Shurooq, Sharjah's Investment and Development Authority, has revealed plans for the first integrated eco- tourism project located within the islands of the Emirate.

Sir Bu Nuair Island eco-tourism project will be developed at a cost of half a billion Emirati Dirhams (€104m, US$136m, £88m) by the year 2017.

The project, located in the heart of Arabian Gulf, will include a luxury five-star hotel and resort, hotel apartments and villas, a camping village, retail shops, a souk, dedicated family areas, an amphitheatre, a museum, a mosque, an education centre, a harbour and an airport.

In a presentation by Marwan bin Jassim Al Sarkal, CEO of Shurooq, said that the island has been a natural habitat for turtles for over 2000 years and boasts a vibrant marine ecosystem.

This year the existence of 385 turtle nests have been recorded on the island coast including sea turtles, such as the Hawksbill turtle and the Green turtle.

Al Sarkal said: “Sir Bu Nuair Island is predominantly uninhabited. It is located 65km off the UAE coastline on the Arabian Gulf. The island is protected due to its significant environmental features, including geological formations, natural flora and marine birds, and is characterised by its unspoilt natural scenery.”

Shurooq’s aim is to develop Sir Bu Nuair into a unique island destination that offers a mix of high-end luxury and comfort while capturing the region’s cultural heritage in its architecture and offerings.

The key components of the development include the redevelopment of the island in terms of environmental aspects; the building of new commercial and entertainment features; the beautification of the island in terms of landscaping; and the enhancement of tourism by offering an understanding of the island’s cultural treasures through events and activities.

In terms of the architecture Al Sarkal said: “Our vision is that the architecture will reflect Emirati contemporary design that reflects the style and composition of a traditional Arabic village, comprising of low-rise buildings that look and feel like a natural part of the island environment.”

Alongside turtles, the island is also an important refuge for marine birds, rare species of fish and coral.