Tag Archives: Sharjah

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 …