Tag Archives: Sharjah Investment and Development Authority

Established by the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), the Mleiha Archaeological and Eco-tourism Project has been implemented by a team of experts to restore and protect the flora and fauna of the the Mleiha region. Apart from the Adventure Trek package, the Mleiha Archaeological Centre also has the Archaeological Tour package, where you can tour different man-made buildings – forts, cemeteries, the communal kitchen, among others – from various historical periods, as well as visit natural formations nearby such as Fossil Rock, Valley of the Caves, and Camel Rock. The centre’s well-curated exhibitions, interactive displays and artefacts provide an introduction to the past and allows you to travel back thousands of years to see the UAE in its nascent stages of existence. There are several sports packages as well for adrenaline junkies, including dune bashing, all specially designed keeping in mind the eco-sensitive nature of the region. All the guides are either palaeontologists, archaeologists, history enthusiasts or wildlife experts. “The Mleiha dessert landscape is a beautiful yet tough environment to survive in. The fauna and flora that call this place home have had to adapt to a desert that has scorching hot summers and cool wet winters. This has led to many interesting adaptations in the wildlife and plant life found on the dunes and rocky outcrops of Mleiha,” said Tharindu K.W.A., a wildlife expert at the centre.

Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) unveiled three new luxury hospitality projects worth AED 130 million at ATM 2019, which are nearing completion and slated for an official launch in the second half (H2) of  2019. Situated in three distinct historical and natural sites across the emirate of Sharjah, the three projects are Al Faya Lodge at Mleiha Archaeological and Eco-tourism, Kingfisher Lodge at Kalba, and finally, the Al Badayer Oasis being developed in the Al Badayer desert. The projects are poised as world-class additions to Shurooq’s growing portfolio of leading cultural and eco-tourism projects in Sharjah. They make up the ‘Sharjah Collection’ brand, developed and launched by Shurooq and managed by Mysk by Shaza Hotels. Designed to provide guests with comfort, privacy and amazing views overlooking the Indian Ocean and a forest of mangrove trees surrounding its natural location, Kingfisher Lodge is one of Sharjah’s leading eco-friendly hospitality projects. Nestled in central Sharjah, the Al Faya Lodge and Al Badayer Oasis are located in Sharjah’s Mleiha Archaeological and Eco-tourism destination, and the Al Badayer desert, respectively. Ahmed Obaid Al Qaseer, COO of the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), said,  “Shurooq is highlighting its stellar portfolio of hospitality and eco-tourism projects such as Al Bait Hotel, Al Faya Lodge, Kingfisher Lodge, Al Badayer Oasis, Mleiha Archaeological and Eco-tourism project, Al Noor Island and many more at ATM 2019, to educate visitors and investors about the emirate’s tourism sector and lucrative investment opportunities it offers”. Shurooq is participating in ATM 2019 as part of the Sharjah Pavilion under the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority’s (SCTDA) in Hall 4 at DWTC.

His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, launched ‘Sharjah Sustainable City’, the first urban mixed-use project in the emirate, which meets the highest standards of green economy and environmental sustainability. It is the outcome of a strategic partnership between Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) and Diamond Developers.  The AED 2 billion project is spread across 7.2 million sq ft, and is strategically located in Sharjah near Al Rahmaniya area, easily accessible from the Sharjah International Airport and Sharjah University City. Upon completion, it will feature 1,120 eco-friendly and energy-efficient villas with a modern-meets-oriental design in harmony with the unique architectural aesthetic Sharjah is known for. During the official launch ceremony, His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah learnt about the features of the residential units and other facilities through a 3D city model displayed at the event. He also received details about the eco-friendly technologies the city will be built on, and the key environmental and health benefits they will offer to the city’s future residents. The project will include a sustainable school, which will promote the concepts of sustainability through school curricula. It will also feature a ‘Sustainability Experience Centre’ – a platform to host meetings and forums by government and academic entities, NGOs, as well as school and university students, centered around promoting awareness about environmental issues and sustainable living. Sharjah Sustainability City is poised to be a landmark contribution by Sharjah to the global movement towards reducing carbon footprint, slowing global warming and decreasing the harsh impacts of climate change.

Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) will highlight its new milestones and achievements in promoting Sharjah’s tourism industry at ITB Berlin 2019 to be held from March 6-10. SCTDA oversaw unprecedented success in 2018, recording a growth of 23 per cent, and focused on the heritage and culture of Sharjah and the UAE as it welcomed 575,876 European guests throughout the year. SCTDA will strongly emphasise on promoting local culture and distinct leisure activities that the emirate has to offer at ITB Berlin 2019 as they aim to build on this figure. Commenting on the participation, H E Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman, SCTDA, said, “Our latest participation in ITB Berlin represents a new opportunity for us to highlight the most elegant aspects of the Sharjah’s heritage, historic sites, adventures, architecture, culture and other offerings. We hope our focus on the emirate’s ecotourism, outdoor activities and branded hotels will attract more tourists and investors from Germany, a major source market, and other participating nations. The event will also enhance our efforts to meet our target of attracting 10 million visitors by 2021.” “Through our participation in the exhibition, we look forward to strengthen our cooperation with airlines, airports, hospitality and travel facilities. We anticipate new partnerships that will promote the growth of passenger and cargo traffic through Sharjah Airport, which has now become of the leading global networks for many countries. Our presence also seeks to introduce the latest and most important services, innovations and facilities provided by Sharjah Airport as well as present expansion projects currently underway and how they can contribute to tourism growth in the coming years,” he further said. Participating entities under the umbrella of SCTDA include Sharjah …

The Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) is set to announce the exclusive business management updates behind its cultural and ecotourism tourism profile at the 53rd edition of ITB Berlin, which will take place from March, 6-10. The Shurooq stand will be featured at the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) pavilion, which will offer the world a platform to view the efforts that Sharjah entities are putting in to realise ‘Sharjah Vision 2021’.  Among Shurooq’s major announcements will be revealing the name of a new management operator for its ‘Sharjah Collection’ brand of ecotourism destinations, Kingfisher Lodge in Kalba – a rich mangroves reserve; Al Faya Lodge at Mleiha archaeological site; and Al Badayer Oasis at Al Badayer desert. Ahmed Al Qaseer, Chief Operating Officer, Shurooq said, “For the 12th consecutive year, Shurooq participates at ITB Berlin as part of its mission and vision to showcase Sharjah’s biggest achievements in the travel and tourism sectors on leading global platforms. We are returning this year with new and exciting announcements and memorable visitor experiences to reflect the growth in our corporate profile. We will be at the SCTDA pavilion in Hall 2.2, and occupy Stand 102, where we look forward to connecting with existing and new international partners. The level of tourism investment that Sharjah is attracting continues to grow at a phenomenal rate, and this will be an ideal opportunity for us to share our news with all those involved in the hospitality industry as well as fellow developers and foreign investors.”

Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) has revealed that Mantis Collection, the owner of some of the world’s finest boutique hotels and eco escapes, will be managing all hospitality facilities under its ‘Sharjah Collection’ brand. The joint venture was officiated and announced at the World Travel Market (WTM) London held from November 6-8. The partnership reflected the commitment between the two institutions that are equally dedicated to the spirit of conservation and preservation of local culture and heritage. Mantis’ excellence in the field has been continuously recognised by leading international hospitality awards such as the ‘2017 LUX Best Global Luxury Hotel Group and Excellence Award for Eco-Tourism’; the World’s Leading Luxury Boutique Hotels Collection 2016 and ‘Africa’s Leading Boutique Hotel Brand 2017’  by the World Travel Awards; among several others. Mantis was selected by Shurooq because of its expertise and experience in delivering and managing boutique sustainable hospitality facilities worldwide. The authority believes that the quality of hospitality and stay options in Sharjah will take a quantum leap forward with the Sharjah Collection.

The Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), an environmental tourism developer in the Middle East, will announce exclusive updates regarding its business management and project expansion during World Travel Market London 2017 to be held from November 6-8. Shurooq will reveal its latest property management appointments, updates on its project phases and partnerships with new tour operators. Figures released by the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority in August showed that the emirate’s hospitality sector is currently worth AED 372 million (USD 101 million) per annum, following an increase in revenue of 7.8 per cent in the first six months of 2017 compared to the same period last year. Ahmad Obaid Al Qaseer, COO of Shurooq, said, “It’s an exciting time for Shurooq as we begin new partnerships and complete new phases across our portfolio. The level of tourism investment that Sharjah is attracting continues to grow at a phenomenal rate. World Travel Market London is an ideal opportunity for us to share our news with all those involved in the hospitality industry as well as fellow developers and foreign investors.”

City Sightseeing Sharjah (CSS) has announced a brand new series of discounted packages for this summer season to enable UAE residents to see a lot more of the emirate they love and learn more about its unique history, culture and attractions. Under these packages, the CSS buses will provide a new opportunity to enjoy 24- and 48-hour tours. The 24-hour option from CSS, which was launched by Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) in collaboration with City Sightseeing Worldwide, is dedicated exclusively to sightseeing in Sharjah, providing a chance to tourists and locals alike to appreciate the reasons behind the city’s titles of ‘Islamic Culture Capital’ and ‘Cultural Capital of the Arab World’. The ticket entitles passengers to enjoy cultural, leisure and night tours and informs about the discounts available on the numerous restaurants, shopping malls and attractions. The 48-hour (Explorer) ticket offers a similar package, but it also includes a free ride on the Eye of Emirates and free entrances to Sharjah Aquarium, Maritime Museum, seven museums, Al Noor Island and Butterfly House.

Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) announced the launch of a new brand of hotels – Sharjah Collection – at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2017. The announcement was part of Shurooq’s participation at the 24th edition of ATM 2017, which concluded on 27 April (Thursday) at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC). The focus of Sharjah Collection with its luxurious lodge and B&B-style properties, coming up in Sharjah’s ecotourism and heritage sights being developed by Shurooq, will be to offer its guests unique and distinguished living experiences accented with an authentic taste of Arabian hospitality and rich in Emirati culture. In its first phase of development, Sharjah Collection unveiled its first three properties. Nestled within the Kalba eco-tourism project will be Kingfisher Lodge – a collection of tented lodge-style accommodations surrounded by mangroves and diverse ecological zones, allowing guests to live in an environment-friendly way. Their next development, Al Badayer Lodge, will be developed against the backdrop of a prominent natural feature of the Arabian Peninsula – its sweeping deserts of Al Badayer Oasis in Sharjah. The property will be developed to cater to the tastes of adventure lovers, where guests will enjoy urban amenities amid authentic Bedouin surroundings. The final property in the first phase, Bait Khalid Bin Ibrahim, will comprise two four-star B&B villas in Heart of Sharjah, the region’s largest historical preservation and restoration project. Converted from old Emirati homes that belonged old heritage settlements, the B&B aims to provide visitors from around the world unique insights into traditional UAE living. “The launch of Sharjah Collection is in line with Shurooq’s strategic approach to elevate the standards of Sharjah’s hospitality sector. We are working towards building …

Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) has announced its Mleiha Desert Resort, first five-star desert resort at the heart of Mleiha, for which it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Al Wanis, a Qatari tourism company established in Sharjah, to develop the AED 60 million project. As part of its unceasing efforts to mark Sharjah as one of the region’s premier tourism destinations and attract maximum overseas investment, Shurooq will be the local partner with “Al Wanis”. Mleiha Desert Resort will offer a range full of hotel services, restaurants, cafés, a health club, swimming pool and many other hospitality facilities associated with a world-class resort. The new luxury hospitality project encompasses a total area space of 300,000 sqm, of which the “Mleiha Desert Resort” and all its unique facilities, features and unique hospitality services and experiences will encompass a total area space of 60,000 sqm. The resort will include 45 exclusively designed vacation villas, modelled on classical desert marquees, each with the luxury of its own decking and private swimming pool. The “Royal Suite”, which is one of the four living options at the resort, encompasses a space of 167 sqm, and includes two uniquely designed rooms and a private swimming pool. Additional options include the “King Suite”, expected to encompass a total space of 155 sqm, “Junior Suite”, encompassing a total space of 90 sqm and the “Standard Suite” which offers a unique living on a total space of 85 sqm.