Dubai unveils ambitious master plans for scenic route, rural development
Thirty-seven projects and initiatives to transform the countryside, from 2024 to 2028
DUBAI: Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, has approved the master plan for the Saih Al Salam Scenic Route and the broader Dubai Countryside & Rural Areas Development Plan.
This initiative comes as part of Dubai’s vision to expand its rural and natural spaces, ensuring both residents and tourists can experience nature’s beauty in new and exciting ways.
Saih Al Salam Scenic Route Master Plan
The Saih Al Salam Scenic Route will feature five major service and recreational stations, aimed at enhancing tourism and providing a unique experience for visitors. A key goal is to increase tourist numbers from half a million annually to over three million by 2040.
The plan, which will be carried out in collaboration with the private sector, includes a network of facilities catering to adventure, nature, and cultural activities.
Dubai Countryside & Rural Areas Development Plan
The rural development plan, spanning 2024 to 2028, will roll out 37 new projects and initiatives. These will include the development of healthcare facilities, nurseries, parks, public services, and tourism infrastructure. Sheikh Hamdan confirmed the estimated cost for these projects is AED390 million.
Why is this important for Dubai?
Sheikh Hamdan emphasised that these initiatives align with Dubai’s 2040 Urban Master Plan, which aims to transform the emirate’s rural areas into world-class destinations while preserving their natural identity. "This reflects the vision and directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to make Dubai's countryside among the best in the world," he said.
The projects will not only boost tourism but will also open new investment opportunities for locals and entrepreneurs. By preserving the environment while offering sustainable tourism experiences, these initiatives are designed to benefit both Dubai’s economy and its residents’ quality of life.
Which new facilities are planned?
The development plan includes the construction of 97.86 km of new cycling tracks, expanding the total to 156.61 km.
According to the plan, the Main Hub Station near Al Qudra Lakes will include the establishment of a traditional market, featuring several shops selling local products typical of the rural areas, and an open-air cinema near the Last Exit, offering a unique experience of watching movies in a natural setting.
The station will also feature luxury marquees, allowing visitors to camp in the heart of the desert near the activity sites along Al Qudra Lakes. It will also include the development of public facilities to accommodate the large number of visitors and provide the necessary services.
The Wildlife Station, located near Flamingo Lake, will feature various facilities and activities, including hot air balloons that allow visitors to enjoy views of the wildlife and take in the Love Lakes from above. Additionally, there will be luxury camps and elevated walking trails that will connect the three lakes (Love, Qudra, and Flamingo). Kayak tours will also be offered across the three lakes.
The Adventure Station, located near Expo 2020 Lake, will include an adventure park near the Oryx platform, as well as walking and fitness trails. A sandy trail for cycling and walking will be added around Expo Lake, along with budget camps and restaurants.
The Cultural Experience Station, located near the camel farm in Al Marmoom, will provide a traditional majlis and an entertainment theatre at the camel farm, where visitors can ride camels, explore the desert, and enjoy traditional meals.
At the Desert Adventure Station, a fully integrated area for adventure and desert sports will be developed away from residential areas. This will allow visitors to enjoy various outdoor fun activities, such as dune bashing, desert cycling, dune climbing, sandboarding, and desert safari tours, among others.
18 new services in first phase
The first phase of the rural and countryside plan includes the provision of 18 new services for residents of these areas. These services include the establishment of three nurseries, seven parks and open spaces, and three healthcare facilities (a hospital, a health centre, and an ambulance station). Additionally, government services will also be made available in the form of civil defence and ambulance services, along with three social facilities catering to residents and visitors across the majlis, halls, and a community centre.
Ongoing projects
The Higher Committee for Urban Planning in Dubai is overseeing the implementation of 37 projects and initiatives as part of the comprehensive plan for the development of rural and countryside areas, which span 2,216 square kilometres.
A rural service centre and a socio-cultural centre are being constructed at Lahbab, including a majlis, a public library, an art exhibition hall, centres for teaching traditional arts, and centres for teaching Bedouin crafts. A majlis is also being built in Al Awir, and healthcare facilities are being established in Lahbab 2 and Al Lisaili, along with an ambulance station in Margham and a civil defence centre in Lahbab 1. Additionally, three nurseries are being built in Al Awir 2, Lahbab, and Al Lisaili, and seven neighbourhood parks are being developed in Margham, Al Lisaili, Nizwa, Lahbab 1 and 2, and Al Awir 2. Furthermore, internal roads are being constructed in Margham, Lahbab, and Al Lisaili.
The plan also includes shared and mass transportation solutions to serve all rural areas, as well as traffic improvements in Lahbab, Al Awir, and Al Lisaili. The development of the Saih Al Salam Scenic Route, which is the first recreational tourist route, is also underway, along with the relocation of waste transfer stations in Lahbab 1, the relocation of the truck rest-stop, and a sewage project in Al Lisaili, Nizwa, Margham, and Lahbab 1 and 2. Landscaping works are being carried out in Al Faqa, Nizwa, and Al Lisaili, and a farmers' support programme is being implemented. Relevant entities are organising events and activities such as the Al Marmoom Festival, camel races, cycling races, and the Fazza Yola Championship.
Blueprint for the next 20 years
The Dubai Countryside & Rural Areas Development Plan is a blueprint for the next 20 years, designed to transform Dubai’s rural landscape while respecting its history and environment. It promises to bring both new opportunities for investment and tourism while ensuring that residents have access to high-quality public services, transport, and recreational facilities.
Dubai also aims to balance development with sustainability, making sure that while modern facilities are introduced, the essence of the region's natural beauty and cultural richness remains intact.
With Sheikh Hamdan’s approval of the master plan, Dubai is set to create a lasting legacy in its countryside, making it a world-class destination for residents, tourists, and adventure lovers alike.