New tourism project for Dubai’s countryside: 100km scenic route, helicopter rides - In pictures

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai has approved a comprehensive plan to develop the Emirate’s countryside and wilds.

The development plan includes a 100 km-long tourist route, the first of its kind in the region, in addition to new natural reserves, and desert sports stations.

The development plan covers different areas in Dubai including Al Lisaili, Lehbab, Al Marmoom, Al Faqa’, Al Aweer, among many more.

The plan covers a total area of 2,216 square kilometres.

Images showed helipads, a lovely road with a camel caravan, vegetation, and desert lakes. 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.

The Dubai Countryside and Rural Areas Development Master Plan will serve as a plan for the comprehensive next 20 years, in line with the Dubai Urban Plan 2040.

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.

Under the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, green and recreational spaces and areas dedicated to public parks will double in size to serve the growing number of number of residents and visitors.

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 and souvenir shops and cafes close to the lakes to enrich the visitors’ experience.

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 be a Caravan Park fitted with the infrastructure and public facilities to receive caravans.

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 and souvenir shops and cafes close to the lakes to enrich the visitors’ experience.

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. Furthermore, the project will include a desert station for sand boarding and desert driving along with other facilities to ensure visitors can enjoy a unique experience and a variety of sports activities safely in line with the highest safety standards.