What happened?
Sharjah has announced plans to build two residential developments in the sea off the coast of Kalba as part of the city’s long-term masterplan.
Who is affected?
Future residents, investors, tourists, and visitors to Kalba, along with the wider UAE real estate and tourism sectors.
Why does it matter?
The project introduces a unique approach to waterfront living in the UAE while supporting Kalba’s transformation into a major tourism, heritage, and leisure destination.
Sharjah to Build Homes Inside the Sea as Kalba Unveils Bold New Waterfront Vision
Sharjah is preparing to introduce one of the UAE’s most distinctive residential developments yet. The emirate has announced plans to build homes directly within the sea off the coast of Kalba, marking a major milestone in the city’s ongoing transformation.
The announcement was made by His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, during the Direct Line programme on Sharjah Broadcasting Authority.
The Sharjah Sea Homes project will be located behind the University of Kalba and extend towards the coastline. While authorities have confirmed the concept and location, further details—including the number of homes, construction schedule, investment value and ownership model—have not yet been released.
The development forms part of a much larger vision that has been reshaping Kalba over the past several years through infrastructure upgrades, tourism projects and heritage conservation.
Kalba’s master plan continues to reshape the city’s future
The new sea-based residential developments are not standalone projects. They are part of the wider Khor Kalba City masterplan, which Sharjah has been implementing since 2019.
The long-term vision focuses on balancing modern development with environmental protection and cultural preservation. Kalba, located on Sharjah’s east coast overlooking the Gulf of Oman, is known for its mangrove reserve, natural landscapes and archaeological sites.
According to the Ruler of Sharjah, the city’s development has always aimed to improve residents’ quality of life while creating new attractions that encourage tourism and investment.
Instead of replacing Kalba’s identity, the masterplan has focused on enhancing it through carefully planned projects that respect the area’s heritage.
Homes inside the sea will be built behind the University of Kalba
One of the biggest talking points is the location of the new residential developments.
Unlike traditional waterfront communities built along the shoreline, these homes will be constructed within the sea itself behind the University of Kalba, creating a new style of coastal living in the emirate.
Although officials have confirmed the project’s location, several important details remain under wraps.
Authorities have not yet announced:
- Number of residential units
- Construction timeline
- Project investment
- Architectural designs
- Buyer eligibility
- Sales or allocation process
These details are expected to be shared closer to the official launch of the wider Kalba development projects.
More projects are scheduled to open later this year
The sea homes are only one part of a broader development programme planned for Kalba.
According to official announcements, several projects are expected to open in December, including:
- A new Kalba Corniche
- Al Hayer Lake and rest area
- Compensation housing projects
- Road upgrades in Wadi Al Helo
- Improved transport infrastructure
- Additional public facilities
These developments aim to improve connectivity, expand public spaces and support the city’s growing tourism sector.
Together, they represent one of the largest coordinated development phases Kalba has seen in recent years.
Tourism and real estate could both benefit
Kalba has steadily grown into one of the UAE’s emerging leisure destinations, attracting visitors looking for beaches, mountains, wildlife and outdoor experiences.
The city is already home to attractions such as the Kalba Hanging Gardens, Kalba Waterfront, the Kalba Bird of Prey Centre and the internationally recognised Khor Kalba Mangrove Centre.
Adding unique sea-based residential communities could strengthen Kalba’s appeal among visitors while introducing a different style of waterfront living within the UAE’s property market.
For the real estate sector, the announcement reflects Sharjah’s continued investment in destination-led developments that combine lifestyle, tourism and public infrastructure.
However, the commercial impact will become clearer once authorities release information about the project’s scale, timeline and investment strategy.
Sharjah continues investing beyond its main city
Over the past few years, Sharjah has expanded development beyond its central urban areas.
Projects across Khorfakkan, Kalba and other eastern region cities have focused on improving roads, tourism facilities, public parks, waterfront attractions and hospitality infrastructure.
This broader strategy supports economic diversification by encouraging domestic tourism, creating employment opportunities and attracting private investment into new communities.
The sea-based housing project reflects that long-term vision rather than a single real estate launch.
For now, the concept has generated significant interest because of its unique location, but the next phase will depend on further announcements from Sharjah authorities.
FAQs
Where will the new sea homes be built?
The residential developments will be built behind the University of Kalba, extending into the sea along the city’s coastline.
Who announced the project?
His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, announced the project during the Direct Line programme on Sharjah Broadcasting Authority.
When will construction begin?
No official construction timeline has been announced yet.
Can people buy these homes?
Authorities have not yet confirmed whether the homes will be sold to private buyers, allocated to citizens or developed for another purpose.
What other projects are planned for Kalba?
Upcoming projects include the Kalba Corniche, Al Hayer Lake, compensation housing, road improvements and additional tourism and infrastructure developments expected to be unveiled later this year.
Sharjah’s plan to build homes inside the sea marks another major step in Kalba’s ongoing transformation. While many details are still to be announced, the project highlights the emirate’s long-term commitment to developing its eastern region through sustainable tourism, improved infrastructure and distinctive residential communities.
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