Corniche upgrade in Fujairah pleases Al Faseel community residents

The upgrade plan for a stretch of beachfront in Fujairah includes entertainment facilities, restaurants, shaded seating areas, public toilets and a jogging track. Antonie Robertson / The National

FUJAIRAH // Residents will soon get what they have been calling for as renovation works begin on Al Faseel Corniche.

For years, people have been asking for more facilities and a more modern waterfront and the upgrade plan included planting palm trees along the beachfront and adding entertainment facilities, restaurants, shaded seating areas, public toilets and a jogging track.

Work on the one-kilometre corniche began this month and is expected to be completed later this year.

“The upgrade project will be designed to welcome more visitors and residents, as it will be a perfect place for arranging community events, festivals and picnics,” said Mohammed Al Afkham, director general of Fujairah Municipality.

Although parts of the corniche are closed for renovation, residents are not displeased because the work is finally under way.

“We waited for so long to finally see it happening. The corniche needed this upgrade and we needed to see a change as the area offers limited services,” said Radwan Al Tunaji, a 28-year-old Emirati from Al Faseel.

“It’s one of the best weekend getaways in the emirate. It gets a bit crowded during the weekend as many families choose to spend their time there. We hope that the upgrade will give us more space and services.”

Other residents said that adding trees will prevent parking close to the water and allow for more space for pedestrians.

“Planting trees near the water will give us more space to sit and relax without worrying about cars driving near us,” said Khadijah Naser, a 31-year-old Emirati mother of two.

“They should also consider adding playgrounds, more food options and public toilets, as many families spend at least two to three hours at the beach and not all of them bring their own food or do barbecues.”

The upgrade came under the directives of Sheikh Maktoum bin Hamad Al Sharqi, Chairman of Fujairah Club, and in line with the emirate’s 2040 master plan.