Highlighting the significant decision to transform Mleiha desert into a national park that will showcase the historic treasures of the region from 200,000 years ago, Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), has stated that the establishment of the Mleiha National Park reinforces Sharjah and Shurooq’s commitment to championing sustainability and preserving the UAE’s and the region’s rich historical heritage for generations to come.
The park will be the first-of-its-kind protected area in the Emirate of Sharjah that promotes the conservation of Sharjah’s natural history and the preservation of its archaeological past. While grinding the general public access to experience its beauty and historical importance through sustainable tourism and ecotourism practices.
The 34-square-kilometre desert in Sharjah’s central region, in parts of which archaeologists unearthed the earliest evidence of human occupation outside Africa, is being developed as a national park following Emiri Decree No. 16 of 2024 issued earlier this week by H.H Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah.
“The future of regional and global economies hinges upon our commitment to bring sustainability practices to the front and centre of commercial activity across sectors,” Shurooq Chairperson opined.
“In the leisure and tourism industries, in particular, we need to continually look into ways to design projects that promote comprehensive sustainable development, not just GDP. Here in Sharjah, which is endowed with immense historical and natural wealth, we continually strive to boost its global status as a top destination for investment and tourism in the historical and cultural sectors,” he opined.
Boasting one of the region’s oldest historical and anthropological heritage, Mleiha is on the UNESCO World Heritage Site nominee list.
“We welcome the world to discover fascinating remnants of some of the earliest human settlements, from over 200,000 years ago, which were established here in the UAE. The park is going to be a living and lasting testimony to the formative role and unparalleled significance of the UAE and the region to global civilisational history,” Sheikha Bodour further noted.
Construction Underway; Park’s Fencing to be Complete by Q3 2024
Ahmed Obaid Al Qaseer, CEO of Shurooq, participated in a call to Sharjah TV’s “Direct Line” programme, and shared crucial information on the project’s vision and developmental goals.
He said, “Mleiha National Park, which Shurooq is developing under the directives of Sheikha Bodour, demonstrates Sharjah’s commitment to protecting our national and historical treasures for UAE’s future generations. This project reflects our vision of supporting eco-tourism and enhancing the country’s leadership in heritage and green tourism.”
Al Qaseer highlighted that the park will introduce a programme of educational and recreational activities, and opportunities for scientific research. The destination will uphold the highest environmental, social, and governance standards in delivering its guest experiences. He further affirmed that sharing these strategies is poised to boost the region’s appeal, open new market opportunities, and foster investment and growth.
Sharing project updates, Al Qaseer noted that construction and development are underway and fencing of the park’s 34km premises will be complete by Q3 2024. The park will include three separate areas: the Core Conservation Zone, focused on preserving the natural environment and supporting wildlife; the Ecotourism Zones, offering eco-stays, adventures, and educational activities; and the Hybrid Zone, which serves as a middle ground for conservation and sustainable tourism practices.
This article is from WAM