The first gated community in Sharjah is now open for business.

Initially a concept by Naga Architects, the initial phase of the work on Al Zahia was by UAE-based QHC Architects and Engineers, with Khatib & Alami undertaking stages two and three which are yet to be completed.

Developers Majid Al Futtaim are behind the project which is a collaborative effort with the government of the emirate.

“It’s more than bricks and mortar – it is answering people’s lifestyle needs,” said Bader Hareb, the company’s chief property officer.

“It links people with their surroundings to create the lasting bonds which are the foundation of successful neighbourhoods.”

The mixed-use development includes town houses and villas and will eventually be home to 12,000 residents. It also has retail facilities, parks and a mosque in the masterplan.

So far 51 villas have been completed and 49 purchased – the other two are show homes. The developers say by Q2 of next year a further 277 units will be built. So far 90% of these have been sold.

Hareb said: “We see Al Zahia creating a living community and it will also generate a 10-year large-scale employment benefit for the emirate during its construction phase. It is also stimulating the local economy and its benefit is expected to reach around five billion dirhams [$1.36bn].”

Lee Tabler, executive director for communities at the developer added: “Before starting this project we used consultants to interview families and ask them what it is they wanted in the way of a place to live. Only then did we finalise the development plans and engage the architects.”