The Sharjah Investment and Development Authority announced that Mleiha National Park secured the title of Middle East’s Leading National Park 2026 at this year’s World Travel Awards while The Chedi Al Bait, Sharjah took Middle East’s Leading Boutique Resort 2026 and Sharjah’s Leading Resort 2026. The Chedi Grand Suite at the property extended its run as Sharjah’s Leading Hotel Suite 2026 to seven consecutive years. The awards were presented at the Middle East Gala Ceremony in Dubai, where industry leaders gathered to recognise regional excellence in travel and tourism.
Mleiha National Park spans 34.2 square kilometres of protected desert terrain in Sharjah’s central region and preserves more than 210,000 years of human history, according to the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority. The site lies within the core zone of the UNESCO-inscribed Faya Palaeolandscape and offers archaeological discovery, education, stargazing and outdoor exploration. It was the only UAE destination shortlisted in its category and follows previous World Travel Awards victories as the Middle East’s Leading Sustainable Tourism Initiative in 2019 and 2020.
Biodiversity assessments at the park have documented more than 100 species of flora and fauna, including over 20 bird species, 10 reptile species, 11 mammal species, 39 insect and arachnid species and more than 20 native plant species, a Sharjah Update compilation of official surveys showed. The park functions as a living desert museum that supports conservation and eco-tourism while contributing to the emirate’s sustainable development objectives. Shurooq operates the destination under an Emiri decree that emphasises both heritage preservation and responsible visitor access.
The Chedi Al Bait, a 65-key property developed from five restored historic houses once owned by prominent Emirati families, is situated in the Heart of Sharjah district and includes a museum and library on the emirate’s history, the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority stated. The resort’s regional boutique award marks its first Middle East title in that category while its fourth consecutive Sharjah Leading Resort win reflects sustained performance at the emirate level. The property blends traditional architecture with contemporary luxury hospitality services.
The Chedi Grand Suite’s seventh successive victory as Sharjah’s Leading Hotel Suite 2026 continues a streak that began in 2020, according to World Travel Awards records. Sharjah also collected additional emirate-level titles at the 2026 ceremony, including Sharjah’s Leading Hotel for DoubleTree by Hilton Sharjah Waterfront Hotel and Residences. Organisers noted that the results highlight the emirate’s focus on heritage-linked tourism offerings.
World Travel Awards, now in its 33rd annual cycle, honours organisations and destinations across the global travel industry with the Middle East edition taking place in Dubai this month, a World Travel Awards release confirmed. UNESCO estimates have placed cultural tourism at around 40 percent of global tourism revenues, a segment that aligns with Sharjah’s emphasis on sites such as Mleiha and The Chedi Al Bait. The recognitions are expected to support ongoing efforts to position the emirate as a destination for both natural heritage and refined hospitality experiences.
