Khalid Bin Sultan City, a visionary urban development recently unveiled by Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA) in collaboration with Sharjah’s BEEAH Group, represents a bold reimagining of city life at the edge of the desert. Spanning 1.5 kilometres, the master plan prioritises walkability, sustainability, and community, making it a pioneering example of climate-responsive, AI-powered smart urbanism. The city’s defining feature is a shaded, two-kilometre-long green spine that seamlessly connects seven compact neighbourhoods. Each neighbourhood is designed to be accessible within a five-minute walk from the others, fostering social interaction and reducing dependence on cars.
At the heart of Khalid Bin Sultan City is a deliberate emphasis on human-centred design, combining nature, culture, and technology. The green spine serves multiple roles—as a recreational park with running and cycling tracks, wildlife ponds, and wellness spaces, as well as a social and cultural hub featuring plazas, sculpture gardens, and incubator spaces to encourage local entrepreneurship and creativity. Surrounding residential areas, comprising approximately 1,500 freehold units including villas, townhouses, and apartments, enjoy unobstructed views of this natural corridor, which contributes to a healthier, more balanced lifestyle. This design was inspired by the desert’s wind-sculpted dunes, echoing the fluid forms of the nearby BEEAH Headquarters, also designed by ZHA and noted for its LEED Platinum certification and net-zero emissions performance.
Sustainability is embedded throughout the city’s infrastructure. Khalid Bin Sultan City employs renewable energy systems, recycled water networks, and passive cooling techniques such as tree-lined walkways, colonnaded façades, and native planting to mitigate the harsh desert climate. The development aims to operate as a zero-waste city with net zero-ready infrastructure adhering to stringent environmental standards. This is supported by AI-powered systems that optimise energy use, mobility, security, and urban management, while respecting residents’ privacy and fostering efficient, user-friendly services. The city’s smart infrastructure is a notable advancement in integrating digital connectivity with sustainable urban planning.
Beyond its environmental focus, the city advances Sharjah’s cultural and economic aspirations. A design and business district located at its northern edge, adjacent to the BEEAH Headquarters, is planned as a future hub for circular design, creative industries, and entrepreneurship. This district will house cultural venues, flexible business spaces, and incubators, positioning Khalid Bin Sultan City as a driver of economic diversification within the emirate. The master plan’s strategic blend of civic, residential, and commercial spaces aims to create a vibrant, agile urban ecosystem capable of adapting to future community needs—from wellness and sports activities to cultural events and social gatherings.
The project reflects a broader shift in urban development toward climate-smart, human-centred cities that balance growth, sustainability, and livability. Khalid Bin Sultan City showcases how technological innovation can harmonise with the environment to craft resilient cities that prioritise well-being and environmental stewardship. As Sharjah continues to develop, this city stands as a model of how architecture and planning can foster inclusive, eco-conscious communities that serve people and the planet alike.
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Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://www.yankodesign.com/2025/06/26/zaha-hadid-architects-is-shaping-a-climate-responsive-ai-powered-smart-city-in-the-uae/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=zaha-hadid-architects-is-shaping-a-climate-responsive-ai-powered-smart-city-in-the-uae – Please view link – unable to able to access data
- https://www.wallpaper.com/architecture/zaha-hadid-architects-future-projects – Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA) continues to push the boundaries of design with upcoming projects worldwide. These include the Asaan Museum in Saudi Arabia, constructed from traditional adobe materials and integrated into the Diriyah Gate masterplan, and Oystra in the UAE, a sustainable mixed-use development with ocean views on Al Marjan Island. In China, the Greater Bay Area Sports Centre in Guangzhou will support the 2025 China National Games and features eco-conscious design inspired by Song Dynasty ships. Georgia will see the Cityzen Tower, a terraced skyscraper blending with Tbilisi’s topography. Italy’s Napoli Porta Est aims to revitalize Naples’ eastern sector, while the Centre of Mediterranean Culture in Calabria highlights seafaring heritage with sustainable features. Additional projects include the cultural hub in Shaoxing, China, designed with traditional aesthetics and green technology, and The Delmore in Miami, a luxury condominium featuring an innovative see-through pool. Reflecting Hadid’s pioneering spirit, ZHA continues to blend artistry, sustainability, and advanced technology in shaping urban futures.
- https://www.designboom.com/architecture/zaha-hadid-architects-smart-city-masterplan-sharjah-uae-shaded-oasis-spine-beeah-06-19-2025/ – Zaha Hadid Architects has unveiled the masterplan for Khalid Bin Sultan City, a new chapter in Sharjah’s urban evolution and the latest in a long-standing collaboration with BEEAH Group. This follows an announcement from 2013 when the studio was first commissioned to design BEEAH’s headquarters, envisioning a fluid, dune-like structure shaped by the UAE’s desert context and engineered for net-zero emissions. That building, completed in 2022, set a new standard for sustainable architecture in the region as it attained LEED Platinum certification, and it remains a benchmark for environmentally intelligent design. With Khalid Bin Sultan City, Zaha Hadid Architects scales that climate-conscious vision to the level of the city. Stretching across a 1.5-kilometre plot and centered around a shaded, two-kilometre-long green spine, the development marks BEEAH’s first foray into real estate, applying its environmental ethos to a city-making scale. The project proposes a new model for smart city living with ecosystems in place to make it a zero-waste city, net zero-ready infrastructure at LEED standards, AI-powered systems for enhanced urban optimization and living, and many more such features. In terms of the residential experience, across its residential, commercial, and public areas it prioritizes well-being with features such as walkable neighborhoods, green zones, and cultural spaces.
- https://www.builtenvironmentme.com/sustainable-urban-oasis-in-sharjah-beeah-unveils-masterplan-for-khalid-bin-sultan-city – BEEAH, the UAE’s leading sustainability and environmental management company, has revealed the masterplan for its transformative development, Khalid Bin Sultan City, in Sharjah. Designed by the world-renowned Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA), the city introduces a new era of sustainable urban living rooted in nature, smart infrastructure, and community engagement. The masterplan is anchored in four key pillars: sustainability, smart technology, culture, and people. Drawing inspiration from the fluid curves of wind-sculpted desert dunes, ZHA has envisioned a multi-centered urban network of seven interconnected residential neighbourhoods. Each neighbourhood is centered around a civic plaza — a five-minute walk from each other — encouraging accessibility, social interaction, and walkability. At the core of the development lies a 2-kilometre shaded linear park, designed to unfold gradually through the city. Featuring running and cycling tracks, sculpture gardens, wellness spaces, and wildlife ponds, this natural corridor serves as both a recreational escape and a social hub. Residences surrounding the oasis benefit from unobstructed views and a daily connection to nature, encouraging a healthy and balanced lifestyle. Khalid Bin Sultan City challenges car-centric development trends by promoting pedestrian-first mobility. Extensive shaded pathways, canopies of native flora, recessed façades, and colonnades work together to maintain cooler ground temperatures, enhancing year-round outdoor livability. This approach supports Sharjah’s climate adaptation goals and promotes a stronger sense of place. Located next to the BEEAH Headquarters, the city’s northern edge will host a design and business district — envisioned as a future hub for creative industries, entrepreneurship, and circular design. The area will feature incubator spaces, cultural venues, and flexible business hubs, positioning the city as a major driver of economic diversification in the emirate.
- https://gulfbusiness.com/beeah-gceo-on-its-first-key-real-estate-project/ – Khalid Bin Sultan City is a climate–smart, net–zero ready urban development – master planned by Zaha Hadid Architects and located in Sharjah’s Rodhat Al Sidir district. Envisioned as a city of the future, it will be shaped by four foundational pillars: sustainability, technology, culture, and people. It will offer 1,500 freehold residential units – villas, townhouses, and apartments – surrounded by green corridors, cultural landmarks, wellness spaces, and smart infrastructure. Anchoring the city is a 1.5–kilometre green spine — a central landscape corridor that supports biodiversity, encourages active living, and connects neighbourhoods through nature. At its heart is a landmark cultural centre that will host exhibitions, performances, and thought leadership events — creating a cultural anchor for the community. It’s a place where environmental harmony is standard, not aspirational; where daily life is enhanced by technology; and where human connection and wellbeing are built into the design of the built environment.
- https://www.archdaily.com/1031357/zaha-hadid-architects-designs-master-plan-for-sharjah-featuring-two-kilometre-central-oasis – Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA) has unveiled images of a master plan for Khalid Bin Sultan City in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. Located adjacent to its BEEAH Headquarters, the development draws inspiration from that building’s design, incorporating fluid architectural forms reminiscent of wind-swept desert dunes. Planned as a design and business district, the new urban area will consist of seven residential neighbourhoods connected by shaded walkways and anchored by a two-kilometre-long central oasis. Situated along the northern edge of Khalid Bin Sultan City, next to the BEEAH Headquarters, the new urban centre is envisioned as a year-round living environment for residents of all ages. Each neighbourhood is structured around a central public plaza and is located within a five-minute walking distance from the others.
- https://sharjah24.ae/en/Articles/2025/06/19/kmr4 – Taryam revealed that Zaha Hadid Architects was commissioned to design the master plan, translating the group’s vision for the project into designs that combine beauty and innovation, providing an inspiring, experiential environment that enhances quality of life. She emphasised that Khalid bin Sultan City represents an urban model for a future where people and nature, culture and development, are integrated within a cohesive, inclusive community designed to foster cohesion and shared prosperity. The ceremony concluded with a film screening detailing Khalid bin Sultan City, a model for a vibrant community that combines intelligence and sustainability, celebrates human connection, reflects a purposeful design philosophy, and embodies a profound harmony with the environment. The city will span an area of 1.5 kilometers and include 1,500 freehold residential units, commercial units, and spaces dedicated to culture and entertainment. The city will also house BEAAH’s headquarters, which has achieved Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Platinum certification.
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative was published on June 26, 2025, and aligns with recent reports from June 19, 2025, detailing the unveiling of Khalid Bin Sultan City by Zaha Hadid Architects and BEEAH Group. ([designboom.com](https://www.designboom.com/architecture/zaha-hadid-architects-smart-city-masterplan-sharjah-uae-shaded-oasis-spine-beeah-06-19-2025/?utm_source=openai)) The content appears original, with no evidence of prior publication or recycling. The article includes updated data, such as the project’s official unveiling date, which justifies a higher freshness score.
Quotes check
Score:
9
Notes:
The article does not contain direct quotes, indicating a high level of originality. The absence of direct quotations suggests that the content is likely exclusive or original.
Source reliability
Score:
6
Notes:
The narrative originates from Yanko Design, a design-focused publication. While it is a reputable source within its niche, it may not have the same level of authority as major news outlets. The report is based on information from BEEAH Group and Zaha Hadid Architects, both of which are verifiable entities with established public presences.
Plausability check
Score:
8
Notes:
The claims about Khalid Bin Sultan City align with information from other reputable sources, such as Designboom and ArchDaily, which describe the project’s design and features. ([designboom.com](https://www.designboom.com/architecture/zaha-hadid-architects-smart-city-masterplan-sharjah-uae-shaded-oasis-spine-beeah-06-19-2025/?utm_source=openai), [archdaily.com](https://www.archdaily.com/1031357/zaha-hadid-architects-designs-master-plan-for-sharjah-featuring-two-kilometre-central-oasis?utm_source=openai)) The narrative’s language and tone are consistent with typical architectural project announcements, and there are no signs of sensationalism or inconsistencies.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The narrative is fresh, original, and corroborated by other reputable sources. The absence of direct quotes and the alignment with information from BEEAH Group and Zaha Hadid Architects further support its credibility. The source, Yanko Design, is reliable within its niche, and the content’s plausibility is consistent with other reports on the project.
