Sharjah unveils new five-star eco-tourism project

Sharjah's investment authority has announced the launch of a new luxury eco-tourism project.

The Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) said it has begun implementing the Kalba Kingfisher Lodge in collaboration with the Sharjah Environment and Protected Areas Authority (EPAA).

Shurooq said that the five-star hospitability project will feature a tented camp that offers "unique experiences within the mangrove nature reserve in the heart of Kalba's natural beauty".

The Kingfisher Lodge, due to be completed by the end of June, will house 20 luxury tents with a private swimming pool for each tent.

The lodge is also home to a number of kingfishers and a host of fora and fauna, Shurooq said in a statement, adding that it will include an outdoor yoga and wellness centre and a range of public facilities, including an information desk, a reception lounge, restaurants and outdoor recreational areas.

Marwan bin Jassim Al Sarkal, CEO of Shurooq, said: "There are so many parts of Sharjah which qualify as outstanding areas of natural beauty and we have identified that there are numerous hospitality opportunities which could cater to that market.
"We understand that there are a growing number of eco-tourists, and a shift in trends towards visitors who want to enjoy incredible natural surroundings in a luxury environment. The Kalba Kingfisher Lodge is an ideal fit for that market."

The lodge is being built high off the ground so that the turtle nesting areas are not harmed in any way.

Kalba’s Mangrove Nature Reserve was declared a Protected Area by the Emiri Decree No. 27 of 2012 issued by Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Ruler of Sharjah.