Sharjah: The Leading Tourist Destination in the Gulf Region with an Eye on Sustainable Growth
In 2024, Sharjah was named as the leading tourist destination in the Gulf region, welcoming over 1.5 million hotel guests. This is a significant increase of 11% from the previous year, highlighting the sustainable development of tourism in the emirate. The most significant growth came from Russia and the Baltic countries, followed by Gulf countries, Australia, and Pacific countries. This diversity in guest sources showcases Sharjah’s appeal as a global tourism hub.
During an Arabian Travel Market press conference held in Dubai, the Commerce and Tourism Development Authority unveiled details about several projects that are set to enhance Sharjah’s tourism offerings. These projects include Al Badayer Development and Organization project, Mleiha National Park, Kalba Hanging Gardens and Al Hafiya Lake. These initiatives aim to support the growing number of guests by providing world-class services and facilities.
The Authority emphasized Sharjah’s position as a preferred tourist destination with over 100 hotels offering more than 10,000 rooms. They continue to work on developing services and facilities to accommodate increasing guest numbers. Sharjah’s commitment to opening world-class tourism projects demonstrates its dedication to sustainable growth in the sector.
In 2023, Sharjah saw a significant rise in guests from Gulf Cooperation Council countries like Oman and Saudi Arabia. Khaled Jassim Al Midfa, Chairman of the Commerce and Tourism Development Authority highlighted how tourism positively impacts Sharjah’s economy and job market. He stressed the importance of sustainable development and innovation in the sector to enhance competitiveness globally.
During the exhibition, Sharjah Pavilion showcased interactive experiences that highlighted Sharjah’s history, present, and ambitions for visitors through virtual tours of different environments like kayaking or insights into cultural heritage through virtual reality technology. This immersive showcase aimed to emphasize Sharjah’s diverse cultural and natural assets while promoting its rich offerings for visitors.
