Dubai Launches Al Layan Oasis - A Major New Desert Eco-Tourism Destination

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, approved the launch of Al Layan Oasis, a new desert-based environmental and recreational destination designed to enhance eco-tourism and sustainability in the emirate. The project spans about 1 million square metres (10 million sq ft) and includes a central lake of more than 250,000 sq metres, marking it as one of Dubai’s most ambitious nature-focused tourism developments.

Al Layan Oasis is part of Dubai’s AED 4 billion (approx. USD 1.09 billion) package of green and water-oriented projects tied to the Blue and Green Roadmap 2030, an initiative by Dubai Municipality that seeks to integrate nature, recreation, and wellbeing into the city’s urban expansion. The oasis aims to attract around 330,000 visitors annually, balancing vibrant visitor experiences with environmental preservation and quality-of-life enhancements.

The destination will be divided into four main zones: Gathering Oasis with open-air cinema, amphitheatre and event spaces; Family Oasis with rest areas and play zones; Camping Oasis featuring caravan camping and an environmental education centre; and Recreation Oasis, offering outdoor activities, retail and services. Integrated infrastructure includes 14 km of walking and cycling tracks, including elevated paths for panoramic views, as well as 1,000 parking spaces.

Officials emphasise that Al Layan Oasis reflects Dubai’s commitment to sustainable tourism development and environmental stewardship while enhancing outdoor recreation opportunities. It aligns with broader government goals - including the Dubai Countryside and Rural Areas Development Plan, the Dubai Quality of Life Strategy 2033, and the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan - to preserve natural landscapes while providing world-class leisure experiences.

Desert eco-tourism at scale is where UAE conservation-and-hospitality strategy converges, and it opens investment and operational opportunities across the sustainable-hospitality value chain that weren't obvious a few years back. Our impact-assessment and nature-based-solutions teams help clients evaluate sustainable-tourism positioning and impact-linked disclosure.