Introduction
With Sharjah and the UAE as a whole experiencing unprecedented real-estate growth in 2025, with total property transactions of more than AED 27 billion in H1 2025 (48% increase year-on-year) in Sharjah alone, the neighbouring markets are being consolidated, including Sharjah. Investors are now diversifying their portfolio outside Dubai and Abu Dhabi and into high-end and affordable communities such as Maryam Island and Aljada
The two communities are transforming the luxury housing in Sharjah. Resort-style beachfront living by Eagle Hills is proposed by Maryam Island real estate investment and Arada proposes the development of the master-planned urban hub that is environmentally friendly, includes green spaces and modern design (Aljada). The answer to this question to 2025 investors is simple, which of these two offers better returns, better livability, and a better prospect of growth over the long run? We can take the comparison apart.
Maryam Island vs Aljada: A Head-to-Head Overview for Investors
| Feature | Maryam Island (Eagle Hills) | Aljada (Arada Developments) |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Facing the Al Khan Lagoon, 10 mins to the Dubai Intl Airport. | Central Sharjah, 2.2 kmΒ² master community surrounding Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road. |
| Primary Property Type | Waterfront luxury apartments. | Apartments, villas, and townhouses. |
| Developer Reputation | Eagle Hills - residential communities of hospitality standards. | The most visible developer of Arada - Sharjah is mixed-use. |
| Average ROI (2025) | 6.9% | 7.5% |
| Starting Price Range | AED 444,000 - 1.2 million | AED 611,000 - 1.06 million |
| Lifestyle | Luxury, beachfront, resort-style, leisure oriented. | Urban, green, family-oriented |
| Target Buyer Profile | Waterfront investors and holiday-home seekers. | Long-term investors, professionals, and end-users. |
Location Breakdown: Proximity, Accessibility and Island Vibes
Island Madonna β Beachy Vacation and Smooth Ride
Maryam Island provides the flavor of resort style living on picturesque water of Al Khan logo and Arabian Gulf. The island is within the perfect setting of the holidaymakers and investors just 10 minutes away from the Dubai International Airport and 20 minutes away from Downtown Dubai. It has up end hotels, coastlines prominence, cafe-specked roadways which grant it a sophisticated combination of amusements and way of life making it one of the most favored as far as the beaches and fronts filled with cafes via its roadways in Sharjah.
Aljada-Hip-hop Sharjah City
Aljada is a modern city centre of Sharjah located in the lively neighbourhood of Muwaileh. It has direct access to Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road which guarantees easy accessibility - 14 minutes to Dubai International Airport and 13 minutes to Sharjah International Airport. Integrating modern buildings with sustainable development, Aljada targets traders and families that strive to enjoy an active and networking lifestyle, having easy farmers access over both Sharjah and the major business-leisure areas in Dubai.
Verdict:
- If you care more about access and exclusivity on the beach - Maryam Island is the way to go.
- If your point of focus is connectivity, schools, and community infrastructure - Aljada would win.
Area to Invest in: Maryam Island vs Aljada
Maryam Island: Established as the high-end waterfront in Sharjah, it is an attractive destination for short-term investors and vacation-home purchasers. It offers strong holiday rental yields, especially in 1- and 2-bedroom sea-facing apartments.
Aljada: Serves a wider market of middle-income professionals and luxury clients willing to own family-oriented houses in a gated master community. It is end-user demand driven, supported by schools, hospitals, and recreational facilities such as the Madar leisure hub.
Off-Plan Projects in Maryam Island vs Aljada
Latest Off-Plan Projects in Maryam Island
| Project Name | Unit Types | Starting Price (AED) | Developer |
|---|---|---|---|
| GEM Residences | 1 to 4 Bedroom Apartments / Townhouse / Penthouse | 879,000 | Eagle Hills |
| Layla Residences | 1, 2 & 3 Bedroom Apartments | 861,000 | Eagle Hills |
| Citrine Residences | 1 to 4 Bedroom Apartments / Townhouse / Duplex | 1,200,000 | Eagle Hills |
| Jawaher Residences | Studio, 1, 2, 3 & 4 Bedroom Apartments | 727,888 | Eagle Hills |
| Rehan Residences | Studio, 1, 2 & 3 Bedroom Apartments | 444,000 | Eagle Hills |
Latest Off-Plan Projects in Aljada
| Project Name | Unit Types | Starting Price (AED) | Developer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arada Safa | 1, 2 & 3 Bedroom Apartments | 1,064,000 | Arada |
| The Gate 4 | 1, 2, 3 & 4 Bedroom Apartments | 985,000 | Arada |
| The Gate 3 | 1, 2 & 3 Bedroom Apartments | 982,000 | Arada |
| Nesba 3 | 1, 2 & 3 Bedroom Apartments | 906,000 | Arada |
| Nesba 2 | 1, 2 & 3 Bedroom Apartments | 888,000 | Arada |
Investment Potential: ROI, Yields and Market Trends
Maryam Island:
Average ROI: 6.9%
Price Range: 1 Bed (394188), 2-Bed (1.2M), 3-Bed (795888)
Ideal for: Holiday rentals, waterfront lifestyle investors, and short-term yields.
Market Insight: Scarce supply of beaches in Sharjah means that the demand is stable and can be later appreciated.
Aljada:
Average ROI: 7.5%
Price: Studio (AED 360,000), 1-Bed (AED 530,000), Villa (AED 2M-3.6M)
Perfect Match: Families, professionals, and capital growth investors.
Market Analysis: Aljada has over 70,000 proposed residential units; the big ecosystem in the city provides the company with long-term expansion with self-sustaining demand.
Verdict: Aljada real estate investment leads in ROI and end-user appeal, whereas Maryam Island shines in rental income and premium waterfront positioning.
Comparative Analysis: Maryam Island vs Aljada
| Criteria | Maryam Island | Aljada |
|---|---|---|
| Developer Reputation | Eagle Hills (International experience) | Arada (the developer of the flagship of Sharjah) |
| Average ROI | 6.9% | 7.5% |
| Lifestyle | Waterfront, Resort, Leisure | Urban, Family-Friendly, Green |
| Accessibility | Close to Dubai (10β20 mins) | Central Easy Dubai access, Sharjah access. |
| Property Type Focus | Apartments, Penthouses | Townhouses, Villas, Apartments. |
| Target Market | Investors, holiday home Buyers. | Families, End-Users, Professionals. |
| Future Appreciation | Medium-High | High |
| Amenities | Beach, Retail, Hotels, Souq | Madar Leisure Hub, Schools, Parks, Hospitals. |
Investor Takeaway: Maryam Island vs Aljada showcases exclusivity versus sustainability. Maryam Island provides quality and luxury appeal, whereas Aljada offers price efficiency, long-term stability, and higher end-user demand.
Which Island Wins? Lifestyle Fit & Future Projections
Select Maryam Island if you want to live along the beach, fine finishes, and temporary ROI on waterfront rentals.
Select Aljada if you prefer sustainability, family-oriented facilities, and capital growth supported by the largest integrated city located in Sharjah.
The two communities will continue to grow steadily until 2026 and beyond due to Sharjahβs economic diversification, Dubai proximity, and developer credibility. Long-term opportunities of Aljada seem more promising, supported by a broader audience, mixed-use focus, and sustainable master planning.
Final Thoughts
Being two different yet complementing investment opportunities, Maryam Island and Aljada represent the two evolving sides of Sharjahβs skyline. Maryam Island attracts those seeking resort-style exclusivity, while Aljada appeals to families and investors aiming for a city-within-a-city experience.
Maryam Island promises better ROI in 2025, but Aljada presents more strategic, long-term growth potential. To the discerning investor, the ideal portfolio could include both β luxury shoreline returns and urban stability.
