Sharjah to woo tourists with new project

Sharjah,  a  tourism destination with incredible diversity,  launched the first phase of its eco tourism project in Kalba with the release of  endangered species \" Al-Damani\" gazelles and different kinds  of falcons. The Kalba Eco-tourism Project, the largest of its kind in the development in the region, was inaugurated by  Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al-Qassimi, member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah at the presence of top officials and senior citizens in the community. Sheikh Sultan released  18 gazelles of the endangered species known as \"Damani\" in the Al-Hafiya natural reserve in Kalba.  He  also attended the release of a number of predatory birds in Al-Ghail Fort during which 21 falcon species were released.   The project  is progressing  at the heart of Kalba, 15 km south of Fujairah city on the UAE-Oman borders,  under  Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) and Environment and Protected Areas Authority (EPAA). “ The one billion dirham project  will be completed within six years  in three phases”, said  Marwan bin Jassim Al-Sarkal, CEO of Shurooq. The first of which will see the redevelopment of  Hafiya and Al-Qurm natural reserves in cooperation with the EPAA,  release of rare animals and birds and the establishment of a centre within the reserve for visitors, as well as the restoration of archaeological sites within the project,\" he said.   The second phase of the project will involve the development of Kalba Creek and the construction of a commercial complex. It will include the development of recreational spaces that will enable holidaymakers to enjoy the area’s natural biodiversity.  This phase will also comprise the development of a number of islands in the creek, as well as rehabilitation to revive their natural marine and bird life. \"Phase three has been designated for the tourism part of the project, which will see the setting up of a number of hotels and fantastically designed chalets overlooking the Gulf of Oman.\" SAUDI VISITORS Since the emirate has become a perfect family destination with common traditions and lifestyle in a modern setting,  Sharjah has been receiving a  huge number of tourists every year. According to Mohamed Ali Al-Noman, chairman of the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority, the emirate has received more than 65,000 tourists from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia  during the first four months of 2012.  Currently the Authority is going to participate in the Riyadh Travel Fair  from May 15-18, to attract more guests from  Saudi Arabia. “Saudi market is the biggest in the region and most important for us. We are confident that this participation in Riyadh Travel Fair will help us in selling the Sharjah tourism product in the Saudi and regional market,” says Al-Noman. He said that the numbers of the Saudi tourists to Sharjah are growing fast every year. “Our statistics show that 65,291 Saudi tourists visited the emirate during the first quarter of 2012 itself, which is a 20 percent increase over last year when 54,442 Saudi tourists visited Sharjah. This proves the success of our strategy in working with GCC countries, especially in tapping the Saudi market,” he added.