Al Midfa: Shariah has emerged as one of the most popular destinations in region today.
SHARJAH – The Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority has wrapped up a successful two-day orientation program for the tourism industry partners and front office staff of the emirate’s hospitality industry. The special orientation program, Explore Your Destination, held on May 28 and 29, was attended by 30 employees and was aimed at briefing the industry partners on the latest developments, projects and diverse attractions in Sharjah’s tourism sector. The program included presentations by experts and involved visits and field trips to Sharjah’s numerous landmarks, museums, art and cultural centres and tourist attractions.
The program began with a tour of the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization, home to more than 5,000 rare artifacts, manuscripts and objects, followed by a walking tour of the Heart of Sharjah and Heritage Area, including Souk Al Arsa, Heritage Museum, Calligraphy Museum, Majlis Al Midfa and Al Eslah School, known for their rich history.
The participants also visited the historical Central Souk, which is home to more than 600 stores and shops and is a prominent tourist destination, and the architectural marvel Al Noor Mosque and Al Majaz Waterfront, the latest tourist attraction in the emirate.
The participants visited a number of museums along the way including Al Mahatta Museum chronicling the history of aviation and aircraft in the emirate besides its first airport in 1932 and Sharjah Aquarium and Maritime Museum that captures the seafaring, fishing and pearling traditions of the Emiratis for centuries.
The day one concluded with a visit to Al Qasba, the commercial, cultural and recreational centre with lakeside restaurants, shops and the giant Eye of the Emirate wheel that offers a magical way to view and experience Sharjah. The day two began with a visit to Sharjah Archaeological Museum, a treasure trove of the emirates’ history, and Sharjah Science Museum home to thousands of exhibits catering to all age groups.
It was followed by a bus tour of the emirate’s numerous tourist attractions and cultural centres such as the Cultural Palace Roundabout, Sharjah Radio and Television Station, Sharjah University City and Dr Sheikh Sultan Al Qasimi Centre for Gulf Studies, a treasure trove of history and heritage of life in the Arabian Gulf. The studies centre contains rare exhibits that come directly from His Highness the Sharjah Ruler’s private collection.
Also on the itinerary were the Sharjah Discovery Centre, a learning center designed specifically for children, the Sharjah Golf and Shooting Club, Sharjah Wlidlife Centre and Natural History and Botanical Museum, Sharjah Equestrian Club and the Classic Car Museum.
Commenting on the orientation program, HE Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Director General, Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority, said that the initiative is part of the efforts to enhance the skills and expertise of those employed in the tourism sector and familarise them with the latest developments and projects in the emirate. He said that it’s important for tourism industry employees to know their destination and get familiar with the changes and developments in Sharjah’s tourism market.
Al Midfa said that Sharjah has emerged as one of the most popular tourist destinations in the region offering world-class facilities and services in various sectors of the travel and tourism and hospitality industry. He pointed out that the orientation program coincides with the approach of summer holiday season, which attracts a large numbers of Gulf tourists and witnesses an increase in hotel occupancy as the emirate rolls out special ‘Sharjah Summer Promotions’ and Ramadan and Eid festival.
The Authority has organized a series of special training and orientation programs and tours in recent years for tourism and hotel industry partners under the themes of Explore Your Destination and Treasures of Sharjah etc.
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