Media Figure Dr. Magdi Kamel El-Hawary Writes: Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority Closes 120 Tourist Rooms at Royal Tulip Hotel

Media Figure Dr. Magdi Kamel El-Hawary Writes: Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority Closes 120 Tourist Rooms at Royal Tulip Hotel

The Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) spared no effort in the Emirate of Sharjah and did not hesitate for a moment to shut down seven full floors comprising a total of 120 hotel rooms at the former Sharjah Royal Tulip Hotel, previously classified as a three-star tourist hotel (★★★).

The hotel currently operates under the name Sunday Sharjah Aparthotel, leased to and managed by the Indian hospitality group OYO.

This decisive action followed a large number of guest complaints submitted within a very short period of time.

The complaints were primarily related to a technical malfunction in the room door system, where all keys were capable of opening multiple rooms, resulting in serious breaches of guest privacy. This led to accidental room intrusions, widespread disturbance, guest dissatisfaction, and a surge of formal complaints. Additionally, the affected rooms were found to be heavily infested with insects, including cockroaches and mosquitoes.

Out of its firm commitment to protecting the health and safety of guests—especially families and children—the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority moved decisively, strictly enforcing UAE tourism regulations and internationally recognized hospitality standards. These actions were carried out in line with the directives and vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Ruler of the Emirate of Sharjah, who continuously and tirelessly strives to ensure that the Emirate remains refined, clean, modern, and a safe environment for its residents and visitors alike.

Immediate Inspection and Verification

The Authority promptly formed an expanded inspection and audit committee to investigate guest complaints on the ground. The committee conducted on-site inspections and visual assessments, evaluating the scale, seriousness, and implications of the situation, while verifying all submitted complaints.

The inspection team carried out a surprise visit to the hotel, thoroughly examining all rooms. Their findings confirmed the accuracy of the complaints, including the presence of identical room keys and widespread insect infestations in the affected areas.

One-Week Deadline Ignored

Following these findings, the Authority granted the hotel’s Indian management company, OYO, a strict one-week deadline to fully sanitize the affected rooms, engage a specialized pest control company, eliminate the infestation, properly address guest concerns, and rectify the situation in a lawful, humane, and professional manner.

However, hotel management failed to comply with the directive. The deadline expired without any meaningful corrective action, prompting the Authority to issue an immediate and final decision to close all insect-affected floors—amounting to more than 120 hotel rooms.

The decision was officially approved and enforced by the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority, which notified hotel management accordingly and proceeded with the closure of the affected floors and rooms. Copies of the closure notice were also distributed throughout the hotel to inform guests.

The Authority further instructed hotel management to amicably resolve guest accommodations, ensure the comfort of families currently residing at the hotel, and uphold the honorable image of tourism in the Emirate of Sharjah. This came after the Authority issued a stern warning that the entire hotel would be shut down should any similar complaints be received again.

Direct Engagement with Guests

Notably, Authority officials met with guests multiple times during inspection operations, engaging directly with them to discuss their complaints on site. They provided guidance, awareness, and moral support with openness and professionalism, carefully listening to all concerns.

Inspectors personally revisited rooms several times and at unexpected hours, including surprise inspections during official government weekends. These efforts reflected the Authority’s deep commitment to the safety of families, children, and visitors to Sharjah.

Officials also took the time to explain the situation to guests and formally advised hotel management to take special care of families and children during pest control operations, ensuring insecticide use was limited strictly to affected areas and conducted in full compliance with health and standards