Madar at Aljada, Sharjah’s new entertainment complex features a Playscape, Skatepark and more – in pictures

It’s also all set to host a food festival this weekend

Madar at Aljada opened it’s doors to the public on Thursday, February 27. Reem Mohammed/The National

The colourful, family-friendly entertainment complex contains a number of attractions including a skatepark for adventure enthusiasts and playscape area for children. Reem Mohammed/The National

The entertainment complex is also home to the Aljada Discovery Centre, designed by Zaha Hadid. Reem Mohammed/The National

The elliptical building showcases the elements of the city’s master plan, and provides prospective homeowners with an opportunity to find out what living in Aljada is all about. Reem Mohammed/The National

Madar at Aljada's Playscape is a children’s adventure zone that features tower frames, swings. trampolines and slides. Reem Mohammed/The National

Located adjacent to Playscape is Madar’s skatepark. Reem Mohammed/The National

The skatepark aims to be a new home for adventure sports enthusiasts. Reem Mohammed/The National

The complex is also home to 14 food and beverage outlets. Reem Mohammed/The National

Food outlets housed in a redesigned shipping container at Madar. Reem Mohammed/The National

Colourful and artistic container design at Madar. Reem Mohammed/The National

Designed by the students from the American University of Sharjah, the AUS Pavilion is an architectural structure designed to provide shade and a communal area for residents and visitors to Aljada. Reem Mohammed/The National

The Aljada Discovery Centre, designed by Zaha Hadid Architects at Madar. Reem Mohammed/The National

The Aljada Discovery Centre, designed by Zaha Hadid Architects at Madar. Reem Mohammed/The National

The Aljada Discovery Centre, designed by Zaha Hadid Architects at Madar. Reem Mohammed/The National

Thursday, February 27, saw the launch of Madar At Aljada, a 2.2-square-kilometre entertainment complex located in the Muwaileh district of Sharjah.

The family-friendly destination contains a number of activities and attractions including YourSpace, a fully-fledged events hall; an amphitheatre for outdoor events; Playscape, a children’s adventure zone and Skatepark – for adrenaline junkies and sports enthusiasts.

Meanwhile, foodies will have plenty to look forward to as well; the destination is home to Zad, a dining hub with 18 food and beverage outlets including Sushi Station, Krush Burger and Chicken ’n’ Cone. Giving it a fun, hipster feel, each outlet is housed inside a redesigned shipping container.

Guests can also check out the AUS Pavilion, a space designed by students from the American University of Sharjah, created to provide shade and become a communal area within the complex. Taking pride of place, however, is the Aljada Discovery Centre, a futuristic, elliptical building designed by Zaha Hadid Architects.

“We are taking a new step in the march of Sharjah, defined by development, prosperity and civilizational, architectural, cultural, and scientific renaissance,” said Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, chairman of Arada, the Sharjah-based real estate company behind the complex.

The name “Madar” is derived from the Arabic word for path or orbit, a representation of the freedom of movement of people within this site, while paying tribute to the building by Zaha Hadid Architects that features elliptical buildings surrounding a central point.

Meanwhile, the destination already has a packed calendar full of activities. Every weekend, it will host an event to attract a different community across the UAE.

Thursday, March 5 to Saturday, March 7, will see the launch of Flavour Fiesta, a food festival celebrating the arrival of the food and beverage offerings within the space. Guests can expect interactive classes, talks and, of course, good food throughout the weekend.

Friday, March 13, will have a performing arts event featuring live music.

Friday, March 20 to Saturday, March 21, will see the complex host The Craft Hands, a craft market featuring classes, stalls, talks and shows to keep kids entertained and help them embrace their creative side.

Madar at Aljada is open daily from 8am to 10am. More information can be found at www.aljada.com/en