Sharjah plans to build three ecotourism projects

Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) is planning to launch three ecotourism projects in the emirate, its CEO has revealed.

Marwan Jassim Al Sarkal said Shurooq was working with various government entities in Sharjah to develop the emirate's ecotourism sector.

He added that it was in discussions with local and international ecotourism agencies to better protect chosen sites and preserve the emirate's natural beauty.

Studies are currently underway to ensure accurate selection of areas for such projects, he said in a statement.

Al Sarkal said that the three projects will be developed in a number of important natural reserves and islands in the emirate.

Shurooq has finalised initial plans for all three, which will be located in the city and the eastern region.

Final details will be announced upon the completion and approval of the final masterplan for each 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.

Al Sarkal said: "Through the launch of projects such as the planned ecotourism facilities in the emirate of Sharjah, Shurooq aims to build on and maintain the natural beauty of the emirate of Sharjah.

"We are keen to choose the best possible sites for a tourism project of this nature, being rich in natural beauty and variety. These unique projects form an important part of our plan to boost the emirate's tourism sector and to attract local and international tourists and investors, and will also have a positive impact on the UAE's economic development process."