His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, and Chairman of the Higher Committee for Development and Citizen Affairs in Dubai, has approved the master plan for the Saih Al Salam Scenic Route.
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.
Developing Dubai’s rural areas
Sheikh Hamdan also approved several development projects and initiatives to develop Dubai’s rural areas and countryside in the next four years. The portfolio includes 37 projects and initiatives, with a cost of around AED390 million ($106.18 million).
“The master plan for the Saih Al Salam Scenic Route and Dubai Countryside & Rural Areas Development Projects reflects the vision and directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, 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 stated.
Saih Al Salam Scenic Route development
The master plan for the Saih Al Salam Scenic Route includes the development of five tourist stations and the construction of 97.86 kilometers of cycling tracks. This will raise the total track length in the area to 156.61 kilometers.
Additionally, the plan will expand the development of various facilities and the organization of activities and events, which aims to increase the number of tourists visiting the area and provide an integrated tourism experience for both residents and visitors. Sheikh Hamdan said that the plan aims to increase the number of tourists “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,” he added.
Five tourist stations
According to the Saih Al Salam Scenic Route plan, the main hub station near Al Qudra lakes will include the establishment of a traditional market. In addition, it features 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.
The second station is the Wildlife Station near Flamingo Lake. This station will feature various facilities and activities, including hot air balloons. Moreover, it includes luxury camps and walking trails that will connect the three lakes (Love, Qudra, and Flamingo). Kayak tours will also be available across the three lakes.
Meanwhile, Saih Al Salam Scenic Route’s Adventure Station near Expo 2020 Lake will include an adventure park near the Oryx platform. Moreover, it features 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 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.
At the Desert Adventure Station, visitors will look forward to adventure and desert sports 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.
Dubai’s rural and countryside plan
In addition to the Saih Al Salam Scenic Route plan, Sheikh Hamdan approved the first phase of the rural and countryside plan, which 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. In addition, they encompass three healthcare facilities: a hospital, a health center, and an ambulance station.
Additionally, Dubai will make government services available in the form of civil defense and ambulance services, along with three social facilities catering to residents and visitors across the majlis, halls, and a community center.
“We have also approved the implementation of 37 projects and initiatives within the framework of the Dubai Countryside & Rural Areas Development Plan over the next five years, to provide all necessary services, facilities, and requirements for residents and visitors to these areas, preserving the environment, and offering unique destinations for nature and adventure lovers, which strengthens Dubai’s position as a tourist destination offering integrated and exceptional experiences,” Sheikh Hamdan added.
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 kilometers.
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20-year comprehensive development blueprint
Notably, the Dubai Countryside & Rural Areas Development Plan is a comprehensive development plan for the next 20 years that aligns 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. In addition, it includes various programs to support 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.
“We will continue to implement high-quality projects across Dubai, adhering to the highest standards of quality and efficiency, to achieve our goal of making Dubai one of the best cities in the world in terms of quality of life and providing the highest levels of luxury for residents and visitors,” Sheikh Hamdan added.
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