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Every great restaurant has a story, but few begin with a fourth-century Arab warrior queen. MAVIA Restaurant at Al Faya Retreat, part of Sharjah Collection, takes its name and inspiration from Queen Mavia, one of the most remarkable female leaders in Arab history, bringing her legacy together with the fascinating heritage of Al Faya and a contemporary steakhouse experience.
Queen Mavia rose to prominence around 375 AD as leader of the Tanukhid Arab tribal confederation. Renowned for her courage and strategic intelligence, she led a revolt against the Eastern Roman Empire, achieving a series of victories that ultimately compelled the Romans to negotiate peace. Beyond her military achievements, her story has endured as a powerful symbol of leadership, resilience, independence and Arab heritage.
Her legacy has also inspired contemporary cultural interest. During a visit to MAVIA, Her Highness Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi became intrigued by Queen Mavia’s story and subsequently explored the historical figure further. Queen Mavia was later featured in Her Highness’s book, Let Them Know She Is Here: Searching for the Queen of Mleiha.
A Destination Steeped in History
MAVIA’s setting adds another dimension to its story. Long before Al Faya Retreat became part of Sharjah Collection, the area stood along an important desert passage connecting Sharjah and Oman.
Its original stone buildings, dating to the 1960s, once served as a medical clinic and grocery store close to one of the UAE’s early petroleum pumps, providing essential services to travellers crossing the desert. The historic petrol pump remains at the site today.
In 2019, the buildings were sensitively reimagined as Al Faya Retreat, preserving important elements of their original architecture and character while transforming the site into a contemporary hospitality destination.
The Story Continues at the Table
Today, MAVIA translates this sense of authenticity into a contemporary steakhouse experience. Its culinary concept, developed by Chef Akmal Anwar, places quality ingredients and precise preparation at its heart, allowing the natural character and flavour of the produce to take centre stage.
The menu is led by 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.
Yet the experience begins well before the first course. The drive to Al Faya, the transition from city to open desert, the historic architecture and the surrounding landscape are all part of MAVIA’s appeal.
It is this connection between Queen Mavia’s extraordinary legacy, the history of Al Faya and contemporary culinary craftsmanship that makes the restaurant a natural expression of Sharjah Collection’s philosophy, creating experiences that are deeply connected to the culture, heritage and landscapes of the Emirate.
At MAVIA, the desert is not simply the backdrop and the name is not simply a name. Both are part of the story.
For reservations and further information, please contact:
Tel: +971 6 801 2020 Email: [email protected]