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SHA plans further expansion with first Middle East location set for 2023

27 Nov 2019 SHA Wellness Clinic has announced the second phase of an ambitious global expansion plan, with SHA Emirates at AlJurf in Abu Dhabi, UAE, in partnership with Abu Dhabi-based place-maker IMKAN.

The property will be the third SHA Wellness Clinic, following the company’s inaugural facility located in Spain and its second recently announced opening in Mexico in 2021.

In addition to the resort’s 120 suites, SHA Emirates at AlJurf will also include 293 private residences, with the goal to target an increased consumer demand for wellness.

Dedicated to improving guests’ health through the fusion of ancient Eastern disciplines with cutting-edge Western techniques, SHA Emirates’ concept will emulate that of its two counterparts in Europe and Latin America.

Located along the Sahel Al Emarat, SHA Emirates will span a total of 125,000sq m square meters along the coast and has been designed to work in synergy with its surrounding environment.

Architects MYAA and BSBG CONCEPT have developed the concept, which uses local materials and provides a sleek design, while making extensive use of the inbuilt features to limit carbon footprint.

Constructed using a biophilic approach, SHA Emirates is designed to connect guests with nature, featuring clean, white elegant curves and soft-layered edges. With cascading hanging gardens and panoramic sweeping views of the coastline, the property will have 120 suites.

AlJurf was developed by IMKAN and inspired by the vision of the founders of the nation to offer a tranquil gateway that is integrated with its natural environment.

“The collaboration between IMKAN and SHA Wellness Clinic has brought SHA Emirates to AlJurf, with the facility being the first in the Middle East,” said Walid El-Hindi, CEO of IMKAN. “Our aim is to fully support living a healthy lifestyle and become a catalyst for health and wellness in the UAE. SHA Emirates’ philosophy is that the very best health for mind, body and soul is attained through marrying optimum nutrition and therapy with external elements of luxurious and relaxing surroundings. Mirroring our vision for AlJurf, it is without doubt that our second home destination becomes the ideal setting for our health wellness-led project."

With a total value of AED 600m, the wellness clinic and resort furthers AlJurf’s aim to preserve and enhance the area’s existing beauty and perpetuate a natural heritage.

Construction of AlJurf Gardens is now well underway and scheduled for completion in 2023, with the total value of the project standing at AED 15bn. Phase one will comprise 293 residential villas and land plots, with facilities and amenities including a private beach, a private marina and community centre, all situated amid wide open and pristine spaces.

"For years, we travelled to dozens of locations in search of the perfect nature, warm weather, and accessibility to replicate SHA,” said Alejandro Battaler Pineda, vice president of SHA Wellness Clinic. “It was not easy, but we finally found everything we could imagine and more at the seaside destination of AlJurf, in the United Arab Emirates. The luxury development is surrounded by wildlife and nestled in a beautiful serene landscape. It’s the perfect place for people looking to escape city life and recuperate.’