Sharjah: Embracing Sustainable Growth in Tourism and Enhancing Offerings for Global Guests

Sharjah, the third largest emirate in the United Arab Emirates, has emerged as a leading tourist destination with over 1.5 million hotel guests in 2023, showing an impressive 11% increase from the previous year. The growth reflects the sustainable development of tourism in Sharjah and positions the emirate as a preferred tourist destination globally.

During a press conference at the Arabian Travel Market 2024 in Dubai, the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority unveiled key components of the tourism sector in Sharjah. They shared details about upcoming projects such as the Al Badayer Development and Organization project and Mleiha National Park. These initiatives aim to enhance Sharjah’s tourism offerings and accommodate its growing number of guests.

Sharjah is committed to sustainable growth in the tourism sector, with over 100 hotels offering more than 10,000 rooms. The Authority continues to work on developing services and facilities to support this expected increase in guest numbers. Khaled Jassim Al Midfa, Chairman of the Commerce and Tourism Development Authority, highlighted that tourism has had a significant positive impact on Sharjah’s economy and job market. He emphasized the importance of sustainable development and innovation in the sector to maintain competitiveness globally.

In terms of guest sources, Russia and Baltic countries contributed significantly to Sharjah’s growth, followed by Gulf countries, Australia, and Pacific countries. This diversity highlights Sharjah’s appeal as a global tourism hub that caters to different tastes and preferences.

The Sharjah Pavilion at Arabian Travel Market showcased interactive experiences that highlighted the emirate’s history, present, and ambitions for visitors. Visitors could explore virtual tours of different environments like deserts or coral reefs, participate in sports like kayaking or paddleboarding through virtual reality technology or gain insights into Sharjah’s cultural heritage through immersive displays.

Overall, Sharjah’s commitment to sustainable development is evident through its ongoing efforts to enhance its tourism offerings while maintaining economic growth and competitiveness globally.