Tag Archives: Shurooq

This picturesque oasis is first of its kind in the UAE with a unique design inspired by traditional Emirati heritage. It is the ultimate desert experience nestled in Al Badayer desert’s burnt orange dunes, which are famously known to be ‘made for adventure’. Al Badayer is one of the most popular tourist areas in Sharjah and the UAE, favoured by dune bashers, camping enthusiasts and international tourists flying in to savour authentic Emirati experiences. In 2017, Shurooq began an ambitious AED130 million project to raise Sharjah’s profile as a destination for luxury ecotourism and its vast natural diversity through the ‘Sharjah Collection’. With Al Badayer Oasis now on the tourism market, all three of the Sharjah Collection’s high-end boutique destinations – the Kingfisher Lodge in Kalba, Al Faya Lodge close to the Fossil Rock area in Mleiha and Al Badayer Oasis in Al Badayer Desert – have met Shurooq’s projected two-year completion timeline. HE Marwan bin Jassim Al Sarkal, Executive Chairman of Shurooq, said, “Through this eco-oasis, Shurooq aims to advance responsible tourism practices and wildlife conservation in the UAE and Sharjah, and to support the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority’s (SCTDA) Sharjah Vision 2021, which is to attract 10 million tourists into the emirate”.  Simon Coombs, President & CEO of Shaza Hotels, stated, “We are delighted to expand our presence in the UAE with a unique property like Al Badayer Oasis, another successful project with Shurooq. We are thrilled for this partnership and look forward to delivering unparalleled experiences to Sharjah.”

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.

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.”

More than 500 business leaders and 30 industry experts, chief executives and decision-makers representing the region and the world, are expected to attend the fourth edition of Sharjah FDI Forum, to be held on December 10 and 11 in Sharjah. The event is set to witness discussions on corporate investment strategies, expansion opportunities, and explore the latest in solutions, innovations and best practices within the global economy. Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, the Sharjah FDI Forum 2018 is organised by the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) and the Sharjah FDI Office (Invest in Sharjah), with the endorsement of the UAE Ministry of Economy and in strategic partnership with CNBC Arabia. The forum will be held under the theme, ‘Shaping the Future of Economies’ at the Al Jawaher Reception and Convention Centre in Sharjah. A press conference was recently organised to unveil the forum’s programme details. It was attended by HE Marwan bin Jassim Al Sarkal, CEO, Shurooq; Mohammed Juma Al Musharrkh, CEO, Invest in Sharjah, several representatives from government authorities, and media personnel. Al Musharrkh unveiled the forum’s comprehensive six-panel agenda, which will highlight the role of sustainable development in shaping the future of global economies. He also announced that for the first time, Sharjah FDI Forum will be hosting a special workshop on December 9, organised and conducted by the World Association of Investment Promotion Agencies (WAIPA), targeting a number of investment promotion agencies from around the world, to discuss latest practices of promoting investment opportunities by studying investor needs and embracing latest technological breakthroughs to identify in-demand sectors.

Several major announcements were made on the progress of investments to Sharjah recently. It was announced that His Excellency Marwan bin Jassim Al Serkal, was entrusted the position of Executive Chairman of Shurooq under the Emiri deree by His Highness Sheikh Dr.Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council; Ruler of Sharjah. Al Serkal has been one of the key leaders in Sharjah’s tourism industry growth and has contributed immensely over the period he served as Chief Executive Officer from 2009 to mid- 2018. Under his leadership and vision at Shurooq, Al Serkal has actively diversified the emirate’s tourism sector by developing the eco-tourism in Kalba, beach tourism in Khorfakkan, cultural tourism in the city of Sharjah with attractions like Al Qasba destination, Al Majaz waterfront, Flag island and Al Maraya art center. He stated, “We are attracting and focusing on developing investments for Sharjah, making it a hub for investors to diversify the economy of the emirate of Sharjah. During the past few months Shurooq signed a few MOUs for high end tourism development.” Some of them are Palace in Al Khan beach, boutique hotel in the cultural district and the island development project. As Sharjah is on its way to receiving 10 million tourists by 2021, Shurooq is entrusted with obtaining more investments to develop the emirate of Sharjah. His Excellency Sheikh Fahim bin Sultan Al Qassimi, member of the Executive council of Sharjah and Executive Chairman of the department of government Relations, Chairman of Sharjah Supreme committee for digitalization stated that by 2019, Sharjah will be a data driven nation by digitalizing 90 per cent.

The Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) has signed a management agreement with Emaar Hospitality Group to operate a lifestyle boutique hotel – Vida Al Qasba Sharjah in Al Qasba. The hotel featuring 100 rooms and suites is uniquely positioned to meet the increasing demand for spacious and quality hotel rooms in Sharjah. Marwan bin Jassim Al Sarkal, CEO, Shurooq and Olivier Harnisch, CEO, Emaar Hospitality Group, signed the management agreement in the presence of senior officials of both entities. Commenting on the agreement, Al Sarkal said, “Sharjah’s tourism sector has recorded consistent growth with the number of hotel guests set to increase from 2.07 million in 2017 to over 3.16 million in the next two years. To meet the demand, it is important to strengthen the supply of quality hotels that meet the lifestyle aspirations of the visitors. We chose Emaar Hospitality Group’s Vida Hotels and Resorts to operate our boutique hotel in Al Qasba, led by its credentials in creating a refreshingly different experience for the new generation of travellers.” Harnisch said, “Vida Hotels and Resorts has brought a fresh identity to the hospitality sector of the region with our focus on two defining features that meet the aspirations of the new generation of travellers – design-led spaces and connectivity. Sharjah has tremendous potential of growth for its hospitality and tourism sectors. Vida Al Qasba Sharjah addresses a distinctive white space in the market through its positioning as a lively and vibrant hub where inspiring minds meet and connect.”

The Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) is all set to showcase Sharjah’s latest major tourism projects and infrastructure developments during its 21st participation at ITB Berlin 2018, to be held from March 7 to 11. H.E. Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman, SCTDA, who will attend the five-day event, is set to lead the delegation. High-level representatives from 12 government and private organisations will also join the SCTDA team to put the spotlight on their world-class tourism and cultural services and initiatives. The participating government institutions will consist of Knowledge without Borders, Expo Centre Sharjah, The Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), Environment and Protected Areas Authority (EPAA), The Sharjah Museums Authority and Sharjah International Airport. The private companies will comprise Oceanic Khorfakkan Resort & Spa, Ramada Hotel & Suites Sharjah, Radisson Blu Resort, Sharjah, Sharjah Airport Travel Agency,  Al Rais Tours & Holidays, and Sheraton Sharjah Beach Resort & Spa. H.E. Al Midfa said, “ITB Berlin is a strategic opportunity for us at SCTDA to put Sharjah on the international tourism and business maps in line with the government’s economic development agenda. Germany and other major European nations are important markets for Sharjah. As such, we consistently roll out relevant initiatives catering to European visitors to further strengthen our relations as well as form new mutually beneficial agreements.”

The fifth edition of Sharjah World Music Festival (SWMF) is back to entertain the UAE from January 12-19, 2018. It is presented by Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) in a strategic partnership with Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) and Al Majaz Amphitheatre. Festival organiser, Furat Qaddouri Music Centre, has confirmed that a stellar line-up of artists and musicians from the Arab and Western worlds will be performing in this edition. Dozens of artists, musicians and instrumentalists from 11 countries are set to perform at four different venues in Sharjah, namely, Al Majaz Amphitheatre, The Flag Island Theatre, Al Qasba and Al Majaz Waterfront during the eight-day festival. From Arabic to Andalusian and famous Jazz orchestras, the festival will feature a mix of musical traditions from around the world. “Every year, SWMF gives citizens a golden opportunity to escape the business of everyday life and absorb the sights, sounds and colours of the event across eight days. The event will showcase a spectacular selection of musical stalwarts from the region and beyond,” said artist Furat Qaddouri, Manager, Sharjah World Music Festival.

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.