Sharjah Sustainable City Guide

Sharjah Sustainable City is the UAE’s first fully operational sustainable residential community, located in the Al Rahmaniya area of Sharjah. It features net-zero energy villas with integrated solar panels and water recycling, promoting a car-lite, community-focused lifestyle with lower utility costs, though it requires a higher initial investment and a longer commute.

Where is Sharjah Sustainable City Located?

Sharjah Sustainable City is situated in the Al Rahmaniya area, off the Sharjah-Ras Al Khaimah Road (E102). This provides access to Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road (E311) for connections to central Sharjah and Dubai.

The location is on the periphery of the city, resulting in commutes of approximately 15-20 minutes to central Sharjah and 40-60 minutes to Dubai.

What Types of Properties are Available?

The community exclusively offers modern, terraced villas engineered for sustainability.

Villa Types and Key Eco-Features:

  • 3, 4, and 5-Bedroom Terraced Villas: The primary housing, sold on a freehold basis.
  • Integrated Solar Power: Rooftop photovoltaic panels generate enough electricity to make each villa a net-zero energy home.
  • Energy-Efficient Design: Features include high-performance insulation and windows to reduce cooling needs.
  • Water Recycling Systems: Greywater is treated and reused for irrigating drought-resistant native landscaping.
  • Villas also include smart home technology to monitor real-time energy and water consumption.

What is the Cost of Living in Sharjah Sustainable City?

The community represents a premium investment due to its advanced technology. While specific prices vary, the key financial model is long-term savings on utilities.

Residents typically report utility bills (DEWA) that are 50-70% lower than in comparable conventional villas due to solar energy generation and efficient design.

Daily Life and Community Amenities

Daily life is designed to be self-sufficient, minimizing the need for external trips.

Shopping and Retail:

  • Central Bio-Dome Marketplace: A climate-controlled hub housing an organic supermarket, cafes, retail outlets, and essential services like clinics and salons.
  • On-Site Organic Farm: Provides fresh produce for residents, reducing food miles.

Dining and Social Life:

  • Cafés and eateries within the bio-dome focus on healthy, organic options.
  • Regular community events like farmers' markets and workshops foster social interaction.

Recreation and Green Spaces:

  • Car-Free Promenades: An extensive network of shaded walking and cycling paths.
  • Urban Farming Plots: Community gardening areas and greenhouses.
  • Sports Facilities: Includes an equestrian center, swimming pools, gyms, and sports courts.

Transportation and Commuting

The community employs a unique "car-lite" internal design but relies on cars for external commutes.

Internal Transport:

  • Cars are parked in shaded perimeter lots. Primary internal transport includes electric golf carts, bicycles, and walking via the shaded pathways.

External Commute and EV Support:

  • To Central Sharjah: 15-20 minute drive.
  • To Dubai: 40-60 minute drive, depending on destination and traffic.
  • EV Charging Stations: The community is equipped with stations to support electric vehicle ownership.

Is Sharjah Sustainable City Good for Families?

Yes, it is specifically designed for health-conscious, community-oriented families.

Schools and Education:

  • Future On-Site School: Plans are in place for a sustainability-focused school within the community.
  • Current Options: Families currently commute to schools in University City, approximately a 15-20 minute drive away.

Healthcare and Wellness:

  • Integrated Wellness Center: An on-site facility focusing on preventative and holistic care is planned.
  • Proximity to Hospitals: University Hospital Sharjah and other major hospitals are a short drive away.

What are the Pros and Cons of Living Here?

A factual breakdown clarifies the value proposition and trade-offs.

Advantages of Sharjah Sustainable City:

  • Major Utility Cost Savings (High ROI via Operational Savings): Dramatically lower electricity and water bills.
  • Tangible Environmental Impact: Significantly reduced personal carbon footprint.
  • Safe, Car-Free Community Design: Promotes active living and neighbor interaction.
  • Health-Focused Amenities: Access to organic food, clean air, and extensive recreational paths.
  • Future-Proof, Sustainable Investment: Aligns with global green building trends.

Disadvantages of Sharjah Sustainable City:

  • Higher Initial Investment (Capital Outlay): Purchase prices are higher than for conventional villas.
  • Peripheral Location: Longer commutes to central Sharjah, Dubai, and major employment hubs.
  • Evolving Community: Some master-planned amenities are still in development phases.
  • Lifestyle Adaptation Required: Residents must embrace internal car-lite travel and active community participation.

Who is Sharjah Sustainable City Best Suited For?

This community caters to a specific, values-driven resident profile.

Sharjah Sustainable City is an ideal fit for:

  • Environmentally conscious families and individuals for whom sustainability is a core value.
  • Residents seek a tight-knit, safe, and interactive community environment.
  • Homebuyers are willing to make a higher upfront investment for long-term utility savings and capital growth potential.
  • Those comfortable with a car-lite internal lifestyle and longer external commutes.

Sharjah Sustainable City is likely not the best fit for:

  • Buyers with a strict budget focused on the lowest possible initial purchase price.
  • Professionals requiring ultra-short, daily commutes to central Dubai or Sharjah business districts.
  • Those who prefer a conventional, car-dependent suburban layout with immediate access to a wide variety of external retail and entertainment.

For a detailed analysis of investment and living in pioneering sustainable communities, consult the green property specialists at Eplog Offplan Properties.

Frequently Asked Questions

1: What makes a villa in Sharjah Sustainable City "net-zero energy"?

Each villa is covered with rooftop solar panels that generate enough electricity to power the home's annual consumption. Any surplus is fed back into the grid, effectively netting out the energy used over a year.

2: How much can residents save on utility bills?

Residents typically report savings of 50% to 70% on their DEWA (Dubai Electricity and Water Authority) bills compared to living in a similar-sized conventional villa, due to solar power and high-efficiency design.

3: Is Sharjah Sustainable City fully finished and operational?

The community is fully operational with residents living in completed villas. However, as a phased development, some master-planned amenities, like the dedicated on-site school, are in future development phases.

4: Do you need a car to live in Sharjah Sustainable City?

A car is necessary for commuting outside the community. Internally, the design is "car-lite," with electric golf carts, bicycles, and walking as the primary modes of transport within the safe, car-free courtyards and pathways.

5: Who is the developer of Sharjah Sustainable City?

The community is developed by Diamond Developers, the same group behind The Sustainable City in Dubai. It is the first fully operational sustainable community of its kind in Sharjah.