Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has announced the launch of the Al Layan Oasis desert tourism development in the Al Marmoom area of Dubai, partnering with Dubai Municipality and other authorities to create a Dh4 billion (USD1.08 Billion) eco-tourism destination with a central lake, camping zones, trails and leisure facilities about 50 minutes from the city centre. 

Covering an area of one million square metres, Al Layan Oasis will be anchored by a 250,000-square-metre artificial lake, forming the heart of the development and encircled by a variety of outdoor attractions. The project will include 14 km of walking and cycling tracks, with 4 km of elevated pathways rising 5 m above ground to provide sweeping views across the oasis and connect to the existing trail network in Al Marmoom. Plans also incorporate a fully serviced visitor centre, an open-air cinema, an outdoor theatre, a dedicated food truck zone and designated play areas for children. The project will be split into four separate zones:

• Camping Oasis: dedicated areas for 100 caravans and a visitor centre promoting environmental awareness and education
• Family Oasis: 28 rest areas, children’s play zones and integrated amenities
• Gathering Oasis: open-air cinema, amphitheatre, food truck plaza and event spaces
• Recreation Oasis: a range of activities, retail outlets and services within a sustainable natural setting

The plans provide for 1,000 parking bays and 100 caravan camping pitches, with the oasis targeting an annual footfall of around 330,000 visitors. Significant opportunities are also being opened to major brands and investors, with approximately 365,000 square metres of the site allocated for private sector participation. The project forms part of Dubai’s Blue and Green Spaces Roadmap 2030, an initiative that includes planting about 1.5 million trees within five years, delivering more than 45 landscaping and beautification schemes, and creating 120 new parks spanning close to 3 million square metres. Beyond tourism, the development is designed to enhance physical and mental well-being, promote active lifestyles, and foster stronger community connections.