A new agritourism project in Dubai's desert is slated to become the biggest in the world of its type and create 10,000 jobs.
Agri Hub by URB will promote a new experience, with food security, entertainment and adventure, the developer said.
“Dubai’s rural and agricultural rich communities are best positioned to become a global benchmark for agritourism,” Baharash Bagherian, chief executive of URB said.
“Agri Hub is a highly attractive and activity-rich environment, which will transform Dubai into the world’s best rural visitor attraction in the world.”
Local farmers will have space to sell their products directly from their farms, while offering a new eco-friendly shopping, dining and edutainment experience for visitors, Mr Bagherian said.
“Beyond becoming a new tourism experience in the countryside and wilderness of Dubai, the project will also promote greater health, well-being, and prosperity for rural local inhabitants.”
“Ultimately, it will serve as an innovative blueprint for decarbonised rural tourism hubs of the future,” Mr Bagherian said.
Some of the project’s environmental features include 100 per cent renewable energy, 100 per cent water recycling, bio-saline agriculture, green transit systems and on-site zero waste management.
A few locations are being studied for feasibility, with the exact location to be confirmed in 2024. Construction is due to begin in 2025 and be completed by 2030.
URB provides development management and master planning services, with a focus on net zero sustainable cities.
In September, it unveiled plans for the Dubai Urban Tech District which will be located on the Creek side of Al Jaddaf district. It is set to create 4,000 jobs in green urban technology, education and training.
Other projects it is involved in include Xzero City in Kuwait, a sustainable net zero city for 100,000 residents, Alnana Smart City in Riyadh, which will house 44,000 people, and Nexgen Sustainable City in Egypt, which will have a population of 35,000 across 580 hectares.
The UAE has been accelerating its support of AgriTech companies to reduce reliance on food imports, which are thought to make up about 90 per cent of food consumed in the country.
Dubai's tourism sector has recovered strongly following the pandemic and topped the list of cities with the highest spending by international visitors, pulling ahead of Doha and London in the top three, the World Travel and Tourism Council said.
____________________________________
UAE megaprojects 2022: 33 new developments in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and the Northern Emirates
-
The Atlantis The Royal hotel in Dubai. It is set to open in March 2023. Getty Images -
The Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park Phase 5 in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National -
The Dubai Urban Tech District is slated to create 4,000 jobs. Photo: URB -
Nakheel, the Dubai-based master developer, has unveiled a new vision for Dubai Islands. Photo Nakheel -
Uptown Tower is a new skyscraper set to open in Dubai later this year. Victor Besa / The National -
Al Quoz Creative Zone meeting to approve the master plan. The zone is to expand on a large scale. -
The AlJurf project on the coast between Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Courtesy IMKAN -
First look at the Mohammed Bin Rashed Library in Al Jaddaf, Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National -
The Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi's design alludes to natural rock formations, reflecting on the its mission of engaging the public with the natural world. Photo: DCT – Abu Dhabi -
The Louvre Abu Dhabi Residences by Aldar will come with spectacular views. Photo: Aldar -
Reem Hills on Reem Island. Courtesy Q Properties -
Masaar is a 19 million square foot project in Sharjah that will include 4,000 villas and townhouses in total. Courtesy Arada -
Aldar's Saadiyat Island mixed-use development. Credit: Aldar Properties -
Al Hamra, the leading lifestyle developer and investment company in Ras Al Khaimah, has announced the launch of an exclusive freehold luxury villa project – the Falcon Island - within the award-winning Al Hamra Village residential community. Photo: Al Hamra -
Museum of The Future lights up in Dubai. Antonie Robertson / The National -
Blizzard’s Bazaar, Snowflake Garden and Flurries’ Mountain are just some of the unique attractions that will welcome visitors at Snow Abu Dhabi at Reem Mall. Wam -
The steel structure that is Al Wasl Plaza - the heart of the Expo site. Courtesy: Expo 2020 Dubai -
Groundbreaking of Meydan One Mall took place in 2017. Courtesy The Meydan Group -
A dining area at Al Qana in Abu Dhabi. The waterfront destination is was about 90 per cent complete during the early months of 2021. Courtesy: Al Barakah International Investment -
The Rixos Marina Abu Dhabi dominates the skyline out towards Marina Mall. Victor Besa / The National -
Jubail Island will eventually house 5,000 residents. -
SeaWorld AbuDhabi will include six distinct realms which tell a unified and immersive “One Ocean” story and one of the world’s largest and most progressive indoor aquariums. Courtesy Abu Dhabi Government Media Office -
Both towers of One Zaabeel in Dubai have been topped out. -
The first new hotel to have opened on Yas Island in 12 years, the Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island is located on Yas Bay, beside the Etihad Arena. Courtesy Hilton -
Hatta is being transformed into an attractive local and international destination for business, investment and tourism. Photo: WAM -
Ciel wil be open by 2023 and is set to be the world's tallest hotel. Courtesy The First Group -
Dubai CommerCity's first phase has been launched. Reem Mohammed / The National -
Foundation work and tunnelling is being completed at the Abu Mureikha site in Abu Dhabi of the country's first traditional Hindu stone temple. Courtesy: BAPS Hindu Mandir -
An artist's illustration of the Abrahamic Family House to be built on Saadiyat Island in Abu Dhabi. Courtesy Edelman -
The Ruler of Sharjah, Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, opened Khor Kalba Fort and also viewed plans for a new museum. Wam -
Progress at the Dibba Fujairah Sports Club Stadium project in Al Ras, Dibba Fujairah. -
Railroad laying works for the second phase of the Etihad Rail project. Wam -
The Guggenheim Abu Dhabi is on track to be completed in 2025. Photo: Guggenheim Abu Dhabi
