On 30 October 2026, Buhais Geology Park, situated in the Emirate of Sharjah, was awarded the Sharjah Sustainable Tourism Destination Award – Category Two at the 13th Sharjah International Travel & Tourism Forum. The honor, presented by the Environment and Protected Areas Authority (EPAA) under the leadership of Hessa Al Shamsi, underscored the park’s contribution to sustainable tourism and its geological attractions.
The ceremony took place at the Al Jawaher Reception and Convention Centre, the main venue for the forum organised by the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority. The event ran under the banner “New Trends in Tourism,” reflecting the emirate’s focus on innovation within the sector.
A Legacy of Geology and Sustainability
Sheikh Khalid bin Abdullah Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Sharjah Ports, Customs and Free Zones Authority, presented the award to the winning destinations, including Buhais Geology Park. The award was awarded to the organization that best demonstrated sustainable tourism practices within its Category Two criteria.
Under the auspices of EPAA, Hessa Al Shamsi received the award on behalf of Buhais Geology Park. She cited the park’s excellence in preserving the emirate’s geological heritage while enriching the visitor experience through educational displays and curated exhibitions.
Buhais Geology Park was inaugurated in January 2020 by His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah. Since its opening, the park has aimed to showcase Sharjah’s geological history, with a special focus on the scientific significance of Jebel Buhais and its surrounding landscapes.
The park’s facilities and exhibits allow visitors to explore the region’s geological formations, trace the evolution of its natural environment, and engage with interactive displays that illustrate the dynamic processes that have shaped the emirate over millions of years.
EPAA highlighted that the park’s participation in the forum demonstrates how cultural and natural heritage sites can lead the way in integrating environmental stewardship with tourism. By drawing visitors to the geological wonders of Sharjah, the park fosters a deeper appreciation for both natural history and sustainable practices.
The Sharjah Sustainable Tourism Destination Award celebrates destinations that balance visitor enjoyment with the conservation of natural, cultural, and economic resources. Buhais Geology Park, through its educational outreach and dedication to preserving geological sites, exemplifies the principles that the award seeks to recognise.
Reviews from forum participants noted the park’s role in providing an accessible platform for learning about geology while maintaining a low environmental footprint. The design of the park’s trails, informational panels, and guided tours has been praised for enhancing educational value without compromising ecological integrity.
The award ceremony was presided over by H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah. His patronage of the event further highlighted the emirate’s commitment to promoting destinations that support sustainable tourism and community enrichment.
Looking ahead, EPAA plans to continue supporting initiatives that showcase Sharjah’s natural heritage while encouraging responsible visitor engagement. Buhais Geology Park’s recognition underscores the viability of science‑based tourism as a catalyst for environmental awareness and economic resilience.
In summary, the award affirms Buhais Geology Park’s stature as a leading sustainable tourism destination, affirming its dedication to education, conservation, and the enrichment of Sharjah’s visitors. The recognition at the 13th Sharjah International Travel & Tourism Forum exemplifies how heritage sites can align with global sustainability goals while simultaneously driving growth in the tourism sector.
