Sharjah Investment and Development Authority

What Sharjah Investment and Development Authority does

Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) is a government entity of the Emirate of Sharjah, UAE, established in 2009 to drive the emirate's economic, tourism, and cultural transformation. Operating under the oversight of the Ruler of Sharjah and chaired by Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Shurooq functions as an integrated investment promotion, real estate development, hospitality operator, and tourism authority. It serves four primary customer segments: international investors (via the Invest in Sharjah platform), tourists and leisure visitors, property buyers, and industrial/entrepreneurial stakeholders (via subsidiaries Sheraa, SAEED, and SPARK).

Shurooq's core operations span six verticals: hospitality (owning and operating The Chedi Al Bait, the Serai Wing, and the Sharjah Collection of boutique eco-retreats including Kingfisher Retreat, Al Faya Retreat, Al Badayer Retreat, Moon Retreat, Najd Al Meqsar, Al Rayaheen Retreat, and Nomad); real estate (Maryam Island JV with Eagle Hills, Sharjah Sustainable City with Diamond Developers, Ajwan Khorfakkan); leisure and entertainment (Al Montazah Parks, Al Noor Island, Al Qasba, Al Majaz Waterfront, Khorfakkan Beach, Al Heera Beach, Kalba Waterfront Mall); arts and culture (Heart of Sharjah, House of Wisdom, Mleiha National Park, Maraya Art Centre); eco-tourism; and investment promotion. Management partnerships with GHM Hotels, Mysk by Shaza, and The Lux Collective provide global distribution for the hospitality portfolio.

Revenue is generated through multiple streams: one-time real estate sales (AED 5.8 billion across three flagship projects with 96.4% unit sales rate), recurring hospitality operations (The Chedi Al Bait rooms from AED 1,200/night, Sharjah Collection retreats from AED 550/night), tourism and leisure admissions, and investment promotion services. Distribution is direct (Shurooq Destinations Network, Invest in Sharjah FDI Office) and indirect (hospitality brand partners, Eagle Hills joint venture, Microsoft/Accenture/EY/Nokia strategic partnerships). Shurooq has scaled from 92 employees in 2009 to 675 today, delivered over AED 7 billion in strategic projects, and claims to have facilitated nearly AED 100 billion in foreign investment into Sharjah.

Name

Sharjah Investment and Development Authority

Legal name

Sharjah Investment and Development Authority

Website

https://shurooq.gov.ae

Company type

Private

Founded year

2009

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

501–1,000 employees

Short description

Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) is a Sharjah government entity, founded 2009, that drives the emirate's economic transformation through integrated real estate development, hospitality operations, tourism destinations, and investment promotion, serving international investors, tourists, property buyers, and entrepreneurs.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Economic Development & Investment Promotion

NAICS

Rental and Leasing Services (532), Management of Companies and Enterprises (55111)

SIC

Real Estate Dealers (For Their Own Account) (6532), Real Estate (6500)

akta.pro primary industry

Luxury & Estate Rentals (THAGANAF)

Keywords

• Investment promotion services
• Real estate development
• Hospitality management
• Tourism development
• Heritage preservation

Headquarters

HQ city

Sharjah

HQ country

United Arab Emirates

HQ region

Middle East

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain, Others

Revenue model

1. Real Estate Sales: Shurooq generates significant revenue through development and sale of residential properties including Maryam Island, Sharjah Sustainable City, and Ajwan Khorfakkan. The authority achieved AED 5.8 billion in sales across flagship real estate developments with 96.4% unit sales rate.
2. Hospitality Operations: Revenue from operating luxury hotels and eco-retreats under brands including The Chedi Al Bait, Sharjah Collection (managed by Mysk by Shaza), and LUX* resorts (managed by The Lux Collective). Properties include The Chedi Al Bait (53 rooms), Kingfisher Retreat (40 tents), and various boutique retreats.
3. Tourism and Leisure Services: Income from visitor admissions and services at leisure destinations including Al Montazah Parks, Al Noor Island, Al Qasba, Khorfakkan Beach, Al Heera Beach, and Mleiha Archaeological and Eco-tourism Project. These attractions offer family entertainment, adventure activities, and cultural experiences.
4. Investment Promotion Services: Shurooq facilitates investment into Sharjah through Invest in Sharjah initiative, connecting international investors with opportunities across sectors including hospitality, real estate, leisure, arts and culture, eco-tourism, and emerging future-forward industries.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels7 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Shurooq is a Sharjah government entity that drives investment promotion, real estate development, hospitality operations, and tourism destination management. It develops and operates a diversified portfolio of residential communities (Maryam Island, Sharjah Sustainable City, Ajwan), luxury and eco-retreat hotels (The Chedi Al Bait, Sharjah Collection retreats, upcoming LUX* resorts), leisure attractions (Al Montazah Parks, Al Noor Island, Al Qasba, beaches), cultural heritage sites (Mleiha National Park, Heart of Sharjah, House of Wisdom), and investment promotion services (Invest in Sharjah, Sheraa, SAEED).

Product overview

Shurooq (Sharjah Investment and Development Authority) is a government entity leading the transformation of Sharjah through a diversified portfolio of real estate, hospitality, leisure, tourism, and cultural projects. The organization operates across six key verticals: Hospitality (including The Chedi Al Bait, The Serai Wing, and properties under the Sharjah Collection brand such as Kingfisher Retreat, Al Faya Retreat, Al Badayer Retreat, Moon Retreat, Najd Al Meqsar, Al Rayaheen Retreat, Nomad, and upcoming LUX* Khorfakkan and LUX* Al Bridi), Real Estate (Maryam Island, Sharjah Sustainable City, Ajwan), Leisure & Entertainment (Al Heera Beach, Khorfakkan Beach, Al Montazah Parks, Al Noor Island, Al Qasba, Al Majaz Waterfront, The Flag Island, Kalba Waterfront Mall, Al Rahmaniyah Parks), Arts & Culture (Mleiha National Park, House of Wisdom, Heart of Sharjah, Maraya Art Centre, 1971 Design Space), Eco-Tourism (Kalba Eco-Tourism Project), and Investment Promotion (Invest in Sharjah, Sheraa, SAEED). The organization focuses on sustainable development, heritage preservation, and positioning Sharjah as a leading investment and tourism destination.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Sharjah Collection: Luxury boutique hospitality brand operated by Mysk by Shaza, featuring eco-retreats and heritage properties including Kingfisher Retreat, Al Faya Retreat, Al Badayer Retreat, Moon Retreat, Najd Al Meqsar, Al Rayaheen Retreat, and Nomad.

Products and services

• The Chedi Al Bait, Sharjah A 53-room heritage luxury resort in the Heart of Sharjah, incorporating century-old buildings into a luxury hotel with rooms, restaurants, spa, and library facilities. Managed by GHM Hotels.
• The Serai Wing, Bait Khalid Bin Ibrahim A 12-key boutique wing extension of The Chedi Al Bait, converting a 19th-century pearl merchant's family home into heritage-style accommodation.
• Kingfisher Retreat A luxury retreat with 40 tents featuring private pools, set amidst mangroves on an island off the east coast of Sharjah near Kalba, offering kayaking, archery, and wildlife experiences.
• Al Faya Retreat A boutique lodge with 5 rooms in the Mleiha desert region, converted from 1960s clinic and grocery store buildings, offering desert experiences near UAE's first petroleum pump site.
• Al Badayer Retreat A desert retreat with 21 rooms and 25 tents in central Sharjah's Al Badayer Desert, featuring traditional Emirati-inspired design and adventure activities on orange dunes.
• Moon Retreat A glamping destination in Mleiha with 6 eco-friendly tents and 10 dome structures, offering private BBQ areas, pools, and access to desert activities.
• Najd Al Meqsar A heritage village retreat in Khorfakkan's mountains with 7 rooms and 19 restored village houses, offering hiking experiences in century-old architecture near Wadi Shie.
• Al Rayaheen Retreat A four-star heritage sanctuary with 19 villas and 35 rooms in Al Sharq region, offering authentic Arabian hospitality in restored heritage houses.
• Nomad A trailer resort experience in Kalba's mountains with 20 trailers, offering cycling, bird watching, and sustainable low-impact accommodation near petroglyphs.
• LUX* Khorfakkan (LUX* Al Jabal Resort) A 45-cabin beach-facing hillside resort in Khorfakkan with clifftop restaurant, infinity pool, and spa, operated by The Lux Collective.
• LUX* Al Bridi Resort A 35-tent resort adjacent to Sharjah Safari, occupying 784 hectares of the Al Bridi Nature Reserve, offering wildlife observation of African species including Big Five.
• Maryam Island A 3.3 million sq ft mixed-use waterfront development with 18 residential buildings comprising over 3,500 units, developed in partnership with Eagle Hills.
• Sharjah Sustainable City A first-of-its-kind AED 2 billion green residential community on 7.2 million sq ft with eco-friendly villas, indoor vertical farms, school, and sustainability features. Developed in partnership with Diamond Developers.
• Ajwan A luxurious residential project on Khorfakkan's eastern coast with 184 residences including apartments and duplexes, plus first waterpark in the eastern region.
• Al Heera Beach A 3.5-kilometer beach destination in Al Fisht area with 18 restaurants and cafes, promenade, marina, sports facilities, and gym.
• Khorfakkan Beach An eastern coast beach destination spanning 3.5 kilometers with water sports including kayaking, jet skiing, parasailing, volleyball courts, and World Padel Academy.
• Al Montazah Parks Sharjah's largest family entertainment destination featuring Pearls Kingdom water park with 36 slides and Island of Legends amusement park with 26 attractions.
• Al Noor Island A peaceful escape in urban Sharjah's heart featuring biodiversity, butterfly house, and eco-conscious practices combining art, entertainment, and nature.
• Al Qasba A family destination along Khalid Lagoon featuring restaurants, cafes, Kids Fun House, and Masrah Al Qasba theater for family entertainment.
• Al Majaz Waterfront A waterfront destination along Khalid Lagoon with Splash Park, kids' area, dining options, and shuttle services to Al Qasba.
• Kalba Waterfront Mall The largest retail and first inclusive waterfront destination in Kalba, developed by Eagle Hills Sharjah Development, spanning 183,000 sqm with 80 units.
• Mleiha National Park A 34.2 sq km UNESCO World Heritage nominee park featuring 200,000-year-old archaeological sites, Core Conservation Zone, Ecotourism Zones, and Hybrid Zone for sustainable tourism.
• House of Wisdom A futuristic 21st-century library and intellectual hub enabling residents and visitors to immerse in learning, sharing, creating, and accessing knowledge.
• Heart of Sharjah A heritage preservation and revitalization destination enhancing the heritage district, weaving Sharjah's contemporary life with traditions of its past.
• Maraya Art Centre An art center featuring exhibitions, summer camps, and creative workshops for children and adults.
• Kalba Eco-Tourism Project An eco-tourism initiative in Kalba's eastern region featuring natural reserves, mangroves, and sustainable tourism experiences.
• Invest in Sharjah Sharjah's international investment promotion arm focused on attracting foreign investment and expanding the emirate's global reach across advanced industries.
• Sharjah Entrepreneurship Centre (Sheraa) An entrepreneurship center cultivating one of the region's most vibrant startup ecosystems, supporting over 180 ventures with mentorship and capital access.
• Sharjah Investors Services Center (SAEED) A center providing services to investors and businesses looking to establish or expand operations in Sharjah.

Quantifiable outcome

• 96.4% unit sales rate achieved across three flagship real estate developments totaling AED 5.8 billion in sales
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

16 partnerships are on record, tiered minor, strategic, core and flagship.

• University of NavarraminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 19 May 2026Strategic Business Leadership Programme conducted at University of Navarra in Spain, with delegation from Sharjah government entities. Programme laid foundation for deeper academic collaborations and international partnerships in training and development.
• SODENA (Navarra Regional Government Investment Arm)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 19 May 2026SODENA, the investment arm of Navarra regional government, participated in Shurooq's Strategic Business Leadership Programme, exploring potential partnerships and investment opportunities between Sharjah and Navarra.
• MicrosoftstrategicTechnology or Integration · 26 February 2026Microsoft partnered with Shurooq for the Sharjah Women Impact Fellowship, delivered in partnership with Accenture and EY. Additionally, Sheraa announced joining Microsoft's startup programme providing Azure credits up to $150,000 for qualifying startups.
• AccenturestrategicStrategic or Co-development Partner · 26 February 2026Accenture partnered with Shurooq and Microsoft for the Sharjah Women Impact Fellowship, supporting the first cohort graduation and providing expertise for women entrepreneurs in Sharjah's sustainable and creative economy.
• EYstrategicStrategic or Co-development Partner · 26 February 2026EY partnered with Shurooq and Microsoft for the Sharjah Women Impact Fellowship, contributing professional expertise to the program supporting women-led businesses in the creative industries.
• NokiacoreTechnology or Integration · 26 February 2026Strategic MoU signed between SPARK (Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park) and Nokia for AI-driven network innovation, representing Shurooq's commitment to technology advancement in its innovation ecosystem.
• Navis InternationalminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 26 February 2026MoU signed between Invest in Sharjah and Navis International for GCC logistics infrastructure collaboration, supporting investment promotion in transportation and logistics sectors.
• J.S. LootahminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 26 February 2026MoU signed between Shurooq (Shurooq) and J.S. Lootah for development projects, contributing to infrastructure and real estate development initiatives across Sharjah.
• Directorate of Public Works (DPW)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024DPW collaborates with Shurooq for fencing Mleiha National Park (34.2 sq km), securing the UNESCO World Heritage nominee site and ensuring protection of archaeological and ecological treasures.
• Eagle Hills Sharjah DevelopmentflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 31 August 2022Joint venture between Shurooq and Eagle Hills for development of Kalba Waterfront (AED 119 million project) and Maryam Island (3.3 million sq ft mixed-use development). Eagle Hills, led by Mohamed Alabbar, serves as development partner for Shurooq's flagship real estate projects achieving AED 5.8 billion in combined sales.
• The Lux CollectiveflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 22 June 2022Partnership with Singapore-based The Lux Collective to operate LUX* Al Jabal Resort in Khorfakkan (45 cabins, AED 320 million investment) and LUX* Al Bridi Resort in Al Dhaid (35 tents). Both resorts expected completion by Q4 2025, representing Shurooq's first international hospitality brand partnerships.
• Sharjah Environment and Protected Areas Authority (EPAA)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 22 June 2022EPAA partners with Shurooq for wildlife conservation at LUX* Al Bridi Resort adjacent to Sharjah Safari (largest safari outside Africa), and for Mleiha National Park conservation zones. Collaboration ensures best treatment for wild species and unique guest interactions.
• Mubadara (Initiatives Implementation Authority)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 22 June 2022Mubadara collaborates with Shurooq on Najd Al Meqsar Village project in Khorfakkan, restoring 100-year-old village houses into heritage accommodation units. Phase 1 includes seven heritage units, a 300-year-old fort, and mosque.
• Diamond DeveloperscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2021Diamond Developers partnered with Shurooq to develop Sharjah Sustainable City, a AED 2 billion urban mixed-use residential community project spanning 7.2 million sq ft. The project meets highest standards of green economy and environmental sustainability, with first phase fully sold out.
• Mysk by ShazacoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2019Mysk by Shaza manages Sharjah Collection brand of boutique eco-retreats including Kingfisher Retreat, Al Badayer Retreat, Al Faya Retreat, Moon Retreat, Najd Al Meqsar, and Nomad. The brand offers distinctive boutique hotels and eco-retreats throughout Sharjah.
• GHM HotelscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2017GHM (General Hotel Management) operates The Chedi Al Bait, Sharjah, a 53-key heritage luxury hotel in Heart of Sharjah district, including the Serai Wing extension. GHM manages the property leveraging their global luxury hospitality brand expertise.

Scale indicators15 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi): UAE government authority that develops and promotes Abu Dhabi's tourism, culture, and heritage assets. Closest mandate-comparable to Shurooq across an adjacent emirate, with similar functions of destination development, cultural asset curation (Saadiyat, Louvre Abu Dhabi), and investor attraction.
• Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC) Abu Dhabi: Master-developer owned by the Abu Dhabi government that delivers large-scale tourism and cultural real estate projects (Saadiyat Island, Saadiyat Cultural District). Directly comparable as a government-owned vehicle turning emirate-level tourism vision into mixed-use real estate and hospitality assets.
• RAK Tourism Development Authority: Government authority in Ras Al Khaimah driving tourism investment, hospitality development, and heritage resort projects (e.g., Al Wadi, Al Jazirah Al Hamra). Closest mandate-equivalent peer at smaller scale, competing with Sharjah for Northern Emirates tourism and FDI flows.
• Qatari Diar Real Estate Investment Company: Qatar state-owned real estate developer delivering large mixed-use and hospitality projects domestically and internationally (Lusail, Cityscape). Comparable as a Gulf government-owned developer combining tourism vision, premium real estate, and luxury hospitality in a competing GCC market.

Broad incumbents

• Dubai Holding: Diversified investment conglomerate owned by the Government of Dubai with major real estate, hospitality (Atlantis, Jumeirah), and tourism verticals (e.g., previously Dubai Properties). Functionally similar investment-and-development role but at a much larger scale and within a competing emirate.
• Aldar Properties: Abu Dhabi's largest listed real estate developer, delivering flagship master-plans (Saadiyat, Yas, Al Reem) plus hospitality and leisure assets. Comparable as a UAE government-influenced developer competing for the same Gulf investor and visitor pool with overlapping hospitality/leisure product lines.
• Mubadala Investment Company: Abu Dhabi sovereign investor with sizable real estate, hospitality, and infrastructure allocations (e.g., Aldar stake, UAE tourism assets). Comparable as a sovereign capital allocator but at substantially larger scale and with broader sector remit than Sharjah-focused Shurooq.

Emerging players

• DAMAC Properties: UAE-based private developer of premium residential and branded luxury hospitality (DAMAC Maison, DAMAC Towers with Paramount, Trump, Versace tie-ups). Comparable premium real estate and luxury-hospitality positioning and overlapping customer base of international property investors in the Gulf.
• Katara Hospitality: Qatar-based government-owned hospitality owner/operator managing luxury and heritage hotels across the Gulf and beyond. Comparable in the cultural-heritage hospitality positioning and operator-of-government-owned assets mandate, albeit Qatar-focused.

Others

• Eagle Hills: Abu Dhabi-headquartered real estate developer (led by Mohamed Alabbar) and Shurooq's joint venture partner on Maryam Island and Kalba Waterfront. Adjacent peer: not a direct competitor in Sharjah but a co-developer whose pipeline and capital allocation decisions shape Shurooq's real estate output.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/_Shurooq

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Subsidiaries3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Sharjah Investment and Development Authority