Dubai Unveils Rural Tourism Master Plan Totaling $106 Million

Newly revealed plans call for up to 37 projects in the countryside around Dubai with a price tag of about $106 million, according to a report from the Deccan Chronicle.

Plans call for creating five service and recreational stations and offering a unique tourism experience for both residents and visitors to Dubai, the publication reported.

These projects are part of what will be a broader, ongoing effort through at least 2028 to enhance the rural regions around the United Arab Emirates’ largest city.

The projects will be undertaken in partnership with the private sector, per Deccan Chronicle.

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council has said that the initiatives are expected to significantly boost tourism in Dubai’s rural areas, projecting an increase in annual visitor numbers from 500,000 to more than 3 million by 2040 along the Saih Al Salam Scenic Route.

Some of the additional features in the works include cycling tracks, luxury desert camps, hot air balloon rides, kayaking tours and more. Preserving the region’s natural beauty will also be a priority, while also increasing opportunities for nature and adventure experiences.

Dubbed the Dubai Countryside and Rural Areas Development Plan, the effort will also include projects meant to enhance local services and attractions and improve the quality of life for area residents. New healthcare facilities, nurseries, and parks are included in the plans.

Sheikh Hamdan was reported to have said that the projects will contribute to making “Dubai one of the world’s best cities in terms of quality of life and sustainability.”

He underscored that facilities such as traditional markets, outdoor cinemas, adventure parks, and cultural stations will further enhance Dubai’s reputation as a world-class tourist destination while preserving its rural heritage and environment.