast 24 million square foot area, Aljada stands as Sharjah’s largest project to date, representing a transformative destination for the Emirate. In addition to its numerous residential districts, Aljada includes extensive hospitality, entertainment, sporting, educational, healthcare components, and a business park, all within a green, walkable master plan.
