Sharjah ruler opens Islamic Garden at al-Sahraa park

H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah today opened the Islamic Park, located at the Desert Park on the road to Al Dhaid. The Qur'anic botanic garden project facilitates linkages between traditional Islamic respect for natural habitats, the cultures inspired by the Holy Books of Islam, protection of environment and biological diversity. H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah was present. Sharjah is working on 21 projects in celebration of its selection as the Islamic Culture Capital for 2014 (SICC) at a total cost of AED1.5 billion, distributed over new universities, monuments, Islamic parks, traditional markets, museums and libraries, as well as scientific and architectural edifices. These projects translate Sharjah's vision to promote Islamic cultural thought and spread its goodness around the world. The opening of the new recreational facility comes within the projects carried out by the Emirate of Sharjah to reinforcing its status as a capital of Islamic Culture for 2014 and confirms the emirate attention to serve the Islamic religion. The park will be the first of three parks to be constructed as part of the SICC 2014 projects, adding a significant aesthetic, cultural and social value to the emirate. Upon his arrival, Sheikh Sultan was received by Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmad Al Qasimi, Executive Committee Chairman for the Sharjah Capital of Islamic Culture 2014 Celebrations, Sheikh Khalid bin Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Chairman of Sharjah Urban Planning Council and a number of Sheikhs. Sheikh Sultan and the attendees toured the Quranic botanic garden which features 50 varieties of plants and trees mentioned in the Holy Quran and Sunnah and Sunnah of the Prophet Mohammed (PBUH). Plants mentioned in the Quran include fig, pomegranate, olive, corn, leek, garlic, onion, lentil, barley, wheat, ginger, pumpkin, watermelon, tamarind, cedar, vineyards, bananas, cucumbers, and basil. Sheikh Sultan hosted a lunch banquet in honour of the guests of the emirate, who came to participate in the Sharjah Capital of Islamic Culture 2014 Celebrations. The opening ceremony was attended by a number of senior officials.