Shurooq Invests AED 300 Million To Develop Seven Luxury Eco-Retreats In Sharjah

The Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) has allocated over AED300 million to develop the Sharjah Collection. This collection consists of seven luxury eco-retreats across the emirate, offering wellness, heritage, and nature-based experiences. These retreats provide 154 high-end accommodation units in diverse settings, including coastal mangroves, desert dunes, mountain valleys, and heritage villages.

Shurooq's investment is part of its AED850 million hospitality portfolio. The initiative supports Sharjah's vision for sustainable development by combining cultural authenticity with ecological balance. The retreats aim to offer experiences that promote slow travel while generating employment and protecting the environment through sustainable architecture and low-carbon operations.

The global wellness tourism sector is expected to surpass US$1 trillion by 2025, according to the Global Wellness Institute. Slow travel is also gaining popularity, growing at about 10 percent annually. In 2024, Sharjah saw an 11 percent increase in guest numbers, with international occupancy continuing to rise in the first quarter of 2025.

Among these destinations is Al Faya Retreat in Mleiha’s desert. It has been transformed from 1960s buildings into a boutique property featuring five rooms with views of the desert. Kalba’s Kingfisher Retreat offers 40 luxury tents within a mangrove reserve and was developed with the Environment and Protected Areas Authority.

In Mleiha National Park, Moon Retreat provides domes and premium tents for activities like stargazing and yoga. Al Badayer Retreat in Sharjah’s red dunes includes 46 units designed in a traditional caravanserai style. Najd Al Meqsar in Khorfakkan features seven restored heritage homes in Wadi Wishi.

Upcoming Developments

Launching in Q4 2025, Nomad will introduce 20 solar-powered trailers in Kalba’s mountain valleys. These are designed to encourage digital disconnection and immersion in nature. Environmental protection measures have been implemented to safeguard Kalba’s biodiversity.

Al Rayaheen Retreat offers 19 restored houses within Khorfakkan's historic core. Ahmed Obaid Al Qaseer, CEO of Shurooq, stated that these retreats act as "living bridges between the visitor and the place — preserving heritage while reintroducing local identity in a contemporary form."

He further explained that "Sharjah’s natural diversity has provided fertile ground for 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."

With inputs from WAM