Dubai Unveils Mushrif Park as Flagship Leisure Destination
Mushrif Park, established in 1982 and spanning 525 hectares, is located in the eastern part of the city near Al Khawaneej. It has long been a popular destination for families and fitness enthusiasts. The park features an International Village with 13 traditional houses from around the world, a botanical garden, and the Dubai Crocodile Park. Recent enhancements aim to elevate the park's status as a multifunctional community hub.
The expansion aligns with Dubai's broader urban development strategies, including the Dubai Urban Plan 2040 and the Dubai Quality of Life Strategy 2033. These initiatives focus on creating sustainable, pedestrian-friendly environments that promote well-being and active lifestyles.
In 2024, Dubai's public parks and recreational facilities attracted over 31 million visitors, a 7% increase from the previous year. Mushrif Park alone welcomed 874,201 visitors, reflecting its growing appeal among residents and tourists. The park's new features are expected to further boost visitor numbers and enhance the overall experience.
The development of Mushrif Park is part of Dubai's commitment to providing high-quality recreational spaces that cater to diverse interests. By integrating modern amenities with natural landscapes, the park offers a unique blend of relaxation and activity. The addition of extensive cycling and hiking trails supports the city's goal of becoming a leading destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
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The National
11-07-2025
- The National
Dubai hostel chain shut down amid multi-occupancy clampdown
A Dubai hostel business has been shut down after its sleep-pod dormitories were found to be in breach of multiple occupancy housing regulations. The owners of Next House hostels operated six centres in residential buildings in Business Bay, Jumeirah Beach Residence and Dubai Marina. All have now been closed after complaints from neighbours and a Dubai Municipality investigation that found the business was operating outside tourism licence limitations. 'As the government doesn't have licensing for hostels in residential buildings, we've had to close down all our operations," said Rayan Hana, chief executive and founder of Next House hostels. 'We learnt very quickly you are only allowed to rent the unit as a whole, not per room, not per bed. 'Within six months of operations, the government gave us a call and told us to close the properties.' The accommodation offered a dormitory and communal living space, a kitchen, an outdoor jacuzzi, pool tables and games consoles. Each had capacity for up to 26 guests, and a 24-hour check-in option, with a total of 178 beds spread across different city locations. Rates started from Dh60 per night. Mr Hana used a holiday home licence to run the business, but was later told this did not apply to hostels, which require their own designated building to operate from, similar to a hotel. His investment of about Dh1.5 million has been lost, but Mr Hana is now working with authorities to comply with tourism regulations to resurrect the business. The issue of multiple occupancy was brought into focus following the recent fire in Tiger Tower in Dubai Marina, that forced the evacuation of more than 3,800 residents. Some tenants told how they had lived in partitioned apartments close to work to save on accommodation and transport costs. There is high demand for affordable residency and hostel options are proving popular, particularly given Dubai's tourism sector is booming. Numerous hostel listings for Dubai and other parts of the UAE are readily available online, with one offering 18 rooms in a two-bedroom apartment. Next House's website promised a cut-price stay in some of Dubai's most desirable neighbourhoods, albeit in the limited surroundings of a capsule bed with a privacy curtain in a shared room with several other guests. However, those living next door to the Business Bay Central Hostel said the revolving door of guests, and constant use of communal lift and building services had become a nuisance. 'I went from having the perfect neighbours to not knowing who was living there one week to the next,' said Mamta Varerkar, who owns an apartment next door with her husband, nanny and young daughter. 'I met the owners, but they never said it was going to operate as a holiday home. I was very surprised and upset. 'The apartment has three bedrooms and they had set up the rooms in such a way that they could allow 26 guest at a time, which is a lot. 'In our building, there are posters everywhere saying the community is for family occupancy only, with no sharing allowed.' Leila Talibova lives with her husband and two children at Executive Towers, on a floor where one of the hostels was run. She contacted local authorities to understand the rules around operating hostels. 'When someone rang our doorbell at 10pm asking if our place was the hostel, it was the first we knew about what was happening,' she said. 'When we were looking to buy an apartment, we wanted a building that was family orientated with no sharing allowed. 'We were quite shocked to find a hostel had opened up on our floor.' To maintain safety and living standards, Dubai Municipality regulates multiple occupancy accommodation with frequent inspections. Rules state each person must have a minimum area of five square metres of living space, with subletting or shared accommodation without written landlord consent prohibited. Landlords and tenants found operating overcrowded apartments can be fined Dh10,000 per violation. Next House was not fined as it immediately shut down operations on request. Overcrowding can create safety hazards, with poor hygiene and ventilation, as well as blocked emergency exits. Mario Volpi, head of brokerage at Novvi Properties, has 40 years of experience in London and Dubai real estate and said there is good reason for regulations against hostels being allowed to operate in residential buildings. 'A client will come and view the property they're hoping to buy, to see if it's fit for their requirements," he said. 'But they don't just look at the actual apartment, they're looking at the facilities, the common areas and how the building is being run. 'All these things have a factor on a possible sale, and the value. A hostel would 100 per cent have an effect on the majority of people living nearby.' Shilpa Mahtani, co-founder and managing director of bnbme holiday homes by Hoteliers, said demand for affordable accommodation is being driven by more younger people travelling to Dubai. 'We expect the short-term rental industry to rise by 18 per cent in 2025. 'This industry has experienced huge growth post-pandemic and we expect this to continue expanding driven by factors like increasing global travel, tech advancements and growing preference for personalised and sustainable experiences.'
Gulf Today
01-07-2025
- Gulf Today
Dhs650m development project for Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary
In line with the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to develop Dubai's natural reserves in alignment with the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, Dubai Municipality has announced the awarding of the contract for the first phase of the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary Development Project at a cost of approximately Dhs100 million, with the overall cost across two phases of the project estimated at Dhs650 million. The project aims to enhance biodiversity, preserve the sustainability of natural habitats and reinforce the sanctuary's position as a premier sustainable eco-tourism destination offering a unique and integrated experience that further enriches quality of life for residents and visitors alike. The development aligns with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, especially its objective of placing Dubai among the world's top three destinations for tourism, with the city's exceptional quality of life and new investment opportunities that promise to boost the sanctuary's direct economic returns offering added impetus for the initiative. The sanctuary has been planned and designed based on the needs of both residents and tourists, aiming to deliver the best recreational and tourism experience that promotes a sense of connect with the environment while preserving the sanctuary's natural elements. The project, which is to be executed in two main phases, will bring about a qualitative shift in environmental sustainability in the emirate. Phase one will cover approximately 6.4 square kilometres of the sanctuary and is expected to be completed by the end of 2026. Dubai Municipality seeks to rehabilitate and improve mangrove habitats by planting new mangroves and increasing mangrove coverage by 60%, from 40 to 65 hectares. This will include the provision of new irrigation channels, rehabilitation of mangrove forests and creating new habitats such as the mangrove lake, North Edge Lake and reed ponds. A Green Spine will also be developed, and post-rehabilitation monitoring will be conducted regularly. Phase one also envisions a 144% increase in water bodies within the reserve, expanding their total area to 74 hectares, helping achieve major environmental benefits such as a 60% increase in carbon dioxide absorption. Additionally, 10 hectares of mudflats (salt flats) will be added, contributing to the sanctuary's ecosystem and biodiversity. Eng. Marwan Ahmed bin Ghalita, Director General of Dubai Municipality, said: 'The Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary Development Project is one of the most prominent environmental infrastructure initiatives being undertaken by Dubai Municipality. It enhances the appeal of Dubai's nature reserves as unique and diverse destinations, supporting the goals of the eco-tourism sector and reinforcing Dubai's position as the best city in the world to live, work and visit, and a global model for sustainable future cities.' He added: 'With its unique design, the project marks a major milestone in the development and preservation of natural reserves. It reflects Dubai Municipality's commitment to protecting biodiversity and natural habitats through innovative practices that support sustainable growth and ecological balance. This project is part of our broader effort to make Dubai a leading global, attractive, sustainable and high-quality city through the initiatives and services we offer to the community.' Bader Anwahi, CEO of the Public Facilities Agency at Dubai Municipality, said: 'The project, which Dubai Municipality is implementing in two main phases, will lead to significant environmental advancements that enhance sustainability and preserve natural habitats across the emirate. It also aims to achieve a range of social goals, most notably raising environmental awareness among the community about biodiversity issues, supporting the strategic objectives of Dubai and the UAE for eco-tourism, and creating investment opportunities and environmentally themed tourist destinations. Upon completion, the project is expected to multiply the number of visitors to the sanctuary six-fold, reaching between 250,000 and 300,000 annually.' This will support the hosting of various events and activities within a total area of 20,000 square metres, taking into account the specific requirements of the ecosystem.
What's On
01-07-2025
- What's On
Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary to undergo Dhs650 million development
Dubai Municipality has awarded a Dhs650 million contract for the development of the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary in line with the Dubai Economic Agenda and the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan. This upgrade is intended to position Dubai as a top global destination for the eco-tourism and among the world's top 3 tourism destinations, it announced earlier this week. Set to be completed in two phases, the first phase is expected to see completion by 2026, and will amount to costs of Dhs100 million. The primary aim of the project is to enhance the local biodiversity, preserve the sustainability of this vital natural habitat and bolster the sanctuary's position as a premier sustainable eco-tourism destination offering a unique and integrated experience. These features are to benefit both residents and tourists alike, designed to make use of the projected spurts in resident and tourist population. The upgrade is expected to multiply the number of visitors to the sanctuary six-fold, reaching between 250,000 and 300,000 annually. Phase One In Phase One, approximately 6.4 square kilometres of the sanctuary will be covered for development, with a focus on a more qualitative shift. The project will rehabilitate and improve mangrove habitats by planting new mangroves and increasing mangrove coverage by 60%, from 40 to 65 hectares. 3 of 12 This will also include the introduction of new irrigation channels, rehabilitation of mangrove forests and creating new habitats such as the mangrove lake, North Edge Lake and reed ponds. A Green Spine will also be developed. There will also be 144% increase in water bodies within the reserve, expanding their total area to 74 hectares, helping achieve major environmental benefits such as a 60% increase in carbon dioxide absorption. Additionally, 10 hectares of mudflats (salt flats) will be added. Phase Two The second phase will be dedicated to establishing and enhancing the main infrastructure and recreational services to eventually support the hosting of various events and activities within a total area of 20,000 square metres. Of course, this will be built around the eco-system. This plan also includes a uniquely designed visitor centre showcasing the sanctuary's diverse flora and fauna, birdwatching towers, and retail facilities like restaurants and kiosks, as well as environmental awareness and education centres. To complete the plan, 5.6 kilometres of cycling tracks and three kilometres of walking trails through natural landscapes will be added, along with 23 hectares of landscaping. Why Ras Al Khor? Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary is a vital part of Dubai's natural reserves, one of the largest and most significant, and it's development and preservation is a priority on the agenda of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. The sanctuary covers approximately 6.4 square kilometres and was the first site in the UAE to be listed under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance in 2007. It is also classified under the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) guidelines. The sanctuary is counted among the most biodiversity-rich natural reserves in the region, hosting nearly 450 species of flora and fauna, including 47 hectares of mangroves, an important element of the coastline in this part of the world where greenery is not much of a common sight. It also welcomes around 20,000 migratory birds annually, including the iconic flamingo. @dubaimediaoffice Images: Online > Sign up for FREE to get exclusive updates that you are interested in
