Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) is continuing its commitment to world-class hospitality in some of the region’s most striking areas of outstanding natural beauty with the launch of the Mleiha Fossil Rock Lodge. The project is 60 percent complete and will officially welcome its first guests by the end of this year.

This modern luxury facility adjacent to its namesake, the Fossil Rock, nestles within the Mleiha Archaeological and Eco-tourism Project, offering a unique experience for desert adventurers and nature lovers, reinforcing the emirate's position on the world tourism map.

The new hospitality facility is part of the “Sharjah Collection” which hosts other prestigious hospitality projects by (Shurooq) such as Al Badayer Oasis and Bait Khalid Bin Ibrahim and King Fisher Lodge that set Sharjah as an elite tourism destination in the UAE by taking a leading role in the emirate's hospitality sector by creating a portfolio of luxury hotels and resorts both locally and regionally.

Far from the city noise, the Fossil Rock Lodge will give guests the opportunity explore the real Mleiha throughout their stay in authentic desert surroundings, including a stargazing experience which reveals the true beauty of Mleiha's starlit sky at night. For those guests who prefer more active adventures, the lodge also hosts exhilarating dune bashing and desert safaris.

The Fossil Rock Lodge can accommodate up to 10 guests, guaranteeing complete serenity and privacy, with a true sense of relaxation. The lodge will offer an upscale café serving food and beverages with 42 indoor and outdoor seats, allowing visitors to take in the breathtaking natural scenery and magnificent desert landscapes while enjoying their meal.

HE Marwan bin Jassim Al Sarkal, CEO of Shurooq says: "Eco-tourism is becoming increasingly popular with visitors from around the world. We are committed to catering to this demand, not only as a highly desirable investment, but also as part of our own social responsibility and our philosophy of retaining our natural surroundings.”

He added: “That is a large part of Shurooq’s focus and we want to provide the means for visitors from every corner of the world to appreciate Sharjah’s beauty, its heritage, its culture and its dedication to its environment. The development of the Mleiha Fossil Rock Lodge comes shortly after we announced the construction of Kalba Kingfisher Lodge, which illustrates our intention of promoting environmentally friendly tourism in the emirate of Sharjah. We have made every effort to ensure that the original eco-footprint has stayed intact, including the original buildings which have been renovated in a totally authentic style.”

These are two single-story, stone-built buildings from the 1960’s, previously occupied as a clinic and grocery store, which have been re-imagined and designed into the lodge and restaurant to be managed by a hotel operator. The lodge will also include a 430 sqm spa that enables guests to enjoy unrivalled high-end services, in addition to 24-hour Wi-Fi service.

Al Sarkal explained: "Shurooq continues to develop unique and outstanding tourism destinations and it confirms that it maintains to consolidate the concept of ecotourism in the region, which supports the highest standards of sustainability. Today, the announcement of a new hospitality project in the heart of Mleiha Desert is another example of our approach based on innovation, creativity, and sustainability."

He continued: "The Fossil Rock Lodge provides a unique overnight desert experience reflecting the nature of hospitality in Mleiha. It is scheduled to be completed within the second phase of the Mleiha Archaeological and Eco-Tourism project."

The second phase of the Mleiha Archaeological and Eco-Tourism project will involve the construction of Mleiha National Park in collaboration with the Sharjah Environment and Protected Areas Authority (EPAA), covering an area of 450 square kilometers. The park will serve as a wildlife reserve that will house a range of animals such as oryx, gazelles and mountain deer.

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 the region and 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.