Dubai Announces Massive New Oasis Featuring Outdoor Cinema, Food Truck Plaza & Man-Made Lake

Dubai has unveiled plans for a spectacular new desert attraction — and it’s set to become one of the city’s most exciting tourism projects.

Spanning one million square metres, Al Layan Oasis will transform part of the Dubai desert into a vibrant eco-tourism hub designed to welcome more than 330,000 visitors annually.

A 250,000 sqm Man-Made Lake at the Heart of the Oasis

At the centre of the development will be a stunning 250,000-square-metre artificial lake, creating a unique green and blue space surrounded by immersive outdoor attractions.

The project was officially launched by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. He described the project as offering “unprecedented desert tourism experiences.”

What to Expect at Al Layan Oasis

The new desert oasis will include:

• 14km of walking and cycling tracks
• 4km of elevated pathways rising five metres above ground level
• Panoramic viewpoints overlooking the oasis
• Direct connections to existing routes in Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve
• A fully equipped visitor centre
• Open-air cinema
• Outdoor theatre and amphitheatre
• Food truck plaza
• Children’s play areas

The elevated tracks will offer sweeping desert and lake views, making it one of the most scenic cycling and walking destinations in Dubai.

Four Unique Zones at Al Layan Oasis

The development will be divided into four themed areas:

1. Camping Oasis

• Space for 100 caravans
• Dedicated camping facilities
• Visitor centre focused on environmental education and sustainability

2. Family Oasis

• 28 rest areas
• Children’s play zones
• Integrated family-friendly amenities

3. Gathering Oasis

• Open-air cinema
• Amphitheatre
• Food truck plaza
• Event and community spaces

4. Recreation Oasis

• Retail outlets
• Outdoor activities
• Leisure services within a sustainable natural setting

Parking, Investment & Visitor Capacity

• 1,000 parking spaces
• 100 caravan camping spots
• Expected annual visitors: 330,000
• 365,000 square metres allocated for private sector investment

Major brands are expected to participate as part of the commercial development strategy.

Part of Dubai’s Blue and Green Spaces Roadmap 2030

The Dhs4 billion Al Layan Oasis project forms part of Dubai’s ambitious environmental strategy under the Blue and Green Spaces Roadmap 2030.

The roadmap includes:

• Planting 1.5 million trees over five years
• Launching more than 45 landscaping and beautification projects
• Adding 120 new parks covering nearly 3 million square metres

The project aims to enhance physical and mental wellbeing, promote active lifestyles, and strengthen community connections.

Sheikh Mohammed’s Vision

Announcing the project on X (formerly Twitter), Sheikh Mohammed highlighted:

• 10 million square feet of development
• A 2.5 million square foot central lake
• Recreational facilities and sports trails
• Camping areas
• A Dhs4 billion allocation toward water and green initiatives

He described it as another step in building a brighter future and strengthening Dubai’s economic and tourism sectors.

Al Layan Oasis is set to become one of Dubai’s most impressive desert tourism destinations — blending sustainability, recreation, entertainment and natural beauty in one landmark project.

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