Lake Khalid Tower
“After the
kindergarten prototype for the UAE government, Beirut-based George Rais and Jafar Tukan Architects completed a second project in Sharjah, this time a mixed-use commercial property on what was becoming the city's most exclusive waterfront strip, eventually known as Buhaira Corniche.
The property's developer was a Dubai-based businessman Sultan bin Khalifa Al Habtoor. He first encountered architect Jafar Tukan during his time as undersecretary at the UAE Ministry of Public Works (1972-1974), which had overseen the kindergarten prototype.
Erected on a site surrounded by vacant lots, the building offered its residents views in all orientations. Each unit was also assured views toward what was still known as Khalid Lagoon. Eventually, the Halcrow plans artificially bound the limits of the water, leading to a change in name to the more urban Lake Khalid.
Initially, the building proposal came with its own custom designed street lampposts and offered residents new amenities, including a service elevator and garbage chute. At thirteen stories, it was one of the tallest towers in Sharjah. From the tower's opening until 1982, the Arab Cultural Club occupied the 800 square meters penthouse, prior to its official registration and relocation to a purpose-built compound across the street. The club hosted various Pan-Arab cultural events, including art exhibitions and poetry recitals, and also commemorations of the Arab states' national days, military victories, and the Nakba” (Al Qassemi & Reisz, 2021).