THE city of Sharjah in the UAE is spending Dh1.5 billion ($409 million) on 21 projects as part of its celebrations as the Islamic Culture Captial of 2014.
The 21 projects include new universities, monuments, Islamic parks, traditional markets, museums and libraries, as well as scientific and architectural edifices.Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qassimi, the chairman of Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA), said many of the projects, including the Al Majaz Island amphitheatre, were nearly complete. The Dh140-million ($38 million) amphitheatre covers an area of 7,238 sq m and accommodates up to 4,500 spectators. It is fitted with the latest high-tech equipment that are unprecedented in the region and is expected to deliver outstanding performances.Other projects including a Dh12.55-million ($3.4 million) Islamic park, a Dh8-million ($2.2 million) monument, universites and libraries are being built to emphasise the key role that Sharjah plays as a capital of Islamic culture.