What happened? Sharjah Ruler Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi has approved the plan for Al Freish Lake in Kalba.
Who is affected? The project is expected to add a new leisure destination for Kalba residents, families and visitors exploring Sharjah’s east coast.
Why does it matter? The lake is part of wider development in Kalba, combining outdoor recreation with the city’s growing tourism and infrastructure offering.
- Location: Behind Al Marsh Square, Kalba, Sharjah
- Organisation: Sharjah Government
- Status: Plan approved; development is underway
- Area: Around 51,200 square metres
- Water capacity: Up to 28 million gallons
- Visitors: Families, residents and tourists
- Parking: 200 spaces
- What’s next: Further development and landscaping; no specific opening date has been announced
Al Freish Lake in Kalba is set to become a new family-friendly outdoor destination in Sharjah, with a large lake, mountain greenery, waterfalls and spaces for walking and relaxing. Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, approved the plan on September 22, 2026. The project will cover around 51,200 square metres and have a water storage capacity of up to 28 million gallons, with 200 parking spaces planned for visitors.
Where will Al Freish Lake be located?
Al Freish Lake will be developed behind Al Marsh Square in Kalba and will stretch for approximately 750 metres.
The location is being developed around the surrounding mountain landscape rather than as a standalone water attraction. According to the Ruler of Sharjah, trees are already being planted on the mountain, with waterfalls planned among the greenery and flowing towards the sea.
Visitors will be able to park their cars and explore the area on foot, making walking and leisurely outings a key part of the project.
What will Al Freish Lake have?
The approved plan covers a sizeable lake with a capacity of up to 28 million gallons of water. The project will also include 200 parking spaces to serve visitors.
Sheikh Sultan described the development as a pleasant park for children and compared it with the Al Rafisah Dam project in Khorfakkan.
The official announcement specifically confirms the mountain landscaping, trees, waterfalls, parking and walking experience. Details about other facilities, such as restaurants, cafés, boating activities or children’s play equipment at Al Freish Lake have not been officially announced, so these should not be assumed as part of the project yet.
How is Al Freish Lake similar to Al Rafisah Dam?
The comparison with Al Rafisah Dam gives visitors an idea of the type of outdoor experience Sharjah is developing, although the two destinations are not identical.
Sharjah’s tourism authority describes Al Rafisah Dam as a mountain destination with a lake, greenery, a man-made waterfall, walking routes and family facilities. It also has boating activities, children’s play areas and a restaurant.
Al Freish Lake has been described by Sheikh Sultan as a similar family-oriented park, but its final visitor facilities will depend on the completed development.
Is Al Freish Lake part of Kalba’s wider development?
Yes. The lake is one part of a broader programme of development taking place across Kalba.
In August 2026, the Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority said work was progressing on the 5.8-kilometre Kalba Ring Road Development Project. The project includes road widening, a third lane, acceleration and deceleration lanes and related infrastructure upgrades.
The road improvements are designed to increase capacity, improve traffic flow and support Kalba’s wider urban development.
Other projects are also planned across the city, adding to Kalba’s mix of leisure, infrastructure and public facilities.
When will Al Freish Lake open?
There is currently no officially confirmed opening date for Al Freish Lake.
The September 22 announcement confirms that Sheikh Sultan has approved the lake’s plan and that work is already progressing, including tree planting around the mountain.
Earlier in 2026, the Sharjah Ruler spoke about several Kalba projects scheduled for openings in December. However, that announcement did not specifically confirm that Al Freish Lake itself would open in December.
This means visitors should wait for an official update before planning a visit to the new lake.
Why It Matters
Al Freish Lake adds another potential outdoor attraction to Kalba, which is already developing a stronger mix of mountain, coastal and family-focused experiences.
For residents, the project could create another place for walks and outdoor time without leaving the east coast of Sharjah. For visitors, it adds another stop to Kalba’s growing tourism offering.
The wider road upgrades are also relevant as new attractions and public projects are developed. Better road capacity and supporting infrastructure can make it easier for residents and visitors to move around the city.
The project also shows how Sharjah is using Kalba’s mountain and coastal setting as part of its wider development plans, rather than relying only on traditional urban attractions.
FAQs
Where is Al Freish Lake being built?
Al Freish Lake is being developed behind Al Marsh Square in Kalba, Sharjah. The lake will be approximately 750 metres long.
How big will Al Freish Lake be?
The approved project covers around 51,200 square metres and will have a water storage capacity of up to 28 million gallons.
Will Al Freish Lake have waterfalls?
Yes. Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi said waterfalls are being developed among the trees planted on the mountain, with the water flowing towards the sea.
Will Al Freish Lake have parking?
Yes. The approved plan includes 200 parking spaces for visitors.
When will Al Freish Lake open?
No specific opening date has been officially announced for Al Freish Lake yet. Development work, including tree planting, is underway.
Al Freish Lake is shaping up to be a new family-friendly nature destination in Kalba, combining a large lake with mountain greenery, waterfalls and walking spaces. While the opening date and final visitor facilities are still to be confirmed, the project adds to a growing list of developments transforming Kalba’s leisure and tourism landscape.
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