Phase one of Sharjah’s AED250m (US$68m, €62m, £47.5m) eco-tourism project has been officially opened by ruler of the Emirate, HH Sheikh Dr Sultan Mohammed Al Qasimi, at a ceremony to celebrate the occasion.

The Mleiha Archaeological and Eco-tourism Project is a major part of the Sharjah Investment & Development Authority’s (Shurooq) strategy to create jobs and business opportunities for the local community through tourism.

The first phase of development is centred around the Mleiha Archaeological Centre – an attraction where visitors can learn about the area’s landmarks and survey its archaeological finds – which features displays of historical artefacts, educational information, multimedia presentations, a café with lounge areas, tourist facilities and administration offices.

In addition, visitors can now take guided tours to heritage locations in the area including the Umm an-Nar Tomb, the Valley of the Caves, Mleiha Fort, a historic graveyard for horses and camels, an ancient farmhouse with a kitchen, and the pre-Islamic Mleiha Palace. Sporting activities are also included in phase one, with hiking, biking and horse-riding tours all available.

The larger second phase of development is geared towards eco-friendly, with plans to establish a 450sq km (174sq m) national park in the Mleiha desert, as well as a night camping park, inns and an observatory. A number of locations are also to be allocated for tourist resorts and bed and breakfast style hotels, which will be offered to private sector investors for further development.

Other Shurooq developments in Sharjah’s Central and Eastern regions include the ongoing Kalba Eco-Tourism Project, the largest eco-tourism development in the region; Al Hisn Island; and the Al Badayer Desert Camp, a desert tourism resort located in central Sharjah’s sand dunes.