In a new achievement that further strengthens Sharjah’s position as a leading and sustainable tourism destination that blends culture, heritage, and luxury, three premium hospitality destinations developed by the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) have been ranked among the top 10% of hotels worldwide for 2025. These include The Chedi Al Bait, Sharjah, Al Badayer Retreat, and Kingfisher Retreat.
The ranking is based on the quality and excellence of the hospitality experience offered, including unique stays in diverse natural settings with a focus on sustainability, local identity, and world-class culinary experiences curated by Michelin-starred chefs.
This recognition reflects Shurooq’s ongoing commitment to creating hospitality destinations that combine luxury with culture and history, offering guests the opportunity to engage with Emirati heritage in authentic environments that embody the spirit of place. The ranking is based on guest reviews on Tripadvisor, one of the world’s leading travel platforms, where destinations are assessed according to service quality, cleanliness, comfort, and the overall guest experience—highlighting high levels of visitor satisfaction and delight.
The Chedi Al Bait: Managed by GHM Hotels and located in the Heart of Sharjah, ‘The Chedi Al Bait, Sharjah’ blends traditional Emirati architecture with contemporary comfort. With 65 elegantly appointed rooms and suites, the hotel features a spa, fitness centre, library, fine-dining restaurants, and an on-site heritage museum. This culturally significant destination reflects Shurooq’s dedication to heritage preservation and sustainable luxury.
Al Badayer Retreat: Part of Shurooq’s flagship brand ‘Sharjah Collection’, ‘Al Badayer Retreat’ is a desert-inspired haven spread across 226,530 square metres. It features 21 hotel units and 25 Bedouin-style tents—each with private pools—offering an immersive desert experience. Activities include dune safaris, camel rides, falconry, and culinary offerings at Al Madam restaurant, known for its fusion of local and international flavours.
Kingfisher Retreat: Nestled in Kalba on the eastern coast of the Emirate of Sharjah, ‘Kingfisher Retreat’ enjoys a unique location within a protected mangrove reserve, making it a natural sanctuary for nature enthusiasts. The retreat is also part of the ‘Sharjah Collection’ and features 40 luxurious tents that offer a sustainable hospitality experience, tailored for guests seeking eco-conscious comfort and tranquillity.
The tents are situated on an island that serves as a habitat for a range of rare bird and marine species, including the kingfisher, olive ridley turtles, and green sea turtles. Guests can enjoy a variety of activities such as swimming, cycling, and kayaking, as well as guided exploration of the Mangrove Sanctuary, where they can observe birdlife and discover the rich marine biodiversity along the emirate’s eastern coastline.
Shurooq has announced recently a Dhs7.2 billion in investments across 52 groundbreaking projects and experiences, transforming over 60 million square feet throughout the emirate. This announcement comes as Shurooq marks 15 years since its inception, highlighting a journey defined by sustainable growth, community impact, and cultural preservation.
Rather than simply expanding its footprint, Shurooq has focused on creating destinations that offer meaningful, lasting connections between people and place. From real estate developments to immersive experiences, its projects have been pivotal in shaping Sharjah as a thriving, future-ready destination. Among its achievements are 7.7 kilometres of developed beachfront, offering unique coastal escapes that celebrate the emirate’s natural beauty.
The impact of these initiatives goes beyond the numbers. Shurooq’s projects have directly and indirectly generated 5,000 jobs, with 1,095 of those created through joint ventures. In addition, the authority has driven major collaborations with 10 local and international partners, highlighting the breadth of Shurooq’s influence across multiple sectors.
From real estate, tourism, and entertainment developments to integrated experiences, these initiatives have played a vital role in reinforcing Sharjah’s status as a dynamic and attractive destination. They include three major real estate projects with investments and partnerships totalling Dhs 5 billion, and 10 distinctive projects in the hospitality sector with investments and partnerships amounting to Dhs850 million. The retail and entertainment sectors saw 18 projects, with total investments exceeding Dhs870 million, while the arts and culture sector recorded five projects with investments reaching Dhs 447 million. In the F&B sector, Shurooq and its partners delivered 10 projects ranging from small to medium-sized ventures. Additionally, Shurooq took part in six joint ventures with strategic partners across various sectors, reflecting its vision to diversify its investment portfolio and promote sustainable growth across all fields.
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