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As the United Arab Emirates intensifies its initiatives to develop smart and sustainable urban environments, BEEAH has unveiled its inaugural significant real estate venture, Khalid Bin Sultan City.
In this discussion, Khaled Al Huraimel, the group’s CEO and vice chair, elaborates on the company’s leap into real estate, the core principles driving the project, and its alignment with national and regional urban transformation strategies.
Why has BEEAH chosen to enter real estate development at this particular juncture?
At BEEAH, our mission has always been clear: to forge a sustainable future and improve the quality of life for all. Our journey started in waste management, but our growth has been influenced by a deeper awareness of community needs, which include clean energy, innovative technology, healthcare facilities, and ultimately, environments that foster quality living.
Transitioning into real estate felt like a natural progression. This isn’t merely a business expansion; it’s a platform that enables us to unify all we’ve developed across various sectors. Ranging from circular waste systems and renewable energy to AI-infused infrastructure and human-centered urban design, real estate is where our ecosystem can be implemented most tangibly. This realization has driven us to establish Khalid Bin Sultan City: a landmark that reflects our dedication to creating people-focused cities of the future.
What defines Khalid Bin Sultan City, and what core values does BEEAH promise its residents?
Khalid Bin Sultan City is designed as a climate-smart, net-zero ready urban project—master planned by renowned Zaha Hadid Architects and located in the Rodhat Al Sidir district of Sharjah. This forward-thinking city is underpinned by four essential principles: sustainability, technology, culture, and community engagement.
The development will feature 1,500 residential units—including villas, townhouses, and apartments—surrounded by green corridors, cultural sites, wellness facilities, and smart infrastructures. At its core lies a 1.5-kilometer green spine—a central landscaped area that promotes biodiversity, encourages active lifestyles, and connects neighborhoods through greenery.
Central to the city is a significant cultural center that will accommodate exhibitions, performances, and forums—serving as a cultural hub for the community. It’s a place where environmental harmony is a standard practice, daily life is enhanced by technology, and human interactions and well-being are integrated into the urban design.
In what ways will it transform the regional real estate landscape?
Khalid Bin Sultan City departs from traditional real estate developments. It serves as a model for future cities that are regenerative, resilient, and restorative in every aspect.
We are introducing net-zero-ready infrastructure alongside neighborhood-centric renewable energy integration. Our waste management model is designed for zero-landfill, featuring smart segregation systems connected to BEEAH’s regional waste recovery network. We will incorporate digital twin technology to optimize resource usage in real time. Additionally, mobility is being reimagined with EV-ready networks, smart parking options, and ride-sharing services.
This approach sets a new benchmark for the market, where developments are not just intelligent or sustainable, but fundamentally systemic in their design. We believe this initiative will challenge the conventional framework and encourage others to elevate their aspirations for urban development.
How does BEEAH intend to stand out in a competitive real estate market?
In a thriving real estate landscape, standing out requires more than unique architecture or amenities. What differentiates us is our systems integration—encompassing energy, waste, water, logistics, culture, and community engagement.
Leveraging over a decade of experience in high-performance infrastructure design and management, our headquarters in Sharjah, also conceived by Zaha Hadid Architects, has already become a benchmark for smart and low-emission buildings. Our involvement in projects like the Sharjah Creative Quarter and the Jawaher Boston Medical District further reinforces our ability to deliver innovative solutions across various urban structures.
Khalid Bin Sultan City amalgamates all these insights; it is not merely a city—it’s a dynamic model of how an urban area can serve its residents and environment.
Can you explain how sustainability, innovation, and quality of life are integrated into your developments?
Sustainability forms the foundation of our initiatives, from LEED-aligned construction to circular material practices. We will power the city using a mix of solar and waste-to-energy solutions, complemented by efficient water recycling, stormwater management, and resilient drainage systems. Our aim is to achieve complete landfill independence and maintain a trajectory towards carbon neutrality.
Innovation is embedded in our digital enhancements. Every building, transportation hub, and utility will connect to a central digital twin, allowing for real-time optimization of energy and resource consumption. For instance, public lighting and cooling systems can adjust based on weather, occupancy, and time of day. Residents will possess decentralized digital identities, facilitating seamless access to homes, services, and mobility solutions. AI will optimize everything from logistics to public safety.
Quality of life interlinks all elements. We are crafting walkable communities, shaded green pathways, wellness areas, vibrant parks, and cultural institutions. Every home will be within a five-minute walk from essential services. The overall environment—from vegetation to infrastructure—will be meticulously designed to promote physical, emotional, and social well-being.
How will insights from your success in sectors like environment and healthcare shape your real estate strategy?
Our diverse experience across industries provides us with a comprehensive understanding of urban dynamics. In the environmental sector, our zero-waste systems have facilitated a landfill diversion rate exceeding 90% in Sharjah, which are integral to the city’s infrastructure, featuring smart bins, digital tracking for collection, and decentralized composting stations.
In energy, we utilize waste-to-energy and solar technologies at the neighborhood level, ensuring consistent access to clean, reliable power with built-in resilience. Our design approach in healthcare, especially within the Jawaher Boston Medical District, emphasizes well-being, accessibility, and biophilic design.
Through technological initiatives like EVOTEQ and re.life, we have constructed platforms for managing supply chains, logistics, recycling, and EV infrastructure, which are continually adapted to serve our residents effectively.
Will BEEAH’s future real estate projects remain focused in the UAE, or can we expect regional and global ventures?
While our foundations lie in Sharjah, and we are committed to its development, the vision we are cultivating for sustainable, smart, and human-centric cities has universal significance.
We see significant prospects for regional expansion, particularly in areas prioritizing sustainability, infrastructure growth, and climate adaptation. Our collaborations in Saudi Arabia and Egypt have demonstrated the adaptability of our models to varying geographical contexts. Thus, real estate is a logical progression.
Nonetheless, we are currently prioritizing the effective execution of our inaugural projects to ensure they yield both substantial impact and valuable insights. Once we establish a robust foundation, we will undoubtedly seek opportunities beyond the UAE.
How do these initiatives align with UAE and regional objectives for smart and sustainable urban development?
Khalid Bin Sultan City closely aligns with the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 plan, as well as Sharjah’s broader urban and environmental goals. Our master plan promotes climate adaptability, renewable energy objectives, AI-driven governance, and enhancements in public health—elements that are central to the national vision for the future.
More importantly, it serves as a practical demonstration of how these goals can be achieved through integrated, human-first design. Our aspiration is for this city, along with BEEAH’s comprehensive real estate strategy, to act as a benchmark—not just for sustainable construction, but for meaningful development that ensures long-term impact and resilience.