Maryam Island

Maryam Island: Sharjah’s Premier Downtown Waterfront Destination

TL;DR

• Location: Superbly located in the Al Khan lagoon area, representing the first true waterfront development in downtown Sharjah.
• Developer: Eagle Hills, an Abu Dhabi-based private real estate investment and development company, in partnership with Shurooq.
• Core Focus: A massive, AED 4.5 billion mixed-use masterplan designed to elevate Sharjah's tourism and residential offerings to global luxury standards.
• Property Types: Predominantly low-to-mid-rise luxury apartment buildings, alongside premium townhouses and branded hospitality units.
• Key Appeal: An incredibly rare combination of pristine waterfront living, immediate access to Sharjah's historical/cultural center, and a highly relaxed, family-friendly resort atmosphere.
• Investment Profile: Offers significant early-investor capital appreciation as the masterplan matures, appealing strongly to buyers seeking Dubai-level luxury at a more accessible entry price.

Introduction: A New Paradigm for Sharjah

For decades, the emirate of Sharjah has been recognized primarily as the cultural capital of the UAE, known for its deep historical roots, extensive museums, and family-centric environment. However, the launch of Maryam Island by Eagle Hills represents a profound pivot in the emirate's real estate narrative.

It is the first-of-its-kind waterfront lifestyle destination situated right in the heart of downtown Sharjah. According to regional real estate analytics from 2024, Maryam Island is actively bridging the gap between Sharjah's traditional housing market and the ultra-luxury, master-planned communities typically found in neighboring Dubai. It offers an unprecedented level of quality, design, and integrated lifestyle amenities, attracting not only local end-users but also international investors seeking high-growth opportunities within the Northern Emirates.

The Masterplan: Island Living in the City

Maryam Island is not an isolated, disconnected development; it is brilliantly integrated into the existing urban fabric of the Al Khan and Al Mamzar districts, acting as a natural extension of the city into the sea.

The Design Philosophy: The masterplan is inherently pedestrian-friendly and low-density. The architecture heavily favors contemporary Mediterranean styles mixed with subtle traditional Arabic motifs. The buildings are generally restricted in height, ensuring that the community feels open, airy, and deeply connected to the surrounding water rather than dominated by concrete high-rises.

The Core Districts: The island is being developed in distinct, interconnected phases (such as Maryam Gate Residences, Maryam Beach Residences, and the upcoming Crystal Residences). Each phase is centered around either the sprawling beachfront or the massive, beautifully landscaped communal parks that run through the center of the island.

The Real Estate Landscape: Accessible Luxury

The residential offerings on Maryam Island are designed to compete directly with premium developments across the UAE, but they operate at a significantly more attractive price point.

Luxury Waterfront Apartments: The primary real estate inventory consists of studios, 1, 2, and 3-bedroom apartments. These units are characterized by expansive, open-plan layouts, premium contemporary finishes, and massive balconies. Because of the island's unique shape and the strategic placement of the buildings, the vast majority of apartments offer unobstructed, panoramic views of the Arabian Gulf, the Al Khan lagoon, or the spectacular Downtown Sharjah skyline.

Premium Townhouses and Penthouses: For larger families, the masterplan incorporates a limited number of high-end townhouses located on the podium levels of the residential clusters, offering direct access to the communal gardens. The upper floors of the residential blocks feature sprawling, elite penthouses designed for the absolute top tier of the local market.

Unrivaled Lifestyle: A Resort on Your Doorstep

Living on Maryam Island is essentially identical to living in a five-star resort, blending relaxation with urban convenience.

The Waterfront Promenade: The social heartbeat of the island is its expansive, beautifully paved waterfront promenade. This esplanade is lined with a highly curated selection of fine dining restaurants, artisanal cafes, and boutique retail outlets, providing residents with a vibrant, alfresco lifestyle right on the water's edge.

Resort Amenities: Every residential cluster within the masterplan features its own dedicated, resort-style amenities. This includes massive infinity swimming pools overlooking the sea, state-of-the-art fitness centers, dedicated children's play areas, and lush private gardens. Furthermore, the island features an expansive, pristine public beach accessible exclusively to residents and hotel guests.

Hospitality Integration: The island's prestige is further amplified by the inclusion of several high-end, 4 and 5-star hotels. This provides residents with access to world-class spas, diverse culinary options, and comprehensive concierge services.

Investment Potential: Capturing the Growth Curve

From an investment perspective, Maryam Island represents one of the most compelling opportunities in the Northern Emirates.

Capital Appreciation: The fundamental investment thesis is based on early entry into a transformative masterplan. Because the island is still under active development, current property prices do not fully reflect the value of the completed, mature infrastructure. As new phases are handed over, the retail promenade opens, and the hotels begin operations, early investors are uniquely positioned to capture massive, organic capital appreciation. It is widely considered the most premium residential address in Sharjah, ensuring its long-term value retention.

Strong Rental Yields: The rental market is highly robust. There is a significant, pent-up demand among affluent professionals, business owners, and expatriate families currently residing in Sharjah for a modern, Dubai-style luxury community that doesn't require a long daily commute. Consequently, properties on Maryam Island command the highest rental rates in the emirate, frequently delivering investors highly attractive gross rental yields ranging from 6% to 7.5%.

Strategic Connectivity

While offering a serene, island-resort lifestyle, Maryam Island is phenomenally well-connected.

• Downtown Proximity: It is located literally minutes from the bustling heart of Sharjah, offering immediate access to the Expo Centre Sharjah, the Al Qasba district, and the city's major commercial hubs.
• The Dubai Connection: For residents commuting to Dubai, the location is unbeatable. It sits immediately adjacent to the Dubai-Sharjah border (Al Mamzar), allowing residents to bypass the heavy traffic of the E11 and reach Dubai International Airport (DXB) or Deira in under 15 minutes.

Conclusion: Sharjah’s Masterpiece

Maryam Island is fundamentally redefining the concept of luxury living in Sharjah. By seamlessly blending a pristine, resort-style waterfront environment with high-end, contemporary architecture and immediate urban connectivity, it offers a lifestyle proposition that is completely unique in the region. For the investor seeking high capital growth or the family seeking an unparalleled living environment without the premium associated with central Dubai, Maryam Island stands as a strategic, highly rewarding masterpiece of modern real estate.