The Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) has won the 3rd Arab Organization for Social Responsibility Award for outstanding environmental initiatives in recognition of the Authority's remarkable development projects in environment protection, most notably the Kalba Eco-tourism Project.

The project was launched in collaboration with the Sharjah Environment and Protected Areas Authority (EPPA), and is considered as the largest ecotourism project in the UAE and the entire region. 

Marwan bin Jassim Al Sarkal, CEO of Shurooq, received the golden trophy and the Certificate of Excellence from the President of Tatweej Academy for Excellence Awards 2014 in the Arab Region, Mr. Pierre Moukarzel, during the annual award ceremony which was held at Al Murooj Rotana Dubai. A number of entities and organisations were honoured in recognition of their outstanding performance in social responsibility. The ceremony was attended by VIPs, business leaders, and special guests from across the Arab countries.

The award highlights outstanding environmental initiatives launched and supported by public and private sectors in member countries of the Arab League. These initiatives include smart building concepts, the rational use of energy, green urban development, beach clean-ups, greenhouse gas reduction, and carbon emission solutions.

Launched by H.H. Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, in May 2012, the Kalba Eco-tourism Project Development was highly recognised by the judging panel, due to its outstanding contribution to preserving natural resources and protecting the environment and wildlife. The project is situated in Kalba, an exclave of the emirate of Sharjah lying along the UAE - Oman border, 15 kilometres to the south of Fujairah.