His Excellency Marwan bin Jassim Al Sarkal, Executive Chairman of Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), yesterday (Tuesday) revealed during a live interview on Sharjah TV that the Authority will be undertaking four new large-scale tourism and hospitality projects in Khorfakkan, Kalba, Al Dhaid and Mleiha 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.

Al Sarkal has noted that the new developments follow the wise directives of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, to materialisekey infrastructuralprojects 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.

Pointing out that 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 emphasised that they are being designed to fulfilHis Highness’s directives to ensure greater economic opportunities and prosperity for those residing in these regions.

He noted: “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 major retail project being developed in phases by Shurooq and Eagle Hills.”

He explained: “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.”

Al Sarkal also revealed that Shurooq will be developing a 60-key experiential family retreat within the 14 sqkm Seih Al Bardi Kabeer safari park project Sharjah is currently developing in the interiors of Al Dhaid. This will be Sharjah’s first-of-its-kind hospitality offering set within a sprawling natural and wildlife reserve, which is expected to be home to 50,000 African animal species.

The Moon Retreat, Al Sarkal said 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 Shurooq Chief Executive summed up these key announcements with the message that with these new projects, Shurooq seeks to boost the national economyby stimulating new investments opportunities in the emirate’s tourism market, particularly in the eastern and central regions, which have massive untapped potential in the travel and leisure sectors.