Al Majaz Waterfront has announced that eight new restaurants and cafés will be opened later in the year in conjunction with the completion of the extension’s second phase and an increase in the number of parking lots to manage the increased capacity.
The new extension includes the opening of new Arabic and international outlets, some of which will open in Sharjah for the first time, but all of them providing a variety of premium hospitality services, and sharing an excellent reputation in the UAE and across the region. The new restaurants will promote Al Majaz Waterfront’s unique setting even further and provide visitors with high-end experiences in hospitality, tourism and leisure.
The list of the new restaurants includes Emirati ‘Al Fanar Restaurant & Café’, Lebanese ‘Levantine Restaurant’, Indian ‘Ushna Restaurant’ and Iranian ‘Anar Restaurant’. The cafés include the genuine Italian coffee bar tradition of ‘Illy Caffè’, ‘Amorino Gelato’ Ice-cream and Coffee shop, ‘Al Rawi’ library café – a literary and cultural café with many branches in the region, although this will be the first in the UAE, and a ‘Dunkin’ Donuts’ franchise.
“Al Majaz Waterfront has become one of the leading tourist and leisure attractions in Sharjah, differentiating itself by providing premium and luxury services and facilities, particularly hospitality.” said Ahmed Obaid Al Qaseer, COO of Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq).
“The selection of regional and international restaurants and cafés perfectly aligns with our strategy of increasing the number of visitors to Al Majaz Waterfront through increasing the number of their options.
People of all nationalities visit the attraction, and this development caters to different tastes and preferences while achieving the highest levels of customer satisfaction,” he said.
Mohammed Fadhil Al Mazroui, Manager of Al Majaz Waterfront, added: “We have carefully selected these leading brands to enhance the diversification and present a more international theme with global cuisine.
By choosing this approach, the catering works on two levels; firstly, it provides the opportunity for local visitors to try new foods and for visitors from abroad, it may bring them high quality dishes that are based on traditional flavours from their home countries.
As with all of Al Majaz Waterfront’s qualities, every service is geared to ensuring our customers enjoy the best possible experience.”
The new restaurants and cafés will diversify the tourism and hospitality product at Al Majaz Waterfront, and at the same time will link the new extension to the main area. Signs that indicate the position of all restaurants and cafés will be installed across Al Majaz Waterfront.
The AED 35 million new extension of Al Majaz Waterfront increases the attraction’s total area to 53,000 square metres, and increases the length of its jogging track to 825 metres.
The extension will also increase the size of the Sharjah Fountain, adding 165 parking lots to accommodate the needs of the park’s increasing number of visitors, as well as adding a number of self-service parking lots.
Al Majaz Waterfront hosts a variety of artistic and entertainment activities throughout the year, including film screenings, stage shows, touring performances and firework displays to commemorate national days and festivities, in addition to artistic events held at Maraya Art Centre which represents a platform for regional and international artistic projects.
Tourism, Travel, Hospitality, Conservation: News,Stories And Experiences From Allover The World
Showing posts with label Sharjah Investment and Development Authority. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sharjah Investment and Development Authority. Show all posts
Thursday, 9 March 2017
Tuesday, 27 December 2016
UAE: Eco-tourism Projects Enhance Sharjah Natural Resources Tourism
Developed and managed by Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) and opened in January of this year, the 50 kilometre Mleiha Archaeological and Eco-tourism Project combines archaeology exhibits with eco-tourism and adventure pursuits to offer visitors a unique experience. Visitors can learn about the history of the ancient settlement in Mleiha, which dates by to the 3rd millennium, supported by modern tourist facilities and a multi-lingual destination management team. The surrounding desert and mountains provide plenty of opportunity for tours, camping and extreme sports.
The second phase of the Mleiha project is planned to create a 450 square kilometre Mleiha National Desert Park in collaboration with Sharjah’s Environment and Protected Areas Authority (EPAA), which will reintroduce indigenous wildlife, such as oryx and gazelles, to the area. The second phase will also include a camping park, a motel for overnight stays and an astronomy observatory.
One of the largest new projects announced this year, is Sharjah Safari Park. The park is expected to become one of the largest safari parks outside of Africa, covering an area of about 14 square kilometres (about 3,500 acres) and accommodating up to 50,000 animals. Encompassing Al Bardi Park in Al Dhaid area, the project also aims to help to protect natural ecosystems and biodiversity by creating a sustainable tourism resort, which will include areas dedicated to previously indigenous species.
Sharjah is also investing heavily in its eastern region, which includes the areas of Dibba, Kalba and Khorfakkan on the Gulf of Oman coast. Shurooq is currently developing Kalba Eco-Tourism Project, one of the largest eco-tourism developments in the region, and Al Hisn Island, a leisure and tourist attraction located in Dibba Al Hisn. A new leisure cruise ship terminal is being built at Khorfakkan Port, in line with Sharjah’s goals to continue to develop its cruise tourism business.
Meanwhile, close to the Sharjah-Kalba road in the Hajjar mountains, Al Hefaiyah Mountain Conservation Centre was officially opened to the public in March this year. The new 12 square kilometre wildlife conservation centre, managed by EPAA, was established to protect endangered animal species native to the region’s fragile mountain ecosystems. However, like Mleiha and the Wasit Wetland Centre in Sharjah city, the new centre is tourist-ready, with a visitors’ centre, modern facilities and knowledgeable guides.
Against the backdrop of Sharjah’s continuous investment in art, history and Islamic culture, these eco-tourism developments are expected to help enhance the emirate’s appeal to existing tourism market segments, such as GCC families, and new segments, such as independent travelers searching for unique experiences.
Sharjah plans to attract more than 10 million tourists to the emirate by year 2021.
Tuesday, 13 December 2016
UAE: Room Nights Hike To 19% In Sharjah Hotels
Sharjah hotels and hotel apartments registered a 19 percent increase in room nights booked during the first nine months of 2016, totalling 2.94 million room nights, according to Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA). The increase in total booked room nights comes in spite of the fact that occupancy rates have remained flat at 62 percent, suggesting that visitors may be remaining in Sharjah for longer stays.
Although the largest number of guests registered in Sharjah hotels are from the GCC states (360,000 Gulf nationals visiting during the first nine months of the year), the tourism authority’s international marketing seems to be paying off, with increases reported from several key markets. The SCTDA has been targeting markets identified as having high potential for growth in its strategic marketing plan, in order to attract 10 million tourist per annum by 2021.
According to SCTDA figures, China is now Sharjah’s fastest growing tourism market with 62,936 Chinese travelers visiting the emirate during the first nine months of this year: 75 percent increase compared with the equivalent period of 2015. This growth is consistent with the 78 percent increase in Chinese hotel guests registered during 2015. The SCDTA has recently stepped up marketing efforts in China, opening up a representative office, recruiting Chinese staff and adding a Chinese language website to Sharjah’s tourism portal.
Meanwhile, Sharjah saw a 12 percent growth in the number of Pakistani visitors and an 8.7 percent increase in visitors from Russia, being the first growth measured from the Russian market since the Russian currency fell in 2014.
Sharjah offers more than 100 hotels and hotel apartments, including properties managed by some of the leading five star hotel brands in the world. A wide range of new developments are currently underway, including the construction of a new US$100 million (AED 367m) art and culture themed 5-star luxury beachfront hotel and resort managed by global hotel operator Accor; a 4-star, 200 room Novotel located adjacent to Sharjah Expo; a 4-star Four Points hotel; and an Aloft boutique hotel. Last week, Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) announced that the construction for its new 5-star hotel in the Heart of Sharjah – Al Bait Hotel – is now 50 percent completed.
According to Sharjah International Airport, 8.3 million passengers were handled by the airport during the first nine months of 2016.
Although the largest number of guests registered in Sharjah hotels are from the GCC states (360,000 Gulf nationals visiting during the first nine months of the year), the tourism authority’s international marketing seems to be paying off, with increases reported from several key markets. The SCTDA has been targeting markets identified as having high potential for growth in its strategic marketing plan, in order to attract 10 million tourist per annum by 2021.
According to SCTDA figures, China is now Sharjah’s fastest growing tourism market with 62,936 Chinese travelers visiting the emirate during the first nine months of this year: 75 percent increase compared with the equivalent period of 2015. This growth is consistent with the 78 percent increase in Chinese hotel guests registered during 2015. The SCDTA has recently stepped up marketing efforts in China, opening up a representative office, recruiting Chinese staff and adding a Chinese language website to Sharjah’s tourism portal.
Meanwhile, Sharjah saw a 12 percent growth in the number of Pakistani visitors and an 8.7 percent increase in visitors from Russia, being the first growth measured from the Russian market since the Russian currency fell in 2014.
Sharjah offers more than 100 hotels and hotel apartments, including properties managed by some of the leading five star hotel brands in the world. A wide range of new developments are currently underway, including the construction of a new US$100 million (AED 367m) art and culture themed 5-star luxury beachfront hotel and resort managed by global hotel operator Accor; a 4-star, 200 room Novotel located adjacent to Sharjah Expo; a 4-star Four Points hotel; and an Aloft boutique hotel. Last week, Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) announced that the construction for its new 5-star hotel in the Heart of Sharjah – Al Bait Hotel – is now 50 percent completed.
According to Sharjah International Airport, 8.3 million passengers were handled by the airport during the first nine months of 2016.
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.
Monday, 19 September 2016
UAE: Al Noor Island A Tourism Attraction
Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) unveiled its plans for Al Noor Island at the Arabian Travel Market 2015 this week. The AED 80 million (US$23m) tourism and leisure project, which is currently under construction on the 45,470 square meter Al Noor Island in Khalid Lagoon in Sharjah, will combine nature, art and entertainment.
Scheduled for completion in the fourth quarter of this year, the new island development reflects the multi-media art styles of a world renowned designer. The leisure attraction has been carefully planned to inspires the senses with spacious landscaped areas with vibrant lighting, innovative architecture and multi-media experiences.
A core attraction, the Butterfly House, consists of a nature-inspired structure with an ornamentally perforated shadow roof and biomorphic exterior, which will house as many as 500 exotic butterflies native to a variety of countries. Butterfly species are expected to include the African Monarch (Danaus chrysippus), the Autumn Leaf (Doleschallia bisaltide) from India and the Common Rose swallow-tail butterfly (Pachliopta aristolochiae), which is found across South East Asia and is known for its bright colouration and unique pattern of its wings. The Butterfly House will also have a gift shop and a modern café for visitors.
On the opposite side of the island, a blossom-shaped literature pavilion will provide a quiet, open seating area for those seeking sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of urban life. Other features of the island include a pedestrian bridge connecting the attraction to the shore, a children’s playground and outdoor sculptures.
Since its inception in 2009, Shurooq has developed a number of major tourism projects, which have become some of the most visited destinations in the region, such as Al Qasba, Al Majaz Waterfront, Al Montazah – Amusement and Water Park, The Flag Island, Heart of Sharjah, as well as a number of projects currently under development, such as Al Jabal Resort, The Chedi Khorfakkan and Kalba Eco-tourism Project.
Scheduled for completion in the fourth quarter of this year, the new island development reflects the multi-media art styles of a world renowned designer. The leisure attraction has been carefully planned to inspires the senses with spacious landscaped areas with vibrant lighting, innovative architecture and multi-media experiences.
A core attraction, the Butterfly House, consists of a nature-inspired structure with an ornamentally perforated shadow roof and biomorphic exterior, which will house as many as 500 exotic butterflies native to a variety of countries. Butterfly species are expected to include the African Monarch (Danaus chrysippus), the Autumn Leaf (Doleschallia bisaltide) from India and the Common Rose swallow-tail butterfly (Pachliopta aristolochiae), which is found across South East Asia and is known for its bright colouration and unique pattern of its wings. The Butterfly House will also have a gift shop and a modern café for visitors.
On the opposite side of the island, a blossom-shaped literature pavilion will provide a quiet, open seating area for those seeking sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of urban life. Other features of the island include a pedestrian bridge connecting the attraction to the shore, a children’s playground and outdoor sculptures.
Since its inception in 2009, Shurooq has developed a number of major tourism projects, which have become some of the most visited destinations in the region, such as Al Qasba, Al Majaz Waterfront, Al Montazah – Amusement and Water Park, The Flag Island, Heart of Sharjah, as well as a number of projects currently under development, such as Al Jabal Resort, The Chedi Khorfakkan and Kalba Eco-tourism Project.
Thursday, 14 April 2016
UAE: Al Noor Island Opens To The Public
Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) has announced the opening of the 45,470 square meter Al Noor Island in Khalid Lagoon in Sharjah. The AED 80 million (US$23m) island development combines art, nature and leisure attractions to create a scenic and tranquil destination in the heart of Sharjah city.
Sharjah’s newest leisure attraction has been designed and developed to inspire the senses with spacious landscaped areas, innovative architecture and multi-media experiences. Atmospheric lighting, the subtle lighting of island features with LEDs and other light installations, bring the island to life at night. A number of art installations from around the world provide further inspiration for visitors, including the ‘OVO’, ‘Torus’ and various light paintings visible after dark.
Al Noor Island’s new Butterfly House is expected to provide a big draw for residents and visitors to Sharjah. With ornamentally perforated shadow roof inspired by ornate Arab windows (mashrabiya), the aviary will house as many as 500 exotic butterflies native to a variety of countries. Butterfly species include the African Monarch (Danaus chrysippus), the Autumn Leaf (Doleschallia bisaltide) from India and the Common Rose swallow-tail butterfly (Pachliopta aristolochiae), which is found across South East Asia and is known for its bright colouration and unique pattern of its wings.
The Butterfly House will also have a gift shop and a modern café for visitors, with indoor and outdoor seating area. Nearby, visitors will find a Literature Pavilion, where they can relax, read, take in the beauty of nature around them. The island features a 3,500 meter long walkway which takes visitors through the miniature gardens to key facilities, whilst allowing them to take in the peaceful setting and view outdoor art attractions.
The Island is accessible via a decorative bridge located behind the Al Noor Mosque, off Sharjah’s Corniche Street. Al Noor Island is open to the public from 0900AM to 1100PM on weekdays and 0900AM to 1200AM on weekends. The Butterfly House closes at 6pm, nightly.
Sharjah Investment and Development Authority is the driving force behind the transformation of Sharjah. The authority has developed some of Sharjah’s most popular tourism and leisure attractions such as Al Qasba, Al Majaz Waterfront, Al Montazah – Amusement and Water Park, The Flag Island and Heart of Sharjah, the largest urban restoration development project in the Middle East.
Sharjah’s newest leisure attraction has been designed and developed to inspire the senses with spacious landscaped areas, innovative architecture and multi-media experiences. Atmospheric lighting, the subtle lighting of island features with LEDs and other light installations, bring the island to life at night. A number of art installations from around the world provide further inspiration for visitors, including the ‘OVO’, ‘Torus’ and various light paintings visible after dark.
Al Noor Island’s new Butterfly House is expected to provide a big draw for residents and visitors to Sharjah. With ornamentally perforated shadow roof inspired by ornate Arab windows (mashrabiya), the aviary will house as many as 500 exotic butterflies native to a variety of countries. Butterfly species include the African Monarch (Danaus chrysippus), the Autumn Leaf (Doleschallia bisaltide) from India and the Common Rose swallow-tail butterfly (Pachliopta aristolochiae), which is found across South East Asia and is known for its bright colouration and unique pattern of its wings.
The Butterfly House will also have a gift shop and a modern café for visitors, with indoor and outdoor seating area. Nearby, visitors will find a Literature Pavilion, where they can relax, read, take in the beauty of nature around them. The island features a 3,500 meter long walkway which takes visitors through the miniature gardens to key facilities, whilst allowing them to take in the peaceful setting and view outdoor art attractions.
The Island is accessible via a decorative bridge located behind the Al Noor Mosque, off Sharjah’s Corniche Street. Al Noor Island is open to the public from 0900AM to 1100PM on weekdays and 0900AM to 1200AM on weekends. The Butterfly House closes at 6pm, nightly.
Sharjah Investment and Development Authority is the driving force behind the transformation of Sharjah. The authority has developed some of Sharjah’s most popular tourism and leisure attractions such as Al Qasba, Al Majaz Waterfront, Al Montazah – Amusement and Water Park, The Flag Island and Heart of Sharjah, the largest urban restoration development project in the Middle East.
Thursday, 25 February 2016
UAE: Sharjah Tourism To Open Five Global Offices
Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) has recently revealed plans to open five overseas offices to promote Sharjah as a tourism destination. The authority will open representative offices in China, India, Russia, Germany and Saudi Arabia during the first part of 2016. Meanwhile, the authority has forecast a modest 3-5 percent growth in tourist numbers for this year, after a drop in hotel guests in 2015.
The SCTDA’s tourism development strategy aims to attract more than 10 million tourists to Sharjah by year 2021. However, despite a record year for Sharjah International Airport, which handled 10 million passengers during 2015, Sharjah hotel guest numbers dropped 13 percent to 1.79 million from 2 million in 2014.
According to industry sources, a contributing factor to lower hotel bookings last year was the continuing deterioration in the strength of the Russian Rouble, which significantly reduced the number of Russian tourists visiting Europe and the Middle East.
The SCTDA’s new overseas tourism offices will help drive the Sharjah Tourism Vision 2021 strategic plan and allow the authority to better target different inbound tourist segments. In recent years, the emirate has successfully positioned itself as a family tourism destination, a international cultural hub and an Islamic cultural centre. Sharjah was named the Islamic Culture Capital for 2014 and the Capital of Arab Tourism for 2015.
Sharjah offers more than 100 hotels and hotel apartments, including properties managed by some of the leading five star hotel brands in the world. The emirate’s luxury segment was given a boost last year with the opening of a new 349 room Sheraton Sharjah Beach Resort & Spa by Starwoods. Meanwhile, a new US$100 million (AED 367m) art and culture themed 5-star luxury beachfront hotel and resort to be managed by Accor is currently under development. On Sharjah’s east coast, Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) is developing Al Jabal Resort – The Chedi Khorfakkan, a mountainside luxury villa resort.
Sharjah International Airport saw passengers increase by a 10 percent to 929,539 last month, compared with January 2015. This included 10 percent increases in both inbound and outbound passenger numbers.
The SCTDA’s tourism development strategy aims to attract more than 10 million tourists to Sharjah by year 2021. However, despite a record year for Sharjah International Airport, which handled 10 million passengers during 2015, Sharjah hotel guest numbers dropped 13 percent to 1.79 million from 2 million in 2014.
According to industry sources, a contributing factor to lower hotel bookings last year was the continuing deterioration in the strength of the Russian Rouble, which significantly reduced the number of Russian tourists visiting Europe and the Middle East.
The SCTDA’s new overseas tourism offices will help drive the Sharjah Tourism Vision 2021 strategic plan and allow the authority to better target different inbound tourist segments. In recent years, the emirate has successfully positioned itself as a family tourism destination, a international cultural hub and an Islamic cultural centre. Sharjah was named the Islamic Culture Capital for 2014 and the Capital of Arab Tourism for 2015.
Sharjah offers more than 100 hotels and hotel apartments, including properties managed by some of the leading five star hotel brands in the world. The emirate’s luxury segment was given a boost last year with the opening of a new 349 room Sheraton Sharjah Beach Resort & Spa by Starwoods. Meanwhile, a new US$100 million (AED 367m) art and culture themed 5-star luxury beachfront hotel and resort to be managed by Accor is currently under development. On Sharjah’s east coast, Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) is developing Al Jabal Resort – The Chedi Khorfakkan, a mountainside luxury villa resort.
Sharjah International Airport saw passengers increase by a 10 percent to 929,539 last month, compared with January 2015. This included 10 percent increases in both inbound and outbound passenger numbers.
Thursday, 18 February 2016
UAE: Sharjah Tourism To Open Five Global Offices
The SCTDA’s tourism development strategy aims to attract more than 10 million tourists to Sharjah by year 2021. However, despite a record year for Sharjah International Airport, which handled 10 million passengers during 2015, Sharjah hotel guest numbers dropped 13 percent to 1.79 million from 2 million in 2014.
According to industry sources, a contributing factor to lower hotel bookings last year was the continuing deterioration in the strength of the Russian Rouble, which significantly reduced the number of Russian tourists visiting Europe and the Middle East.
The SCTDA’s new overseas tourism offices will help drive the Sharjah Tourism Vision 2021 strategic plan and allow the authority to better target different inbound tourist segments. In recent years, the emirate has successfully positioned itself as a family tourism destination, a international cultural hub and an Islamic cultural centre. Sharjah was named the Islamic Culture Capital for 2014 and the Capital of Arab Tourism for 2015.
Sharjah offers more than 100 hotels and hotel apartments, including properties managed by some of the leading five star hotel brands in the world. The emirate’s luxury segment was given a boost last year with the opening of a new 349 room Sheraton Sharjah Beach Resort & Spa by Starwoods. Meanwhile, a new US$100 million (AED 367m) art and culture themed 5-star luxury beachfront hotel and resort to be managed by Accor is currently under development. On Sharjah’s east coast, Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) is developing Al Jabal Resort – The Chedi Khorfakkan, a mountainside luxury villa resort.
Sharjah International Airport saw passengers increase by a 10 percent to 929,539 last month, compared with January 2015. This included 10 percent increases in both inbound and outbound passenger numbers.
UAE: Shurooq, Emaar And Eagle Hills Partner In New Venture
Sharjah’s real estate sector has strengthened over the last five years, whilst prices have remained competitive with neighbouring emirates. New property laws allowing foreign ownership have given the market a boost, with residential, commercial and industrial property being made available for sale to GCC nationals or long-term lease-hold to foreign expatriates. Meanwhile, the development sector has been supported by a massive development drive by Sharjah Department of Public Works to develop Sharjah’s public infrastructure. Real estate and business services account for about 20 percent of Sharjah’s economy.
Under the memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed this week, Omran Properites will be headquartered in Sharjah. Shurooq will own 34 percent of the new company’s capital, while Emaar and Eagle Hills own 33 percent each. In addiiton to driving investment, commercial, industrial and real estate projects in Sharjah, the company will also establish new companies from time to time in order to achieve its goals.
One of the largest real estate developers in the Arab world, Emaar has ongoing projects in Africa, Asia, North America and the Middle East and is known for developing large scale residential and mixed-use projects. Emaar’s most famous developments are Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world, and Dubai Mall, the largest shopping mall in the world. The formation of Omran Properites will mark Emaar’s first foray into Sharjah’s real estate market.
Eagle Hills was established in 2014 to create developments for urban centres globally. The company currently has projects in Bahrain, Jordan, Morocco, Nigeria and Serbia.
Established in by Emiri Decree in 2009, Shurooq is the driving force behind the transformation of Sharjah into an investment, tourist and business destination. The authority’s current projects include economic initiatives, urban developments, tourism and leisure destinations, eco-tourism resorts, business destinations, historic restoration and archaeological sites.
Sharjah city is ranked as one of the top ten small and mid-sized cities lists for Economic Potential, Human Capital and Lifestyle, Cost Effectiveness, Connectivity and Business Friendliness fDI intelligence (a division of the Financial Times) in its 2014/2015 Global Cities of the Future report.
UAE: Mleiha Archaeological And Eco-tourism Project Opened
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.
Monday, 25 January 2016
UAE: Al Noor Island Opens For Tourism
Sharjah’s newest leisure attraction has been designed and developed to inspire the senses with spacious landscaped areas, innovative architecture and multi-media experiences. Atmospheric lighting, the subtle lighting of island features with LEDs and other light installations, bring the island to life at night. A number of art installations from around the world provide further inspiration for visitors, including the ‘OVO’, ‘Torus’ and various light paintings visible after dark.
Al Noor Island’s new Butterfly House is expected to provide a big draw for residents and visitors to Sharjah. With ornamentally perforated shadow roof inspired by ornate Arab windows (mashrabiya), the aviary will house as many as 500 exotic butterflies native to a variety of countries. Butterfly species include the African Monarch (Danaus chrysippus), the Autumn Leaf (Doleschallia bisaltide) from India and the Common Rose swallow-tail butterfly (Pachliopta aristolochiae), which is found across South East Asia and is known for its bright colouration and unique pattern of its wings.
The Butterfly House will also have a gift shop and a modern café for visitors, with indoor and outdoor seating area. Nearby, visitors will find a Literature Pavilion, where they can relax, read, take in the beauty of nature around them. The island features a 3,500 meter long walkway which takes visitors through the miniature gardens to key facilities, whilst allowing them to take in the peaceful setting and view outdoor art attractions.
The Island is accessible via a decorative bridge located behind the Al Noor Mosque, off Sharjah’s Corniche Street. Al Noor Island is open to the public from 0900AM to 1100PM on weekdays and 0900AM to 1200AM on weekends. The Butterfly House closes at 6pm, nightly.
Sharjah Investment and Development Authority is the driving force behind the transformation of Sharjah. The authority has developed some of Sharjah’s most popular tourism and leisure attractions such as Al Qasba, Al Majaz Waterfront, Al Montazah – Amusement and Water Park, The Flag Island and Heart of Sharjah, the largest urban restoration development project in the Middle East.
Thursday, 19 November 2015
UAE: Sheraton Opens Luxury Sharjah Resort
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. has formally announced the opening of the Sheraton Sharjah Beach Resort & Spa, marking its entry in the Emirate of Sharjah and bolstering Sharjah’s proposition for luxury tourism.
The Sheraton Sharjah Beach Resort & Spa features 349 spacious guest rooms and suites, and provides panoramic views of the Arabian Gulf and the city of Sharjah. The resort opens with Al Qubtan, a beach side restaurant and the Link@Sheraton Café inside the hotel, while three more food and beverage outlets will open in November and another in December.
The new Sheraton is expected to boost availability of luxury accommodation for tourists, expand options for businesses in Sharjah and provide a new upscale venue for social events. The hotel offers the largest hotel conference facilities in the city with over 2,100 square meters of meeting and event space, including two large ballrooms and and nine meeting rooms, making it an ideal choice for both social and business functions.
Sharjah currently has a strong pipeline of new hotels planned, including a Four Points by Sheraton Sharjah in the city’s Al Rifaa area, which is expected to open in May 2017. The emirate already has more than 100 hotels and hotel apartments, including properties managed by some of the leading five star hotel brands in the world.
The luxury hotel segment has recently seen an increase in activity with the construction of Al Jabal Resort, The Chedi Khorfakkan on Sharjah’s east coast by Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) the announcement in May this year of plans for new US$100 million (AED 367m) art and culture themed 5-star luxury beachfront hotel and resort in Sharjah city by the Accor Group.
Sharjah Tourism Vision 2021, a tourism development strategy announced by the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) earlier this year, targets family tourism, Muslim tourists and those seeking art and culture. According to the SCTDA, 70 per cent of Sharjah’s tourists are families, with a high percentage of Muslim visitors. Sharjah plans to attract more than 10 million tourists to the emirate by year 2021.
Friday, 16 October 2015
UAE: SCTDA Announces Recent Sector Feats At World Tourism Day Celebrations
Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) introduced the latest developments and tourism activities in the emirate as it celebrated the World Tourism Day with key partners of Sharjah’s tourism industry. A special event under the theme “All Things New in Sharjah” was held at the soon-to-open Sheraton Sharjah Beach Resort & Spa, the latest hospitality development in the emirate.
The event, organised in the presence of Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, the chairman of SCTDA, was attended by representatives from Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), Sharjah Museums Department, and a number of other key tourism stakeholders in the emirate.
In a keynote address on the occasion, Al Midfa said the World Tourism Day offers an opportunity to view Sharjah’s new developments and destination products to ensure the sustained growth of the tourism sector in the emirate.
“This is an occasion for us in Sharjah to celebrate the efforts of our strategic partners who have contributed to the development of tourism in the emirate and helped raise the quality and variety of Sharjah’s destination offering. Their prominent role has supported the emirate’s tourism strategies and enabled Sharjah to occupy a prominent position on the world tourism map,” Al Midfa stated.
Commenting on the “All Things New in Sharjah” theme for the event, Al Midfa said SCTDA is working under the wise directives of His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, to follow an innovative path towards the sustainable development of tourism.
Al Midfa added: “Today the tourism sector in the emirate of Sharjah operates under the new Sharjah Tourism Vision 2021 which has activated main pillars as a focus to achieve the goal of attracting 10 million visitors to the emirate by 2021 to which all presented destination products and projects contribute.
“We look towards achieving this goal with the active partnership of all organisations, government departments and private sector companies; working together to enhance the tourism experience in Sharjah.”
Following on from the event, SCTDA will organise a series of product launches during which the UAE’s travel trade will be able to experience the new Sharjah destination products first hand.
Highlighting the innovative initiatives for the development of the tourism sector in the emirate, Al Midfa pointed out the launch of the “Marhabtain” initiative aimed at improving the efficiency of workers in the tourism industry and related sectors such as transportation, hotels and museums.
He said SCTDA has also adopted an innovative approach for the promotion of Sharjah’s tourism sector in the most important tourism export markets in the world by participating in major international exhibitions and specialised events to build better partnerships leading to increased tourist traffic to the emirate of Sharjah.
Speaking on the occasion, Ahmed Obaid Al Qaseer, chief operating officer of Shurooq, shed light on some of the latest projects in Sharjah’s tourism sector such as Al Noor Island, Al Montazah, Flag Island, Souq Al Shanasiyah and Kalba and Mleiha Ecotourism projects.
During the event, SCTDA invited many new tourism service providers to explain their products and their vision for supporting the authority in meeting the Sharjah Tourism Vision 2021.
Alyah Alamiri, head of Community & Academic Programmes at Sharjah Museums Department, gave an overview of the museums’ cultural programmes and re-opened.
The Sharjah Tourism Vision 2021 is focused on four main pillars: promoting Sharjah as an ideal family tourism destination, adopting an innovative tourism approach, developing world class tourism facilities and capabilities, and strengthening Sharjah’s position as an international cultural hub.
The event, organised in the presence of Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, the chairman of SCTDA, was attended by representatives from Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), Sharjah Museums Department, and a number of other key tourism stakeholders in the emirate.
In a keynote address on the occasion, Al Midfa said the World Tourism Day offers an opportunity to view Sharjah’s new developments and destination products to ensure the sustained growth of the tourism sector in the emirate.
“This is an occasion for us in Sharjah to celebrate the efforts of our strategic partners who have contributed to the development of tourism in the emirate and helped raise the quality and variety of Sharjah’s destination offering. Their prominent role has supported the emirate’s tourism strategies and enabled Sharjah to occupy a prominent position on the world tourism map,” Al Midfa stated.
Commenting on the “All Things New in Sharjah” theme for the event, Al Midfa said SCTDA is working under the wise directives of His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, to follow an innovative path towards the sustainable development of tourism.
Al Midfa added: “Today the tourism sector in the emirate of Sharjah operates under the new Sharjah Tourism Vision 2021 which has activated main pillars as a focus to achieve the goal of attracting 10 million visitors to the emirate by 2021 to which all presented destination products and projects contribute.
“We look towards achieving this goal with the active partnership of all organisations, government departments and private sector companies; working together to enhance the tourism experience in Sharjah.”
Following on from the event, SCTDA will organise a series of product launches during which the UAE’s travel trade will be able to experience the new Sharjah destination products first hand.
Highlighting the innovative initiatives for the development of the tourism sector in the emirate, Al Midfa pointed out the launch of the “Marhabtain” initiative aimed at improving the efficiency of workers in the tourism industry and related sectors such as transportation, hotels and museums.
He said SCTDA has also adopted an innovative approach for the promotion of Sharjah’s tourism sector in the most important tourism export markets in the world by participating in major international exhibitions and specialised events to build better partnerships leading to increased tourist traffic to the emirate of Sharjah.
Speaking on the occasion, Ahmed Obaid Al Qaseer, chief operating officer of Shurooq, shed light on some of the latest projects in Sharjah’s tourism sector such as Al Noor Island, Al Montazah, Flag Island, Souq Al Shanasiyah and Kalba and Mleiha Ecotourism projects.
During the event, SCTDA invited many new tourism service providers to explain their products and their vision for supporting the authority in meeting the Sharjah Tourism Vision 2021.
Alyah Alamiri, head of Community & Academic Programmes at Sharjah Museums Department, gave an overview of the museums’ cultural programmes and re-opened.
The Sharjah Tourism Vision 2021 is focused on four main pillars: promoting Sharjah as an ideal family tourism destination, adopting an innovative tourism approach, developing world class tourism facilities and capabilities, and strengthening Sharjah’s position as an international cultural hub.
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