Maleha is among the most peaceful residential areas, located in the inland Sharjah town of Al Dhaid. With its prime location, family-friendly amenities and diverse properties, both Emiratis and expats prefer living in Maleha.
Moreover, the area is ideal for nature enthusiasts due to its proximity to the desert, nature preserves and tracking areas. So, let’s explore more about residing in this fantastic and tranquil neighbourhood in Sharjah.
Overview of Living in Maleha
Maleha in Sharjah is a popular residential area known for its close-knit community and natural surroundings. It offers a mix of apartments and spacious villas, with high demand from young professionals and families.
Moreover, it is also known for a family-friendly environment and proximity to essential amenities. Since the area is well-connected to other parts of Sharjah, living in Maleha offers feasible access to malls, restaurants and recreational areas.
Pros of Living in Maleha
Now, let’s explore some of the prominent benefits of living in Maleha:
1. Location and Connectivity
One of the iconic aspects of living in Maleha is its strategic location. This peaceful and family-friendly neighbourhood in Sharjah is situated around 25 km south of the inland Sharjah town of Dhaid. The area also touches the UAE-Omani border.
Additionally, the community is bounded by some of the major roadways in the UAE, such as Al Dhaid Road (S128). Along with that, Emirates Road (E611) and Khorfakkan Road (S142) also provide efficient connectivity, making it feasible for residents and visitors to commute.
2. Accessible Public Transport
Another significant reason to move to Maleha is its accessible transportation. If you are a frequent user of the Sharjah public transportation service, living here is perfect for you. The following means of transport are easily accessible in the area.
1. Bus
One of the most convenient ways to get around the Sharjah emirate is via the Sharjah Bus service. With multiple bus stations in the area, you can easily reach your desired destination within a few minutes.
For instance, you can take Bus E16, which stops at the Maleha Municipality 2.
2. Taxi
Another way to commute to and from Maleha is via Sharjah’s efficient taxi service. You can book a cab online via the SRTA app and reach your destination safely. Otherwise, you can hail a taxi from a stand and negotiate the fare.
3. Diverse Properties
When it comes to real estate, Maleha offers a diverse range of properties, catering to everyone’s needs. Whether you are exploring rental apartments or seeking villas for sale in Maleha, this area has various options. However, renting here can be expensive due to demand.
Despite the rising rental demand, there are still reasonably priced options available. You can find properties for sale in Maliha with prices ranging from AED 48K to AED 5.5M, as well as apartments in the area. Moreover, the unit types available in this area are as follows:
- Villa: 3-to-4-bedroom villas
- Apartments: 1-to-2-bedroom apartments
4. Nearby Areas
Due to Maleha’s strategic location, it offers feasible access to some of the best places to live in Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah. Residents of various neighbouring areas also get benefits from the amenities available here. Some of the nearby prominent regions are as follows:
- Shawkha, RAK: 14 minutes’ drive away
- Al Madam, Sharjah: 17 minutes’ drive away
- New Industrial Area, Sharjah: 20 minutes’ drive away
- Suwaydan, Sharjah: 20 minutes’ drive away
5. Nearby Attractions
Since Maleha is surrounded by various natural sites, such as deserts and reserves, it is ideal for nature enthusiasts. You can explore some of the best places to visit in Sharjah, located nearby, and enjoy quality time with your family. These destinations include:
- Withing Maleha:
- Fossil Rock
- Mleiha Archaeological Centre
- Mleiha Desert
- Mleiha Camping spot
- Near Maleha:
- Camel Race Track: 13 minutes’ drive away
- Al Faya Dune: 15 minutes’ drive away
6. Educational Facilities
Maleha is among Sharjah’s most peaceful areas, in the middle of a desert with convenient access to renowned educational facilities. Several top-notch nurseries and schools in Sharjah have campuses nearby, offering residents top-quality education.
Some of the best educational institutions near Maleha are:
- Victoria International School of Sharjah – Central Region: 5 minutes’ drive away
- Al Dhaid Military High School: 9 minutes’ drive away
- Al Thameed Elementary and Secondary School for Girls: 18 minutes’ drive away
- Khalifah Al Hamzah American School: 18 minutes’ drive away
7. Healthcare Facilities
The Maleha neighbourhood also provides access to various renowned healthcare facilities, including the best hospitals in Sharjah. Some of these popular medical facilities near the area are as follows:
- Al Maliha Health Centre: 4 minutes’ drive away
- Al Thameed Health Centre: 18 minutes’ drive away
- Khat Al Maliha Medical Centre: 20 minutes’ drive away
- Baghdad Medical Centre: 20 minutes’ drive away
8. Retail Options
You can shop at some of the best malls and supermarkets in Sharjah while living in Maleha. With all the retail options within and near this neighbourhood, you can buy clothes, fashion accessories, groceries and more at reasonable prices.
Some of these shopping destinations include:
- Within Maleha:
- Sharjah Coop
- Salati Supermarket
- ASWAQ Dolphin
- Alghafa Market Maliha
- Near Maleha:
- Al Dhaid Mall: 20 minutes’ drive away
9. Dining Options
Maleha is home to various renowned cafes and restaurants in Sharjah. Whether you are in the mood for traditional or continental cuisine, these culinary spots serve some of the best dishes. Some of the best places in this area for having casual dinners are as follows:
- Mleiha Cafe
- Al Ikhtayar Al Awal Restaurant
- Nujoom Al Maliha Restaurant
- Manarat Maleha Restaurant
- Masaa Al Khair Restaurant
Cons of Living in Maleha
Besides its pros, living in Maleha also has some potential cons, such as:
1. Distance From Central Sharjah
One of the major cons of living in Maleha is its distance from the central Sharjah. Since it is located in the desert area, near the UAE-Omani border, commuting to and from the central emirate takes almost an hour.
However, there are various amenities and business hubs nearby, reducing the need to cover long distances.
Key Takeaways
Maliha is a quiet and family-friendly area in Sharjah that offers affordable housing options and proximity to natural reserves. The area’s growing community attracts new residents. The area also provides all the essential amenities such as schools, clinics, malls, cafes and more.
However, Maliha is further from the city centre, which may be a drawback for frequent commuters. Additionally, public transportation options here are also less extensive than in more central areas.
Despite some drawbacks, living in Maliha is a suitable choice for those seeking a peaceful, affordable, and family-oriented lifestyle in Sharjah.
FAQs
Yes, expats in Sharjah can consider living in Maleha as it offers several family-friendly amenities and a budget-friendly lifestyle.
Al Nahda, Al Majaz, Al Khan, Al Qasimia, Halwan Suburb and Muwaileh are among the best places to live in Sharjah.
Maleha is one of the best areas to live in Sharjah with families, due to its convenient amenities and diverse properties. However, living here also has some drawbacks. So, explore all the pros and cons of living in Maleha, then decide while exploring housing options.
Besides that, you can also explore some pros and cons of living in Al Qadisiya, Muwaileh and other areas in Sharjah.
