Aljada or Maryam Island?
Side by side on published prices, yields, new developments and drive times.
Illustrative image
Where each one leads
Drawn only from published figures and the developments we list, each with its source.
Lower price per sq ft
Maryam Island averages AED 1,088 per sq ft against AED 1,117 in Aljada, about 3% less (Bayut, from advertised asking prices, October 2026).
Closer to Dubai International Airport
Maryam Island is about 21 minutes from Dubai International Airport by car, against about 25 minutes from Aljada.
Side by side
| Measure | Aljada | Maryam Island |
|---|---|---|
| Emirate | Sharjah | Sharjah |
| Tenure | Freehold | Freehold |
| Asking price per sq ft | AED 1,117Bayut, October 2026 | AED 1,088Bayut, October 2026 |
| Drive to Dubai International Airport | about 25 minutes | about 21 minutes |
Each figure is shown as its publisher states it, with the period it covers. A row appears only where both areas have a figure. Read 12 November 2026.
New developments in each
Aljada
We do not list a development in Aljada yet.
Maryam Island
We do not list a development in Maryam Island yet.
What each area is like
Aljada
Arada's 24 million sq ft mixed-use community in Sharjah, planned for more than 25,000 homes, with about 20,000 people already living there. Suits first-time buyers and landlords on a budget.
Who it suits
- First-time buyers
- Buy-to-let investors on a budget
- University staff and students
- Families wanting schools on site
In its favour
- About 20,000 residents already, with completed phases to inspect.
- Arada states that buyers of all nationalities can purchase freehold in its Sharjah communities.
- Schools, a sports complex and Madar Mall are part of the plan, with Madar due by end-2028.
Worth weighing
- More than 25,000 homes are planned and Arada launches new blocks every few months, which weighs on resale prices in earlier phases.
- Savills reported average Sharjah apartment asking prices down 8.2% year on year in Q2 2026 as apartment supply grew.
Maryam Island
Eagle Hills' mid-rise waterfront district on the Al Khan coast of Sharjah city. Mostly completed apartment buildings, with a few still under construction. Suits buyers who want the sea and a city address.
Who it suits
- Buyers wanting a sea-facing flat in Sharjah
- Residents working in north Dubai
- Landlords targeting long lets
In its favour
- Sea-front apartments in central Sharjah.
- Largely built: most buildings are ready and occupied.
- About 21 minutes from Dubai International Airport on Property Finder's figures.
Worth weighing
- Confirm the tenure. Property Finder lists freehold; the developer's site does not say, and older resale units may carry a different title.
- Savills reported average Sharjah apartment asking prices down 8.2% year on year in Q2 2026, with new supply concentrated in waterfront and mixed-use communities.
Aljada or Maryam Island: quick answers
Is Aljada or Maryam Island cheaper per square foot?
Maryam Island is cheaper on the published figures: AED 1,088 per sq ft against AED 1,117 in Aljada (Bayut, from advertised asking prices, October 2026). Averages move with the mix of homes sold, so compare like with like before relying on the gap.
Which is closer to Dubai International Airport, Aljada or Maryam Island?
Maryam Island, at about 21 minutes by car against about 25 minutes from Aljada. Drive times are approximate and vary with traffic.
Can foreigners buy property in Aljada and Maryam Island?
Aljada is a designated freehold area, open to buyers of any nationality. Maryam Island is a designated freehold area, open to buyers of any nationality. Sales in Sharjah are registered with the SRERD.
More area comparisons
Not sure which area fits?
Tell us your budget, your timing and whether you will live there or let it, and we will set the two areas against each other for you.
- Current price list and availability, direct from the developer
- No fee to you on off-plan purchases: the developer pays us
- One salaried adviser, not on commission, from first call to handover
