Tag Archives: Sharjah

Sharjah is gearing up to participate in ITB Berlin 2026—the world’s largest trade event specializing in the travel and tourism sector—taking place from 3 to 5 March 2026. The participation will be under the umbrella of the Sharjah Pavilion. The delegation, alongside the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA), includes 20 entities from the emirate’s public and private sectors, a step that reflects the unification of plans and efforts, strengthens Sharjah’s presence, and consolidates its position on the global tourism map. During the exhibition, Sharjah’s delegation will showcase a range of prominent tourism and development projects that contribute to supporting the growth of the tourism sector and enhancing its contribution to the national economy, in addition to highlighting the diversity of tourism experiences the emirate offers—stemming from its varied landscapes, natural environments, and urban projects—from the center of theCity to the Central Region and through to the Eastern Region. The participation also highlights Sharjah’s integrated cultural ecosystem, which includes a wide array of specialized museums, nature reserves, archaeological and historical sites, forts and castles, as well as destinations and sites listed under UNESCO heritage. In addition, Sharjah’s distinctive beaches and waterfronts—key attractions for visitors—reflect the diversity of the emirate’s tourism experience. The participation also underscores the variety of hotel accommodation experiences that distinguish the emirate, with each project offering a unique character that reflects the identity of its location and provides diverse stays combining luxury, nature, and heritage. With its commitment to preserving and safeguarding its cultural legacy and the authenticity of its identity, Sharjah continues to solidify its standing as a destination that brings together heritage and modernity, offering an integrated tourism model that balances development, sustainable growth, …

Golden Sands Hotel & Residences Sharjah was recognised as ‘Sharjah’s Leading 4-Star Hotel’ at the 8th edition of the Arabian Travel Awards 2025. “The award for Most Comfortable Hotel Apartments is a tremendous honour for us. It represents more than just recognition; it reflects our team’s dedication to creating spaces where guests truly feel at home. Our motto is Golden Sands — a home away from home. Comfort is not a trend; comfort is the foundation of hospitality.” Mohamed Gamal, Hotel Manager, Golden Sands Hotel Residences Sharjah

At a special interview with TravTalkME, at the Week of the Stars in Sharjah, HE Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman, Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority shared the importance of the endorsement of FIFA as the platform reaches millions worldwide and the event also boosts the hotel occupation in the emirate of Sharjah, thereby boosting the economy. HE Midfa reiterated, “It is very important that we witness the fourth edition of Week of the Stars in Sharjah under the kind patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler and Crown Prince of Sharjah. This year, we have some significant new additions. Firstly, the International Football Federation, FIFA, has endorsed our event and the matches played by 36 international football legends who are with us in Sharjah for the coming days. Additionally, the main match on 11 January will be broadcast on the FIFA Plus platform, which reaches hundreds of millions of viewers worldwide. This is another major highlight of our fourth edition. We also have the paddle tennis tournaments, which continue to grow with bigger names, more competition, and higher prize money. The football competition is also expanding. Overall, it is a full week of exciting competitions. Some matches are friendly, while others are scheduled rounds. Our priority is always to provide the best experience for our visitors, whether through sports, festivals, cultural events, or activities. Sports tourism, in particular, attracts a strong audience from both the UAE and abroad. Developing sports tourism—from the Grand Prix held a few weeks ago to this event—is a key focus for the Emirate of Sharjah and the SCTDA. Regarding stakeholders, the economic impact of hosting such events is significant. We see …

The champions of the “Grand Prix of Sharjah” have been crowned marking the conclusion of the 2025 UIM World Championship Racing season. Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, and Chairman of the Sharjah Executive Council, the 24th edition of the event came to an end on Sunday 21st December 2025 at Khalid Lagoon. Organized by the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA), the race brought together 20 elite drivers from 10 international teams to compete for the season’s final title. Sheikh Mohammed bin Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, Chairman of the UAE Marine Sports Federation, alongside H.E. Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman of SCTDA, and Nicolo di San Germano, founder of H2O Racing, awarded the winners of the season’s final round, Road to Sharjah – Grand Prix of Sharjah. Stefan Arand, driving boat #18 for Team Sharjah, part of the Sharjah International Marine Sports Club, claimed first place. Grant Trask, driving boat #2 for Team Sweden, finished in second place, while Rusty Wyatt, driver of boat #17 for Team Sharjah, secured third place. Additionally, Sheikh Mohammed bin Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, joined by H.E. Khalid Jasim Al Midfa and Nicolo di San Germano, presented the Drivers’ World Championship trophies to the top three drivers of the season. Shaun Torrente, driving boat #4 for Team Victory of the Dubai International Marine Club, was crowned the 2025 World Champion. Jonas Andersson, driving boat #1 for Team Sweden, followed in second place, while Rusty Wyatt, driving boat #17 for Team Sharjah, came in third. Stefan Arand showcased an outstanding performance, dominating the second half of the …

The Forum will be held on 19 November 2025 under the theme “New Waves of Tourism Spectrum”, under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, the Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah. This year’s forum will bring together senior government officials, global experts, and leaders in the tourism, travel, and technology sectors to discuss key issues and innovative solutions shaping the future of tourism. The event is organized in strategic partnership with the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq). This year’s forum will focus on the pivotal role of digital technologies and artificial intelligence in transforming the tourism sector, while striking a balance between leveraging these technologies and preserving authenticity in innovation. Attendees will gain valuable insights from leading experts worldwide on the impact of digital platforms on consumer behavior and the importance of data-driven decision-making in enhancing visitor and traveler experiences. The sessions will also feature case studies and research highlighting how AI technologies can improve visitor services. Additionally, discussions will emphasize the importance of investing in strategic partnerships between government entities, private sector organizations, and technology companies to foster innovation and ensure sustainable tourism practices that support the sector’s growth. The forum will also explore the importance of investing in tourism innovation and its role in supporting the growth and expansion of startups. Leading experts will share their perspectives on the challenges faced by startups in the tourism and travel sector, as well as opportunities to drive innovation and achieve success. Discussions will focus on key factors that startups need to expand, including access to funding and support, building strategic partnerships, and leveraging modern technologies. The forum will also highlight the …

Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority is preparing for its 22nd consecutive participation in the World Travel Market (WTM London 2025), taking place from 4 to 6 November 2025, in London. SCTDA will participate with a delegation of 19 government and private entities under the umbrella of the Sharjah Pavilion, showcasing the emirate’s rich cultural heritage and a range of distinctive tourism projects and destinations. Among the highlights is the Faya Palaeolandscape, which was recently added to UNESCO’s World Heritage List for its unique record of human existence in desert environments, dating back over 200,000 years. The pavilion will also feature Sharjah’s sustainable environmental destinations, such as the Wasit Nature Reserve, home to rare bird species; the Kalba Mangrove Centre, where visitors can explore nature through wooden walkways surrounded by mangrove trees; and Sir Bu Nair Island, renowned for its unique marine biodiversity. These destinations, along with others, reflect the diversity of Sharjah’s tourism offerings and its commitment to preserving nature and heritage. As one of the world’s leading travel and tourism exhibitions, the event will bring together over 4,000 exhibitors from more than 180 countries and is expected to attract over 46,000 visitors from across the globe. Through its participation this year, SCTDA aims to strengthen strategic partnerships within the global travel and tourism sector and build new bridges of collaboration with major European markets. This aligns with Sharjah’s broader strategy to keep pace with evolving global tourism trends and deliver culturally rich, sustainable experiences that meet the aspirations of travelers from around the world. The Sharjah delegation to this year’s exhibition includes several government and private entities, including: Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), Sharjah Museums Authority, Sharjah Airport Authority, Environment and …

Gama Aviation has confirmed major progress in the construction of its new Business Aviation Centre (BAC) at Sharjah International Airport, a purpose-built facility set to redefine operational efficiency and client experience in the Middle East. Representing a significant multi-million-dollar investment, the project reinforces Gama Aviation’s long-term confidence in the UAE and the wider region, marking an important milestone in the company’s continued expansion of business aviation services across EMEA. “Our investment in Sharjah underlines our confidence in both the emirate and the region’s aviation future,” said Marwan Khalek, Group CEO, Gama Aviation. “It supports the UAE’s Vision 2030 framework by delivering world-class aviation infrastructure and creating high-value employment, while giving our clients an efficient, well-connected alternative to more congested hubs. Sharjah’s pro-business environment and accessibility make it an ideal location for a new generation of business aviation services.” Sharjah’s strategic appeal has strengthened further following the announcement of Dubai International Airport (DXB)’s planned closure and the future consolidation of operations at Dubai World Central (DWC). With operators and owners now assessing long-term alternatives, Gama Aviation’s investment in the BAC positions Sharjah as a credible, high-quality option offering both proximity and efficiency. Scheduled for completion in early 2026, the Business Aviation Centre occupies a site of over 80,000 square metres within the Sharjah International Airport estate. The development supports the emirate’s infrastructure and diversification objectives, aligned with the UAE’s Vision 2030 roadmap for sustainable growth and connectivity.

These projects form part of a comprehensive strategic portfolio of 52 developments spanning 60 million sq. ft. across Sharjah, with total investments and partnerships exceeding AED 7.2 billion. The five projects that anchor Shurooq’s achievements in this sector are the Heart of Sharjah, House of Wisdom, Al Noor Island, Maraya Art Centre and 1971 Design Space, and Mleiha National Park. Collectively, they reflect Shurooq’s commitment to fostering a thriving cultural economy rooted in heritage, creativity, and sustainability. Over the past 15 years, the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) has advanced beyond traditional urban development to firmly establish Sharjah as a global centre for culture and the arts, a sustainable platform for knowledge, and a dynamic destination for the creative economy in the region. According to Shurooq’s recently issued 15-year progress report, the authority has delivered five major projects in the Arts & Culture sector, with total investments and partnerships amounting to AED 447 million. These are part of a comprehensive strategic portfolio that includes 52 projects across various sectors, spanning a total area of 60 million square feet throughout the emirate, with total investments and partnerships exceeding AED 7.2 billion. These efforts align with UNESCO reports, which emphasise that cultural and creative projects are a significant economic and social driver, contributing meaningfully to GDP, creating job opportunities, and strengthening social cohesion, while also having a positive impact on sustainable development. This underscores the sector’s strategic importance as a key element in supporting sustainable growth and economic diversification, particularly in cities that adopt cultural identity as a central part of their urban fabric. These investments also support the UAE’s drive to position the creative economy as a cornerstone of its …