Shurooq and Minor Hotels Strengthen Sharjah Collection with Strategic Partnership
The Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) has entered into a strategic partnership with Minor Hotels, a prominent global hospitality group. This agreement will enable Minor Hotels to manage and operate the Sharjah Collection, a portfolio of nature-inspired and heritage-focused retreats across the emirate. The signing took place at Al Rasheed Hall in the House of Wisdom, attended by H.H. Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of Shurooq.
Enhancing Hospitality in Sharjah
The partnership aims to leverage Minor Hotels’ extensive operational expertise, commercial reach, and global hospitality systems. This collaboration will enhance the Sharjah Collection, which consists of seven unique retreats located in the emirate’s diverse landscapes, including deserts, coastlines, mountains, and heritage sites. The collection is rooted in eco-tourism and cultural authenticity, and it is poised for growth while maintaining its commitment to environmental sensitivity and local identity.
Minor Hotels operates over 640 hotels and resorts in 66 countries, featuring renowned brands such as Anantara, Tivoli, Avani, and NH Collection. This experience positions them well to elevate the Sharjah Collection’s offerings.
A New Era for Sharjah Collection
The agreement signifies a shift for Shurooq, transitioning the Sharjah Collection from a series of individual retreats to a more interconnected and globally recognized hospitality platform. For Minor Hotels, this partnership presents a unique opportunity to manage a collection that emphasizes the emirate’s rich narrative and diverse natural and cultural settings.
The seven retreats within the Sharjah Collection include Al Badayer Retreat, Al Faya Retreat, Kingfisher Retreat, Moon Retreat, Najd Al Meqsar, Al Rayaheen Retreat, and Nomad. Together, they form one of the region’s most distinctive hospitality portfolios, featuring over 150 accommodation units designed with environmental awareness and cultural authenticity in mind.
Commitment to Sustainable Tourism
Shurooq’s broader vision aims to position Sharjah as a destination that transcends traditional accommodation, focusing instead on discovery, identity, and human connection. Each retreat is thoughtfully designed to resonate with its surroundings, whether through the tranquility of the desert, coastal biodiversity, or restored heritage homes.
H.H. Sheikha Bodour emphasized the belief that hospitality can serve as a powerful expression of place. Each retreat reflects various aspects of Sharjah’s landscapes, heritage, and culture, inviting visitors to engage with the emirate’s people and history. The partnership with Minor Hotels is viewed as a significant step toward expanding the collection’s international reach while preserving its authenticity and core values.
Operational Excellence and Global Reach
Ahmed Obaid Al Qaseer, CEO of Shurooq, noted that the Sharjah Collection is at a pivotal stage where enhancing its operational model and expanding its commercial reach is essential. The collaboration with Minor Hotels will introduce global hospitality systems and proven expertise in managing luxury retreats, allowing Shurooq to focus on long-term value and destination creation for Sharjah’s tourism sector.
Minor Hotels brings a robust international track record in various hospitality sectors, including resort, urban, wellness, and destination-led experiences. Their portfolio features notable properties such as Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara in Abu Dhabi and Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort.
Unique Offerings of Sharjah Collection
Amir Golbarg, Chief Operating Officer of Minor Hotels Middle East and Africa, highlighted that the Sharjah Collection possesses a distinctive identity and a deep connection to its location. The collection is designed to be irreplicable, emphasizing the emirate’s landscapes and heritage.
Sharjah’s hospitality proposition is characterized by authenticity, nature, culture, and a meaningful form of luxury. Through this partnership, Minor Hotels aims to enhance the Sharjah Collection by applying their international expertise to a portfolio that already reflects the emirate’s unique character.
The retreats within the Sharjah Collection each offer unique experiences. Al Faya Retreat, for instance, is set in Mleiha’s desert landscape, transforming 1960s structures into a boutique retreat. Al Badayer Retreat draws inspiration from the caravanserai tradition, providing a modern take on Emirati hospitality amidst the red dunes.
Kingfisher Retreat, located in Kalba, offers a nature-centric hospitality experience, while Moon Retreat invites guests to explore the desert through glamping and stargazing. The east coast features Najd Al Meqsar and Al Rayaheen Retreat, which connect guests with restored heritage homes and cultural memories. Nomad introduces an off-grid concept in Kalba’s mountainous valleys, emphasizing disconnection and environmental awareness.
Together, these retreats exemplify Shurooq’s commitment to developing destinations that harmonize with their environments. The Sharjah Collection supports the emirate’s ambition to lead in conscious tourism, providing travelers with experiences that are restorative and deeply connected to the region’s natural and cultural assets.
Source: www.zawya.com
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Published on 2026-07-03 16:43:00 • By the Editorial Desk
