sharjah’s hidden jewels

A collection of ecoretreats hidden in the Sharjah desert contribute to the region’s rich biodiverse landscape

sHarjaH’s HiDDen jeweLs

Enveloped by towering dunes, Mysk Al Faya Retreat lies at the foothills of the sandy mountains of the sprawling Mleiha desert. This archaeological site near Fossil Rock looks out over centuriesold natural landscape, providing guests with panoramic views of the sweeping mountain ranges and transporting them to a different time.

Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) have succeeded in creating a truly local and authentic experience, achieved by unique touches including, the use of sustainable materials derived from a stone structure originally constructed during the 1960’s.

Developed under the Sharjah Collection brand, and operated and managed by Mysk by Shaza, Shurooq reinforced its emphasis on site-responsive criteria to govern the design, architectural interventions and choice of materials in construction when re-imagining the existing structure. Sustainability, thus, emerged as an integral element in reimagining this decades-old structure, which Shurooq masterfully transformed into an elegant contemporary boutique luxury retreat.

The intense and prolonged sun exposure and extreme temperature fluctuations of the desert

necessitated the use of locallysourced special construction materials equipped to provide heavy thermal mass. Attention to detail marked every aspect of the retreat’s design and construction process as the choice of materials was dictated not merely by the arid climate, but also referenced the iron-rich mountains that surround it.

The earthy colour combination of natural stone, sandy-brown concrete and Corten steel allows the eco-retreat to blend discreetly into its historical landscape. To enhance the natureinspired vibe, skylights in the rooms allow guests to soak in the splendours of the desert sky at night. Use of glass water bottles, tree planting initiatives, and a host of recycling practices further elevates the environmentally friendly policies in place at Al Faya.

Mysk kingfisher retreat

Set among Kalba’s rich nature and biodiversity on the East Coast of Sharjah, Mysk Kingfisher Retreat is a verdant property that urges guests to slow down and enjoy nature’s bounty. The

eco-retreat is situated inside the Al Qurm Nature Reserve, famed for its rich biodiverse ecosystem of mangrove forests and rare species of birds, turtles, fish and deer.

The Mysk Kingfisher Retreat is another jewel in The Sharjah Collection by ‘Mysk by Shaza’ with 20 luxurious tents, set up approximately 30 metres away from the shoreline to avoid deep dewatering and raised from the ground by almost one metre to preserve the flora and fauna.

The boutique nature retreat is a gateway to a unique world of conservation. Showcasing one

of the UAE’s most diverse ecosystems, Kalba – a verdant mangrove forest recognised as a globally important wetland by the Ramsar Convention, champions the environment through its various green credentials.

With 20 luxurious tents, set up approximately 30 metres away from the shoreline to avoid deep dewatering and raised from the ground by almost one metre to preserve the flora and fauna. Three layers of insulated roof minimises heat inside the tent while low lighting options are mindful of the sensitive wildlife.

A sea turtle rehabilitation centre will soon open and in partnership with the Environment and Protected Areas Authority (EPAA) in Sharjah, Shurooq will create education centres to foster greater environmental awareness amongst guests and visitors about ongoing efforts to preserve this crucial habitat.

In addition, it has further improved visitor experiences with a host of sustainable initiatives to minimise its impact on the fragile ecosystem. Kingfisher Retreat is a car-free zone and bases its waste management plans on the principles of reduce, reuse, and recycling. An organic garden, bird water pond, turtle meeting point, nature walks, and beach cleaning activities are other eco highlights here.

Mysk al badayer retreat

Mysk Al Badayer Retreat is a haven of calm offering traditional Arabian hospitality in the heart of the Al Badayer desert in Sharjah’s central region. The retreat reinterprets authentic Emirati desert living by providing guests with an elevated desertcamping and dune experience, with 21 fully serviced rooms, 10 luxurious tents, traditional mix of delicacies and desert leisure activities.

Al Badayer’s sustainability ethos is reflected in its recycling and desert cleaning practices, chemical-free private pools, use of locally sourced ingredients at its restaurant and glass water bottles throughout the facility.