Lifestyle
Tips from SCRF: 5 things children can do to preserve nature
If the world has to be cleaner, greener and sustainable, children need to be taught to love and respect the environment right from the beginning, according to a life coach who is imparting invaluable lessons to young visitors at the Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival (SCRF 2023), on how to coexist with nature; respect, cherish and protect it every day.
Certified by the International Coaching Federation, a Neuro-Linguistic Programming expert and founder of Rewire International, Marie-Alex Saeeva, has offered 5 easy tips that children between 5 – 10 years of age can imbibe, making mindful environmental choices second nature.
1) Reduce, reuse and recycle: Teaching kids the importance of reducing waste and conserving resources. Encourage them to reuse and recycle items like paper, plastic, and glass.
2) Plant a garden: Growing a garden is a great way to connect with nature and learn about the environment. You can plant vegetables, flowers, or herbs in your backyard or in pots on your balcony.
Marie-Alex Saeeva is a NLP expert, a Life Coach and founder of Rewire International
3) Turn off lights and electronics: Teach your kids to turn off lights and electronics when they are not using them. This helps save energy and reduces your carbon footprint.
4) Reduce water usage: Teaching kids to conserve water by turning off the faucet while brushing their teeth, taking shorter showers.
5) Learn about local flora, fauna & wildlife: Taking kids on nature walks or hikes and teaching them about the plants and animals in the area. This helps them appreciate and understand the importance of preserving the natural environment.
“If we need a better future for our next generation, we have to coach them right from an impressionable age. And it goes without saying that we have to show and tell; so parents need to lead by example,” said Marie-Alex Saeeva while offering these 5 expert tips.
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Lifestyle
Dubai to open 10 million sq ft Al Layan Oasis with huge lake, camping and desert experiences
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.
Lifestyle
Umm Suqeim Beach redevelopment: What Dubai residents can expect from the Dh500 million upgrade
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.
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