Sharjah Waterfront: 5 New Island Projects With Family-Friendly Amenities in 2025

REAL ESTATE1 month ago

Sharjah’s AED 25B real estate market in 2024 (15% YoY growth, 35,000 transactions) offers villas (AED 1.5M–8M) and apartments (AED 260K–2M) with 5–7% ROI and 4–6% appreciation by 2029. Sharjah Waterfront City, a AED 25B (USD 6.8B) mixed-use development by Sharjah Oasis and Ajmal Makan, spans 60 million sq ft across 10 islands in Al Hamriyah, extending the emirate’s coastline by 36 km.

Designed for family-friendly living, it features eco-friendly villas and apartments with beachfront access, 60% green spaces, and amenities like infinity pools, playgrounds, and retail. Five new island projects Sun Island Villas, The View Island, Al Thuraya Island, Blue Beach Residence, and Blue Waves offer 1–7-bedroom residences (AED 260K–8M, 1,000–5,729 sqft) with sustainable designs and family-oriented facilities.

This guide analyzes these projects, detailing freehold benefits, tax incentives, sustainability features, and investment potential, supported by 2024–2025 data.

1. Sun Island Villas

Project Details: Developed by Ajmal Makan, this project offers 321 4–7-bedroom villas (AED 2.5M–8M, 2,773–5,119 sqft) with private pools, beachfront access, and smart home systems (AI-controlled lighting, AC). Features include a 1.5M sqft water theme park, kids’ playgrounds, and a yacht club for 800 yachts. Completed Phase 1 (2024), Phase 2 ongoing. Average price: AED 901–1,563 psf.
Freehold Benefits: 100% freehold ownership for expats, registered via Sharjah Real Estate Registration Department (SRERD). Enables global resale and inheritance without restrictions.
Tax Incentives: Zero personal income tax on rentals (AED 75K–240K/year), zero capital gains tax on profits (e.g., AED 100K–480K by 2029), and no property tax. 2% SRERD fee (AED 50K–160K). Free zone ownership (e.g., Hamriyah Free Zone) ensures 0% corporate tax.
Sustainability Features: Solar water heaters, energy-efficient windows, and 60% green spaces (parks, beaches). Aligns with Sharjah Sustainability Strategy and SDG 11.
Investment Potential: 6–7% ROI, with 80% occupancy due to family-friendly amenities and tourism (2.5M visitors in 2024). AED 1.6B in 2024 sales. 4–6% appreciation by 2029 (e.g., AED 4.5M villa to AED 4.68M–4.77M). Golden Visa eligible (AED 2M+).
Impact: Luxury family living with beachfront views. Tax savings (AED 50K–720K) and connectivity (20 min to Sharjah International Airport, 20 min to Dubai via water taxi) attract GCC and Asian buyers.

2. The View Island

Project Details: Ajmal Makan’s project offers 4–5-bedroom villas and townhouses (AED 2.2M–5M, 1,917–5,414 sqft), including Aryam Villas (5BR), Perla and Alba Townhouses (4BR). Features infinity pools, kids’ play areas, cycling tracks, and a floating cinema. Handover Q2 2026 with 40/60 payment plans. Average price: AED 1,147–923 psf.
Freehold Benefits: 100% freehold ownership, registered via SRERD. Supports global resale and legacy planning.
Tax Incentives: Zero personal income tax on rentals (AED 66K–150K/year), zero capital gains tax on profits (e.g., AED 88K–300K by 2029), and no property tax. 2% SRERD fee (AED 44K–100K). Free zone ownership ensures 0% corporate tax.
Sustainability Features: Solar-powered infrastructure, landscaped gardens, and water-efficient systems. Aligns with Sharjah Sustainability Strategy and SDG 13.
Investment Potential: 6–7% ROI, with 80% occupancy due to resort-style amenities and waterfront appeal. AED 800M in 2024 pre-sales. 4–6% appreciation by 2029 (e.g., AED 2.2M villa to AED 2.29M–2.33M). Golden Visa eligible.
Impact: Resort-like family living. Tax savings (AED 44K–450K) and proximity to Ajman (25 min) and Dubai (30 min) attract European and regional buyers.

3. Al Thuraya Island

Project Details: Ajmal Makan’s exclusive island offers 4–6-bedroom villas (AED 3M–7M, 2,800–5,729 sqft) with private beaches, maid’s rooms, and panoramic sea views. Amenities include a clubhouse, water slides, and family-friendly parks. Handover Q3 2026. Average price: AED 1,071–1,222 psf.
Freehold Benefits: 100% freehold ownership, registered via SRERD. Enables global resale and inheritance.
Tax Incentives: Zero personal income tax on rentals (AED 90K–210K/year), zero capital gains tax on profits (e.g., AED 120K–420K by 2029), and no property tax. 2% SRERD fee (AED 60K–140K). Free zone ownership ensures 0% corporate tax.
Sustainability Features: Eco-friendly designs, green spaces, and energy-efficient systems. Aligns with Sharjah Sustainability Strategy and SDG 11.
Investment Potential: 6–7% ROI, with 85% occupancy due to exclusivity and family amenities. AED 900M in 2024 pre-sales. 4–6% appreciation by 2029 (e.g., AED 4.5M villa to AED 4.68M–4.77M). Golden Visa eligible.
Impact: Private luxury for families. Tax savings (AED 60K–630K) and connectivity (30 min to Sharjah Airport) attract GCC and Indian buyers.

4. Blue Beach Residence

Project Details: Ajmal Makan’s project offers 1–2-bedroom apartments (AED 600K–2M, 1,000–1,800 sqft) in a twin 6-story complex. Features infinity pools, kids’ play areas, fitness centers, and waterfront dining. Handover Q2 2026. Average price: AED 600–1,111 psf.
Freehold Benefits: 100% freehold ownership, registered via SRERD. Supports global resale and legacy planning.
Tax Incentives: Zero personal income tax on rentals (AED 30K–60K/year), zero capital gains tax on profits (e.g., AED 24K–120K by 2029), and no property tax. 2% SRERD fee (AED 12K–40K). Free zone ownership ensures 0% corporate tax.
Sustainability Features: Energy-efficient windows, landscaped trails, and waste management systems. Aligns with Sharjah Sustainability Strategy and SDG 11.
Investment Potential: 5–6% ROI, with 80% occupancy due to affordability and family-friendly amenities. AED 500M in 2024 pre-sales. 4–6% appreciation by 2029 (e.g., AED 600K apartment to AED 624K–636K). Golden Visa eligible (AED 2M+).
Impact: Affordable waterfront living for young families. Tax savings (AED 12K–180K) and access to Al Ittihad Road (5 min) attract regional buyers.

5. Blue Waves

Project Details: Ajmal Makan’s twin 6-story complex offers studio, 1–2-bedroom apartments (AED 260K–1.5M, 500–1,500 sqft) with smart home features, pools, spas, and kids’ play areas. Handover Q2 2026. Average price: AED 520–1,000 psf.
Freehold Benefits: 100% freehold ownership, registered via SRERD. Enables global resale and inheritance.
Tax Incentives: Zero personal income tax on rentals (AED 15K–45K/year), zero capital gains tax on profits (e.g., AED 10K–90K by 2029), and no property tax. 2% SRERD fee (AED 5K–30K). Free zone ownership ensures 0% corporate tax.
Sustainability Features: Solar-powered systems, green landscaping, and eco-friendly materials. Aligns with Sharjah Sustainability Strategy and SDG 13.
Investment Potential: 5–6% ROI, with 80% occupancy due to low entry prices and tourism appeal. AED 400M in 2024 pre-sales. 4–6% appreciation by 2029 (e.g., AED 260K studio to AED 270K–275K). Golden Visa eligible (AED 2M+ for multiple units).
Impact: Budget-friendly waterfront homes. Tax savings (AED 5K–135K) and connectivity to Dubai (20 min via E311) attract young professionals and investors.

Market Trends and Outlook for 2025

Yields and Appreciation: Sharjah Waterfront City offers 5–7% ROI and 4–6% appreciation, driven by AED 25B in 2024 transactions (15% YoY growth). Prices rose 7% in 2024 (AED 520–1,563 psf). Short-term rentals grew 10%, with 80–85% occupancy due to tourism (2.5M visitors in 2024, targeting 4M by 2030).
Freehold and Tax Environment: Freehold laws since 2006 allow 100% expat ownership, boosting demand (30% foreign ownership in 2024). Zero personal income, capital gains, and property taxes, with a 2% SRERD fee, ensure tax efficiency. Free zone entities (e.g., Hamriyah Free Zone) offer 0% corporate tax. No fee changes confirmed for 2025.
Infrastructure Impact: Connectivity via Al Ittihad Road (E11), Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road (E311), and a water taxi (20 min to Dubai Marina) boosts values by 15–20%. Planned amenities (1.6M sqft theme park, 3M sqft mall, 800-berth marina) drive rentals (AED 500–2,000/night). Proximity to Sharjah University and hospitals enhances family appeal.
Investor Drivers: Freehold status, flexible payment plans (40/60, 10% down), and Golden Visa eligibility (AED 2M+) fuel 50% of demand, particularly from GCC (30%), India (20%), and Europe (15%). Affordability (50% cheaper than Dubai at AED 6,000 psf), family amenities (playgrounds, schools), and sustainability (solar systems, green spaces) attract investors.
Risks: Oversupply (1,500+ units by 2027), AML compliance costs (AED 5K–15K), and off-plan delays pose a 5–8% correction risk in H2 2025. Mitigated by 80% absorption, escrow accounts, and SRERD regulations.
Regulatory Framework: SRERD ensures transparency via digital title deeds. Escrow laws protect off-plan investments (handover Q2–Q3 2026). Freehold zones allow inheritance with no estate tax; Sharjah’s legal framework recommended for non-Muslims.

Investment Strategy

Diversification: Invest in Sun Island Villas (AED 2.5M–8M, 6–7% ROI) or Al Thuraya Island (AED 3M–7M, 6–7% ROI) for luxury family villas, The View Island (AED 2.2M–5M, 6–7% ROI) for resort-style living, or Blue Beach Residence/Blue Waves (AED 260K–2M, 5–6% ROI) for affordable apartments.
Entry Points: Off-plan units (10% down, 40/60 plans) offer flexibility. Completed units (Sun Island Phase 1) suit immediate rentals (AED 15K–240K/year).
Tax Optimization: Hold properties personally to avoid 9% corporate tax or use Hamriyah Free Zone entities for 0% corporate tax. Pay 2% SRERD fee and recover input VAT (AED 3K–20K/year) via UAE FTA registration. Consult advisors like Binayah Properties for compliance.
Process: Verify freehold status via SRERD portals. Pay 2% SRERD fee and secure NOC. Use platforms like Property Finder, dxboffplan.com, or ajmalmakan.com. Required documents: passport copy, proof of funds, no UAE visa needed. Documents must be translated into Arabic and legalized.

Conclusion

In 2025, Sharjah Waterfront City’s five new island projects Sun Island Villas, The View Island, Al Thuraya Island, Blue Beach Residence, and Blue Waves offer 5–7% ROI and 4–6% appreciation, backed by AED 25B in 2024 transactions. Freehold laws enable global ownership, while tax advantages zero personal income, capital gains, and property taxes, and a 2% SRERD fee (saving AED 5K–720K) maximize returns.

Sustainability features (solar systems, 60% green spaces) align with Sharjah Sustainability Strategy and SDGs. Despite a 5–8% correction risk from oversupply, 80% absorption, escrow protections, and infrastructure (marina, theme park, malls) ensure stability.

With affordable pricing (AED 260K–8M), family-friendly amenities (playgrounds, pools), and connectivity (20 min to Dubai), these projects attract GCC, Indian, and European buyers.