Beneath the Surface: BMC Gulf’s Role in Sharjah’s Al Hefaiyah Lake Project

The eastern coastline of the UAE recently welcomed a new landmark in sustainable infrastructure and public leisure: Al Hefaiyah Lake, a man-made reservoir nestled between the dramatic peaks of the Hajar Mountains and the shores of Kalba. Designed as both a functional water retention basin and a scenic recreational destination, the project is already drawing attention for its beauty, scale, and engineering sophistication. Behind the scenes, one of the most critical components of the lake’s construction was the installation of an HDPE geomembrane lining system—a responsibility entrusted to BMC Gulf.

With over 25 years of experience in geosynthetics and industrial lining systems across the Middle East, BMC Gulf was selected to carry out the installation of the 165,000 square meters of HDPE geomembrane, forming the foundational layer of the reservoir’s waterproofing strategy. The company’s long-standing expertise in HDPE liner installation ensured that the lake would be equipped with a lining solution capable of withstanding the region’s harsh climate, variable terrain, and long-term environmental demands.

In projects of this magnitude, installation quality is not just important—it is critical. The reservoir, with a storage capacity exceeding 155 million gallons, is designed to retain rainwater and runoff while maintaining a stable water level throughout the year. The geomembrane lining installed by BMC Gulf plays a central role in achieving this goal, acting as a protective barrier that prevents seepage and safeguards the natural surroundings.

Installation was carried out using state-of-the-art Swiss welding technology from Leister operated by a team of DVS 2212-3 certified welding personnel. Every welding joint, and overlap was subjected to stringent quality control protocols to ensure the integrity of the system. The result is a high-performance HDPE lining system engineered to perform for decades.

Although the liner itself remains out of sight, its impact is immediately visible in the success of the finished lake. Today, Al Hefaiyah Lake offers visitors a wide range of attractions, including kayaking, hiking trails, and panoramic viewing areas. As part of a broader initiative to develop eco-conscious public spaces in Sharjah’s eastern region, the lake is already emerging as a model for how infrastructure and environment can coexist.

The project highlights not only the importance of technical excellence in civil works but also the growing role of geosynthetics in sustainable urban development. For BMC Gulf, participating in this landmark initiative reflects its continued commitment to quality, innovation, and environmental stewardship in the UAE and beyond.

Are you planning a large-scale water infrastructure or geomembrane project in the UAE? BMC Gulf brings over 25 years of proven expertise to the table. Let’s talk.