{
“title”: “Dubai Approves Master Plan for Saih Al Salam Scenic Route and Rural Development”,
“tags”: [“Dubai”, “Development”, “Tourism”],
“slug”: “dubai-saih-al-salam-scenic-route-development”,
“excerpt”: “His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has approved a master plan for the Saih Al Salam Scenic Route, enhancing Dubai’s tourism and rural areas through significant projects and initiatives.”,
“content”: “
Dubai Approves Master Plan for Saih Al Salam Scenic Route and Rural Development
In alignment with the directives issued by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, has officially approved the master plan for the Saih Al Salam Scenic Route. This plan includes the establishment of five service and recreational stations aimed at delivering a remarkable tourist experience for both residents and visitors, executed in collaboration with the private sector.
Sheikh Hamdan also confirmed a suite of development projects and initiatives focused on improving Dubai’s rural regions and countryside between 2024 and 2028. This comprehensive portfolio encompasses 37 projects and initiatives, with an estimated budget of approximately AED 390 million.
Sheikh Hamdan stated, “The master plan for the Saih Al Salam Scenic Route and the Dubai Countryside Rural Areas Development Projects embodies the vision and directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. It aspires to transform Dubai’s rural areas and countryside into one of the most attractive and enjoyable destinations for all, reinforcing the emirate’s status as an ideal place to live and work while also being a preferred spot for tourists worldwide.”
The initiative aims to boost tourism and investments significantly. Sheikh Hamdan elaborated, “We have sanctioned the development of numerous facilities, alongside an expansion of activities, events, and services along the Saih Al Salam Scenic Route, with a target to increase annual tourist numbers from their current count of around half a million to over three million visitors by the year 2040. This enhancement will position the area as one of Dubai’s primary tourist destinations while expanding local investment opportunities and preserving the unique natural character and identity of the region.”
The implementation of 37 projects and initiatives is set to execute the Dubai Countryside Rural Areas Development Plan over the next five years. This comprehensive strategy seeks to ensure that all necessary services and facilities for both residents and tourists are provided, preserving the environment and offering unique experiences for nature and adventure enthusiasts, thereby solidifying Dubai’s reputation as a leading tourist destination that offers integrated and exceptional experiences.
These developmental initiatives directly align with the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, contributing to an ambitious vision that aims to create sustainable natural environments, along with integrated facilities that cater to modern lifestyle needs while enabling everyone to appreciate Dubai’s unique natural habitats. Sheikh Hamdan emphasized the continued commitment to executing high-quality projects across Dubai, adhering strictly to the highest standards of quality and efficiency to achieve the goal of making Dubai one of the best cities globally in terms of quality of life and luxury for both residents and visitors.
The Master Plan for the Saih Al Salam Scenic Route outlines the development of five tourist stations and the construction of 9,786 kilometers of cycling tracks, increasing the total length of tracks in the area to 15,661 kilometers. Additionally, the plan includes the enhancement of various facilities and the organization of activities and events aimed at elevating the tourist experience and providing a holistic tourism experience for both residents and visitors.
According to the detailed plan, the Main Hub Station near Al Qudra Lakes will incorporate a traditional market with multiple shops selling local products typical to the rural areas, alongside an open-air cinema situated near the Last Exit for a unique outdoor movie experience. The station will also boast luxury marquees, allowing visitors to camp amidst the desert landscape near the activity zones along Al Qudra Lakes. Furthermore, development plans include public facilities designed to accommodate large visitor numbers and meet essential service needs.
The Wildlife Station near Flamingo Lake is set to feature various facilities and activities, such as hot air balloon rides, enabling visitors to capture aerial views of the diverse wildlife and the iconic Love Lakes. The station will also host luxury camping options, along with elevated walking trails that interconnect the three lakes: Love, Qudra, and Flamingo. Additionally, kayak tours will be accessible across all three lakes.
Nearby Expo 2020 Lake, the Adventure Station will incorporate an adventure park adjacent to the Oryx platform, along with paths designated for walking and fitness activities. A trail specifically for biking and walking will be built around Expo Lake, complemented by budget-friendly camping options and dining establishments.
The Cultural Experience Station, located near the camel farm in Al Marmoom, will provide traditional majlis facilities and an entertainment theater at the camel farm, where visitors can engage in camel rides, desert exploration, and savor traditional meals.
At the Desert Adventure Station, there will be a fully integrated area designated for adventure and desert sports, strategically positioned away from residential zones. This area will provide visitors with opportunities to partake in various outdoor activities including dune bashing, desert cycling, dune climbing, sandboarding, and desert safari excursions, among others.
As part of the first phase of the rural and countryside plan, 18 new services will be introduced for the local residents. These enhancements comprise the establishment of three nurseries, seven parks, and open spaces, along with three healthcare facilities: a full-scale hospital, health center, and ambulance station. Additionally, essential government services such as civil defense and ambulance facilities will be made available, alongside three social amenities to cater to local residents and visitors, including majlis halls and community centers.
The Higher Committee for Urban Planning in Dubai is currently overseeing the execution of the 37 projects and initiatives under a comprehensive plan for developing rural and countryside areas, which cover an expansive area of 2,216 square kilometers. A rural service center and a socio-cultural center are being constructed in Lahbab, which will feature a majlis, a public library, an art exhibition hall, and centers for teaching traditional and Bedouin crafts. Another majlis is in the pipeline at Al Awir, complemented by healthcare facilities being established in Lahbab 2 and Al Lisaili, alongside an ambulance station in Margham and a civil defense center in Lahbab 1. Moreover, three nurseries are being constructed in Al Awir 2, Lahbab, and Al Lisaili, and seven neighborhood parks are being developed in Margham, Al Lisaili, Nizwa, Lahbab 1 and 2, and Al Awir 2. Furthermore, the plan includes the construction of internal roads in Margham, Lahbab, and Al Lisaili.
Shared and mass transportation solutions to serve all rural areas, alongside traffic improvements in Lahbab, Al Awir, and Al Lisaili, are also on the agenda. The development of the Saih Al Salam Scenic Route, the inaugural recreational tourist route, is in progress, alongside plans for relocating waste transfer stations in Lahbab 1 and the truck reststop, and sewage projects across Al Lisaili, Nizwa, Margham, and Lahbab 1 and 2, with landscaping efforts in Al Faqa, Nizwa, and Al Lisaili. Farmers support programs are also being implemented. Events and activities such as the Al Marmoom Festival, camel races, cycling competitions, and the Fazza Yola Championship are being organized by relevant entities.
Looking forward, it is crucial to note that the Dubai Countryside Rural Areas Development Plan is a comprehensive strategy planned for the next 20 years, directly aligning with the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan. The initiative entails a range of projects and initiatives designed to enhance the services available to residents and address their evolving needs. The plan delineates a commitment to preserving the identity of each area while implementing various programs to support local farmers and promote local produce, thus boosting the attractiveness of Dubai’s rural and countryside zones as prime tourist destinations. Concurrently, a strong focus will be placed on improving the efficiency of public services and facilities for residents and visitors, developing public parks, upgrading road infrastructure, and establishing efficient traffic solutions to facilitate smoother traffic flow. Additionally, a sustainable transportation framework, which includes direct bus services from main stations to rural areas, with provisions for bicycles and scooters, will be established.
Source: https://www.original-url.com
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}
