Sharjah, UAE, has recently celebrated its inaugural grape harvest at the Ghamam project, situated on Jebel Deem, an impressive 850 meters above sea level. This initiative marks a significant milestone in transforming previously inhospitable rocky terrain into productive agricultural land, reflecting ambitious efforts to integrate farming with tourism as part of the ‘Above the Clouds’ retreat. This project, reported by Sharjah News, aims not only to enhance the region’s agricultural capability but also to attract visitors with its stunning mountain vistas.
The Ghamam project features over 4,500 trees, encompassing grape vines, olives, apples, and pomegranates, all aimed at greening the area’s rocky landscape. Under the visionary leadership of Sheikh Dr Sultan Al Qasimi, the Ruler of Sharjah, this initiative aligns with broader regional development goals. In June, Sheikh Dr Sultan reviewed the project’s dual focus on agriculture and tourism, which is essential for fostering economic diversification within the emirate. The retreat boasts a two-storey structure of 4,700 square metres, equipped with visitor facilities such as a restaurant and viewing platforms, thus enhancing the experience of visitors eager to learn about agricultural practices and enjoy the scenic beauty.
The agricultural success at Ghamam is part of an overarching strategy to position Kalba as a prime tourism destination, joining a suite of innovative projects, including the Hanging Gardens and Al Hefaiyah Lake. These developments illustrate a commitment to creating a vibrant agri-tourism sector that not only attracts visitors but also provides educational insights into modern farming techniques. While tourism growth is certainly beneficial, it also raises the profile of agricultural activities in a region traditionally known for its challenges in cultivating arable land.
Infrastructure improvements have further enabled the functionality of the Ghamam project, including a 10-kilometre road network and two bridges facilitating both visitor access and agricultural operations. These enhancements signify a long-term commitment to ensuring the project’s sustainability and increasing its potential for future success.
The Ghamam initiative is an extension of Sharjah’s dedication to pioneering sustainable mountain development, following closely on the heels of the Al Suhub Rest Area project unveiled in 2021. Such initiatives not only bolster agricultural production but also contribute to the UAE’s National Food Security Strategy 2051, aiming to optimise land use and expand agricultural potential into unutilised or lesser-used terrains.
Strategically, the Ghamam project also integrates plans for supporting infrastructure around it, including a new FIFA-standard stadium and a 100-room hotel connected to the retreat via pedestrian pathways. This thoughtful embedding of agriculture, tourism, sports, and hospitality reflects a cohesive approach designed to stimulate economic growth and provide diverse experiences for residents and tourists alike.
As Kalba continues to evolve into a sought-after tourist hotspot under Sheikh Dr Sultan’s guidance, the Ghamam project’s success sets a precedent for future developments, showcasing how innovative agricultural practices can harmoniously coexist with the growing tourism sector.
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Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://www.freshplaza.com/north-america/article/9738971/sharjah-marks-first-grape-harvest-at-ghamam-project/ – Please view link – unable to able to access data
- https://www.freshplaza.com/north-america/article/9738971/sharjah-marks-first-grape-harvest-at-ghamam-project/ – The inaugural grape harvest at Sharjah’s Ghamam project on Jebel Deem, UAE, 850 meters above sea level, at the center of a mountain agriculture endeavor, has successfully transitioned rocky terrain into arable land. This project, covered by Sharjah News, signifies an agricultural achievement integral to the ‘Above the Clouds’ retreat and its related tourism encapsulation.
- https://sharjah24.ae/en/articles/2024/08/27/al0942 – Kalba has experienced substantial tourism development under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah. Recent projects include the Hanging Gardens, Al Hefaiyah Lake, and the Rest Stop. Kalba is now an attractive tourist destination, with a diversified scenery of mountains, plains, valleys, and an 11-kilometre beach.
- https://www.timeoutdubai.com/news/kalba-park-museum – A series of new cultural and adventure spots are launching soon in Sharjah’s Kalba neighbourhood. Among these projects is the ‘Kalba Gate’ initiative, a pathway that links the hanging gardens to the beautiful Al Hefaiyah Lake. This walkway will feature railings to ensure the safety of visitors while offering breathtaking views of the gardens, the lake, and the entire city of Kalba from above.
- https://sgmb.ae/en/media-centre/news/8/3/2024/حاكم-الشارقة-يفتتح-الحدائق-المعلقة-في-كلباء.aspx – His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, inaugurated the Hanging Gardens in the city of Kalba, located on the Sharjah-Kalba Road, featuring more than 100,000 trees. The total area of the garden spans 1.6 million square feet, reaching a height of 281 metres above sea level.
- https://sgmb.ae/en/media-centre/news/31/3/2024/حاكم-الشارقة-يفتتح-بحيرة-الحفية-في-كلباء.aspx – His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, inaugurated Al Hefaiyah Lake in Kalba. The lake is located on the Sharjah-Kalba Road, following the Al Hiyar Tunnel. Upon his arrival, His Highness unveiled a commemorative plaque announcing the lake’s launch, which aims to serve as a strategic water reservoir for the city’s people while also enhancing regional environmental variety.
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Al_Hefaiyah_Conservation_Centre – Al Hefaiyah Mountain Conservation Centre is a wildlife reserve and visitor centre located west of the coastal town of Kalba in the Emirate of Sharjah, the UAE. Opened in 2016, the Conservation Centre is a wildlife sanctuary and visitor centre, with some 30 animals preserved at the centre, including Arabian leopards, which are thought to now be extinct in the wild in the United Arab Emirates.
