‘Above the Clouds’: Sharjah’s scenic mountaintop retreat set to open in 2026

Sharjah: Rising 850 metres above sea level on the slopes of Mount Deem, the ‘Above the Clouds’ retreat is rapidly taking shape and is set to welcome visitors in 2026.

Now in full-scale development, the project is poised to become one of Kalba’s most prominent tourist and leisure destinations, blending panoramic mountain views with cultural and recreational attractions.

Spanning 4,700 square metres and designed in a crescent shape, the retreat will feature two levels. The upper floor will include a restaurant, an open-air cafe, and a dedicated reading space. The ground floor will house a multipurpose hall, a prayer room, restrooms, a theatre, multiple viewing platforms, green areas, and a children’s play zone.

The elevated location offers sweeping views of Kalba’s coastline and surrounding mountain valleys, aiming to deliver a serene, immersive experience that connects visitors with nature and local culture.

The area around the retreat is also undergoing extensive ecological landscaping. More than 4,500 trees have already been planted, including 3,053 olive trees, 670 apple trees, 112 pomegranate trees, and 500 grapevines. Another 260 fruit tree varieties add depth to the green environment, which is carefully integrated with the mountain’s natural terrain.

To improve access to the site, a 10-kilometre road network and two bridges are under construction. One road connects Wadi Al Helo Tunnel to the new Sharjah–Kalba Road, while the other climbs directly to the summit and the cluster of ongoing projects. The road design includes three lanes and meets high safety standards, allowing buses and heavy vehicles to reach the top with ease.

Once completed, ‘Above the Clouds’ will join a growing roster of major attractions in Kalba — including the hanging gardens, Al Hafiya Lake, the revitalised corniche, and the Kalba Clock Tower — positioning the city as a leading destination for nature-based tourism and cultural engagement in eastern Sharjah.