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

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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 StationThis 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.

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UAE announces fuel prices for June 2025

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The UAE fuel price committee on Saturday announced petrol and diesel prices for the month of June 2025.The Fuel Prices Monitoring Committee has kept the prices unchanged from the month of May.

Super 98 petrol will cost Dh2.58 a litre, compared to Dh2.58 a litre in May, while Special 95 will cost Dh2.47 a litre, compared to Dh2.47 a litre the previous month.

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E-Plus category petrol will be available for Dh2.39 a litre, compared to Dh2.39 a litre in May, while diesel will now cost Dh2.45 a litre, compared to Dh2.52 a litre the previous month.

The UAE deregulated fuel prices in 2015, aligning them with market fluctuations.

Fuel prices in the UAE are tied to movements in the global oil market, which has experienced significant volatility since the beginning of the year.

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It’s official: UAE confirms Eid Al Adha to begin on June 6

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The UAE has officially declared that Eid Al Adha will begin on Friday, June 6, following the sighting of the crescent moon on Tuesday evening, which marks the start of Dhu Al Hijjah, the 12th and final month of the Islamic calendar.

As a result, Dhu Al Hijjah will commence on Wednesday, setting the timeline for two of Islam’s most significant events: Hajj, which begins on the 8th day of the month (June 4), and Eid Al Adha, which falls on the 10th day (June 6).

The Hajj pilgrimage—a spiritual obligation for all able-bodied Muslims at least once in their lifetime—will begin on Wednesday, June 4, with Arafat Day observed on Thursday, June 5. Eid Al Adha celebrations will run from Friday, June 6, to Sunday, June 8.

This timeline indicates a likely four-day holiday for workers in the UAE, beginning on Thursday, June 5, and ending on Sunday, June 8, with normal work resuming on Monday, June 9. Both public and private sector employees are expected to benefit from this extended weekend.

Eid Al Adha, or the “Festival of Sacrifice,” commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son Ismail in obedience to God’s command. The occasion is marked by communal prayers, festive meals, and the ritual sacrifice of a goat or sheep, with the meat distributed among family, friends, and the less fortunate.

In keeping with the spirit of the occasion, the holiday is a time of reflection, generosity, and togetherness—hallmarks of the Islamic faith. Each year, millions of Muslims journey to Makkah for Hajj, with many also visiting Madinah, two of the most sacred cities in Islam.

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History in the making: Once Upon a Time in Dubai, region’s first original global musical unveils cast, new single

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The excitement around Once Upon a Time in Dubai, the region’s first truly global musical, has reached new heights with the official release of its upbeat anthem Habibi, performed by rising Lebanese star Amanda Maalouf. Known for her powerful vocal range and stage charisma, the Dubai resident takes centre stage in this track as Zeina, one of the lead characters in the show.

Composed by the internationally acclaimed Nazim Khaled and released under Universal Music MENA, this uplifting anthem blends international pop with Arabic rhythms and celebrates the very ‘multicultural heartbeat of Dubai’, according to Stéphane Boukris, the French entreprenuer and creator behind the musical he describes as a ‘genre-bending spectacle’ – all set to bring together Broadway and West End flair, cinematic visuals and a diverse international cast to Dubai for the very first time.

“It is a vibrant, feel-good tribute to the spirit of Dubai,” said Boukris, who previously produced the hit musical Robin Hood that sold over one million tickets across Europe. “The song captures the warmth, ambition and energy that define this city. We wanted a track that resonates with both residents and the world.”

Released this week on all major streaming platforms, Habibi marks a major milestone for the musical set to premiere in December 2025.

The single is accompanied by a stunning video teaser, shot against Dubai’s iconic skyline and desert dunes, reflecting the show’s larger-than-life scale. The song offers a sneak peek into the show’s soundscape, which blends Eastern melodies and Western arrangements – a signature style of the musical.

“Creating Habibi was about capturing the sound of a new Dubai – bold, inclusive, and full of rhythm. It’s a song that blends east and west, tradition and innovation, much like the city itself,” said Khaled, the composer who’s worked with artists like Kendji Girac in the past and whose compositions have garnered billions of views globally.

Once Upon a Time in Dubai tells the story of Will, a young artist who moves from London to Dubai to reunite with his partner, Sophia, and pursue his dream of producing a musical extravaganza. Themes of love, ambition, and Dubai’s vibrant culture are woven into the narrative.

The creators of the show that include director Johan Nus, known in the region for his work on Arabs Got Talent and The Masked Singer and Gilles Papain as the executive producer with experience on major productions like Celine in Las Vegas and Disney World of Colors in California, also announced the full international cast, one that brings together a remarkable ensemble of international talents, each with a unique artistic journey.

Stellar ensemble of international talents

Lebanese singer Amanda Maalouf stars as Zeina, a powerful voice navigating the tension between tradition and ambition. British talent Melissa Jeffrey, a tenacious dancer and singer who began full-time training at just 11 and later earned scholarships at London’s elite Urdang Academy, takes on the female lead role of Sophia. While Joe Woolford, also from the UK and a charismatic rapper whose rise to fame began on The Voice UK and culminated with his Eurovision appearance, plays the male lead Will.

Dubai-based performer Isiako (Khalid) infuses the stage with Mediterranean flair and a mix of reggaeton, soul, and pop as Portuguese vocalist Jessica Alves brings poise and energy to the role of Kim, drawing from her rich experience in Dubai’s live music scene. Dutch musical theatre star Shay Lachman takes on Gautam, adding depth with his classical training and international stage experience from productions across Europe and Asia.

Adding a soulful layer to the production is Canadian-Lebanese singer Enzo S, who plays Elias, the heart of the group. A semi-finalist from The Voice France Season 9, Enzo’s performance is shaped by more than 15 years of global stage experience and a strong academic foundation in jazz and gospel from Montreal’s Concordia University.

Speaking about the diverse ensemble, director Nus said, “We have gathered talent from across continents with each performer bringing their authentic voice and a bit of their culture to the stage. This show could only happen in Dubai.”

The musical is set to debut in December 2025 with a full-scale theatrical production that promises a rich blend of music, dance, and storytelling. “Each of these performers brings a unique voice, story, and spirit to the production,” added Boukris. “This is not just a show — it’s a love letter to Dubai through the eyes and voices of the world.”

Now, with the soundtrack’s first single Habibi available on all major platforms, the countdown to the premiere in December has officially begun.

The musical’s official Instagram handle @ouatidubai and website onceuponatimeindubai.com will continue to release behind-the-scenes footage, interviews, and teaser content in the lead-up to opening night.

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