Staff Report
Dubai, UAE
The Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) has invested over Dh300 million to build its eco-tourism portfolio called Sharjah Collection, which is part of its larger Dh850 million hospitality portfolio. Offering a much-required escape from the daily grind and digital overconsumption, Sharjah Collection comprises tranquil retreats in some of the emirate’s exotic locations, including coastal mangroves, desert dunes, mountain valleys, and heritage villages, harmoniously blending natural rejuvenation and cultural exposure. So far, seven luxury eco-retreats featuring 154 high-end accommodation units have been designed to offer restorative experiences. The collection will welcome a no-wifi wellness destination in Kalba, Nomad, in the final quarter of 2025.
The eco-retreat initiative is poised to bolster Sharjah’s position as an emerging hub for conscious tourism. In recent times, Sharjah’s tourism has gained traction, evident from the 11 percent year-on-year growth in guest numbers for 2024 revealed by the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA). International occupancy continued to rise in Q1 2025, highlighting the emirate’s increasing appeal among experience-led, wellness-oriented travellers.
Ahmed Obaid Al Qaseer, CEO of Shurooq, said, “Whether it was desert dunes, mountain ranges, or coastal landscapes, Sharjah’s natural diversity has provided fertile ground for hospitality projects that resonate with the spirit of each site. The Sharjah Collection is a strategic expression of this vision, with every retreat designed to echo its surroundings and provide a deeply rooted experience blending cultural richness with natural beauty.”
Shurooq’s investment directly taps into the booming global demand for wellness-focused travel. According to the Global Wellness Institute, wellness tourism is projected to exceed US$1 trillion in 2025, while the ‘slow travel’ movement—growing at approximately 10 percent annually—is redefining how travellers engage with destinations, placing value on time, tranquillity, and cultural depth. Furthermore, slow travel has been recognised as one of the defining travel trends of 2025 by Condé Nast Traveller, a global travel and tourism publication.
Shurooq’s eco-retreat collection expands between the dunes of Mleiha, mangroves of Kalba, and the valleys of Khorfakkan. Al Faya Retreat, located in Mleiha, is a transformation of two 1960s buildings offering five rooms with desert views, contemporary dining and curated desert trails.
The Kingfisher Retreat in Kalba is a collection of 40 sea-facing luxury tents located within a coastal mangrove reserve. Within Mleiha National Park, Moon Retreat features 10 geodesic domes and six premium tents – the ideal escape for campers, stargazers, and desert explorers.
Al Badayer Retreat blends traditional caravanserai-style aesthetics with modern luxury, offering 46 units that deliver dune adventures, camel rides, and desert tranquillity.
Najd Al Meqsar, in Khorfakkan’s Wadi Wishi, features seven luxury heritage units built within restored homes over 100 years old, overlooking ancient mountains and petroglyphs dating back more than 2,000 BCE. The retreat includes access to a 300-year-old fort and scenic hiking trails leading to Al Rafisah Dam.
Al Rayaheen Retreat in Khorfakkan comprises 19 restored heritage homes redesigned in collaboration with the Sharjah Institute for Heritage.
The Sharjah Collection is slated to add a new name to its vibrant portfolio by Q4 2025. Situated in Kalba’s mountainous valleys near the Kalba Nature Reserve, Nomad will feature 20 solar-powered luxury trailers that are designed and manufactured locally. In addition to promoting community enterprise, the off-grid design provides full immersion into nature while safeguarding local ecosystems. A no-wifi, lights-off approach enhances digital disconnection and night-sky visibility, encouraging mindfulness and environmental awareness.
To preserve Kalba’s biodiversity, Shurooq has implemented a suite of environmental protection measures, including impact mitigation protocols for rainfall, terrain, and wildlife movement – reinforcing its vision for sustainable development.
The Sharjah Collection, operated and developed by Shurooq, is a sanctuary of cultural authenticity and ecological balance—offering travellers opportunities to disconnect from the noise of modern life and reconnect with self, place, and purpose. The collection embodies the principles of slow travel and wellness, while showcasing Sharjah’s natural beauty and timeless heritage.
The impact of these projects extends beyond financial returns; they provide employment opportunities, strengthen the local community’s connection to its surroundings, and contribute to environmental protection through sustainable architecture and low-carbon operational processes. As global preferences continue to favour immersive, responsible, and restorative experiences, Shurooq’s visionary investment in these distinctive retreats firmly establishes Sharjah as a leader in the future of luxury tourism.
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Also read: Shurooq launches two new towers at Ajwan Khorfakkan
