His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has approved the master development plan for the Dubai countryside and rural areas and the Saih Al Salam scenic route.
The plan aims to preserve nature in the areas, Lehbab, Margham, Al Marmoom, Al Lisaili, Al Faqaa and Al Aweer and transform the areas into key tourist destinations.
Set to provide a guideline for the next 20 years, the development projects and initiatives will cater to the needs of residents, and work towards making Dubai the best city to live in.
The plan will also support farmers by offering them opportunities to sell their local products, improve the efficiency of public facilities and services for residents and visitors and develop public parks and traffic solutions to ease mobility.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed 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."
Additionally, the Saih Al Salam scenic route project was also approved and will see a 100km long road created for vehicles and bicycles.
The project will also see trips to the ancient sites of Saruq Al Hadid and Al Marmoom Heritage Village, horse and camel riding, camps and lodges built in the form of glass domes with panoramic windows, vertical balloons offering an elevated view of the lakes, kayak boats, souvenir shops and cafe.
An outdoor cinema experience and a caravan park will also be made available.
Sports options will also be available including skydiving, hot-air balloons, safari trips and a dedicated path to link tourist attractions and entertainment areas with the existing cycling track at Al Qudra and Saih Al Salam.