Sheikh Mohammed Announces 100km Scenic Route For Dubai’s Countryside ; Hot Air Balloons Sky Diving & more

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai recently announced the development of a 100km scenic route in Dubai called the Saih Al Salam Scenic Route, or simply Route 1. This all part of the comprehensive plan to develop the emirate’s countryside into touristic destinations. His Highness expects this new development to directly impact tourism and the economy.

اعتمدنا الخطة الشاملة لأرياف وبراري دبي على مساحة ٢٢١٦ كم مربع من مساحة دبي، وتشمل مناطق مثل الليسيلي ولهباب والمرمرم والفقع والعوير وغيرها. لدينا المدينة الأجمل عالمياً .. وهدفنا القادم أن تكون أرياف دبي وبراريها بين الأكثر متعة وجمالاً .. pic.twitter.com/klTfSLM98Y

— HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) November 27, 2022

تطوير أرياف وبراري دبي يشمل مسار سياحي بطول ١٠٠ كم الأول من نوعه في المنطقة .. ومحميات طبيعية .. ومحطات للرياضات الصحراوية .. ومبادرات تنموية تخدم أبناء هذه المناطق .. سيتم توفير تجربة سياحية مختلفة وجديدة في أرياف وبراري دبي .. والقادم أجمل وأمتع .. pic.twitter.com/a3QU9K7su7

— HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) November 27, 2022

HH Sheikh Mohammed said, “Today, Dubai is the most beautiful city in the world. We now seek to make the rural areas of Dubai some of the most beautiful and enjoyable places.”

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What To Expect From Saih Al Salam Scenic Route / Route 1

Route 1 project will be a comprehensive feat for locals and tourists alike and provide a “holistic tourism experience”.  The Dubai Countryside and Rural Areas Development Master Plan spans an area of 2,216 sq km. The master plan seeks to preserve nature reserves including Lehbab, Margham, Al Marmoom, Al Lisaili, Al Faqaa and Al Aweer. Each of these locations will be transformed into distinct destinations. There will be dedicated roads for vehicles, and to connect tourist attraction there will separate special paths for desert bicycles and electric scooters. There will also be camps and lodges with glass domes that offer panoramic views.

Take a look at the map below:

Not only that, you will also be able to go for a hot air balloon ride or sky dive over the stunning network of manmade lakes in Al Qudra, including the Expo and Love Lakes. There will be a Caravan Park, an open air cinema, a desert station for sand boarding and desert driving, horse and camel riding, as well as events and art exhibitions.

For a more romantic time, tourists can also kayak around the lakes followed by a walk into the souvenir shops and a number of cafes. There will also be trips to the ancient sites of Saruq Al Hadid and Al Marmoom Heritage Village.

Also read: In Pictures: Abu Dhabi’s Long Salt Lake

The Supreme Committee for Urban Planning will be in charge of implementing and governing the projects.