BEEAH, a sustainable solutions firm, has revealed the masterplan for Khalid Bin Sultan City, a new urban development in Sharjah, UAE, designed by Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA).
Located adjacent to BEEAH’s headquarters, the city-scale project continues the design ethos established by the building, drawing from the fluid forms of windswept desert dunes to shape a sustainable, people-centric future.
Designed for connectivity
Rooted in four key pillars—sustainability, smart technology, culture, and people—ZHA’s design articulates a multi-centered city with seven distinct residential neighborhoods, each organized around a central public plaza.
These civic spaces, intentionally placed within a five-minute walk from every home, offer local amenities and community hubs that anchor wellbeing and social connection.
At the heart of the masterplan is a 1.2-mile shaded linear park, a meandering green spine that serves as a recreational escape and community gathering place.
This urban oasis doesn’t reveal itself all at once—instead unfolding through sculpted landscapes, quiet courtyards, and vibrant communal pockets. From wildlife ponds and sculpture gardens to wellness zones, cafés, and bike trails, the park offers a dynamic experience for residents and visitors alike.
Prioritizing walkability
The city prioritizes walkability and climate-resilient design. Shaded walkways framed by native vegetation, recessed façades, and colonnades encourage year-round pedestrian movement. Carefully crafted landscaping helps reduce ground temperatures and enhance comfort across all public areas, creating inviting outdoor spaces throughout the day.
The urban framework also includes tree-lined boulevards, children’s play areas, sports facilities, and wellness clinics all within walking distance to foster a lifestyle that balances convenience with wellbeing. Throughout, sheltered terraces and outdoor seating animate the streetscapes and encourage social interaction.
The business district at Khalid Bin Sultan City
At the northern edge, adjacent to the BEEAH HQ, a design and business district emerges as a new creative and economic engine for Sharjah. With incubator spaces, cultural venues, and circular design initiatives, this area supports the UAE’s growing innovation economy.
From there, the city’s central green corridor extends south, connecting to retail and entertainment destinations.
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