Sharjah shines with Shurooq – GulfToday

Al Heera Beach

Gulf today, Staff reporter

As the urgency to implement sustainable practices in urban development becomes increasingly important, global statistics highlight the imperative need for leaders in this field to adopt environmentally friendly strategies and give example to all. The Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) has responded to this global call to action, integrating sustainable development practices and principles into the organization’s DNA, illustrating how it is possible to balancing development and investment while preserving 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 era, demonstrating that economic growth and environmental management can go hand in hand. As Shurooq leads the way in sustainable hospitality, real estate, shopping malls and leisure, investments and partnerships, arts and culture and investment promotion, it sets a high standard to follow for all industries, 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 promise to generate enhanced returns for investors and society in its whole.

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, emphasizing sustainability and responsible development. In line with the UAE’s commitment to achieving net zero emissions by 2050 and the UN’s 2030 Global Agenda for the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Shurooq is dedicated to fostering a tourism ecosystem and investment plan that prioritizes environmental conservation, community well-being and the economy. growth.

Building the cities of 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, with 1,250 sustainable properties powered by rooftop solar panels to minimize energy consumption. ‘energy. The resort’s green spaces, bike paths, community gardens and biodome promote an active, eco-friendly lifestyle, while smart home technologies help monitor and manage energy consumption while reducing simultaneously the 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 comprises six residential buildings housing 185 luxury residences, along with attractions such as a water park, private beaches and picturesque surroundings; and “Maryam Island”, a 3.3 million m² development, comprises 20 modern buildings comprising 3,500 residential units, retail outlets and five-star hotels in a waterfront setting, with future plans to boost the use of renewable energies.

In line with its vision of creating sustainable and vibrant communities that harmonize with their natural surroundings, Shurooq is keen to foster sustainability practices and reduce the carbon footprint on “Maryam Island”, through the management of energy consumption. water and the use of recycled wastewater to irrigate green areas. Shurooq has also adopted energy management practices by endorsing AC ecosystems that do not require high energy consumption and using energy-saving lighting systems.

Strengthen the use of renewable energies

Shurooq’s efforts to strengthen long-term renewable energy and energy efficiency in the future in most of its projects are at the forefront of its commitment to sustainable development and the UAE’s goals aiming to achieve a zero carbon footprint and use renewable energy by 2025. The authority has made significant investments in renewable energy sources and energy-saving technologies in many of its destinations, significantly reducing its footprint carbon. By integrating solar power, energy-saving technologies and smart building systems into many of its destinations, Shurooq is leading the way in improving energy efficiency. These initiatives not only demonstrate a proactive approach to energy efficiency, but also integrate renewable energy sources as a key element of its sustainable development projects. This made it possible to achieve energy savings in most of its projects. Additionally, Shurooq’s future projects include the implementation of advanced waste management and recycling systems as well as advanced water management strategies in these projects.

Waste management and water conservation

Recognizing the importance of responsible resource management, Shurooq has collaborated with the “BEEAH Group” and a multitude of partners to implement waste management and water conservation plans in 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-saving taps have been installed in all its projects, resulting in a considerable reduction in water consumption. Additionally, wastewater was treated and reused for irrigation and other purposes, significantly improving resource use efficiency.

Redefining luxury hospitality with a green focus

Shurooq’s portfolio of sustainable and eco-friendly hotel destinations, with its flagship project in this regard, the ‘Sharjah Collection’, exemplifies a harmonious blend of luxury accommodation and environmental consciousness. As an example of the collection, “Al Faya Retreat” offers an exclusive hospitality experience in the Mleiha Desert, a UNESCO-nominated “World Heritage Site” in the central Sharjah region. Two buildings dating from the 1960s have been restored and renovated into a place of luxury hospitality, while the ‘Kingfisher Retreat’ in Kalba, nestled among mangroves, offers a secluded island retreat that contributes to the protection of the ecology and is home to rare birds. gazelles, turtles and crabs.

The ‘Moon Retreat’, nestled among the Mleiha Dunes and Al Faya Mountain, redefines glamping with futuristic moon domes and tents, which use eco-anchors that hold the tent to the sides rather than to a structure , as well as the use of solar energy with a negotiable footprint on its environment. Notably, these destinations prioritize sustainability by using eco-friendly building materials, photovoltaic (PV) and solar cells that convert sunlight directly into electricity, reinforcing their commitment to responsible tourism practices and environmental conservation. Shurooq also implements best practices in its restaurants and dining options, the GHM-run “Chedi Al Bait, Sharjah”, for example, sources its produce from local organic farms, thereby reducing its carbon footprint and supporting the local economy.

“LUX* Al Jabal Resort” reflects Shurooq’s vision of sustainable tourism. Located in the middle of the Al Soueifa mountain valley in Khorfakkan, Eastern Region, it comprises 45 cabins made from sustainable pine wood imported by Shurooq from Finland for this project, aimed at promoting sustainable tourism of luxury that protects the environment through the use of sustainable natural resources. Shurooq’s sustainable tourism journey continues with ‘Nomad’, which offers guests the opportunity to experience adventure and ecotourism in Kalba, Eastern Sharjah. Eco-friendly practices are adopted in its 20 luxury caravans, including energy efficiency practices as the lights are turned off at 10pm and solar energy is used instead. The trailers have lightweight structures that do not require any modification or construction, both at the building and street levels, thus guaranteeing the protection and preservation of the surrounding natural environment.

Safeguarding nature’s treasures

Shurooq’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond the built environment, with a strong emphasis on wildlife protection, eco-friendly investments and ecotourism. “Al Noor Island,” for example, is home to a butterfly greenhouse that serves as a sanctuary for these delicate creatures. “LUX* Al Bridi Resort” takes conservation to a high level, offering an eco-experiential hospitality destination in the middle of the Al Bridi Desert, right on the borders of “Sharjah Safari”, the largest safari outside of Africa. This eco-retreat not only offers visitors a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the area, but also contributes to the preservation of the surrounding ecosystem and local economy.

Protecting heritage and bringing the past back to life

True sustainability involves safeguarding history and cultural heritage, and Shurooq’s restoration efforts are a shining example of their commitment to preserving Sharjah’s rich history while adopting environmentally friendly practices. The “Heart of Sharjah” district, for example, a comprehensive cultural restoration initiative, focuses on revitalizing the historic heart of the city using sustainable urban planning and construction methods that minimize the ecological footprint, essentially transforming the neighborhood into a living museum and a thriving addition to the emirate’s tourist destinations.

In the heart of Sharjah is “The Chedi Al Bait, Sharjah”, a 5-star heritage hotel and its new extension “The Serai Wing, Bait Khalid Bin Ibrahim”. The restored 20th century homes of an iconic pearl merchant take sustainable heritage protection a step further by revitalizing historic buildings and transforming them into a luxury hotel project, a major initiative to protect and preserve heritage.

Through the ‘Mleiha National Park’, which extends over 34 square kilometers, Shurooq aims to protect Sharjah’s desert heritage and preserve the unique archaeological site of Mleiha, dating back over 200,000 years, reflecting the of the civilization and culture of the region. The park enhances sustainable tourism by providing educational and exploratory opportunities for visitors and supports community engagement by allowing local residents to benefit from and contribute to heritage preservation. The park is a living testament to the UAE’s rich culture and embodies Shurooq’s efforts in heritage and environmental conservation. Another example is the “Najd Al Meqsar”, which involves the restoration of an entire village containing centuries-old traditional houses, with trails to reach the fort built 300 years ago at the top of the mountain. It features archaeological finds, rocks engraved with designs dating back to 2,000 BC. The project includes a fort, a mosque and renovated heritage houses, demonstrating the authorities’ meticulous attention to detail and dedication to authenticity.