In line with the directives of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, Dubai Municipality has opened new recreational plazas in Lehbab (1), Lehbab (2), and Nazwah, marking a significant step in transforming the emirate’s countryside into vibrant community hubs.
The initiative forms part of a broader effort to develop Dubai’s rural and desert areas into some of the most beautiful and distinctive in the world. It also aligns with ongoing plans to enhance residential neighbourhoods and elevate the overall quality of life for citizens, residents and visitors.
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According to a WAM report, the newly completed projects expand Dubai’s growing network of parks and public facilities while supporting the Municipality’s long-term vision of creating future-ready environments centred around people’s everyday needs.
More than 330,000 square feet of development
The development works span more than 330,000 square feet and introduce modern sports courts designed to cater to all age groups. The plazas have been equipped with contemporary outdoor fitness equipment, upgraded surfaces and rubber flooring in children’s play areas to enhance safety.
Seating zones have been added to provide comfortable gathering spots for families, while landscaping improvements contribute to a more visually appealing and welcoming environment. Additional safety measures have also been introduced to ensure the spaces remain accessible and community-focused.
The project is part of the Dubai Countryside and Rural Areas Development Master Plan, a comprehensive strategy aimed at preserving the natural character of these areas while introducing high-quality recreational services.
Supporting Dubai 2040 vision
The developments also contribute to the objectives of the ‘Year of the Family’ and support the Dubai 2040 Parks and Afforestation Strategy. The strategy targets the development of more than 630 parks across the emirate, with the goal of enhancing quality of life, improving the urban environment, reducing heat emissions and strengthening Dubai’s sustainability credentials.
Marwan Ahmed bin Ghalita, director general of Dubai Municipality, said the initiative reflects a broader commitment to community wellbeing.
“Enhancing wellbeing across public and recreational spaces for Dubai’s citizens, residents and visitors is a core objective within a comprehensive strategic vision to develop a harmonious urban ecosystem that places people and their families at the centre of planning,” he said.
“Through accessible parks, public spaces, and recreational facilities designed to be part of daily life, we aim to promote comfort, wellbeing, and quality of life. The projects to develop Dubai’s rural and desert areas are among the key initiatives receiving the leadership’s close attention and represent a priority for Dubai Municipality, reaffirming our commitment to providing integrated community environments that enrich people’s daily lives and strengthen their connection with their surroundings.”
Facilities designed around community needs
Bader Anwahi, CEO of the Public Facilities Agency at Dubai Municipality, emphasised that the Lehbab and Nazwah developments were designed in direct response to community feedback.
He explained that the project prioritises accessible and diverse sports and recreational facilities that encourage both physical activity and social interaction.
The approach reflects Dubai Municipality’s commitment to delivering specialised projects tailored to the unique character of each area, while enhancing service quality and improving the attractiveness of public spaces.
At Lehbab (1), the plaza now features two football pitches, a volleyball court, a basketball court, a running track, a dedicated warm-up and multi-use area, outdoor fitness equipment, and two children’s play zones fitted with rubber flooring.
Lehbab (2) includes a football pitch, volleyball and basketball courts, a running track complemented by fitness equipment, and a children’s play area with safe rubber flooring.
In Nazwah, comprehensive development works included ground levelling, installation of newly designed surfaces, football, volleyball and basketball courts, a running track, and a children’s play area.
More parks on the way
The upgrades are part of a broader pipeline of countryside improvements. Dubai Municipality is currently developing Margham and Al Lisaili parks, which will feature football pitches, sand running tracks, landscaped seating areas, decorative planting, advanced lighting systems and smart surveillance cameras to enhance safety and comfort. During the first phase, volleyball courts have already been inaugurated.
The Dubai Countryside and Rural Areas Development Master Plan aligns closely with the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, underscoring the emirate’s long-term strategy to build inclusive, sustainable and community-driven environments.
With the opening of the Lehbab and Nazwah plazas, Dubai takes another step toward ensuring that its rural areas are not only preserved but also enhanced, offering residents modern amenities while maintaining the natural charm that defines the countryside.