Residents and tourists in the UAE are set to enjoy the ultimate desert experience with an AED 15 million (US$ 4.1m) extension to the Al Badayer Oasis project. A premium leisure development form Sharjah Investment and development Authority (Shurooq), Al Badayer Oasis has announced an expansion to its under-construction facility, with the resort expected to pull in hordes of city-dwellers keen to make the most of the region’s stunning outdoor environment.
Overlooking the golden sand dunes of Sharjah’s middle region, Al Badayer Oasis will have two new buildings added alongside its existing components, with the 955 square metre additions increasing its investment from AED 45 million (US$ 12.3m) to AED 60 million (US$ 16.4m). Despite the new construction elements, the project’s anticipated completion date remains the same
The first of Al Badayer Oasis’s two new buildings features 10 comfortable dormitory rooms designed to cater to individuals and groups and provide premium hotel services to visitors taking a break from the hustle and bustle of urban life.
The second features a gym decked out with the latest sports and fitness equipment to ensure that city creature comforts and amenities are still on hand at the rural destination.
The overall result, say the developers, is that guests at the resort will be able to blend authentic desert experiences with first-rate accommodation and the very best indoor recreation offerings.
“The implementation of the Al Badayer Oasis project forms part of Shurooq’s comprehensive plan to develop all regions in the Emirate of Sharjah and to do so by ensuring a wealth of facilities to provide something for everyone.
The project is extremely important because it is located at Al Badayer region near the largest and most impressive sand dunes in the UAE.
Our remit is to ensure that this important project has an array of recreational amenities, state-of-the-art facilities and premium services to promote tourism in Sharjah in general and in its middle region in particular,” said HE Marwan bin Jassim Al Sarkal, CEO of Shurooq.
Al Badayer desert is already an extremely popular destination for adventurers, adrenaline junkies and petrol-heads, with dune bashing with powerful SUVs and quad bikes daily activities from sunrise to sunset. In view of the expanded leisure offerings that will be available at the site, Al Badayer Oasis received a name change from its original ‘Al Badayer Desert Camp.’ Its developers say that this reflects the nature of the project, which is to be a true oasis in the heart of Sharjah’s Al Badayer desert region.
Once completed, we fully expect that Al Badayer Oasis will become a first choice destination for both residents and tourists in the UAE who wish to experience the incredible natural beauty and topography of the desert environment. The centre will offer a spectrum of pursuits, from high-octane adventure to more serene activities and the two new buildings will add metropolitan comforts to what is a fantastic outdoor experience away from the city lights. We look forward to seeing the Al Badayer Oasis establish itself as a premier attraction for desert adventurers from the UAE and beyond, said HE Marwan bin Jassim Al Sarkal, CEO of Shurooq.
Developed over 24,000 square metres, Al Badayer Oasis comprises a camp, a resort, a lodge and a host of restaurants and cafés. Other facilities for guests include an amphitheatre for live entertainment events, a mosque, tents, shops, kiosks, turrets and parking areas for cars and buses.
Designed to resemble a true oasis, the attraction features extensive use of palm trees, as well as bridge-like wooden walkways over water channels and streams.
Al Badayer Oasis project is located a 40-minute-drive away from the city of Sharjah and provides visitors with the opportunity to explore the wilderness and to take exciting desert explorations; with desert motocross, SUV drives, sandboarding, safari tours, outdoor barbeques and observing wildlife in its natural habitat available.
The project features open-air courtyards and Majlis-styled lounges, all of which create an atmosphere perfect for rest and relaxation.
Al Badayer Oasis is one of several projects from Shurooq that have a focus on promoting Sharjah through prominent sustainable developments. Others include the Mleiha Archaeological and Eco-tourism project, the Kalba Eco-tourism project and the Kingfisher Lodge project. All underscore Shurooq’s vision, which is to develop sustainable and environmentally friendly destinations that meet and surpass international standards.
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Showing posts with label Al Badayer Desert Camp. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Al Badayer Desert Camp. Show all posts
Monday, 31 July 2017
Sunday, 30 April 2017
UAE: Mleiha Desert Resort is First Five-star Desert Resort
Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) has grabbed the headlines once again at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM 2017), with the announcement of its “Mleiha Desert Resort”, first five-star desert resort at the heart of Mleiha, and news that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with “Al Wanis”, Qatari tourism company established in Sharjah, to develop the AED 60 million (US$ 16.4m) project.
As part of its unceasing efforts to mark Sharjah as one of the region’s premier tourism destinations and attract maximum overseas investment, Shurooq will be the local partner with “Al Wanis”.
Mleiha Desert Resort will offer a range full hotel services, restaurants, cafés, a health club, swimming pool and many other hospitality facilities associated with a world-class resort.
The new luxury hospitality project encompasses a total area space of 300,000 sqm, of which the “Mleiha Desert Resort” and all its unique facilities, features and unique hospitality services and experiences will encompass a total area space of 60,000 sqm.
The resort will include 45 exclusively designed vacation villas, modelled on classical desert marquees, each with the luxury of its own decking and private swimming pool.
The “Royal Suite”, which is one four living options at the resort, encompasses a space of 167 sqm, and includes two uniquely designed rooms and a private swimming pool.
Additional options include the “King Suite”, expected to encompass a total space of 155 sqm, “Junior Suite”, encompassing a total space of 90 sqm and the “Standard Suite” which offers a unique living on a total space of 85 sqm.
While being entirely detached, with privacy guaranteed, there is still a sense of community, enhanced by a central communal area, fashioned in the same canopy style, where guests can meet and distinguished enjoy hotel services together, as well as a memorable “Sahara”-themed living experience.
Replicating an authentic canvas covering, the awning feature provides the perfect shade to enjoy the tranquility and serenity of the resort, blending in seamlessly with the environment of sublime nature and Arabic heritage.
The new resort, situated at the heart of the Mleiha Archaeological and Eco-Tourism Project on a natural landscape between the area’s bespoke dunes and the famous Fossil Rock, is scheduled for completion towards the end of 2019.
Unveiling details of the luxurious Mleiha Desert Resort at an ATM press conference, HE Marwan Bin Jassim Al Sarkal, CEO, Shurooq, described the move as a major boost to Sharjah’s ambitious eco-tourism projects, which are set to appeal to a global audience.
Al Sarkal said: “We aim to increase the reach and expand the scope of the emirate’s tourism sector and this new partnership is a highly significant indicator that we are having that impact.
Shurooq has always had a solid and reliable commitment to its partners and the entrepreneurs who have invested in Sharjah and the success they have enjoyed is mirrored in our tourism ventures.”
He added: “The new resort has marked a new milestone in our development efforts for the Mleiha Archaeological and Eco-tourism project, since we’ve announced the area’s multiple investment opportunities for hotel and commercial operators many years ago.
Our goals are not simply to encourage investment, but to sustain it. We inform, guide and advise potential partners and provide them with reliable, accurate information to help them make the right investment decisions.
Sharjah increasingly becomes the right decision.”
The number of hotel guests in Sharjah is growing at an annual rate of 13%, while hotel revenues are up by 12.3%. Revenues are expected to reach $187 million (AED 687 million) by the end of this year, and by the end of 2019, that figure is predicted to reach $226 million (AED 830 million).
Four and five-star hotels accounted of 70% of revenues last year, which suggests the majority of investments will focus on those two categories.
Abdulaziz Al Amadi, Board Member of “Al Wanis” tourism company, who co-signed the MoU with Al Sarkal, said: “Sharjah is an extremely attractive business proposition for Arab investors and Qatar is an established partner in many existing ventures.
The Mleiha Desert Resort at the Mleiha Archaeological and Eco-tourism project is a unique opportunity that combines the luxury of a world-class destination with the history and heritage that is so important to all countries around the region, particularly those in the GCC.
“It is the perfect fit for our company as we look at not just the ambition and the potential but the activity that is taking place. It is a great incentive to look at the possibility of cooperating on other projects.
Sharjah’s commitment to developing its tourism sector is time, money and effort well spent.”
The signing ceremony took place at a press conference on the second day of ATM 2017, which runs until April 27 at Dubai World Trade Centre.
Commenting on its participation at ATM 2017, Ahmed Obeid Al Qaseer, COO of Shurooq, said: “This also provides the chance for us to highlight some of the other unique projects in our stunning portfolio of hospitality projects, such as Al Bait Hotel, which is being developed within in the Heart of Sharjah, the Kingfisher Lodge in Kalba, Fossil Rock Lodge within Mleiha and Al Badayer Desert Camp.”
The Arabian Travel Market attracts thousands of visitors and tourism stakeholders, professionals and experts from different countries to debate developments in the global tourism industry and discuss the possibility of forging strategic partnerships with their counterparts.
The B2B event is an ideal platform for worldwide industry leaders to promote leisure, business, medical, family and shopping tourism in their countries. ATM 2017 is expected to receive an overwhelming increase from the 28,000 visitors who attended from 86 countries last year, along with 2,800 exhibitors.
Shurooq was established in 2009 with the aim of achieving social, cultural, environmental and economic development on the basis of Sharjah’s distinct Arab and Islamic identity.
It is focused on encouraging investment by adopting the best international standards in providing quality services that help attract investors from across the region and around the world.
Shurooq’s key mission is to provide facilities and incentives to help overcome obstacles facing investment activities in the emirate, evaluate investment-related infrastructure projects, and lay down the necessary plans to complete such projects.
As part of its unceasing efforts to mark Sharjah as one of the region’s premier tourism destinations and attract maximum overseas investment, Shurooq will be the local partner with “Al Wanis”.
Mleiha Desert Resort will offer a range full hotel services, restaurants, cafés, a health club, swimming pool and many other hospitality facilities associated with a world-class resort.
The new luxury hospitality project encompasses a total area space of 300,000 sqm, of which the “Mleiha Desert Resort” and all its unique facilities, features and unique hospitality services and experiences will encompass a total area space of 60,000 sqm.
The resort will include 45 exclusively designed vacation villas, modelled on classical desert marquees, each with the luxury of its own decking and private swimming pool.
The “Royal Suite”, which is one four living options at the resort, encompasses a space of 167 sqm, and includes two uniquely designed rooms and a private swimming pool.
Additional options include the “King Suite”, expected to encompass a total space of 155 sqm, “Junior Suite”, encompassing a total space of 90 sqm and the “Standard Suite” which offers a unique living on a total space of 85 sqm.
While being entirely detached, with privacy guaranteed, there is still a sense of community, enhanced by a central communal area, fashioned in the same canopy style, where guests can meet and distinguished enjoy hotel services together, as well as a memorable “Sahara”-themed living experience.
Replicating an authentic canvas covering, the awning feature provides the perfect shade to enjoy the tranquility and serenity of the resort, blending in seamlessly with the environment of sublime nature and Arabic heritage.
The new resort, situated at the heart of the Mleiha Archaeological and Eco-Tourism Project on a natural landscape between the area’s bespoke dunes and the famous Fossil Rock, is scheduled for completion towards the end of 2019.
Unveiling details of the luxurious Mleiha Desert Resort at an ATM press conference, HE Marwan Bin Jassim Al Sarkal, CEO, Shurooq, described the move as a major boost to Sharjah’s ambitious eco-tourism projects, which are set to appeal to a global audience.
Al Sarkal said: “We aim to increase the reach and expand the scope of the emirate’s tourism sector and this new partnership is a highly significant indicator that we are having that impact.
Shurooq has always had a solid and reliable commitment to its partners and the entrepreneurs who have invested in Sharjah and the success they have enjoyed is mirrored in our tourism ventures.”
He added: “The new resort has marked a new milestone in our development efforts for the Mleiha Archaeological and Eco-tourism project, since we’ve announced the area’s multiple investment opportunities for hotel and commercial operators many years ago.
Our goals are not simply to encourage investment, but to sustain it. We inform, guide and advise potential partners and provide them with reliable, accurate information to help them make the right investment decisions.
Sharjah increasingly becomes the right decision.”
The number of hotel guests in Sharjah is growing at an annual rate of 13%, while hotel revenues are up by 12.3%. Revenues are expected to reach $187 million (AED 687 million) by the end of this year, and by the end of 2019, that figure is predicted to reach $226 million (AED 830 million).
Four and five-star hotels accounted of 70% of revenues last year, which suggests the majority of investments will focus on those two categories.
Abdulaziz Al Amadi, Board Member of “Al Wanis” tourism company, who co-signed the MoU with Al Sarkal, said: “Sharjah is an extremely attractive business proposition for Arab investors and Qatar is an established partner in many existing ventures.
The Mleiha Desert Resort at the Mleiha Archaeological and Eco-tourism project is a unique opportunity that combines the luxury of a world-class destination with the history and heritage that is so important to all countries around the region, particularly those in the GCC.
“It is the perfect fit for our company as we look at not just the ambition and the potential but the activity that is taking place. It is a great incentive to look at the possibility of cooperating on other projects.
Sharjah’s commitment to developing its tourism sector is time, money and effort well spent.”
The signing ceremony took place at a press conference on the second day of ATM 2017, which runs until April 27 at Dubai World Trade Centre.
Commenting on its participation at ATM 2017, Ahmed Obeid Al Qaseer, COO of Shurooq, said: “This also provides the chance for us to highlight some of the other unique projects in our stunning portfolio of hospitality projects, such as Al Bait Hotel, which is being developed within in the Heart of Sharjah, the Kingfisher Lodge in Kalba, Fossil Rock Lodge within Mleiha and Al Badayer Desert Camp.”
The Arabian Travel Market attracts thousands of visitors and tourism stakeholders, professionals and experts from different countries to debate developments in the global tourism industry and discuss the possibility of forging strategic partnerships with their counterparts.
The B2B event is an ideal platform for worldwide industry leaders to promote leisure, business, medical, family and shopping tourism in their countries. ATM 2017 is expected to receive an overwhelming increase from the 28,000 visitors who attended from 86 countries last year, along with 2,800 exhibitors.
Shurooq was established in 2009 with the aim of achieving social, cultural, environmental and economic development on the basis of Sharjah’s distinct Arab and Islamic identity.
It is focused on encouraging investment by adopting the best international standards in providing quality services that help attract investors from across the region and around the world.
Shurooq’s key mission is to provide facilities and incentives to help overcome obstacles facing investment activities in the emirate, evaluate investment-related infrastructure projects, and lay down the necessary plans to complete such projects.
Saturday, 3 December 2016
UAE: Shurooq Breaks Ground At AED 45 Million Al Badayer Desert Camp Development
Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) has commenced the implementation of Al Badayer Desert Camp project, valued at AED 45 million (US$ 12.3m), which will become one of the premium leisure and adventure destinations in Sharjah. Expected to open by the end of 2017, the project will feature a unique set of experiences for desert adventurers within the golden sand dunes of Sharjah’s middle region. Moreover, the project aligns with Shurooq’s comprehensive strategy to develop a variety of Sharjah’s vast oases and northern regions.
Shurooq’s 24,000 square metres (258,334 sq. ft.) Al Badayer Desert Camp project includes an array of amenities and facilities that meet the needs of the most discerning of visitors, including its urban resort, desert lodge, restaurant and cafés. A main feature is its amphitheatre which will host live activities and multiple entertainment events under the stars. Additional facilities also include a mosque, recreational tents, shops, kiosks, turrets and shaded parking areas for cars and buses.
Al Badayer Desert Camp project is a 40-minute-drive away from the city of Sharjah and once completed will give visitors the opportunity to explore the wilderness and take exciting and challenging desert activities. When it’s time to unwind, intrepid adventurers can make the most of the project’s open-air courtyards and Majlis-styled lounges, which create an atmosphere perfect for rest and relaxation.
“Since its inception in 2009, Shurooq has implemented an array of leisure and tourist projects across all regions of Sharjah. The positive commercial effect of these projects has added value to the emirate’s economy and contributed directly to the success of its economic diversification plan. Shurooq has been the major driving force behind this transformation, and through Al Badayer Desert Camp project we are pleased to begin the development of this project and to bring this diversification to life” said His Excellency Marwan Bin Jassim Al Sarkal, CEO of Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq).
“Al Badayer Desert Camp project is one of Shurooq’s foremost desert and leisure tourism projects in the UAE. Its importance stems from the fact that it is located within one of Sharjah’s and UAE’s most popular locations, where Al Badayer is renowned for being a premium destination for desert adventurers, 4×4 enthusiasts and multiple safari tour providers. By providing such an array of amenities and state-of-the-art facilities adjacent to this unique location, we aim to promote tourism in the middle region of Sharjah and across the emirate in general,” he added.
“The implementation of the various phases of the Al Badayer Desert Camp project is underway and we anticipate that it will become a favourite destination for UAE residents and tourists alike through its array of services, features and entertainment offerings. We also expect that its name will become a byword for exhilarating desert exploration and adventures,” Al Sarkal explained.
Shurooq is developing several leisure and tourist ventures in Sharjah, the most recent of which is the Mleiha Archaeological and Eco-tourism project which was launched at the beginning of this year. The facility represents Shurooq’s growing interest in sustainable and Eco-tourism projects in line with its vision to develop environment-friendly destinations on a global scale.
Shurooq’s 24,000 square metres (258,334 sq. ft.) Al Badayer Desert Camp project includes an array of amenities and facilities that meet the needs of the most discerning of visitors, including its urban resort, desert lodge, restaurant and cafés. A main feature is its amphitheatre which will host live activities and multiple entertainment events under the stars. Additional facilities also include a mosque, recreational tents, shops, kiosks, turrets and shaded parking areas for cars and buses.
Al Badayer Desert Camp project is a 40-minute-drive away from the city of Sharjah and once completed will give visitors the opportunity to explore the wilderness and take exciting and challenging desert activities. When it’s time to unwind, intrepid adventurers can make the most of the project’s open-air courtyards and Majlis-styled lounges, which create an atmosphere perfect for rest and relaxation.
“Since its inception in 2009, Shurooq has implemented an array of leisure and tourist projects across all regions of Sharjah. The positive commercial effect of these projects has added value to the emirate’s economy and contributed directly to the success of its economic diversification plan. Shurooq has been the major driving force behind this transformation, and through Al Badayer Desert Camp project we are pleased to begin the development of this project and to bring this diversification to life” said His Excellency Marwan Bin Jassim Al Sarkal, CEO of Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq).
“Al Badayer Desert Camp project is one of Shurooq’s foremost desert and leisure tourism projects in the UAE. Its importance stems from the fact that it is located within one of Sharjah’s and UAE’s most popular locations, where Al Badayer is renowned for being a premium destination for desert adventurers, 4×4 enthusiasts and multiple safari tour providers. By providing such an array of amenities and state-of-the-art facilities adjacent to this unique location, we aim to promote tourism in the middle region of Sharjah and across the emirate in general,” he added.
“The implementation of the various phases of the Al Badayer Desert Camp project is underway and we anticipate that it will become a favourite destination for UAE residents and tourists alike through its array of services, features and entertainment offerings. We also expect that its name will become a byword for exhilarating desert exploration and adventures,” Al Sarkal explained.
Shurooq is developing several leisure and tourist ventures in Sharjah, the most recent of which is the Mleiha Archaeological and Eco-tourism project which was launched at the beginning of this year. The facility represents Shurooq’s growing interest in sustainable and Eco-tourism projects in line with its vision to develop environment-friendly destinations on a global scale.
Tuesday, 15 November 2016
UAE: Al Badayer Desert Camp Project Kicks Off
The Sharjah Investment and development Authority (Shurooq) has commenced the implementation of Al Badayer Desert Camp project, valued at Dh45 million, which it aims to build into one of its premium leisure and adventure destinations in Sharjah.
The Al Badayer Desert Camp project includes an array of amenities and facilities, including its urban resort, desert lodge, restaurant and cafés. A main feature is its amphitheatre which will host live activities and multiple entertainment events. Additional facilities also include a mosque, recreational tents, shops, kiosks, turrets and shaded parking areas for cars and buses.
Al Badayer Desert Camp project is a 40-minute-drive away from the city of Sharjah and once completed will give visitors the opportunity to explore the wilderness.
“Al Badayer Desert Camp project is one of Shurooq’s foremost desert and leisure tourism projects in the UAE, said Marwan Bin Jassem Al Sarkal, CEO of the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority. “Its importance stems from the fact that it is located within one of Sharjah’s and UAE’s most popular locations, where Al Badayer is renowned for being a premium destination for desert adventurers, 4x4 enthusiasts and multiple safari tour providers.
By providing such an array of amenities and state-of-the-art facilities adjacent to this unique location, we aim to promote tourism in the middle region of Sharjah and across the emirate in general.”
Shurooq is developing several leisure and tourist ventures in Sharjah, the most recent of which is the Maleeha Archaeological and Eco-tourism project which was launched at the beginning of this year.
The Al Badayer Desert Camp project includes an array of amenities and facilities, including its urban resort, desert lodge, restaurant and cafés. A main feature is its amphitheatre which will host live activities and multiple entertainment events. Additional facilities also include a mosque, recreational tents, shops, kiosks, turrets and shaded parking areas for cars and buses.
Al Badayer Desert Camp project is a 40-minute-drive away from the city of Sharjah and once completed will give visitors the opportunity to explore the wilderness.
“Al Badayer Desert Camp project is one of Shurooq’s foremost desert and leisure tourism projects in the UAE, said Marwan Bin Jassem Al Sarkal, CEO of the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority. “Its importance stems from the fact that it is located within one of Sharjah’s and UAE’s most popular locations, where Al Badayer is renowned for being a premium destination for desert adventurers, 4x4 enthusiasts and multiple safari tour providers.
By providing such an array of amenities and state-of-the-art facilities adjacent to this unique location, we aim to promote tourism in the middle region of Sharjah and across the emirate in general.”
Shurooq is developing several leisure and tourist ventures in Sharjah, the most recent of which is the Maleeha Archaeological and Eco-tourism project which was launched at the beginning of this year.
Thursday, 18 February 2016
UAE: Mleiha Archaeological And Eco-tourism Project Opened
The first phase of the Mleiha Archaeological and Eco-tourism Project, which includes the Mleiha Archaeological Centre, has been officially opened by His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah. The tourism and heritage project, located in an area of natural beauty 50km to the east of Sharjah city, is being developed by Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq).
The Mleiha Archaeological and Eco-tourism Project falls under (Shurooq)’s strategy to attract investment to the Central and Eastern regions of Sharjah, creating jobs and business opportunities for the local community. An estimated AED 250 million (US$ 69m) is expected to be invested in Mleiha over the next few years. Other Shurooq developments in Sharjah’s Central and Eastern regions include Kalba Eco-Tourism Project, the largest eco-tourism development in the region; Al Hisn Island, a leisure and tourist attraction located in Dibba Al Hisn; and Al Badayer Desert Camp, a desert tourism resort set in the picturesque sand dunes of central Sharjah.
The first phase of the Mleiha Archaeological and Eco-tourism project includes the Mleiha Archaeological Centre, designed to allow visitors to gain a deeper insight into the history of the ancient settlement. The centre houses displays of historical artefacts, educational information, multimedia presentations, a café and lounge areas, an “I Love Sharjah” gift shop, other tourist facilities and administration offices.
First excavated in 1986, Mleiha is one of the most diverse archeological sites in the region with remains of Iron Age, Hellenistic and post-Hellenistic settlements. Artefacts found in Mlieha include pottery from Greece and goods from across the Arab world indicating that the area was a prosperous and influential entrepôt connected to other trading posts in the region by camel caravans. The site also shows evidence of iron and copper work and other manufacturing. Recent discoveries of a monumental tower tomb in Mleiha (the Umm Al-Nar Tomb), have dated the ancient settlement as far back as the 3rd millennium B.C.
Visitors to Mleiha Archaeological and Eco-tourism Project can expect a unique and rewarding experience, where they can learn about the rich archaeological and cultural heritage of the area and enjoy the breathtaking natural scenery. The destination will provide various sporting activities, guided tours to sights such as Fossil Rock, Camel Rock and the Valley of the Caves, hiking, biking, horse-riding and camping experiences such as the “Struggle for Survival” camp and the ”Hammock”camp.
Shurooq will soon embark on phase two of the Mleiha project, which includes the creation of a 450 square kilometre Mleiha National Desert Park in collaboration with the UAE’s Environment and Protected Areas Authority (EPAA). There are also plans to reintroduce wildlife that was previously indigenous to the area, such as the Arabian Oryx, the Arabian Tahr, the Arabian sand gazelle (or Al Reem) and the Damani gazelle.
The second phase of the project will also create a Night Camping Park, a motel for overnight stays and an astronomy observatory in cooperation with the Sharjah Centre for Astronomy and Space Sciences. A number of locations are being allocated for tourist resorts and bed and breakfast style hotels, which will be offered to private sector investors.
Mleiha has been nominated for the UNESCO World Heritage List, in recognition for the area’s natural beauty, biodiversity and archeological treasures.
The Mleiha Archaeological and Eco-tourism Project falls under (Shurooq)’s strategy to attract investment to the Central and Eastern regions of Sharjah, creating jobs and business opportunities for the local community. An estimated AED 250 million (US$ 69m) is expected to be invested in Mleiha over the next few years. Other Shurooq developments in Sharjah’s Central and Eastern regions include Kalba Eco-Tourism Project, the largest eco-tourism development in the region; Al Hisn Island, a leisure and tourist attraction located in Dibba Al Hisn; and Al Badayer Desert Camp, a desert tourism resort set in the picturesque sand dunes of central Sharjah.
The first phase of the Mleiha Archaeological and Eco-tourism project includes the Mleiha Archaeological Centre, designed to allow visitors to gain a deeper insight into the history of the ancient settlement. The centre houses displays of historical artefacts, educational information, multimedia presentations, a café and lounge areas, an “I Love Sharjah” gift shop, other tourist facilities and administration offices.
First excavated in 1986, Mleiha is one of the most diverse archeological sites in the region with remains of Iron Age, Hellenistic and post-Hellenistic settlements. Artefacts found in Mlieha include pottery from Greece and goods from across the Arab world indicating that the area was a prosperous and influential entrepôt connected to other trading posts in the region by camel caravans. The site also shows evidence of iron and copper work and other manufacturing. Recent discoveries of a monumental tower tomb in Mleiha (the Umm Al-Nar Tomb), have dated the ancient settlement as far back as the 3rd millennium B.C.
Visitors to Mleiha Archaeological and Eco-tourism Project can expect a unique and rewarding experience, where they can learn about the rich archaeological and cultural heritage of the area and enjoy the breathtaking natural scenery. The destination will provide various sporting activities, guided tours to sights such as Fossil Rock, Camel Rock and the Valley of the Caves, hiking, biking, horse-riding and camping experiences such as the “Struggle for Survival” camp and the ”Hammock”camp.
Shurooq will soon embark on phase two of the Mleiha project, which includes the creation of a 450 square kilometre Mleiha National Desert Park in collaboration with the UAE’s Environment and Protected Areas Authority (EPAA). There are also plans to reintroduce wildlife that was previously indigenous to the area, such as the Arabian Oryx, the Arabian Tahr, the Arabian sand gazelle (or Al Reem) and the Damani gazelle.
The second phase of the project will also create a Night Camping Park, a motel for overnight stays and an astronomy observatory in cooperation with the Sharjah Centre for Astronomy and Space Sciences. A number of locations are being allocated for tourist resorts and bed and breakfast style hotels, which will be offered to private sector investors.
Mleiha has been nominated for the UNESCO World Heritage List, in recognition for the area’s natural beauty, biodiversity and archeological treasures.
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