Al Ghafia - Sharjah
HIGHLIGHTS
ABOUT AL GHAFIA
Al Ghafia is a residential area located between Al Azra and Al Sabkha districts of Sharjah. The community features roomy villas that are in proximity to the Ajman-Sharjah border. A reliable transportation system links the neighborhood with the city center. Furthermore, Bayut’s 2020 Market Report for Sharjah indicates that Al Ghafia is sought after for villa rentals within the emirate.
IN A NUTSHELL
NEIGHBOURHOOD
COMMUNITY OVERVIEW
Residing in this area offers the opportunity to enjoy a serene community, while also having easy access to various shopping, dining and entertainment options. The villas within the neighborhood feature an array of amenities and facilities. Additionally, there is a recreational spot located right in the midst of it all - Al Ghafia Park.
Properties in Al Ghafia
Al Ghafia is a residential area that offers villas for rent or purchase, featuring modern amenities for the comfort of inhabitants. The villas range from 3 to 8+ bedrooms and often include multiple living spaces, as well as extra features like a maid's room with bathroom, attached wardrobes in the bedrooms, cabinets in the kitchen, and space for parking one or two vehicles.
Rental Trends in Al Ghafia
The yearly cost of renting 3-bedroom villas varies from AED 32k to AED 42k. On the other hand, you can rent a larger 4-bedroom villa for AED 42k to AED 70k per year.
Sale Trends in Al Ghafia
Al Ghafia, Sharjah offers a range of villas for sale with varying bedroom configurations. The prices for these villas will depend on their coverage area and offered amenities. A 3-bedroom villa can be purchased for anywhere between AED 670k to AED 1M. However, if you're in need of more space, an expansive 6-bedroom villa is available at a price tag of AED 1.4M and spans across an area of 6,000 sq. ft.
ROI in Al Ghafia
Potential buyers should take into consideration that villas with 3 bedrooms yield a return of 4.7% for investors.
Transportation and Parking Spaces in Al Ghafia
In Al Ghafia, every villa provides a protected indoor space for one or two cars to park. Those who visit can make use of paid parking options located outside the residence for their own vehicles.
Public Transportation in Al Ghafia
For those who use public transportation, Bus E400 offers multiple routes in the area. The two closest bus stops are Emirates Islamic Bank Bus Stop and Ajman Grand Mart station, which can be reached by a 9-minute drive. Taxis are also available as another option for getting around Al Ghafia Sharjah, but using ride-hailing apps like Uber or Careem may be more convenient since finding a taxi within the villa community can be challenging.
AMENITIES, SCHOOLS AND HEALTHCARE
Supermarkets in Al Ghafia
Al Ghafia offers an abundance of options for day-to-day grocery shopping. Two local markets within the community are Al Doha and Reshma Supermarkets, while Al Madina is a short 10-minute walk away. Sharjah boasts several top-notch supermarkets just a 10-minute drive from Al Ghafia, including Spinneys, Carrefour, and Al Maya Supermarket.
Churches, Temples and Mosques in Al Ghafia
Muslims residing in Ghafia Sharjah can go to Khawla Bint Tha’labah Mosque and Umm Al Moamneen Aisha Bin Abi Bakr Mosque for their daily prayers, while the King Faisal Mosque situated approximately 12 minutes away by car via Sheikh Khalid Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi Street is a notable landmark of Sharjah with separate prayer halls for men and women, as well as a library.
Within a 12-minute drive from Al Yarmook are several nearby churches, including St. Michael's Roman Catholic Church, St. Martin's Anglican Church, and St. Gregorios Orthodox Church among others. However, Hindu residents will need to make their way to Bur Dubai in order to visit temples and gurudwaras such as the Shiva Temple, Shiridi Sai Baba Mandir and Shree Krishna Haveli which are approximately a half an hour away by car from the neighbourhood.
Schools and Universities in Al Ghafia
Al Ghafia is an ideal residential area suitable for families, as it has many educational institutions in close proximity. Those with young children can choose to enroll them in Miracle Children Nursery, which follows the British Early Years Curriculum and provides courses on Arabic and Quranic learning. The nursery is located just a 5-minute car ride away from the community.
Al Azra, the adjacent locality, boasts of a number of distinguished educational institutions in Sharjah such as the Modern American International School, Aspam Indian International School and Leaders Private School. One among them is Beaconhouse Al Khaleej International School which implements the American Curriculum for students ranging from Kindergarten 1 to Grade 12.
When it comes to pursuing higher education, there are a variety of options available in Sharjah. The Lincoln University of Business and Management is just a 16-minute drive away, while the University of Sharjah can be reached in 22 minutes by car. Additional choices include Ajman University, Gulf Medical University and the American University of Sharjah.
Clinics and Hospitals in Al Ghafia
In the realm of healthcare, Sharjah has numerous reputable hospitals that cater to residents' medical needs. Within an 8 to 10-minute drive from Al Ghafia community, top-notch options consist of Zulekha Hospital Sharjah, Al Zahra Hospital Sharjah, and Al Qassimi Hospital. For dental treatments, Oriana Hospital Sharjah is a mere 15-minute drive away. In terms of pharmacies nearby, several can be found in adjacent communities such as Bab Al Shaab Pharmacy, Lulu Al Nahda Pharmacy and Modern Al Riqqa Pharmacy LLC.
NEARBY AREAS
The Al Ghafia district is situated in the midst of well-known Sharjah communities, bordering Al Azra to the east, Al Sabkha to the west and Al Jazzat to the south. Sheikh Maktoum Bin Rashid Street lies close by and provides connectivity with Ajman. A 10-minute drive on Al Nuaimiya Street can take residents to Al Rashidiya Ajman.
LIFESTYLE
SHOPPING, DINING AND NIGHTLIFE
Malls near Al Ghafia
For avid shoppers in the Ghafia Sharjah vicinity, there are numerous shopping malls nearby. A mere 6-minute drive away lies Al Shaab Village, situated in the adjacent community of Al Hazzanah. This particular mall boasts an extensive array of amenities including but not limited to: over 250 stores, a thrilling amusement park, ice rink for skating enthusiasts, cinema perfect for movie goers and diverse dining options catering to all taste buds. Additionally, visitors can find abaya shops and pharmacies on site as well as both indoor and outdoor gaming facilities located within the premises.
In Sharjah, within a 10-minute drive, residents have access to some of the top malls such as City Centre Sharjah, Mega Mall Sharjah and Ansar Mall.
Restaurants near Al Ghafia
In the vicinity, there are a variety of budget-friendly cafeterias like Al Hanouf Public Kitchen, Al Aseel Public Kitchen and Al Barah Public Kitchen. Additionally, those who enjoy dining out can explore a plethora of casual and upscale restaurants such as Blue Heron Restaurant, Maraseah, Al Qubtan and The Gate Restaurant situated in the surrounding areas of Al Ghafia.
Those seeking after-dark activities can explore the area of Ajman in search of a multitude of choices, all within a convenient 15-minute drive. Among them are The Outside Inn, McGettigan’s Irish Pub and Thirsty Horse.
BEACHES NEAR AL GHAFIA
If you're a resident looking to unwind, Sharjah Open Beach is a go-to destination. It's just 10 minutes away via Al Mirghab Street. Nearby beaches such as Al Khan Beach, Ajman Beach and Al Fisht Public Beach are also worth checking out. For some fun in the sun, head over to Al Khan Beach where you can enjoy various sports activities like beach volleyball, tennis and soap football for free. If it's an extravagant beach-side staycation you're after, Sheraton Sharjah Beach Resort and Spa might be just what you need; it's only a 10-minute drive away and boasts of luxurious accommodations as a five-star hotel right by the shore.
The top-tier accommodations offer upscale lodging, around-the-clock meal options, and amenities for physical activity.
LEISURE ACTIVITIES AND NOTABLE LANDMARKS
Located in the heart of Sharjah, Cultural Square is a circular hub surrounded by prominent structures. One of its standout features is an impressive 15-meter-tall bronze sculpture depicting the Holy Quran, which was created by acclaimed European artist Carlos Marinas Rubias.
The Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization boasts an impressive collection of Islamic art and craftsmanship, featuring galleries organized thematically. Among the exhibits are valuable manuscripts from the Umayyad and Abbasid periods, ornate craftwork from the Ottoman Empire, and intricate weaponry and metalwork created by the Mughals.
Al Montazah Parks hosts the colossal Eye of the Emirates, a Ferris wheel that houses 42 air-conditioned capsules capable of carrying up to 336 passengers simultaneously. It ascends an impressive height of 60 meters above ground level, providing a panoramic view of the emirate from above.
OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, FITNESS AND BEAUTY
Al Ghafia Park provides a serene environment for community members to leisurely stroll, sit and unwind with loved ones. Al Hayat Ladies Fitness has weekly Zumba classes designed for women which can be tailored from low to intense levels of difficulty based on the gym member's preference. In addition, nearby Velocity Body Fitness, Grand Gym Body Fitness and Stallions Gym are alternate fitness options in the vicinity of Al Ghafia.
At Reesh Beauty and Health Spa, you can indulge in top-notch hair, nail, and skin treatments. This spa is conveniently situated just an 8-minute drive from the residential area. Other nearby spas include The Beauty Oasis Spa, Al Qaser Spa, and Village Spa located in Ghafia vicinity.
COMMUNITY EVENTS
In the local area, there are various community events available for residents to attend. The Cultural Palace Sharjah hosts cultural events and concerts, situated only a short 5-minute drive away. Additionally, Al Majaz Island's open-air amphitheatre is well-known for hosting significant cultural performances.
THINGS TO CONSIDER
Al Ghafia Sharjah is a great residential area for families as it has convenient access to schools, clinics, and recreational facilities. However, residents should be aware that the community does not have nearby popular malls or restaurants. This may require them to travel to other areas of the emirate. Additionally, those who depend on public transportation may experience difficulties since the nearest bus station is about 10 minutes away by car.