Sharjah shines with Shurooq

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

As the urgency to implement sustainable practices within urban development becomes increasingly important, global statistics underscore the imperative need for leaders in this field to embrace eco-conscious strategies and set an example for all to follow. The Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) has taken this global call to action, intertwining sustainability practices and principles into the organisation’s DNA, exemplifying how it is possible to balance development and investment while safeguarding the planet for future generations. By integrating environmentally friendly materials, renewable energy sources, innovative technologies, and a circular economy into its projects, Shurooq is leading development into a new age, demonstrating that economic growth and environmental stewardship can go hand in hand. As Shurooq paves the way for sustainable hospitality, real estate, malls & leisure, investments & partnerships, arts & culture, and investment promotion, it sets a high standard for all industries to follow, proving that a greener future is not just a dream but an achievable reality, and how its sustainable practices are not only achievable, but also hold the promise of delivering enhanced returns for investors and society at large.

A net-zero vision towards a better future for all

Shurooq’s efforts are deeply rooted in the visionary guidance of His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, emphasising sustainability and responsible development. Aligned with the UAE’s commitment to achieving net zero emissions by 2050 and the UN’s global Agenda 2030 for the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Shurooq is dedicated to fostering a tourism and investment ecosystem that prioritises environmental conservation, community well-being, and economic growth.

Building cities for the future

The authority’s approach to urban development is evident in its future-ready projects, setting a new standard for sustainable living in the region. Spanning 7.2 million square feet, ‘Sharjah Sustainable City’ is the emirate’s first sustainably built city, featuring 1,250 sustainable properties powered by rooftop solar panels to minimise energy consumption. The development’s green spaces, cycling tracks, community gardens and biodome promote an active and eco-friendly lifestyle, while smart home technologies enable the monitoring and managing of energy use while simultaneously reducing costs for residents. It also reuses 100% of wastewater for irrigation, diverts 85% of waste from landfills, and converts the remaining 15% into energy.

Similarly, ‘Ajwan’ in Khorfakkan features six residential buildings housing 185 luxury residences, along with attractions such as a waterpark, private beaches, and scenic surroundings; and ‘Maryam Island,’ a 3.3 million sqm development, encompasses 20 modern buildings that comprise 3500 residential units, retail outlets, and five-star hotels in a waterfront setting, with future plans to boost the use of renewable energy.

In line with its vision to create sustainable and vibrant communities that harmonise with their natural surroundings, Shurooq is keen on fostering sustainability practices and reducing carbon footprint at ‘Maryam Island,’ through water consumption management and using recycled wastewater for irrigating green land areas. Shurooq also adopted power management practises through the approval of AC ecosystems that do not require high power consumption, and using power-saving lighting systems.

Boosting reliance on renewable energy

Shurooq’s efforts in reinforcing long-term renewable energy and energy efficiency in the future in most of its projects are at the forefront of its commitment to sustainability and to the UAE’s objectives of achieving zero carbon footprint and using renewable energy by 2025. The authority has made significant investments in renewable energy sources and energy-efficient technologies in many of its destinations, reducing its carbon footprint significantly. By integrating solar power, energy-efficient technologies, and smart building systems throughout many of its destinations, Shurooq is leading the way in enhancing energy efficiency. These initiatives not only demonstrate a proactive approach to energy efficiency but also embrace renewable energy sources as a key component of its sustainable development projects. This has resulted in energy savings across most of its projects. Additionally, Shurooq’s future plans include implementing advanced waste management and recycling systems along with advanced water management strategies in these projects.

Waste management and water conservation

Recognising the importance of responsible resource management, Shurooq collaborated with ‘BEEAH Group’ and a host of partners to implement waste management and water conservation plans across a number of its projects and destinations. It has invested in advanced waste management systems that have successfully reduced waste through recycling, separation, and sorting. Additionally, water-efficient faucets have been installed in all its projects, resulting in a tremendous reduction in water consumption. Furthermore, wastewater has been treated and reused for irrigation and other purposes, significantly enhancing resource use efficiency.

Redefining luxury hospitality with a green focus

Shurooq’s portfolio of sustainable and eco-forward hospitality destinations, with their flagship project in this respect, the ‘Sharjah Collection,’ exemplifies a harmonious blend of luxury accommodation and environmental consciousness. As examples of the collection, ‘Al Faya Retreat’ offers an exclusive hospitality experience in the Mleiha desert, a UNESCO-nominated ‘World Heritage Site’ in the Central Region of Sharjah. Two buildings that date back to the 1960s were restored and renovated into a luxury hospitality retreat, while the ‘Kingfisher Retreat’ in Kalba that is nestled amidst the mangroves provides a secluded island retreat that aids in protecting the ecology, and home to rare birds, gazelles, turtles and crabs.

The ‘Moon Retreat,’ nestled amidst the dunes of Mleiha and Al Faya Mountain, redefines glamping with futuristic lunar domed and tents, which utilise eco-anchors that hold the tent from sides rather than on a structure, along with using solar power with a negatable footprint on its surroundings. Notably, these destinations prioritise sustainability by using eco-friendly building materials, utilising photovoltaic (PV) and solar cells that convert sunlight directly into electricity, further enhancing their commitment to responsible tourism practices and environmental conservation. Shurooq also implements best practices into its restaurants and dining options, the ‘Chedi Al Bait, Sharjah,’ managed by GHM, for instance, sources its produce from local organic farms, reducing its carbon footprint and supporting the local economy.

‘LUX* Al Jabal Resort’ translates Shurooq’s sustainable tourism vision. Located amidst the valley of the Al Soueifa Mountain in Khorfakkan, the Eastern Region, it features 45 cabins made from sustainable pine wood that was imported by Shurooq from Finland for this project, to promote luxury sustainable tourism that protects the surrounding environment through the use of sustainable natural resources. Shurooq’s sustainable tourism journey continues with ‘Nomad,’ which offers guests the opportunity to enjoy an adventure and ecotourism experience in Kalba, the Eastern Region of Sharjah. Environmentally conscious practices are being adopted in its 20 luxury trailers, most notably energy efficiency practices as lights are turned off at 10 pm and solar power is used instead. The trailers have  light structures that do not require any change or constructions, both for building and streets, ensuring that the surrounding natural environment is protected and preserved.

Safeguarding nature’s treasures

Shurooq’s dedication to sustainability extends beyond the built environment, with a strong focus on wildlife protection, environmentally conscious investment, and eco-tourism. ‘Al Noor Island’, for example, features a butterfly house that serves as a sanctuary for these delicate creatures. The ‘LUX* Al Bridi Resort’ takes conservation to an elevated level, offering an eco-experiential hospitality destination in the middle of the Al Bridi desert, right on the borders of the ‘Sharjah Safari,’ the largest safari outside of Africa. This eco-retreat not only provides visitors with a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the region’s natural beauty but also contributes to the preservation of the surrounding ecosystem and local economy.

Protecting heritage and breathing new life into the past

True sustainability includes safeguarding history and cultural heritage, and Shurooq’s restoration efforts serve as a shining example of their dedication to preserving Sharjah’s rich history while embracing eco-conscious practices. The ‘Heart of Sharjah’ district for instance, a comprehensive cultural restoration initiative, focuses on revitalising the historic core of the city using sustainable urban planning and building methods that minimise ecological footprint, essentially turning the district into a living museum and a thriving addition to the emirate’s tourist destinations.

Within the ‘Heart of Sharjah’ lies ‘The Chedi Al Bait, Sharjah,’ a 5-star heritage hotel and its newly added extension ‘The Serai Wing, Bait Khalid Bin Ibrahim.’ The restored 20th century homes of an iconic pearl merchant take sustainable protection of heritage a step further by revitalising historic buildings and turning them into a luxury hospitality project, a prime initiative to protect and preserve heritage.

Through the ‘Mleiha National Park,’ which spans 34 square kilometres, Shurooq aims to protect the desert heritage of Sharjah and preserve the unique archaeological site of Mleiha, dating back over 200,000 years, reflecting the evolution of civilisation and culture in the region. The park enhances sustainable tourism by offering educational and exploratory opportunities for visitors and supports community engagement by enabling local residents to benefit from and contribute to heritage preservation. The park serves as a living testament to the rich culture of the UAE and embodies Shurooq’s efforts in heritage and environmental conservation. Another example is the ‘Najd Al Meqsar’ that involves the restoration of an entire village containing 100-year-old traditional houses, with trails to reach the fort that was built 300 years ago on the summit of the mountain. It features archaeological discoveries, rocks engraved with drawings dating back to 2,000 years BC. The project comprises a fort, a mosque and renovated heritage houses, showing the authority’s meticulous attention to detail and dedication to authenticity.