Sharjah: The Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) has committed over AED300 million to the development of the Sharjah Collection, a series of seven luxury eco-retreats designed to offer wellness, heritage, and nature-based experiences across the emirate.
According to Emirates News Agency, these retreats collectively provide 154 high-end accommodation units set in diverse landscapes, including coastal mangroves, desert dunes, mountain valleys, and heritage villages. This investment aligns with global trends, as the wellness tourism sector is projected to exceed US$1 trillion by 2025, while slow travel is witnessing a growth rate of about 10 percent annually. Sharjah itself saw an 11 percent increase in guest numbers in 2024, with international occupancy continuing to rise in the first quarter of 2025.
Among the notable destinations in the Sharjah Collection is the Al Faya Retreat in Mleiha's desert. This site repurposes 1960s buildings into a boutique property featuring five rooms with desert views. The Kingfisher Retreat in Kalba, developed in collaboration with the Environment and Protected Areas Authority, offers 40 luxury tents set within a mangrove reserve. The Moon Retreat, located in Mleiha National Park, provides domes and premium tents with activities such as stargazing and yoga.
The Al Badayer Retreat, situated in Sharjah's red dunes, includes 46 units designed in a traditional caravanserai style. Meanwhile, Najd Al Meqsar in Khorfakkan features seven restored heritage homes in Wadi Wishi, and Al Rayaheen Retreat offers 19 restored houses in Khorfakkan's historic core.
Set to launch in the fourth quarter of 2025, the Nomad will introduce 20 solar-powered trailers in Kalba's mountain valleys. This initiative is designed to promote digital disconnection and nature immersion, with environmental protection measures in place to safeguard Kalba's biodiversity.
Ahmed Obaid Al Qaseer, CEO of Shurooq, emphasized that the retreats serve as 'living bridges between the visitor and the place,' preserving heritage while reintroducing local identity. He highlighted Sharjah's natural diversity as a fertile ground for projects that resonate with each site's spirit. The Sharjah Collection is a strategic expression of this vision, with each retreat designed to echo its surroundings.
Operated by Shurooq, the collection is part of its AED850 million hospitality portfolio and supports the emirate's vision for sustainable development. Its aim is to deliver experiences that combine cultural authenticity, ecological balance, and slow travel, while also promoting employment and environmental protection through sustainable architecture and low-carbon operations.