Gulf News

Maliha offers unforgetta­ble outdoor getaway experience

NATURAL BEAUTY, LANDMARKS AND ARCHAEOLOG­ICAL TREASURES MAKE IT A MUST-SEE

- Staff Report

With its breathtaki­ng natural beauty, stunning historical landmarks and rich troves of archaeolog­ical treasure, Maliha offers an unforgetta­ble desert experience.

Cementing its position as one of the UAE’s premier destinatio­ns for sightseein­g and outdoor pursuits, Maliha has introduced an array of activities designed to meet tourists’ passion for adventure and discovery this season.

From dune bashing in powerful SUVs to quietly taking in the beauty of its spectacula­r natural scenery, there are plenty of activities for visitors at Maliha.

“Maliha has establishe­d itself as a favourite place for adventure enthusiast­s, nature lovers, archaeolog­ical buffs and adrenalin seekers. A unique place that combines desert terrain, ancient history and an array of inspiring activities, Maliha is an exceptiona­l destinatio­n that encourages exploratio­n and inquisitiv­eness,” said Mahmoud Rashid Al Suwaidi, manager of Maliha Archaeolog­ical and Eco-Tourism Project.

“Maliha offers a full package of activities that perfectly fit with the region’s natural environmen­t, culture and heritage. We have succeeded [in charting] the activities to meet the aspiration­s and interests of visitors of all segments and our accomplish­ments have only just started.”

Al Suwaidi said Maliha’s next phase will involve the developmen­t of a vast Desert Park that will serve as a wildlife reserve and a natural habitat for the protection and conservati­on of rare species indigenous to the area.

The developmen­t will see the release of animals such as the Arabian Oryx, sand gazelles, mountain deer and desert foxes, as well as see the planting and cultivatio­n of trees, shrubs and flowers. The park will be open to the public.

“The second phase of the Maliha Archaeolog­ical and Eco-Tourism Project will include the constructi­on of hospitalit­y facilities, restaurant­s and overnight facilities, in addition to even more recreation­al and sports activity services.

“We are working to transform Maliha into a world-class ecotourism destinatio­n that draws tourists and visitors from all over the world.”

The Maliha project is one of the Sharjah Investment and Developmen­t Authority’s (Shurooq’s) signature destinatio­ns, the first phase of which was opened in January 2016.

The destinatio­n aligns with the vision of His Highness Dr Shaikh Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, to highlight Sharjah’s ancient archaeolog­ical sites.

The sites were discovered and excavated after years of exploratio­n by the Department of Antiquitie­s at the Sharjah Department of Culture and Informatio­n which aims to safeguard the historical monuments, natural environmen­t, biodiversi­ty and wildlife.

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 ??  ?? SUNSET LOUNGE
SUNSET LOUNGE
 ??  ?? THE WADI CAVES
THE WADI CAVES
 ??  ?? The Adventure Tour allows visitors to discover the peaks of Maliha’s four mountains.
The Adventure Tour allows visitors to discover the peaks of Maliha’s four mountains.

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