Sharjah:Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Chairman of Sharjah Media Council (SMC), has underscored that the development of the iconic Khorfakkan Amphitheatre aligns with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, to support and promote the emirate’s cultural and artistic landscape as part of Sharjah’s inclusive development strategy. 

The statement came during his visit yesterday (Monday) to the newly opened amphitheatre in the city’s eastern region enclave. Built on a total area of 190,000 sq.ft., this stunning Roman-style attraction is Sharjah’s latest cultural and architectural landmark. Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, HE Tariq Saeed Allay, Director of Sharjah Government Media Bureau (SGMB), and several members from local media houses outlets also attended the tour to explore the venue and learn about its state-of-the-art facilities.

Strategically located on an elevated hillock, at the foot of the Al Sayed mountain, the amphitheatre offers sweeping views of the Khorfakkan Corniche. This open-air semi-circular space boasts an imposing stone façade made up of 235 arches and 295 columns, and can host 3,600 people at a time.

As the group continued their tour of the vast amphitheatre site, the SMC Chairman briefed media representatives on its unique characteristics including the world-class technologies that power the venue’s audio-visual and lighting systems to offer guests remarkable cultural experiences including live concerts. He also mentioned that the amphitheatre features state-of the-art cooling systems, which will allow it to host visitors and big events throughout the year.       

Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi said: “Historically, cultural hubs have played a key role in fuelling knowledge and creativity. Amphitheaters, in particular, have been serving as the gathering place for such pursuits, for centuries. The Khorfakkan Amphitheatre is a spectacular new addition to the city’s cultural and touristic landscape.”

“A popular destination in Sharjah, picturesque Khorfakkan has served as a hub for people to explore art and culture, and connect with our natural landscape. This amphitheatre adds an accent to these experiences – opening a new window to the world to come and enjoy Emirati, Arab and international offerings right here in the UAE’s authentic locales.”

“The amphitheatre is a new milestone in Sharjah’s development journey, and will serve as a prominent tourist destination, stimulating new economic growth, and usher lucrative business and employment opportunities in retail, hospitality and heritage sectors,” Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed concluded, emphasising the key economic role the amphitheatre is expected to play. 

In the second leg of their tour, the Sharjah officials and media delegates continued their tour into the Waterfall Cave, a unique attraction adjacent to the Khorfakkan Amphitheatre, boasting an intriguing cave-like design and situated inside a natural mountain cave, offering vantage views of the picturesque coastal city and its beaches. The group stopped at the restaurant and café inside the cave, and learnt about the latest technologies inside the attraction, which can be used for both business meetings and leisure.