Contemporary steakhouse at Al Faya Retreat blends Arab heritage, desert history and premium cuisine
Sharjah, August 21, 2026 : A remarkable chapter of Arab history has found a contemporary expression at MAVIA Restaurant, a destination steakhouse located at Al Faya Retreat, part of Sharjah Collection.
Named after Queen Mavia, the fourth-century Arab warrior queen, MAVIA draws inspiration from her story of leadership, resilience and independence while connecting it with the rich heritage of the Al Faya desert.
Queen Mavia rose to prominence around 375 AD as the leader of the Tanukhid Arab tribal confederation. Known for her courage and strategic intelligence, she led a successful revolt against the Eastern Roman Empire, eventually compelling the Romans to negotiate peace.
Her legacy has continued to attract contemporary cultural interest. During a visit to MAVIA, Her Highness Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi became intrigued by Queen Mavia’s story and explored her history further. The historical figure was later featured in Her Highness’s book, Let Them Know She Is Here: Searching for the Queen of Mleiha.
A destination shaped by history
MAVIA’s location adds another layer to the restaurant’s identity.
Long before Al Faya Retreat became part of Sharjah Collection, the area was located along an important desert route connecting Sharjah and Oman.
The site’s original stone buildings date back to the 1960s, when they served as a medical clinic and grocery store for travellers crossing the desert. The buildings were also located close to one of the UAE’s early petroleum pumps, which remains at the site today.
In 2019, the historic structures were carefully reimagined as Al Faya Retreat, preserving key elements of their original architecture while transforming them into a contemporary hospitality destination.
Premium steakhouse experience
At MAVIA, the story continues at the dining table.
The restaurant’s culinary concept, developed by Chef Akmal Anwar, focuses on premium ingredients and precise preparation, allowing the natural flavours of the produce to take centre stage.
The menu features premium cuts including a 400g Black Angus Rib Eye, 400g Wagyu Striploin and 600g T-Bone, alongside Wagyu skewers, lamb chops and a Wagyu burger.
But the experience begins long before the food arrives.
The journey to Al Faya, the gradual transition from the city to the open desert, the historic architecture and the surrounding landscape all form part of the destination dining experience.
MAVIA brings these elements together in a setting where food, history and landscape are closely connected.
The restaurant reflects Sharjah Collection’s wider philosophy of creating experiences rooted in the emirate’s culture, heritage and natural landscapes.
At MAVIA, the desert is more than a backdrop, while the name is more than a reference to history. Together, they form the foundation of a dining experience that connects an extraordinary Arab legacy with contemporary culinary craftsmanship.
