The master plan will establish a distinct identity for each district, support farmers to sell their local products, and transform Dubai’s rural areas into key tourist destinations
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has approved the Dubai Countryside and Rural Areas Development Master Plan.
The plan spans an area of 2,216 square kilometres, and aims to preserve the natural surroundings of areas such as Lehbab, Margham, Al Marmoom, Al Lisaili, Al Faqaa and Al Aweer, and provide a variety of services and amenities to its residents and visitors.
It will also transform each area into a key tourist destination in the emirate.
Sheikh Mohammed also approved a host of development projects and initiatives to support the development of the countryside and rural areas in Dubai, according to the Dubai Media Office.
The projects will seek to protect natural reserves and archaeological sites, support farmers and local products and create investment opportunities for inhabitants.
The Supreme Committee for Urban Planning will be in charge of implementing and governing the projects.
Sheikh Mohammed approved the plan during his visit to the Dunes Platform at Saih Al Salam. He said: “We have issued directives to ensure the Dubai Countryside and Rural Areas Development Master Plan brings direct economic returns for the people residing in these areas.
“Today, Dubai is the most beautiful city in the world. We also seek to make the rural areas of Dubai some of the most beautiful and enjoyable places.”
Sheikh Mohammed was accompanied by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, and Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance of the UAE, according to the Dubai Media Office.
The Dubai Countryside and Rural Areas Development Master Plan will serve as a comprehensive plan for the next 20 years, in line with the Dubai Urban Plan 2040.
The master plan aims to improve the efficiency of public facilities and services for residents and visitors and develop public parks and traffic solutions to ease mobility. It also seeks to develop sustainable transportation systems that operate direct bus trips from the main stations to these areas and provide designated zones for bicycles and scooters.
Sheikh Mohammed also approved the Saih Al Salam Scenic Route (Route 1) project, a 100- kilometre-long road for vehicles and bicycles. 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 Route 1 project also includes several projects and initiatives, such as providing facilities and services to visitors along the route, offering trips to the ancient sites of Saruq Al-Hadid and Al Marmoom Heritage Village, and other experiences including horse and camel riding and desert walks.
As part of the project, camps and lodges in the form of glass domes with panoramic windows will be built along with open lounges that will allow people to enjoy their stay beside the existing lakes in the area. The project includes providing vertical balloons to offer an elevated view of the lakes with an opportunity to take pictures. In addition, kayak boats will be available as would souvenir shops and cafes.
The Saih Al Salam Scenic Route 1 Project will also include an outdoor cinema experience through the Open Cinema initiative, in addition to events and art exhibitions. There will also be a caravan park fitted with the infrastructure and public facilities to receive caravans.
The project 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.
Furthermore, the project will include a desert station for sandboarding and desert driving along with other facilities to ensure visitors can enjoy a unique experience and a variety of sports activities in line with the highest safety standards. It will also offer helicopter tours to allow people to enjoy an aerial view of the area.
Source: Gulf Business
