(MENAFN- Khaleej Times)

The newly inaugurated Independence Square in Sharjah has become the talk of the town, with residents and traders saying the entire neighbourhood looks nothing like it did a few months ago.

Located in the heart of the city, the square, which features a 34-metre monument crowned with a seven-pointed star, was officially opened this week by Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah. But for the people who live and work around Square, the change has been unfolding over the past few months.

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When Khaleej Times visited the area, residents pointed to freshly painted buildings, upgraded pavements, new shop signage, and bright white road markings that now give the neighbourhood a clean look.

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Independence Square transforms Sharjah area

Abdul Kareem, who has lived in the area for 12 years and owns a mobile shop, said the transformation is the biggest he has seen in the neighbourhood.

“Everything looks new. All the buildings are painted in the same beige colour, the shops have new boards, and even the roads look fresh. It feels like a different place,” he said.

“Now, when you walk on the footpath, it feels organised and new. The footpaths are coming up very nicely,” he continued.

The beige facades covering about two dozen buildings around the square have become one of the most noticeable changes.

New signboards for Sharjah traders

Shop owners said they were surprised by how fast the area changed in the weeks leading up to the UAE's National Day celebrations. The government replaced nearly all shop signboards around the square with standardised beige-and-black designs.

Mohammed Faizal, who runs a sweet shop, said the signage update happened in a few days' time.“One day, the old boards were there, and in a few days, we were told the new ones were coming. Now every board matches the colour, the design, everything. It looks very smart and attractive,” he said, adding that the customers have been commenting on the improved look even before entering the shop.

Traders said the redevelopment works began several months ago, starting with the repainting of buildings and upgrading of building facades, followed by road improvements and then the installation of the new shop signage.

Rajesh Kumar, who runs an electronics shop, said the work caused some noise and dust, but the final result has been worth it.

“For months, we saw workers repainting, repairing, and changing things one by one. Now, when we see the finished square, we feel proud. It has brought a completely fresh look,” he said.

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