New heritage retreat in Khorfakkan unveiled by Shurooq at ATM 2025
Restored basil district transformed into luxury heritage getaway
DUBAI: The Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) has announced the newest addition to its growing portfolio of culturally grounded and sustainable destinations: Al Rayaheen Retreat in Khorfakkan.
The unveiling marks a significant milestone in Shurooq’s broader strategy to enhance heritage tourism across the emirate, cementing Sharjah’s reputation as a unique destination that bridges tradition with innovation.
The Al Rayaheen Retreat was revealed as part of Shurooq’s active participation in Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2025, the region’s leading tourism and travel industry platform, which serves as a nexus for hospitality professionals and global developers to share insights and launch new ventures. The announcement was accompanied by progress updates on several key projects, including the eco-centric Nomad retreat in Kalba, the evolution of partnerships with The Lux Collective, and the development of Mleiha National Park as a flagship sustainable heritage destination.
Al Rayaheen Retreat
Situated in the heart of Khorfakkan, Al Rayaheen Retreat is the latest property to join the Sharjah Collection – the emirate’s luxury hospitality brand dedicated to experiential, heritage-inspired stays. Comprising 20 meticulously restored heritage homes, the retreat is set within the historically rich Freej Al Rayhan (The Basil Neighbourhood), an area once known for its flourishing Rayhan (basil) plants.
The largest home in the retreat, formerly owned by the Al Mushtagal family, has been transformed into a multifunctional space featuring a restaurant, a reception lounge, and a curated mini museum. The remaining 19 units are configured into one- to four-bedroom residences, each preserving its original architectural features, including internal courtyards and indigenous trees estimated to be over 100 years old.
This restoration project, spearheaded by Shurooq in collaboration with the Sharjah Institute for Heritage, was implemented under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah. The development adheres to UNESCO-aligned conservation standards, ensuring historical authenticity while introducing contemporary amenities for a refined visitor experience.
Al Rayaheen offers not only accommodation but a selection of curated leisure and tourism activities. Guests can engage in kayaking, guided shoreline tours, watersports, and cultural excursions that reveal the natural and historical depth of Khorfakkan’s surroundings.
Heritage and hospitality
Ahmed Obaid Al Qaseer, CEO of Shurooq, underscored the strategic importance of the retreat, describing it as a model for responsible heritage tourism that both preserves and revitalises cultural memory. “The addition of Al Rayaheen Retreat represents a cornerstone in Shurooq’s vision to build culturally rooted destinations that inspire sustainable tourism practices and highlight the emirate’s architectural legacy,” he said.
Al Qaseer added that all properties under the Sharjah Collection are overseen directly by Shurooq to ensure they align with environmental, social, and cultural sustainability goals. He noted that Khorfakkan’s appeal lies in its natural diversity and historical richness, elements that Al Rayaheen has been designed to complement and elevate.
Through its participation at ATM 2025, Shurooq reaffirmed its dedication to integrated development models that generate local economic benefits, support small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and expand tourism capacity without compromising ecological balance.
Nomad and LUX projects
Among other major updates presented at ATM 2025, Shurooq revealed new details about Nomad, an upcoming eco-retreat in Kalba. Designed with sustainability at its core, the retreat features 20 luxury trailers positioned within one of the most biodiverse areas of the emirate. The accommodation units are powered by solar energy and built from eco-conscious materials that blend into the surrounding environment.
Nomad is slated to open in Q3 2025 and will serve as a pioneering model for mobile luxury eco-tourism. It is expected to attract travellers seeking immersive natural experiences without the environmental footprint of conventional hospitality.
Shurooq also spotlighted its deepening partnership with The Lux Collective, with the announcement of a rebrand for one of its flagship properties. The resort previously known as LUX Al Jabal will now operate as LUX Khorfakkan, emphasising its deep connection to the coastal city’s identity and natural beauty.
Located between Khorfakkan and Luluya, LUX Khorfakkan will open in Q4 2025, featuring 45 bespoke accommodation units. The resort design incorporates PEFC-certified Finnish timber and other sustainable architectural elements. Meanwhile, LUX Al Bridi in Al Dhaid is scheduled for a Q1 2026 launch, offering 35 luxury safari-style tents within a 784-hectare nature reserve, adjacent to Sharjah Safari.
The collaboration aims to raise Sharjah’s international profile as a luxury tourism destination while embedding sustainability and cultural integrity into every aspect of guest experience.
Mleiha National Park
One of the most ambitious initiatives showcased at ATM 2025 was the continued development of Mleiha National Park – a 34.2 square kilometre protected area that combines ecological preservation with cultural tourism. Recognised as one of the Arabian Peninsula’s most important archaeological sites, Mleiha has revealed evidence of human habitation dating back over 200,000 years.
At ATM, Shurooq presented “Mleiha: Ancient Treasures of the UAE”, a new visual reference book created in partnership with Assouline, now on display at the Shurooq pavilion. The book underscores the area’s archaeological and natural significance, aligning with Shurooq’s efforts to position the park as a centrepiece of sustainable and educational tourism.
Visitors to Mleiha National Park can choose from an array of activities, including desert trekking, paragliding, glamping, stargazing, and guided tours of pre-Islamic ruins. The destination merges ancient storytelling with modern recreational infrastructure, offering a truly immersive historical experience in a preserved natural setting.
As part of Shurooq’s broader mission, Mleiha serves as a case study for how environmental conservation and cultural heritage can be jointly leveraged to create sustainable economic opportunities and enrich the visitor journey.