A new project will see observation decks, yoga spaces and an outdoor theatre introduced across a huge reserve.

The desert is a tranquil sanctuary that provides a peaceful home to much of the UAE’s wildlife—which is why the government is going to great lengths to protect it.

A huge new project has just been announced, one which will see a whopping 10 per cent of the emirate of Dubai turned into an unfenced conservation reserve.

Read:
Sheikh Mohammed takes his daughter back to his birthplace
Sheikh Hamdan’s latest getaway has him in Aspen

The Marmoom Reserve will span 40 hectares, encompassing the Al Qudra Lakes, and will welcome a host of new attractions as well as preserving the existing flora, fauna and wildlife.

“The desert is beautiful and inspirational; it provides a peaceful shelter to plants, birds and people,” said HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum as he announced the project on Tuesday.

“Our goal is to provide a fertile and robust environment for plants, a natural reserve for animals, and an important destination for tourists and families.”

dubai desert

The Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai added that the project is the first of its kind in the country, and is being sponsored by nine government agencies.

The area covered by the reserve is already home to over 204 species of native birds, 158 species of migratory birds, and over 10 kilometres of lakes, Dubai Media Office reports, all of which will be protected.

There are also 26 species of reptile, nine types of mammals (including Arabian gazelles) and 39 species of plants.

So what’s new?

To help residents and tourists better enjoy the environment around Dubai, a selection of wildlife observation decks will be built (including one shaped like a bird’s nest), as well as observation decks to help take in the perfect sunrise or sunset (hello new Instagram spot).

Marmoom Reserve will also welcome areas purpose-built for yoga and meditation (including an air-conditioned lounge), a 350-person-capacity outdoor theatre, and will host more than 20 annual sporting events by 2030.

The whole reserve will be run by the Mohammed bin Rashid Solar Power Complex, and will eventually house the world’s longest desert cycling tracks.

The protected space already includes the Saruq Al Hadid archaeological site, which dates back to the Iron Age, and star-gazing platforms will also be built.

Read:
This Bollywood legend has turned celebrity tour guide for Dubai
Lindsay Lohan has plans to design her own island in Dubai

There’s no date yet on when the project will be completed—we’ll update you when we have more information—but we’re already daydreaming about performing some tranquil sun salutations surrounded by sand dunes.