Creating the Future City: Khalid Bin Sultan City

Aaliyah Ali
7 Min Read

In the heart of Sharjah, a transformative vision for urban living is emerging. Khalid Bin Sultan City, a pioneering development by BEEAH Group in collaboration with Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA), is set to redefine city planning with its focus on sustainability, smart technology, culture, and community. Unveiled on June 19, 2025, under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah, this project promises to be a landmark of innovation in the UAE and beyond.

Honoring a Legacy

Khalid Bin Sultan City pays tribute to the late Sheikh Khalid bin Sultan Al Qasimi, a visionary in design and urban planning who shaped Sharjah’s architectural identity. BEEAH Group, known for its sustainable energy projects and iconic LEED Platinum-certified headquarters, is spearheading this, its first real estate venture. The project builds on BEEAH’s expertise in environment, energy, technology, and healthcare, aiming to create a city that balances innovation with human-centric design.

HE Khaled Al Huraimel, Group CEO and Vice Chairman of BEEAH, emphasized the project’s significance: “Khalid Bin Sultan City represents a transformative milestone for BEEAH, bringing our principles of sustainability, technology, culture, and community to an urban scale. This project is a testament to our commitment to building smart and sustainable cities that enhance the quality of life for all residents.”

Innovative Design Inspired by Nature

Spanning 1.5 kilometers near Sharjah International Airport, Khalid Bin Sultan City is organized into seven distinct residential neighborhoods, each anchored by a central civic plaza. These plazas, designed to be within a five-minute walk of one another, offer public facilities such as children’s hubs, sports facilities, wellness clinics, and tree-lined boulevards with restaurants and cafés. The master plan, crafted by Zaha Hadid Architects, draws inspiration from the fluid forms of wind-swept desert dunes, creating a multi-centered urban network connected by shaded walkways and vibrant streetscapes.

At the city’s core lies a 2-kilometer-long “linear oasis,” a shaded park that serves as a community hub. This green space features recreational areas, sculpture gardens, wildlife ponds, and tranquil courtyards, fostering social interaction and well-being. Nada Taryam, CEO of Real Estate at BEEAH, highlighted the vision: “We have designed Khalid Bin Sultan City as a dynamic ecosystem where diverse perspectives and talents converge, sparking new ideas and solutions for a sustainable future. The city’s design celebrates heritage, art, and identity, creating an environment that inspires and endures.”

Sustainability as a Foundation

Sustainability is at the heart of Khalid Bin Sultan City. The development incorporates green roofs, extensive landscaping with native plants and trees, and water features to mitigate the desert heat. Renewable energy systems and recycled water infrastructure ensure the city is net-zero ready, aligning with BEEAH’s commitment to environmental stewardship. The design prioritizes walkability and public transport, reducing reliance on cars and promoting a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle.

The city’s smart infrastructure integrates advanced technologies, from sustainable mobility solutions to efficient waste management systems. These features aim to minimize environmental impact while enhancing resident comfort and convenience. The business district, located adjacent to BEEAH’s headquarters, includes incubator spaces for the creative sector, fostering circular design and entrepreneurship.

A Cultural and Community-Centric City

Khalid Bin Sultan City is designed to be a vibrant, people-first community. Each neighborhood’s central plaza serves as a social and wellbeing anchor, encouraging residents to connect and engage. The city also features a contemporary mosque, a cultural center, and public art installations that celebrate Sharjah’s rich heritage and identity. These elements ensure that the city is not just a place to live but a place to thrive.

The project’s 1,500 freehold residential units, along with commercial, cultural, and recreational spaces, cater to diverse needs, making it a dynamic urban hub. The emphasis on walkability, shaded pathways, and green spaces creates a year-round living environment that supports health and well-being.

Key Features of Khalid Bin Sultan City

FeatureDescription
LocationSharjah, UAE, near Sharjah International Airport and BEEAH Headquarters
DeveloperBEEAH Group
ArchitectZaha Hadid Architects (ZHA)
Design InspirationFluid forms of wind-swept desert dunes
Urban StructureSeven walkable neighborhoods with central plazas, connected by shaded walkways
Central Oasis2-km-long shaded park with recreational spaces, sculpture gardens, and ponds
Sustainability FeaturesGreen roofs, renewable energy, recycled water, and walkable design
Smart TechnologyIntegrated smart infrastructure for mobility and waste management
Cultural ElementsContemporary mosque, cultural center, and public art installations
Residential Units1,500 freehold units, plus commercial and recreational spaces

Setting a New Standard

Khalid Bin Sultan City is more than a residential development; it is a blueprint for the future of urban living. By combining cutting-edge design, sustainable practices, and community-focused planning, BEEAH Group and Zaha Hadid Architects are setting a new benchmark for urban development in the region. While specific construction timelines are yet to be announced, the project’s unveiling in June 2025 marks a significant step toward realizing this vision.

As Sharjah continues to grow as a hub of innovation and culture, Khalid Bin Sultan City is poised to become a model for sustainable urban development worldwide. Its integration of nature, technology, and heritage offers a glimpse into the future of cities, where people, culture, and the environment coexist in harmony.

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