Sharjah's oldest petrol pump gets a second life as a museum
One of the oldest petrol pumps of the 1960s meant to refuel early desert-crossing vehicles, a local shop, and a medical clinic serving the surrounding region are all being reimagined at the Al Faya retreat, located in Mleiha . Speaking at the briefing on day 2 of Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2026, Ahmed Obaid Al Qaseer, CEO, Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) said, “The petrol…
A century-old petrol pump, originally built to fuel early desert-crossing vehicles and a local medical clinic, is being transformed into a museum at the Al Faya retreat in Mleiha, Sharjah. Ahmed Obaid Al Qaseer, CEO of Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), revealed during the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2026 briefing that the petrol stations have been reimagined to provide visitors a unique opportunity to experience and understand the area's history, contributing to sustainability.
Shurooq announced the expansion of Al Faya Retreat, increasing its accommodation capacity from five rooms to 20 units by the fourth quarter of 2026. The expanded units are manufactured off-site to minimize construction activity, excavation, and material storage within the site, reducing direct intervention in the natural landscape. Khawla Al Hashimi, Chief Projects Officer, Shurooq, explained that they chose lightweight, pre-made cabins to ensure minimal physical footprint and intervention on the site.
The Al Faya retreat is one of seven Sharjah Collection properties, including Al Badayer Retreat, Kingfisher Retreat, Moon Retreat, Najd Al Meqsar, Al Rayaheen Retreat, and Nomad. The Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) will adaptively reuse both buildings of the 19, preserving original elements such as the historic fuel pump, and turn them into the retreat's five rooms. Minor Hotels, which already manages and operates Sharjah Collection destinations, will take over by October 2026.
Minor Hotels' Chief Operating Officer, Middle East & Africa, Amir Golbarg, emphasized the company's role in complementing and enhancing the identity of Sharjah Collection properties. Golbarg highlighted Sharjah as a unique emirate, which has withstood even the "rocky" periods, supported by staycations, regional travel, and off-the-beaten-path properties. He expressed confidence in the properties' ability to prevail and surpass during challenging times, such as COVID, war, or any impact.
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