emirates7 - Under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, Chairman of the Dubai Executive Council, and Chairman of the Higher Committee for Development and Citizen Affairs, has approved the master plan for the Saih Al Salam Scenic Route. This plan involves the development of five service and recreational stations to offer an outstanding tourism experience for both residents and visitors, in partnership with the private sector.
Additionally, H.H. Sheikh Hamdan has endorsed a series of development projects and initiatives aimed at enhancing Dubai's rural areas and countryside between 2024 and 2028. The portfolio encompasses 37 projects and initiatives with an estimated cost of AED 390 million.
Sheikh Hamdan stated, "The master plan for the Saih Al Salam Scenic Route, along with the Dubai Countryside and Rural Areas Development Projects, embodies the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, aiming to transform Dubai’s rural areas into some of the finest, most beautiful, and enjoyable locations for all. This strengthens the emirate’s status as an ideal place to live and work, and as a preferred destination for visitors worldwide."
Boost to Tourism and Investment
Sheikh Hamdan added, "We have approved the development of several facilities, along with more activities, events, and services under the Saih Al Salam Scenic Route project, to increase tourist numbers from about half a million annually to over three million by 2040. This initiative will bolster the area’s status as a key tourist destination in Dubai, while expanding investment opportunities for local residents and preserving the region’s distinct natural beauty."
He further noted that 37 projects and initiatives would be implemented over the next five years as part of the Dubai Countryside and Rural Areas Development Plan. The goal is to provide essential services, facilities, and amenities for residents and visitors, preserving the environment and offering unique destinations for nature and adventure enthusiasts. This aligns with Dubai’s aim of becoming a comprehensive and exceptional tourism destination.
“These development projects align with the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan and reflect an ambitious vision to sustainable natural environments and integrated facilities, allowing everyone to enjoy the natural beauty while accommodating modern lifestyles. We will continue to execute top-quality projects across Dubai to make it one of the best cities in the world, enhancing the quality of life and luxury for residents and visitors,” he said.
Key Features of the Saih Al Salam Scenic Route
The plan for the Saih Al Salam Scenic Route involves developing five tourist stations and building 97.86 kilometres of cycling tracks, expanding the total length of tracks in the area to 156.61 kilometres. The plan also includes enhancing facilities and organizing activities to attract more tourists, providing a comprehensive tourism experience.
The Main Hub Station near Al Qudra Lakes will feature a traditional market with shops selling local products and an open-air cinema near the Last Exit, offering a unique movie-watching experience in a natural setting. Visitors can also enjoy luxury camping facilities near activity sites along Al Qudra Lakes, with public amenities to support the growing number of visitors.
The Wildlife Station, near Flamingo Lake, will have various facilities, including hot air balloons offering views of the wildlife and the Love Lakes from above. There will also be luxury camps and elevated walking trails connecting the three lakes (Love, Qudra, and Flamingo), along with kayak tours across them.
The Adventure Station, close to Expo 2020 Lake, will feature an adventure park near the Oryx platform, walking and fitness trails, and sandy paths for cycling and walking around the lake. Budget camps and dining options will also be available.
The Cultural Experience Station, near the camel farm in Al Marmoom, will have a traditional majlis and entertainment theatre where visitors can experience camel rides, explore the desert, and enjoy traditional cuisine.
At the Desert Adventure Station, a dedicated area will be developed for adventure and desert sports, including dune bashing, desert cycling, sandboarding, and safari tours.
18 New Services in the First Phase
The first phase of the rural and countryside plan includes introducing 18 new services for residents. These include three nurseries, seven parks, and three healthcare facilities (a hospital, health centre, and ambulance station). Government services will also be expanded, with civil defence and ambulance services, along with three community-oriented facilities, such as majlis, halls, and a community centre.
Ongoing Projects and Future Vision
The Higher Committee for Urban Planning in Dubai is managing the implementation of 37 projects across rural and countryside areas, covering 2,216 square kilometres. This includes constructing rural service centres and socio-cultural centres in Lahbab, with facilities such as a majlis, public library, art exhibition hall, and traditional arts and crafts centres. Additional projects involve healthcare facilities, nurseries, parks, internal roads, and improvements to shared and mass transportation across these areas.
The Saih Al Salam Scenic Route is being developed as Dubai’s first recreational tourist route. Other ongoing projects include relocating waste transfer stations, improving transportation infrastructure, and promoting environmental initiatives like a farmer support program. Events such as the Al Marmoom Festival, camel races, cycling competitions, and the Fazza Yola Championship are also being organized.
Blueprint for the Next 20 Years
The Dubai Countryside and Rural Areas Development Plan is a comprehensive strategy that aligns with the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan. It aims to enhance services and facilities in rural areas over the next 20 years, preserving each area's unique identity. The plan supports local farmers by creating opportunities for selling produce and boosting the appeal of Dubai’s rural regions as tourism destinations. It also focuses on improving public services, enhancing infrastructure, and promoting sustainable transportation systems, including direct bus routes from main stations and designated areas for bicycles and scooters.
Additionally, H.H. Sheikh Hamdan has endorsed a series of development projects and initiatives aimed at enhancing Dubai's rural areas and countryside between 2024 and 2028. The portfolio encompasses 37 projects and initiatives with an estimated cost of AED 390 million.
Sheikh Hamdan stated, "The master plan for the Saih Al Salam Scenic Route, along with the Dubai Countryside and Rural Areas Development Projects, embodies the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, aiming to transform Dubai’s rural areas into some of the finest, most beautiful, and enjoyable locations for all. This strengthens the emirate’s status as an ideal place to live and work, and as a preferred destination for visitors worldwide."
Boost to Tourism and Investment
Sheikh Hamdan added, "We have approved the development of several facilities, along with more activities, events, and services under the Saih Al Salam Scenic Route project, to increase tourist numbers from about half a million annually to over three million by 2040. This initiative will bolster the area’s status as a key tourist destination in Dubai, while expanding investment opportunities for local residents and preserving the region’s distinct natural beauty."
He further noted that 37 projects and initiatives would be implemented over the next five years as part of the Dubai Countryside and Rural Areas Development Plan. The goal is to provide essential services, facilities, and amenities for residents and visitors, preserving the environment and offering unique destinations for nature and adventure enthusiasts. This aligns with Dubai’s aim of becoming a comprehensive and exceptional tourism destination.
“These development projects align with the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan and reflect an ambitious vision to sustainable natural environments and integrated facilities, allowing everyone to enjoy the natural beauty while accommodating modern lifestyles. We will continue to execute top-quality projects across Dubai to make it one of the best cities in the world, enhancing the quality of life and luxury for residents and visitors,” he said.
Key Features of the Saih Al Salam Scenic Route
The plan for the Saih Al Salam Scenic Route involves developing five tourist stations and building 97.86 kilometres of cycling tracks, expanding the total length of tracks in the area to 156.61 kilometres. The plan also includes enhancing facilities and organizing activities to attract more tourists, providing a comprehensive tourism experience.
The Main Hub Station near Al Qudra Lakes will feature a traditional market with shops selling local products and an open-air cinema near the Last Exit, offering a unique movie-watching experience in a natural setting. Visitors can also enjoy luxury camping facilities near activity sites along Al Qudra Lakes, with public amenities to support the growing number of visitors.
The Wildlife Station, near Flamingo Lake, will have various facilities, including hot air balloons offering views of the wildlife and the Love Lakes from above. There will also be luxury camps and elevated walking trails connecting the three lakes (Love, Qudra, and Flamingo), along with kayak tours across them.
The Adventure Station, close to Expo 2020 Lake, will feature an adventure park near the Oryx platform, walking and fitness trails, and sandy paths for cycling and walking around the lake. Budget camps and dining options will also be available.
The Cultural Experience Station, near the camel farm in Al Marmoom, will have a traditional majlis and entertainment theatre where visitors can experience camel rides, explore the desert, and enjoy traditional cuisine.
At the Desert Adventure Station, a dedicated area will be developed for adventure and desert sports, including dune bashing, desert cycling, sandboarding, and safari tours.
18 New Services in the First Phase
The first phase of the rural and countryside plan includes introducing 18 new services for residents. These include three nurseries, seven parks, and three healthcare facilities (a hospital, health centre, and ambulance station). Government services will also be expanded, with civil defence and ambulance services, along with three community-oriented facilities, such as majlis, halls, and a community centre.
Ongoing Projects and Future Vision
The Higher Committee for Urban Planning in Dubai is managing the implementation of 37 projects across rural and countryside areas, covering 2,216 square kilometres. This includes constructing rural service centres and socio-cultural centres in Lahbab, with facilities such as a majlis, public library, art exhibition hall, and traditional arts and crafts centres. Additional projects involve healthcare facilities, nurseries, parks, internal roads, and improvements to shared and mass transportation across these areas.
The Saih Al Salam Scenic Route is being developed as Dubai’s first recreational tourist route. Other ongoing projects include relocating waste transfer stations, improving transportation infrastructure, and promoting environmental initiatives like a farmer support program. Events such as the Al Marmoom Festival, camel races, cycling competitions, and the Fazza Yola Championship are also being organized.
Blueprint for the Next 20 Years
The Dubai Countryside and Rural Areas Development Plan is a comprehensive strategy that aligns with the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan. It aims to enhance services and facilities in rural areas over the next 20 years, preserving each area's unique identity. The plan supports local farmers by creating opportunities for selling produce and boosting the appeal of Dubai’s rural regions as tourism destinations. It also focuses on improving public services, enhancing infrastructure, and promoting sustainable transportation systems, including direct bus routes from main stations and designated areas for bicycles and scooters.