Announcements

Sheikh Hamdan approves Dh390m master plan to transform Dubai’s rural areas

Published

1 year ago

October 21, 2024

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The master plan for Saih Al Salam Scenic Route, featuring new facilities, activities, events, and services was approved by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE.

In a post on X, Sheikh Hamdan said: “These aim to provide high-quality services and advanced facilities to meet the needs of residents and visitors.”

The Master plan for the Saih Al Salam Scenic Route involves developing five tourist stations and building of 97.86 kilometres of cycling tracks, bringing the total track length in the area to 156.61 kilometres. The plan also includes expanding facilities and organising activities and events to attract more tourists and offer a complete tourism experience for both residents and visitors.

Thirty-seven projects and initiatives to develop Dubai’s countryside and rural areas from 2024 until 2028 were also approved. The series of development projects and initiatives is estimated to cost around Dh390 million.

Sheikh Hamdan said: “The master plan for the Saih Al Salam Scenic Route and Dubai Countryside & Rural Areas Development Projects reflects the vision and directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, aiming to transform Dubai’s rural areas and countryside to be among the best, most beautiful, and enjoyable for all. This contributes to solidifying the emirate’s position as an ideal destination to live and work, as well as a preferred attraction for visitors from around the world.”

Five recreational stations

The master plan outlines these five tourist stations:

–Main Hub Station near Al Qudra Lakes. A traditional market will be established in this station, featuring several shops selling local products typical of the rural areas, alongside an open-air cinema near the Last Exit, offering a unique movie experience in a natural setting. Visitors can also camp in luxury marquees near the activity sites along Al Qudra Lakes. Public facilities will also be added to support the expected large number of visitors.
–Wildlife Station. This station, located near Flamingo Lake, will feature various facilities and activities, including hot air balloon rides for stunning views of wildlife and the Love Lakes, luxury camping options, and elevated walking connecting Love, Qudra, and Flamingo Lakes. Kayak tours will also be available across the three lakes.
–Adventure Station. In this station located near Expo 2020 Lake, an adventure park will be built near the Oryx platform, as well as walking and fitness trails. A sandy trail for cycling and walking will be added around Expo Lake, along with budget camps and restaurants.
–Cultural Experience Station. This station, located near the camel farm in Al Marmoom, will provide a traditional majlis and an entertainment theatre at the camel farm. Visitors can enjoy camel rides, explore the desert, and enjoy traditional meals.
–At the Desert Adventure Station, a fully equipped area for adventure and desert sports will be developed . This will allow visitors to enjoy various outdoor fun activities, such as dune bashing, desert cycling, dune climbing, sandboarding, and desert safari tours, among others.

He also added, “We continue to launch unique projects to consolidate Dubai’s status as one of the world’s best cities for quality of life and ensure our citizens, residents and visitors enjoy the highest levels of well-being.”

Meanwhile, the first phase of the rural and countryside plan includes the provision of 18 new services for residents of these areas. These services involve establishing three nurseries, seven parks and open spaces, and three healthcare facilities (a hospital, a health centre, and an ambulance station). Additionally, civil defence and ambulance services will be available in the area, along with three social facilities catering to residents and visitors across the majlis, halls, and a community centre.

The Higher Committee for Urban Planning in Dubai is also managing the implementation of 37 projects and initiatives as part of the comprehensive plan for the development of rural and countryside areas, which span 2,216 square kilometres.

A rural service centre and a socio-cultural centre are being constructed at Lahbab, including a majlis, a public library, an art exhibition hall, centres for teaching traditional arts, and centres for teaching Bedouin crafts. A majlis is also being built in Al Awir, and healthcare facilities are being established in Lahbab 2 and Al Lisaili, along with an ambulance station in Margham and a civil defence centre in Lahbab 1. Additionally, three nurseries are being built in Al Awir 2, Lahbab, and Al Lisaili, and seven neighbourhood parks are being developed in Margham, Al Lisaili, Nizwa, Lahbab 1 and 2, and Al Awir 2. Furthermore, internal roads are being constructed in Margham, Lahbab, and Al Lisaili.

The plan also includes shared and mass transportation solutions to serve all rural areas, as well as traffic improvements in Lahbab, Al Awir, and Al Lisaili. The development of the Saih Al Salam Scenic Route, which is the first recreational tourist route, is also underway, along with the relocation of waste transfer stations in Lahbab 1, the relocation of the truck rest-stop, and a sewage project in Al Lisaili, Nizwa, Margham, and Lahbab 1 and 2. Landscaping works are being carried out in Al Faqa, Nizwa, and Al Lisaili, and a farmers’ support programme is being implemented. Relevant entities are organising events and activities such as the Al Marmoom Festival, camel races, cycling races, and the Fazza Yola Championship.

Related Topics:#beautification #newproject #sheikhhamdan #trending

Staff Reporter

Announcements

Indian real estate group BCD Global enters Middle East, sets up Dubai headquarters

Published

1 week ago

January 8, 2026

Michael Gomes

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BCD Global, the international expansion platform of Indian-founded real estate developer BCD Group, has entered the Middle East, naming Dubai as its regional headquarters as it pursues its next phase of global growth.

The move marks the first Middle East expansion for the 70-year-old group, which has delivered more than 155 million square feet of real estate across over 300 residential, mixed-use and large-scale developments in seven countries.

BCD Global said it chose Dubai due to the emirate’s economic stability, access to global capital, regulatory clarity and long-term urban planning framework.

“Dubai represents the convergence of global capital, governance and long-term urban vision,” Amit Puri, CEO of BCD Global, said in a statement.

Founded in India in 1952, BCD Group has developed projects across infrastructure-led asset classes, including healthcare, senior living, hospitality, co-living and urban infrastructure. BCD Global will spearhead the group’s international expansion from the UAE, with a focus on institutional governance and long-term asset creation.

The expansion follows a strategic restructuring under chairman Angad Singh Bedi, who has overseen the group’s transition to a zero-debt, vertically integrated operating model.

“The Middle East is one of the defining growth corridors of the next decade, and Dubai stands at its centre,” Bedi said, adding that the group’s entry into the region was intended as a long-term expansion rather than a short-term market play.

BCD Global’s entry comes as the UAE’s real estate sector continues to benefit from population growth, infrastructure investment and sustained inflows of international capital. The UAE’s population is projected to reach around 11 million by 2030, supporting demand for large-scale, institutional-quality developments.

From Dubai, BCD Global will oversee its Middle East and Africa operations, with the wider Gulf region, including Saudi Arabia, identified as a key growth market over time.

Announcements

UAE to crack down on businesses not complying with electronic invoicing rules

Published

1 month ago

December 8, 2025

Michael Gomes

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The UAE Ministry of Finance has introduced a Cabinet Resolution imposing administrative fines on businesses that fail to comply with the country’s Electronic Invoicing System (EIS), reinforcing the nation’s drive for digital transformation and stronger tax compliance.

The rules apply to all entities required to adopt EIS under Ministerial Decision No. (243) of 2025. Companies using the system voluntarily are exempt from penalties until compliance becomes mandatory.

Fines include:

Dh5,000 per month for failing to implement EIS or appoint an approved service provider on time.
Dh100 per electronic invoice not issued or sent on time, capped at Dh5,000 per month.
Dh100 per electronic credit note not issued or sent on time, capped at Dh5,000 per month.
Dh1,000 per day for not notifying the Federal Tax Authority of system malfunctions.
Dh1,000 per day for delays in updating approved service providers on registered data changes.

Officials stressed that the resolution underlines the UAE government’s commitment to international best practices and the development of a fully integrated digital economy.

Announcements

UAE VAT rules are changing in 2026: Here’s what businesses need to know

Published

1 month ago

December 4, 2025

Michael Gomes

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The UAE’s Ministry of Finance has announced a new set of amendments to the country’s VAT law, with the revised rules taking effect on January 1, 2026. The changes are designed to make the tax system easier to use and more aligned with international best practices.

In a statement, the Ministry said the move supports the UAE’s ongoing efforts to streamline its tax framework and improve administrative efficiency. The updates are also designed to provide businesses with greater clarity and reduce unnecessary paperwork.

Simpler filing, fewer steps

One of the biggest changes removes the requirement for businesses to issue self-invoices when using the reverse charge mechanism. Instead, companies will simply need to keep the usual documents that support their transactions, such as invoices, contracts and records, which the Federal Tax Authority (FTA) can review when checking compliance.

According to the Ministry, this adjustment “enhances administrative efficiency” and provides clear audit evidence without placing extra paperwork burdens on businesses.

Five-year window for VAT refunds

The updated law also introduces a five-year limit for claiming back refundable VAT after accounts have been reconciled. Once this period ends, businesses lose the right to submit a claim. Officials say this helps prevent long-delayed refund requests and gives taxpayers more certainty about their financial position.

Tighter rules on tax evasion

To protect the system from misuse, the FTA will now have the authority to deny input tax deductions if a transaction is found to be linked to a tax-evasion arrangement. This means businesses must ensure the supplies they receive are legitimate before claiming input VAT.

Taxpayers are expected to verify the “legitimacy and integrity” of supplies as part of these strengthened safeguards.

Supporting a competitive economy

The Ministry said the amendments will boost transparency, ensure fairness across the tax system and support better management of public revenue. The updated rules also aim to maintain the UAE’s competitive edge while supporting long-term economic sustainability.