
Al Khezamia Area Guide
Al Khezamia is a quiet, established residential suburb in eastern Sharjah, known for its affordable standalone villas and family-centric community. It offers excellent value for space and a peaceful environment in exchange for mandatory car ownership and long commutes to central business districts. This area is ideal for families and professionals working in Ajman or nearby industrial zones who prioritize a spacious, private home over urban walkability and amenities.
Where is Al Khezamia Located in Sharjah?
Al Khezamia is situated in eastern Sharjah, near the border with Ajman. It is accessed via the E88 (Sharjah Ring Road) and arterial roads leading to the Al Sajaa industrial area. Its location is suburban and requires driving for all needs.
Al Khezamia is primarily a villa and townhouse community, with properties offering significant private outdoor space at competitive rental rates.
What Types of Properties are in Al Khezamia?
The housing market is defined by standalone villas and townhouse compounds. It serves the family market seeking space and privacy on a budget.
Primary Property Types:
- Standalone Villas: Typically 3 to 5-bedroom homes from the 1980s-2000s, featuring walled gardens, shaded parking, and family-oriented layouts.
- Townhouse Compounds: Gated clusters of modern attached homes, often with shared amenities like pools and playgrounds.
- Low-Rise Apartments: A limited number of older apartment buildings on main roads provide a more affordable entry point.
What are the Rental Prices in Al Khezamia?
Al Khezamia offers some of the most affordable villa rents in the Sharjah-Ajman corridor. Market analysis shows it provides approximately 25-40% more square footage per rental dirham than newer, centrally-located townhouses.
Current Estimated Annual Rental Ranges:
- 3-Bedroom Villa: AED 55,000 – AED 75,000
- 4-Bedroom Villa: AED 65,000 – AED 90,000
- 3-Bedroom Townhouse: AED 60,000 – AED 85,000
- 2-Bedroom Apartment: AED 35,000 – AED 50,000
Daily Life and Local Amenities in Al Khezamia
Daily life is car-dependent. The suburb has essential services within a short drive, but comprehensive shopping and diverse dining require trips to larger commercial hubs.
Shopping and Retail:
- Local Supermarkets: Served by branches of Al Madina Supermarket, Al Maya, and West Zone.
- Hypermarket Access: Larger Carrefour or Lulu Hypermarket stores are a 10-15 minute drive to Al Sajaa or Ajman.
- Major Malls: Ajman City Centre or Sharjah City Centre are a 20-25 minute drive.
Dining and Cafés:
- The scene is practical, reliable, and family-focused.
- Local cafeterias and casual restaurants serving shawarma, grilled chicken, and Indian/Pakistani meals.
- A few popular Lebanese and Syrian grill restaurants.
- Simple Arabic coffee shops as social hubs.
Transportation and Commute Times from Al Khezamia
A personal vehicle is mandatory for every household. Public transport is not a viable option for daily commuting or errands.
Average Drive Times (Peak Traffic):
- To Central Sharjah (Al Majaz): 30 to 50 minutes
- To Dubai (via E311): 50 minutes to over 90 minutes
- To Ajman City Centre / Free Zone: 10 to 20 minutes
- To Sharjah International Airport: 25 to 40 minutes
Is Al Khezamia Family-Friendly?
Yes, Al Khezamia is considered highly family-friendly for those prioritizing home space. It attracts a settled community of middle-income Arab, South Asian, and local Emirati families.
Key Family Considerations:
- Space and Privacy: Villas offer private gardens and quiet streets.
- Community Vibe: A stable, neighborly, and family-oriented atmosphere.
- Schools: There are no schools within Al Khezamia. Families commute to schools in other parts of Sharjah or Ajman.
- Lack of Public Parks: No public parks or playgrounds within the suburb; recreation is home-based.
What are the Pros and Cons of Living in Al Khezamia?
Advantages of Al Khezamia:
- Exceptional Value for Space: Some of the most affordable villas in the region.
- Peaceful and Private Environment: Quiet, low-density streets ideal for family life.
- Proximity to Ajman & Industry: Ideal for professionals working in the Ajman Free Zone or Al Sajaa Industrial Area.
- Strong Community Feel: A stable, family-focused environment.
- No Parking Stress: Guaranteed driveway or garage parking.
Disadvantages of Al Khezamia:
- Long Commutes: Significant daily driving to central Sharjah or Dubai.
- Limited Walkable Amenities: Requires driving for diverse shopping, dining, and entertainment.
- Complete Car Dependency: At least one vehicle per household is essential.
- Aging Housing Stock: Many villas require updates and have high utility (AC) costs.
- No Public Green Space: No parks or recreational facilities within the neighborhood.
Who is Al Khezamia Best Suited For?
This is a pragmatic suburban choice for a specific, home-centric lifestyle.
Ideal For:
- Families with children seeking a spacious villa with a private garden on a sensible budget.
- Residents who work in Ajman or the Al Sajaa Industrial Area and want a short, reverse commute.
- Those who value a quiet, private home environment over walkability and a dynamic local scene.
- Homebodies are content to socialize at home or drive for weekend entertainment.
Less Suitable For:
- Daily commuters to central Dubai or DIFC with low traffic tolerance.
- Singles or young couples seeking a vibrant, walkable social scene.
- Families who need a school within walking distance.
- Anyone unwilling to drive for groceries and basic errands.
How to Evaluate if Al Khezamia is Right for You
- Audit Your Weekly Drive Time: Map realistic drives to work, your children's school, preferred supermarket, and a weekend destination. Calculate total weekly hours spent in the car.
- Hire a Technical Inspector: For any villa, invest in a professional inspection (cost: ~AED 2,500-4,000) to assess the roof, plumbing, electrical wiring, and AC chiller units.
- Test Utility Systems: Visit a potential home during peak afternoon heat. Run all air conditioning units simultaneously and test water pressure in all bathrooms.
- Research Compound Management: If considering a townhouse, investigate the homeowners association (HOA) fees and rules. Eplog offplan Properties can provide due diligence on community management.
- Verify Modern Infrastructure: Confirm the availability and reliability of high-speed fiber internet (e.g., Etisalat Fibre) and check for any history of inconsistent municipal water supply with neighbors.
Frequently Asked Questions
1: What is the average cost to rent a 4-bedroom villa in Al Khezamia?
The average annual rent for a 4-bedroom villa in Al Khezamia ranges from approximately AED 65,000 to AED 90,000, offering strong value for a family-sized home with a private garden.
2: How long is the commute from Al Khezamia to Dubai?
The drive to areas like Dubai Investments Park (DIP) can take 50 to 90+ minutes during morning rush hour, heavily dependent on traffic congestion on the E311 highway and at the Sharjah-Dubai border.
3: Are there any parks or playgrounds in Al Khezamia?
There are no public parks or playgrounds within Al Khezamia itself. Recreation is based in private villa gardens or requires a drive to the corniche areas in Ajman or Sharjah.
4: Can children walk to school in Al Khezamia?
No. There are no schools within the suburb. All children are transported by private vehicle or school bus to educational institutions in other districts.
5: What are the biggest challenges of living in Al Khezamia?
The two primary challenges are the long daily commutes for work and the complete dependence on a private vehicle for all activities, including basic shopping.
