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.

Dense fog has reduced visibility on several major roads across Dubai. Police have increased patrols and traffic controls to improve safety. Motorists are urged to slow down, maintain safe distances, use low-beam headlights and fog lights where available, avoid sudden lane changes, and not stop on road shoulders. Heavy trucks may be temporarily restricted. Follow official advisories and allow extra travel time.

Brigadier Jumaa Salem bin Suwaidan, Director of the General Department of Traffic at Dubai Police, said extensive field and preventive measures were activated in response to foggy conditions affecting multiple areas.

Traffic patrols were deployed on key highways, including Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road, Emirates Road, Sheikh Zayed Road, Al Khail Road and Dubai–Al Ain Road, to regulate traffic flow, monitor speeds, and reduce accident risks.

Police patrols carried out continuous inspections to ensure motorists followed safety instructions, such as gradually reducing speed, maintaining safe distances and avoiding sudden lane changes or unsafe overtaking. Vehicles found stopped on road shoulders were promptly moved to prevent collisions caused by low visibility.

As a precaution, the movement of heavy trucks was temporarily suspended during periods of dense fog, with drivers directed to designated rest areas. Police warned that speed differences between heavy and light vehicles significantly increase accident risks when visibility is poor.

Authorities noted that reduced horizontal visibility led to minor congestion and vehicle build-up in some locations. Patrols intervened where necessary, managing traffic and diverting motorists to alternative routes.

Dubai Police urged drivers to follow fog safety guidelines, including:

• Using low-beam headlights instead of high beams
• Switching on fog lights when available
• Avoiding stopping on highways
• Refraining from mobile phone use and distractions

Motorists were also warned against sudden braking or lane changes without clear visibility ahead.

Dubai Police stressed that road safety is a shared responsibility, urging drivers to stay alert, follow official advisories and comply with traffic regulations during adverse weather conditions.

Sharjah Municipality has announced that restaurants, cafeterias and food retailers can now apply for permits to prepare and display food during daytime hours in Ramadan, subject to specific conditions and fees.

The permits allow food preparation and cooking during fasting hours, but dine-in service remains prohibited until iftar. Cooking must take place strictly inside kitchen areas only, including outlets located within shopping centres.

The fee for a daytime food preparation permit is set at Dh3,000.

Food display permits before iftar

In addition, Sharjah Municipality is offering a separate permit that allows businesses to display food items outside shops before iftar. This applies to restaurants, cafeterias, sweet shops and bakeries.

The fee for a food display permit is Dh500.

However, strict hygiene and safety rules apply. Displayed food must be:

• Placed in enclosed glass cases at least one metre high
• Stored using food-grade packaging
• Kept at appropriate temperatures

Health and safety rules

Jamal Al Mazmi, Director of the Health Control and Safety Department at Sharjah Municipality, said the permits are issued to ensure food is handled hygienically and safely during Ramadan.

According to the municipality, businesses must follow these requirements:

• Food must be placed in stainless steel containers
• Items must be displayed in an airtight glass box (minimum height 100cm) with a sliding or hinged door
• Food must be covered with aluminium foil or transparent food-grade plastic
• Food must be kept at a suitable temperature and not refrigerated or frozen

How to apply

Businesses can submit permit applications through Sharjah Municipality’s commercial licensing portal.

Authorities said inspections will continue throughout Ramadan to ensure compliance with public health standards and Ramadan regulations.