Arada has awarded a contract worth AED 604 million to Modern Building Contracting Company (MBCC) for the construction of the first phase of the Arada Central Business District (CBD). This new commercial hub is part of the AED 35 billion Aljada megaproject in Sharjah. Construction is set to begin immediately, with the completion and handover targeted for the first quarter of 2027.

The initial phase includes eight smart office blocks, among which is Arada’s headquarters. This nine-floor building will serve as a modern workplace for 1 500 employees and features extensive amenities, including a roof accessible for events, an amphitheatre, a ground floor café, and a staff restaurant. A grand atrium will connect all departments visually and physically within the headquarters.

The first phase will also provide 812 000 square feet of Grade A leasable space, 1 666 parking spaces, 76 000 square feet of landscaped green space, and 26 500 square feet of retail space. Ahmed Alkhoshaibi, Group CEO of Arada, mentioned that there has been strong investor demand for commercial space in this area, reflecting the overall performance of the real estate sector in the UAE. He emphasized the strategic location of Arada CBD near Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road, international airports, and the upcoming Etihad Rail station.

A notable feature of Arada CBD will be its ‘green spine,’ a forest park that runs through the district, offering shaded walkways, an amphitheatre, and green rooftop terraces on most buildings. The development will also include various cafés, dining options, and retail spaces, alongside ample parking facilities.

Upon completion, the entire Arada CBD will consist of 40 smart buildings offering 4.3 million square feet of prime leasable space, aiming for LEED, WiredScore, and SmartScore certifications, which are significant for sustainability and connectivity in Sharjah. Each office will incorporate smart technologies as part of Aljada’s smart city initiative, enhancing waste management, traffic control, and energy efficiency.

Currently, 30% of Aljada’s planned 25 000 homes are completed, accompanied by various entertainment, retail, and educational facilities. This includes the SABIS International School–Aljada, the Wellfit Madar flagship gym, the Zad food truck park, and Aljada Skate Park. The entire Aljada project spans 24 million square feet, making it Sharjah’s largest development, featuring residential areas, hospitality, entertainment, sports, education, and healthcare facilities within a walkable, green community.

Arada, established in 2017 and based in the UAE, focuses on property development, retail, education, and hospitality, and has launched several record-breaking communities in Sharjah and Dubai.