Sheikh Hamdan approves master plan for major rural development projects

Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Executive Council Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has approved the master plan for the Saih Al Salam Scenic Route as well as other rural development projects, according to WAM. The move aligns with the directives of Dubai’s Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

According to WAM, the plan includes the development of five service and recreational stations to provide an exceptional tourist experience for residents and visitors. These projects will be implemented in partnership with the private sector.

Sheikh Hamdan also approved a series of development projects and initiatives to develop Dubai’s rural areas and countryside during the period from 2024 to 2028. The portfolio includes 37 projects and initiatives, with an estimated cost of around AED 390 million.

“The master plan for the Saih Al Salam Scenic Route and Dubai Countryside and Rural Areas Development Projects reflects the vision and directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, aiming to transform Dubai’s rural areas and countryside to be among the best, most beautiful, and enjoyable for all. This contributes to solidifying the emirate’s position as an ideal destination to live and work, as well as a preferred attraction for visitors from around the world," Sheikh Hamdan said.

Tourism and investment boost

He added, “We have approved the development of several facilities, along with increasing activities, events, and services within the Saih Al Salam Scenic Route project to boost tourist numbers from around half a million annually currently to over three million visitors by 2040. This will enhance the area’s position as one of Dubai’s main tourist destinations while expanding investment opportunities for locals and preserving the region’s unique nature and identity.

The master plan for the Saih Al Salam Scenic Route includes the development of five tourist stations and the construction of 97.86 kilometres of cycling tracks, increasing the total track length in the area to 156.61 kilometres.

Additionally, the plan expands the development of various facilities and the organisation of activities and events aimed at increasing the number of tourists visiting the area and providing an integrated tourism experience for both residents and visitors.

Al Qudra Lakes

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. The station will also include the development of public facilities to accommodate the large number of visitors and provide the necessary services, according to WAM.

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.

The Desert Adventure Station

Finally, this is 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), according to WAM.

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, according to WAM.

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 next 20 years

It is worth noting that the Dubai Countryside and Rural Areas Development Plan is a comprehensive development plan for the next 20 years, aligning with the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan. The plan includes projects and initiatives to better serve the residents of these areas and meet their constantly evolving needs.

According to the plan, each area will retain its own identity, reflecting its uniqueness, while there will be various programmes supporting farmers and local produce by creating opportunities for selling their products and enhancing the attractiveness of Dubai's rural and countryside areas as tourist destinations.

The plan also focuses on improving and increasing the efficiency of public services and facilities for residents and visitors, developing public parks, improving roadworks and traffic solutions to facilitate smoother traffic movement, and creating a sustainable transportation system, including providing direct buses from main stations to these areas, with designated spaces for bicycles and scooters as well.