Dubai, UAE
Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), the investment promotion and asset development arm of Sharjah Government, said, it will develop four new large-scale tourism and hospitality projects in Khorfakkan, Kalba, Mleiha and Al Dhaid – that will help cater to increasing tourists in the years to come.
Among the projects, a 66-key resort will be developed along the Khorfakkan Beach and be part of the city’s first waterpark. A second resort will be built next to Kalba Waterfront, the major retail project being developed in phases by Shurooq and Abu Dhabi-based developer Eagle Hills.
Shurooq will develop a 60-key experiential family retreat within the 14 square kilometres Seih Al Bardi Kabeer Safari Park project that the Government of Sharjah is currently developing in Al Dhaid area. This will be Sharjah’s first-of-its-kind hospitality offering within a sprawling natural and wildlife reserve, which is expected to be home to 50,000 African animal species.
A new desert resort, The Moon Retreat, would be a new feature at Shurooq’s Mleiha Archaeological and Eco-tourism destination, which is expected to welcome guests by the end of this year. This will Shurooq’s second boutique hospitality offering in the Mleiha region with the first one being Mysk Al Faya Retreat, which is part of Sharjah Collection.
The news comes at a crucial time when most development projects have either been shelved or slowed down due to Covid-19 pandemic, and reflects Sharjah Government’s determination to expand tourism facilities in the emirate that has seen an increase in the number of visitors to its facilities.
“The strategic undertaking follows Shurooq’s vision of transforming Sharjah as a leading hub of nature-inspired experiences, and brings the emirate’s central and eastern regions within the folds of its ambitious plans,” Shurooq said in a statement.
Marwan bin Jassim Al Sarkal, Executive Chairman of Shurooq said that the new developments will compliment key infrastructure projects which would further boost Sharjah’s appeal as a go-to destination for as well overseas travellers as well as UAE citizens and residents by allowing them access to the unique heritage and diverse natural landscapes that make up the many cities and regions of the culturally rich emirate.
The new projects are being rolled out in response to a sharp increase in touristic and leisure activities and demand for new experiences in the emirate, Al Sarkal said.
“We are all set to begin the construction of two five-star hotels at scenic locations in Sharjah’s eastern region – the first 66-key property will be located along the Khorfakkan Beach and be home to the city’s first waterpark. The second one will stand adjacent to Kalba Waterfront. The two hotels are being developed to promote both Sharjah’s tourism and investment appeal, in the eastern region in particular. Shurooq has been at the forefront of advocating for responsible investments to promote sustainable, diversified and cross-sectoral growth, and we believe these new projects will offer investors in retail, tourism, hospitality and real-estate lucrative and high-yielding opportunities,” he said.
