Dubai is getting a brand-new desert destination, and it’s massive.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai,  has approved Al Layan Oasis, a 10 million square foot eco-tourism and leisure project set to transform part of the emirate’s desert into a lake-centred retreat packed with walking trails, camping areas and family attractions.

Located about 50 minutes from Dubai city centre, the oasis is expected to attract 330,000 visitors a year.

A 2.5 Million Sq Ft Lake in the Desert

At the heart of Al Layan Oasis will be a 2.5 million sq ft lake, surrounded by:

• 14km of walking and cycling tracks
• Elevated pathways five metres above ground
• 1,000 parking spaces
• Sports and recreation facilities
• Camping and caravan zones

The elevated 4km track will offer panoramic desert views and connect to existing routes in Al Marmoom.

Four Zones for Families and Visitors

The destination will feature four themed areas:

• Camping Oasis: 100 caravan spots and a visitor centre
• Gathering Oasis: Open-air cinema, amphitheatre and food trucks
• Family Oasis: 28 shaded rest areas and children’s play zones
• Recreation Oasis: Retail, activities and leisure facilities

Officials say the project balances eco-tourism with environmental protection, expanding native planting and shaded areas to enhance comfort.

Part of Dubai’s Sustainability Plan

Al Layan Oasis forms part of Dubai Municipality’s Blue and Green Roadmap 2030, under a Dh4 billion package aimed at investing in nature to improve the quality of life.

The project also supports the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan and the emirate’s long-term sustainability and wellbeing goals.

Once completed, Al Layan Oasis is expected to become one of Dubai’s key desert lifestyle and eco-tourism destinations, offering residents and tourists a new way to experience nature without leaving the emirate.

Dubai is set to transform Umm Suqeim Beach into a world-class waterfront destination after Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, approved a Dh500 million master plan for its redevelopment.

The project, led by Dubai Municipality, is one of the emirate’s flagship beach development initiatives and aims to blend global design excellence with a distinctive Emirati identity, reinforcing Dubai’s position as a leading international tourism destination.

A future-ready beach destination

Spanning 3.1 kilometres and covering 445,000 square metres, the redevelopment will increase the beach area and developable spaces by 30 per cent. Smart lighting will illuminate 130,000 square metres of beachfront, enabling night swimming and extended evening activities.

Aligned with Dubai’s long-term vision

Sheikh Hamdan said the project reflects Dubai’s commitment to enhancing public spaces through innovative design, advanced urban planning and sustainable infrastructure, while prioritising quality of life for residents and visitors.

The Umm Suqeim Beach master plan supports the Dubai Quality of Life Strategy 2033 and the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, focusing on sustainable waterfront development, healthy lifestyles and community wellbeing.

Extensive social, environmental and traffic studies were conducted, alongside community engagement, to ensure the project balances tourism growth with environmental protection and residential privacy.

Key features of the Umm Suqeim Beach redevelopment

• Capacity to welcome up to 6 million visitors annually
• 200% increase in parking, reaching approximately 2,400 spaces
• Six architecturally distinctive gateways reflecting local heritage
• Ten mobility hubs and 11 taxi pick-up and drop-off points
• Integrated cycling and e-scooter facilities
• A 38-metre observation tower inspired by Dubai’s maritime history
• Upgraded road access from Jumeirah Street with improved traffic flow

Sustainability and climate resilience

The project places strong emphasis on sustainability, including climate change adaptation measures such as a two-kilometre retaining wall, elevated beach levels, and an AI-powered smart facilities management system to enhance operational efficiency.

Boosting tourism and private sector participation

Dubai Municipality will actively engage private sector partners and investors, strengthening public-private partnerships and further supporting Dubai’s tourism economy.

Once completed, the redeveloped Umm Suqeim Beach is expected to become a globally recognised urban landmark, offering a destination that combines leisure, sport, culture and sustainability.

DP World has officially unveiled Dubai Food District, a bold transformation of the Al Aweer Central Fruit and Vegetable Market into one of the largest and most advanced food trade hubs in the world.

Rolling out in phases from 2027, the mega district will more than double the current market’s footprint to 29 million sq ft, bringing trade, storage, processing and distribution together under one roof. Think cold-chain logistics, smart warehousing, food processing, digital solutions, cash-and-carry zones and even a gourmet food hall.

Announced last year by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the project expands beyond fruits and vegetables to include dairy, staples, gourmet and specialty foods, positioning Dubai as a global gateway for food trade and food security.

Built on Al Aweer’s strong legacy, serving over 2,500 traders since 2004, the district aims to boost efficiency, cut supply chain risks and help food businesses reach markets faster and smarter. With multimodal connectivity to more than 20 global markets, DP World is betting big on Dubai’s role at the heart of the future food economy.