Sultan Alshakrah emerges as the master architect of enduring cities, weaving legacies of vision and grandeur that are destined to flourish across generations
Photography: Joel Amparo
From the glistening shores of Sharjah to the evolving skylines of Saudi Arabia, Sultan Bin Abdullah Alshakrah has never pursued speed for its own sake. As Chairman of Ajmal Makan and CEO of Tanmiyat Al Riyadh, he views development not as a race, but as a responsibility. For him, cities are not fleeting spectacles of glass and steel, but legacies of stone and spirit — places where ambition is tempered by patience, where luxury intertwines with community, and where progress is measured as much by human experience as by economic gain.
Sultan emphasises building with conscience: creating waterfront sanctuaries that honour fragile ecosystems, developing urban environments interwoven with cultural heritage, and designing skylines that rise with permanence rather than haste. His vision is one of balance, where innovation complements tradition, modernity is softened by heritage, and the enduring rhythm of nature guides growth.
In this exclusive interview, Sultan shares not only a roadmap for Gulf cities but a philosophy of endurance — to create places that thrive today, resonate tomorrow, and endure for generations to come.
Geography Guides Vision
Sultan Alshakrah believes every place has its own rhythm. In Sharjah, where coastlines carry maritime heritage and family traditions, his vision fosters communities that celebrate the sea while offering spaces for families to belong in Saudi Arabia, where the pace of economic growth and urban ambition quickens. His projects feature residential and commercial hubs that drive expansion while maintaining a focus on homes and open spaces, ensuring that community life remains at the centre.
Across both regions, Sultan sees culture as inseparable from topography — as vital as the land itself in shaping the cities of the future. “We never impose a single model; we listen to the land and its people, shaping urban forms that feel authentic to their surroundings. This dialogue between place and purpose defines Ajmal Makan’s approach,” he shares.
Ajmal Makan City: Coexistence with Coastlines
Sultan describes Ajmal Makan City as an urban ecosystem defined by balance between ambition and humility — a vision that builds on a grand scale while honouring every meter of coastline and reef. “In Ajmal Makan City, we conducted environmental studies before building,” he explains. “We reinforced marine protection zones, supported coral growth, and developed water circulation systems.”
Buildings are designed to maximise natural light and airflow, while pedestrian pathways prioritise people over traffic. For Sultan, sensitivity to the environment is not a compromise but an enrichment — an approach that enhances the value of development and ensures future generations inherit not only iconic architecture but thriving ecosystems.
Patience Over Speed
While the Gulf’s real estate market often moves at a rapid pace, Ajmal Makan distinguishes itself by prioritising journeys that last for generations. “We build for decades, not just quarters, so quality, flexibility, and resilience are essential,” Sultan adds. He notes the company works with long-term partners and phases its projects deliberately, gradually introducing homes, schools, shops, and public spaces.
This deliberate pacing, he explains, enables communities to grow organically, businesses to prosper, and the environment to remain safeguarded. Ultimately, his philosophy is to shape places that outlive trends, becoming legacies that future generations inherit with pride.
Al Thuraya’s Defining Moment
Al Thuraya Island is more than a development; it is a statement. With an investment value of AED 3.2 billion, it reflects years of refining Ajmal Makan’s vision for coastal living. What sets Al Thuraya apart is not only its luxury but also its seamless integration of culture, ecology, and innovation.
“We are introducing smart infrastructure to manage energy and water precisely, implemented gradually in phases. Additionally, coastal landscaping is designed to enhance natural resilience against erosion. Our marina serves as the social hub, connecting residents with the sea in ways that honour Sharjah’s maritime heritage.”
Sultan takes pride in achieving balance: luxury that feels natural, innovation that genuinely serves people, and a community that remains uncompromised. Al Thuraya is not the flagship for its scale, but because it embodies Ajmal Makan’s essence — timeless, thoughtful, and transformative.
Capital with Purpose
The creation of Waed and Dar Jeddah reflects the Sultan’s conviction that development should not be left at the mercy of market cycles. These funds are designed to shield projects from short-term volatility while ensuring capital is consistently directed to community-focused initiatives.
“Waed maximises asset value, ensures strong returns, and places private sector involvement at the core of urban transformation. Meanwhile, Dar Jeddah balances financial performance with national impact, fostering sustainable growth in key urban areas. In summary, these funds are not merely financial instruments; they are stewards of our commitment to lasting, people-centred urbanism.”
Measuring Lasting Impact
Numbers matter — they reveal scale and stability. Yet for Ajmal Makan, success is not a balance sheet but a balance between progress and purpose. Impact is measured by how families thrive, how children play safely near the water, how public spaces enrich cultural life, and how communities strengthen the social fabric.
“In Sharjah, we recognise success in how Ajmal Makan City has become a symbol of the emirate’s diversification, solidifying its role as a residential, touristic, and investment destination that attracts visitors, residents, and investors alike,” Sultan affirms.
Balancing Tradition and Progress
Modernity and identity are not adversaries but partners. “In our developments, we embrace cutting-edge technology, from smart grids to digital mobility solutions, but we integrate them into designs that reflect regional heritage,” he explains. Courtyards, shaded walkways, and wind-catching forms — rooted in Gulf architecture — remain essential, while materials are chosen to mirror local palettes. Public spaces are designed for both traditional gatherings and contemporary leisure.
For Sultan, this duality is crucial: a city without modernity risks irrelevance, while a city without identity risks soullessness. “Our role is to weave these elements together so that residents can take pride in their heritage while feeling confident about their future.”
Shaping Tomorrow’s Gulf
Sultan envisions the next generation of Gulf cities as more than monuments to ambition — they must be livable, resilient, and inclusive. He cites affordable housing, climate adaptability, and equitable economic opportunity as key priorities. Digital transformation will be critical, yet so will walkable, human-scale design.
“Our portfolio reflects this vision through renewable energy systems, mixed-income housing, and mobility options beyond cars. Above all, we commit to adaptability — creating cities that can grow and evolve with their people,” Sultan concludes.