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Shurooq signs agreement with Marriott International

New franchise agreement builds on Shurooq’s vision to enhance scope of world-class personalised services at its destinations

The Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) has announced the signing of a franchise agreement with Marriott International for two new hospitality projects set in Sharjah’s scenic East Coast.

The agreement, signed by Shurooq’s Sharjah Collection & Hotels Management, marks the debut of Marriott’s Autograph Collection in Sharjah.

Two of Shurooq’s new hospitality projects in Kalba and Khorfakkan under Sharjah Collection & Hotels Management will operate under the Autograph Collection brand.

The announcement was made during an official signing ceremony held at the House of Wisdom in Sharjah. Marwan bin Jassim Al Sarkal, executive chairman of Shurooq, and Sandeep Walia, chief operating officer, Middle East for Marriott International signed the agreement in the presence of senior officials from Shurooq and Marriott International.

Talking about the new partnership, Marwan bin Jassim Al Sarkal said: “The new franchise agreement ties in with Shurooq’s vision to foster strategic global partnerships with reputed bespoke brands to add value to the world-class personalised service and care offered throughout Shurooq’s destinations. Joining the exclusive fold of Marriott’s Autograph Collection brings us closer to our long-term goal of empowering Sharjah’s diversified economy and cementing its position as a magnet for global brands.”

Al Sarkal added: “The proposed hospitality projects in Kalba and Khorfakkan, strategically located in two of the most picturesque and dynamic cities in the Eastern region, will cater to the ever-growing demand for tourism and leisure experiences and seeks to bolster the emirate’s touristic appeal. The new agreement builds on our ever-expanding portfolio of developments in the East Coast and will further enhance investment opportunities across a variety of sectors to drive its future growth and urban development.”

“We are excited to work with Shurooq to bring our Autograph Collection brand to Sharjah,” said Sandeep Walia, COO for the Middle East, Marriott International. “We look forward to building on this relationship and supporting the overall growth of the tourism sector in Sharjah.”

Saahil Lalit, VP of Development, Middle East, Marriott International, added: “The Autograph Collection features curated properties that celebrate individuality and we look forward to introducing properties that offer distinct perspectives on design and hospitality to the emerging and beautiful areas of Kalba and Khorfakkan.”

Khorfakkan Hotel will be developed on a land area of approximately 38,000sqm opposite the Khorfakkan Port, to cater to the needs of families and adventurers. The project will feature 75 deluxe units, UAE’s first waterpark in the East Coast, a yacht club, residences, and retail options including restaurants, spa, and gym facilities. The proposed rooms include 62 single rooms, five double rooms, and eight suites.

The other five-star development, Kalba Hotel, will be spread across a land area of approximately 60,000sqm in Kalba on Sharjah’s eastern coast, adjacent to the Kalba waterfront project and opposite the Kalba flag square. This project is close to some of the region’s most renowned diving locations and will feature 80 units, two restaurants, a gym, spa, swimming pool, and meeting halls. The proposed rooms include 64 single rooms, 10 double rooms, five three-bedroom options and one four-bedroom.

Autograph Collection Hotels currently operates 237 hotels globally. Each hotel under the collection is a product of passion and a personal realisation of its individual founder’s vision, making each hotel singular and special. Hand-selected for their inherent craft, Autograph Collection hotels offer rich immersive moments that leave a lasting imprint.

business@khaleejtimes.com