Al Layan Oasis: Dubai’s Dh4b Desert Retreat Promises Lake Activities & Jobs

The United Arab Emirates' Dubai Municipality has unveiled Al Layan Oasis, a Dh4 billion desert retreat set to turn 10 million sq ft of dunes into a four-zone eco-destination centred on a 2.5 million sq ft lake, promising fresh leisure options and new business openings.

Key Takeaways

• Dh4 billion investment under the UAE’s Blue & Green Roadmap 2030 for water and green projects

• 10 million sq ft footprint with a 2.5 million sq ft central lake (roughly 35 football fields)

• 330,000 visitors annually projected, boosting tourism beyond the urban core

• 365,000 sq m earmarked for private-sector ventures—cafés, adventure operators, eco-lodges

An Oasis of Experiences

Al Layan Oasis will span a swathe of desert about 50 minutes from downtown Dubai, organised into the Gathering, Family, Camping and Recreation oases. Visitors can expect:

• A 2.5 million sq ft lake engineered for kayaking and paddleboarding, fed by reclaimed water from the DEWA network

• 14 km of trails, including 4 km of elevated boardwalks offering skyline views without disturbing native flora

• 100 caravan sites with on-site power and water hookups for an authentic yet comfortable camping stay

• 1,000 shaded parking bays, each fitted with solar canopies to lower ambient temperatures

This project marks the first major leap in the United Arab Emirates' push to diversify desert tourism beyond dune-bashing and stargazing.

Sustainability at Its Heart

Aligned with the Blue & Green Roadmap 2030, Al Layan Oasis prioritises resource efficiency:

• Reclaimed water lake: Utilises treated-sewage effluent—already recycled at 90% in Dubai’s green spaces—to minimise desalination demand

• Native planting scheme: Ghaf trees and drought-tolerant shrubs shade paths and reduce irrigation needs by up to 40%

• Solar-powered infrastructure: Lighting and parking canopies rely on onsite photovoltaics, targeting net-zero energy use for common areas

• Drip irrigation: Precision watering zones to keep groundwater draw below the level of a mid-size golf course

Municipal engineers will closely monitor lake evaporation and adjust energy mixes during a phased rollout through 2028.

Driving Economic Growth

Tourism analysts at United Arab Emirates–based consultancy DCT forecast a low-five-figure surge in both direct and indirect employment, spanning hospitality, outdoor activities, transport and retail. Key benefits include:

• New SME licences: Entrepreneurs can bid for cafés, adventure tours or wellness retreats within the 365,000 sq m investment zone

• Increased weekend demand: Property owners near Al Qudra and Dubailand may see rental interest rise among seasonal staff

• Rideshare and shuttle ops: Plans for a dedicated bus link from Mall of the Emirates and expanded ride-hail coverage on Fridays

Investors view the 50-minute drive time as an opportunity to craft premium experiences—turning the journey itself into part of the attraction.

What This Means for Residents

Residents planning a hike, family picnic or solo camping trip will need to adapt to new regulations and conveniences:

• E-permit requirement: A nominal Dh30 fee for lake activities (fishing, paddleboarding) aligns with existing beach-fishing rules

• Extended weekend routes: Roads around Al Layan may see extra traffic—RTA is evaluating dedicated shuttle lanes to ease bottlenecks

• No spike in utility bills: DEWA’s reclaimed-water grid serves landscaping needs without tapping potable supplies

• Local job seekers: Expect openings in hospitality, maintenance and guided-tour operations beginning mid-2027

Al Layan Oasis aims not only to enrich Dubai’s tourism portfolio, but also to underscore the emirate’s ambition to engineer nature into a sustainable economic asset.