Work set to start on new luxury hotel in Sharjah

The Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) has announced that work is set to start on a new five star luxury hotel in the emirate.

The Al Bait Hotel in Sharjah is part of Bait Al Naboudah in the Heart of Sharjah, the largest tourism and heritage project in the region.

The traditional hotel project ties in with the initiative to revive heritage in Sharjah, which was launched by Sharjah ruler Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qasimi last year.

The Heart of Sharjah seeks to reflect what Sharjah was like over half a century ago. The project will restore and revamp the city's traditional areas to create a tourist and trade destination with contemporary artistic touches, yet retain the feel of the 1950s.

Scheduled for completion in 2025, the scheme will feature diverse commercial, cultural and residential projects, including a boutique hotel, restaurants, retail shops, art galleries, traditional and contemporary markets, archaeological sites, museums, play areas and commercial offices.

Set for completion in late 2014-early 2015, the AED 100m (US $27m) Al Bait hotel project will comprise 54 guest rooms as well as a spa/health club, dining areas, staff facilities and utility blocks.

An agreement has been signed with General Hotel Management Ltd (GHM) for the management of the hotel.

Shurooq already has a relationship with GHM which manages another Shurooq development in Khorfakkan, Sharjah, under the group's prestigious Chedi brand.

Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, chairperson of Shurooq, said: "Investing in our heritage by refining what has been bestowed upon us, is one of the main reasons that Shurooq was established. We are pleased and excited to shine the spotlight on our history through this luxurious hotel.

"As the first of its kind in the emirate and the region, Al Bait hotel in Sharjah is expected to be a unique tourism icon, and will undoubtedly draw the attention of tourists and residents alike."

Marwan bin Jassim Al Sarkal, CEO of Shurooq, added: "Shurooq is keen through Al Bait hotel to offer visitors a unique opportunity to experience true Emirati hospitality in an environment that reflects the true Emirati heritage, and which can compete with any five star hotel in terms of services, amenities and cuisine."

Souq Al Arsa will also form part of the proposed redevelopment and will be the central spine around which the hotel will be wrapped.