On August 11, 2026, Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, a member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, announced the completion of the administrative division planning for the city of Khorfakkan. He detailed that the plan will be unveiled soon and revealed ongoing studies for the leveling of Jebel Al Owiin, with intentions to construct a residential area to accommodate a significant number of residents.
New Administrative Divisions in Khorfakkan
During a live call on the programme “Direct Line”, His Highness explained, “Just as we have planned Kلباء, we have also planned Khorfakkan, but the planning has yet to be made public.” He highlighted that Khorfakkan is surrounded by mountains on all sides—from the Al Huwami mountains to the coast, running from the south northward to the entrance at Al Loulooh.
Significance of Names in Urban Planning
Sheikh Sultan underlined the importance of naming areas in ways that reflect positive meanings. He mentioned a residential area called Al Subaihia, named after an ancient site, which has been overshadowed by parts of Al Loulooh and Al Zabarah. “We wanted to give Al Subaihia its due recognition, incorporating palm groves from nearby regions,” he stated.
Concerns Over Local Nomenclature
In another part of the city, Sheikh Sultan pointed out an area known as Al Harai, questioning whether to maintain its name, which translates to a reference to snakes. He posed a thought-provoking query about how future generations would inherit such a name, stressing his commitment to ensuring that area names convey positive attributes.
Geographical Features and New Developments
Sheikh Sultan mentioned the prominent Jebel Al Owiin, which extends from Victoria School to Al Ghazir. He elucidated that the term “Al Ashqar,” also referring to a local mountain, describes a specific type of mountain with a light brown clay composition, not merely a reference to colour. “With God’s will, we will organise this area, leaving just two housing sectors remaining,” he remarked.
Future Plans for Khorfakkan
The Ruler of Sharjah concluded by revealing plans to establish a new housing area in Khorfakkan, stating, “Given that Jebel Al Owiin is the largest mountain in the region, we are currently studying the possibility of leveling its peak to create a residential area above, which will allow for substantial expansion to accommodate many residents.”