The Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) has announcedthat two of its eco-luxury developments –the Kingfisher Lodge, part of the ‘Kalba Eco-tourism’ project, and the Fossil Rock Lodge, part of the second phase of the ‘Mleiha Archaeological and Eco-tourism’ project – are both nearing completion.

Shurooq confirmed that the two luxury hospitality projects, which form part of the umbrella ‘Sharjah Collection’, will welcometheir first visitorsby the second half of 2018, adding to the five-star brand of unique luxury developments in Sharjah.

H.E. Marwan bin Jassim Al Sarkal, CEO of Shurooq, said: “Shurooq’son-going efforts aim to implement pioneering tourist destinations that make the most of Sharjah’senvironment of authentic and unspoiled natural surroundings. This will provide a new experience to visitors and offer potential opportunities to local and international investors to expand their businesses intothese unique destinations across a number of sectors, from design and architecture to a variety of offerings and services.

“The Kingfisher Lodge and the Fossil Rock Lodge are ideal examples of eco-friendly projects that meet the latest international standards in the tourism sector. As a prime example of the Sharjah Collection hospitality brand, the two projectsdeliveran exceptional experience in terms of luxury and sustainability standards at both regional and global levels. They align with Shurooq’s strategy and high-level plan to deliver premium services to visitors and tourists in all cities and regions across the emirate.”

He added: "We look forward to welcoming our first guests by second half of this year, as we are near the completion of these two projects. This will be a pivotal step to position the two lodges as exceptional additions to Sharjah's tourism landscape in the central and eastern regions of the emirate. Both lodges offer uniquely designed and fully-serviced luxurious accommodations with unprecedented hospitality options in the country. We expect the two projects to become increasingly popular and important destinations for local and international visitors, especially for those who are looking for an authentic tourism experiences set in some of the most spectacular environments.”

The Fossil Rock Lodge

Adjacent to the famous Fossil Rock and one of the key attractions at the Mleiha Archaeological and Eco-tourism project in Mleiha, Fossil Rock Lodge has been created from two 1960s single-storey buildings that were previously occupied as a clinic and grocery store. The facility is located close to one of the UAE’s first petroleum pumps.

The architecture and interior aspects of the Fossil Rock Lodge have been purposely designed to contrast the original fabric of the existing buildings, and created from materials that reflect the arid desert environment and the presence of iron in the area. Each of the five-bedrooms features a skylight for star-gazing, as being located far from the pollution of city lights means that the area is the perfect environment to view the nighttime firmament in all its glory.

The project also features other premium facilities, including a dining room, reception hall, library, a prestigious restaurant,and a spa building that covers 430 square meters, delivering the highest levels of services in the heart of tranquillity.

The lodge will give guests the opportunity to explore the Mleiha region; the guardian of the ancient Bedouin culture and some of the UAE’s most important historical sites through a series of adventurous outdoor activities, nature walks and educational tours offered by the Mleiha Archaeological and Eco-tourism project.

The Kingfisher Lodge

In order to maximise the tourists’ enjoyment of the amazing mangroves and surroundings areas in Kalba, which has long been reputed for its peace, tranquillity and areas of natural beauty, the stunning five-star Kingfisher Lodge featuring unique tented camp accommodations is being launched in collaboration with the Sharjah Environment and Protected Areas Authority (EPAA). By developing Kalba’s tourism infrastructure, Shurooq aims to both make the most of the region’s natural attractions and manage the impact of tourism on the environment.

An Eco Lodge flanked by the Indian Ocean on one side and surrounded by a lush forest of mangrove (Qurm) trees, the Kingfisher Lodge nestles within a partially protected area and features 30 five-star luxury tents, 10 of which comprise the main building, spa and conference hall, while the remaining 20, each with a private pool against a stunning natural backdrop, will offer a plush ambience within the most natural surroundings.

The tents will deliver five-star services to visitorswith the opportunity to engage in the breathtaking natural surroundings. Guests are also offered an array of outdoor leisure activities, such as kayaking around the mangrove reserves and walking along theshoresof the Gulf of Oman. Sharjah is a long-time sponsor of wildlife breeding programmes, and has enjoyed particular success in breeding the endangered Damani gazelles from a breeding stock introduced in 2012. Guests will see this rare species moving about freely in the resort premises, especially around sunset.

The infrastructure of the Kingfisher Lodge is 100% complete, as is the space dedicated to fitness activities and conference hall. The spa, main reception tent, restaurant and other facilities are nearing completion.

Shurooq launched the Sharjah Collection, the first local luxury hospitality brand, at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2017in a move to further enhance Sharjah’s tourist sector, and reinforce its position as one of the leading destinations at local and regional levels.

Last November, Shurooq announced the signing of a cooperation agreement with Mantis, a global boutique hotels and eco-escapes management consultant, to manage all hospitality facilities and lodges under the umbrella of Shurooq’s Sharjah Collection hospitality brand, in a strategic partnership between two institutions that are dedicated to preserving the spirit of local culture and heritage. Mantis has a pedigree of expertise and experience in delivering and managing boutique sustainable hospitality facilities worldwide and has won many prestigious international hospitality prizes and awards.

Adrian Gardiner of the Mantis Collection said, “Shurooq is a visionary organisation whose emphasis is to explore and unearth the exceptional, and at the same time recognise the importance of preserving the region’s history and environment. We are proud partners of Shurooq and look forward to contributing our very best to this exceptional Collection.”

The first phase of the Sharjah Collection portfolio of projects, which are developed by Shurooq across the Emirate of Sharjah, comprisesfour key hospitality projects:Al Badayer Oasis at Al Badayer desert; Bait Khalid bin Ibrahim in Heart of Sharjah; Kingfisher Lodge in Kalba as part of the Kalba Eco-tourism project; and the Fossil Rock Lodge at the Mleiha Archaeological and Eco-tourism project.

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. The authority 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.