Sharjah, UAE — The Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) has announced the development of an adventure park in Khor Fakkan, featuring a range of thrilling attractions such as a zipline, adrenaline-pumping swings, hiking trails, and Stobel gun rides.
The park, named Al Jabel Adventures, is expected to open by the end of 2025, offering a fresh boost to the emirate’s tourism and adventure sports sectors. Ahmed Obaid Al Qaseer, CEO of Shurooq, shared the details during an interview with Khaleej Times.
“We are developing Al Jabel Adventures in Khor Fakkan, which has become a popular destination for hiking and scuba diving. We’ll have zipline, swings, Stobel gun rides, hiking, and biking trails. It’s an exciting project that we hope to deliver towards the end of this year,” Al Qaseer said.
Khor Fakkan, known for its picturesque landscapes and coastal charm, has been steadily gaining popularity among adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers. The introduction of Al Jabel Adventures is set to further cement the city’s position as a premier outdoor tourism hub in the UAE.
Expanding Hospitality and Cultural Offerings
Shurooq’s new project is part of a broader strategy to enhance Sharjah’s hospitality and tourism offerings.
The authority currently operates five hotels and has announced plans to open three more by next year. Unlike traditional hospitality ventures, Shurooq’s focus is on creating unique experiences rather than merely increasing the number of rooms.
“We’re currently focusing on hospitality. Between the end of this year and next, we have three more hotels opening as we continue to grow our hospitality portfolio, focusing on niche developments. We are not looking at the number of rooms, but the quality and the experience that we offer,” Al Qaseer explained during the Sharjah Ramadan Majlis 2025 held in Mleiha.
One of the upcoming hotels will be connected to the Sharjah Safari, the largest safari park outside Africa, offering a 35-key property. Another 45-key hotel is planned on the mountains of Khor Fakkan. Al Qaseer emphasized that Shurooq’s approach is centered on selling experiences rather than rooms.
Transforming Mleiha into a Tourist Hub
In addition to Khor Fakkan, Shurooq is making significant efforts to transform Mleiha into a leading tourist and cultural destination.
Known for its archaeological significance, Mleiha National Park spans approximately 34 square kilometres and showcases relics from the Neolithic, Paleolithic, and Iron Ages. The Mleiha Archaeological Centre serves as the heart of the park, displaying a range of ancient artefacts.
Al Qaseer highlighted that Mleiha’s growing popularity has led to a surge in cafes, shops, and restaurants, thereby supporting local communities and businesses.
The site’s unique blend of history and natural beauty has attracted both tourists and residents, making it a key component of Shurooq’s tourism strategy.
With its diverse portfolio spanning hospitality, tourism, art, culture, and real estate, Shurooq continues to play a pivotal role in positioning Sharjah as a leading destination for unique experiences.
The upcoming adventure park in Khor Fakkan, along with new hospitality projects, is expected to significantly boost visitor numbers and further diversify the emirate’s tourism offerings.