The project is spread over 2,216 sq km
The development project covers a total area of 2,216 square kilometers and covers several areas in Dubai, including Al Lizaili, Lehbab, Al Marmoom, Al Faqa and Al Aweer. ‘We have the most beautiful city in the world. Our next goal is to make Dubai’s countryside and wildlife sanctuaries the most enjoyable and beautiful,” Sheikh Mohammed tweeted. “We will provide different and new tourist experiences in the rural and forest areas of Dubai. “The best is yet to come,” said Sheikh Mohammad.
Sheikh Mohammed visited the Dunes platform
He approved the project after visiting the Dunes Platform in Saih Al Salam with Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Executive Council, and Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and UAE Minister of Finance. Sheikh Mohammed was received under the leadership of Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Supreme Committee for Urban Planning. The officials then briefed Sheikh Mohammed in detail about the Dubai Countryside and Rural Areas Development Master Plan and the Saih Al Salam Scenic Route Project. During the visit, Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Media Council, Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Sheikh Mansour Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum were also with him.
A 20-year project
In line with the Dubai Urban Plan 2040, the Dubai Rural and Rural Development Master Plan will serve as a comprehensive plan for the next 20 years. Sheikh Mohammed said that those concerned have been directed to ensure that the development master plan for the rural areas is prepared in such a way that the people living in the rural areas of Dubai are directly benefited. The master plan will be implemented in such a way as to give each district a distinct identity. Farmers in each Jilli will be given opportunities to sell their local produce. Rural areas of Dubai will be transformed into major tourist destinations. The project aims to improve the efficiency of public facilities and services for residents and visitors, facilitate mobility and develop public parks and traffic facilities. The master plan envisages developing sustainable transport systems for direct bus journeys from major metro stations to these areas and providing designated areas for bicycles and scooters.
100 km scenic route to Saih Al Salam
Sheikh Mohammed also approved the Saih Al Salam Scenic Route project, a 100km road for vehicles and bicycles. This scenically developed route will provide a comprehensive tourism experience. The plan also aims to increase the number of activities, events and services that promote wilderness tourism. This project will provide investment opportunities to the residents. Local projects that stimulate tourism will be supported and entrepreneurs will be encouraged to preserve the character and distinctive personality of the area. The project will also include providing facilities and services to visitors along the route, trips to the ancient sites of Sarooq Al Hadid and Al Marmoom Heritage Village, horse and camel rides and desert walks.
Backwater tourism will also be developed in the project
As part of the project, camps and lodges modeled on glass domes and open lounges near the existing lakes in the area will be constructed to accommodate visitors. Vertical balloons will be deployed to provide an aerial view of the lakes. Also, kayak boats, souvenir shops and cafes will be made available near the lakes to provide a better tourism experience to the visitors. The Zeyh Al Salam Scenic Route project will also include outdoor cinema systems in addition to events and art exhibitions. There will also be a caravan park equipped with infrastructure and public facilities to accommodate caravans.
Extensive facilities for recreational sports
The project also includes sporting ventures like skydiving, hot air balloons, safari trips and a club for remote control planes and cars. It will also include a dedicated path to connect tourist attractions and recreational areas with the existing cycling track in Al Qudra and Saih Al Salam. Also, a desert station for sand boarding and desert driving with highest safety standards will also be set up as part of the project. The project also offers helicopter tours to allow people to enjoy aerial views of the area.