Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai approved the Dubai Countryside and Rural Areas Development Master Plan, spanning an area of 2,216 sq km, reported state news agency WAM.
The plan seeks to preserve the nature of areas including Lahbab, Margham, Al Marmoom, Al Lisaili, Al Faqaa, and Al Aweer, and provide various services and amenities to residents and visitors to enhance their well-being.
It will serve as a comprehensive plan for the next 20 years, in line with the Dubai Urban Plan 2040.
The key objective is to offer a unique touristic experience and transform each area into a tourist destination in the emirate.
The Dubai ruler also approved a host of development projects and initiatives aimed at protecting natural reserves and archaeological sites.
The Supreme Committee for Urban Planning will be in charge of implementing and governing the projects.
Sheikh Mohammed also approved the Saih Al Salam Scenic Route (Route 1) project, a 100km-long road for vehicles and bicycles.
Read more: Dubai gears up to house first gigantic $5 bn moon-shaped resort
To be built based on the Scenic Route concept, the project will include facilities to provide a holistic tourism experience. It aims to increase the number of activities, events, and services that promote desert tourism.
The project will also offer investment opportunities for inhabitants, support local projects that stimulate tourism, and encourage entrepreneurs to preserve the area’s nature and distinctive identity.
Sheikh Mohammed said the project also includes sports initiatives such as skydiving, hot-air balloons, safari trips, and a club for remotely controlled planes and cars.
It will also include the first dedicated path for desert means, bicycles, and desert electric scooters to link tourist attractions and entertainment areas with the existing cycling track at Al Qudra and Saih Al Salam, he added.
