Sheikh Hamdan Greenlights AED390 Million Initiative to Revitalize Dubai's Rural Areas
On Sunday, Dubai announced an AED390 million initiative aimed at transforming its rural areas into "an ideal destination to live and work," while also boosting tourism.
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Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, the Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Defence, approved 37 projects scheduled for completion by 2028, which will enhance Dubai's countryside and develop a variety of tourist attractions.
He also introduced a master plan for the Saih Al Salam Scenic Route, a 100km roadway designed for vehicles and bicycles that aims to promote desert tourism and create investment opportunities for local communities.
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The Crown Prince said the series of initiatives aimed 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.
Sheikh Hamdan stated that these ambitious plans align with the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, which aims to establish a framework for the emirate's development in the years ahead.
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“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," Sheikh Hamdan said.
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"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."
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The master plan for the Saih Al Salam Scenic Route involves the development of five tourist stations and the creation of 97.86 km of cycling tracks, bringing the total track length in the area to 156.61 km.
The main station hub will include a market with shops offering local goods near Al Qudra Lakes, as well as an open-air cinema near Last Exit. Additionally, the station will feature luxury marquees, providing visitors with the opportunity to camp in the heart of the desert.
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A Wildlife Station near Flamingo Lake will feature various amenities and attractions, including hot air balloons that allow visitors to enjoy stunning views of the wildlife and take in the Love Lakes from above. The station will also include luxury camps and elevated walking trails connecting the three lakes—Love, Qudra, and Flamingo. Additionally, kayak tours will be available across these lakes.
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The Adventure Station, situated near Expo 2020 Lake, will host an adventure park next to the Oryx platform, as well as walking and fitness trails. A sandy trail for cycling and walking will be created around Expo Lake, accompanied by budget camps and dining options.
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The Cultural Experience Station, located near the camel farm in Al Marmoom, will feature a traditional majlis and an entertainment theatre at the camel farm, where visitors can ride camels, explore the desert, and enjoy traditional meals.
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At the Desert Adventure Station, a comprehensive area for adventure and desert sports will be developed, offering activities such as dune bashing, desert cycling, dune climbing, sandboarding, and desert safari tours.
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The first phase of the rural and countryside plan includes 18 new services for residents in these areas. This includes the establishment of three nurseries, seven parks and open spaces, as well as a hospital, a health centre, and an ambulance station.