His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, may God protect him, affirmed that the development efforts spanning all parts of Dubai are unceasing. These efforts aim to provide the best sustainable environment that ensures the highest standards of quality of life for people. They also establish a comprehensive system that places the human being at the heart of urban planning—by linking infrastructure quality, service efficiency, and resource sustainability—so that Dubai remains a leading city capable of adapting to future demands with a proactive and highly prepared approach, and serves as an inspiring development model that turns vision into achievement and builds the future.
This statement came on the occasion of His Highness approving the “Layan Oasis” development project, one of Dubai’s new environmental and recreational initiatives. The project spans one million square meters and features a lake of more than 250,000 square meters, aiming to showcase the beauty of the desert environment and enhance sustainability concepts and quality of life for both residents and visitors from around the world.
In a post on the “X” platform yesterday, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum said:
“A new tourism addition to our economic sector has been launched today—Layan Oasis—covering 10 million square feet, with a central lake spanning 2.5 million square feet. It includes recreational facilities, sports tracks, camping areas, and unprecedented desert tourism experiences, as part of a package of green and water-based projects with a budget of 4 billion dirhams.”
His Highness added:
“Every day in the UAE is a chance to write a new story, plant a new seed, and leave a distinct mark in a development journey that creates a brighter future and builds a globally leading quality of life—God willing.”
Layan Oasis Project
The Layan Oasis Project is part of the “2030 Water and Green Spaces Roadmap” initiative launched by Dubai Municipality during the 2026 World Government Summit. The roadmap aims to enhance Dubai’s global standing in leveraging natural elements to improve quality of life and to achieve comprehensive urban development that blends sustainability with luxury.
The project also aligns with the comprehensive rural and desert development plan in Dubai, which focuses on preserving the natural environment and providing high-quality services for residents and visitors. This strategic pathway supports quality of life in the emirate through 2033 and fulfills the aspirations of the Dubai Urban Master Plan 2040.
Layan Oasis: An Advanced Urban Model
Engineer Marwan Ahmed bin Ghalita, Director General of Dubai Municipality, stated that the project marks a new step toward fulfilling the directives of the wise leadership by creating integrated natural environments focused on human well-being. He emphasized that the project embodies an advanced model for leveraging environmental and desert resources to generate sustainable economic and social value.
He pointed out that Layan Oasis reflects Dubai’s vision of investing in nature as a central element of quality of life, and highlights the Municipality’s commitment to developing environmental and recreational destinations that meet international standards.
He added:
“In every project we implement, we place the individual, the family, and the community at the center of our development plans, in line with the leadership’s directive that Dubai be the best city to live in, the most distinguished in quality of life globally, and the most attractive in all fields of tourism—including eco-tourism.”
Innovative Design and Effective Partnerships
Bader Anwahi, CEO of Dubai Municipality’s Public Facilities Agency, explained that the project is designed to offer a unique experience that redefines the relationship between people and the desert environment. He noted that advanced infrastructure and strong partnerships with the private sector will ensure the delivery of innovative services and experiences that elevate the experience for residents and visitors.
