The Sharjah Collection recorded a 5 per cent year-on-year increase in guest numbers across its retreats and hotels in August 2026.

Sheikha Al Shamsi, Chief Marketing Officer at the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), announced the figures on the sidelines of Arabian Travel Market, which opened in Dubai on Monday. She attributed the growth largely to rising demand for authentic, nature-based experiences.

Al Shamsi said residents from across the UAE have shown strong interest in this type of accommodation, as Sharjah offers authentic natural experiences that allow visitors to connect directly with nature — a feature she said distinguishes the emirate from other destinations.

She added that ecotourism, or nature-based tourism, is expanding rapidly, with even Generation Z increasingly favouring experiences in nature over traditional shopping and mall environments.

Al Shamsi stressed that Shurooq’s hospitality services are not focused solely on selling rooms, but on providing guests with a complete experience. Each retreat has been designed to preserve the authenticity and identity of its location, while most of the collection’s hotels are boutique properties, offering guests “more than just a room”.

She cited the more than 200-year-old Najd Al Meqsar Heritage Village as an example of this approach. The property has just seven rooms, but its hiking trails, natural surroundings, Khorfakkan climate and restaurant provide guests with a distinctive experience. Visitors can also engage with the local community, alongside exploring the area’s natural attractions — a hallmark of Sharjah’s tourism offering.

Ahmed Al Qaseer, Chief Executive Officer of Shurooq, also confirmed that two of the authority’s distinctive properties — the Nomad mountain trailer retreat and The Moon Retreat glamping destination — will resume operations next month as temperatures cool.

Nomad comprises 20 luxury, eco-friendly accommodation trailers built using natural materials. The retreat is powered by a hybrid system that includes solar energy and is designed to promote an off-grid lifestyle while reducing guests’ reliance on social media.

Nomad, which opened on December 31, 2025, is set amid the rugged mountains of Kalba.

The Moon Retreat, meanwhile, features 10 accommodation domes and six private tents, each offering expansive views of the desert.