Dubai has unveiled a 100km trekking path to unlock more of the desert to visitors.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, visited the newly created nature reserve south of the city.
"We have the most beautiful city in the world and our next goal is to make the countryside and wilderness of Dubai among the most enjoyable and beautiful," he wrote on Twitter.
The path and the desert reserve around it take in areas such as Lusaili, Lehbab, Al Marram, Al Faqaa, Al Aweer and others, he said. It includes Saih Al Salam, a man-made collection of lakes.
The area is located close to the Al Qudra cycle path and the much-Instagrammed Love Lakes.
A map shared by Dubai's government showed an expansive camping ground and an expanded cycle path.
A dedicated sports zone will be home to hot air balloon tours, helicopter rides and dune buggy rentals.
"The development of the countryside and wilderness of Dubai includes a 100km tourist path, the first of its kind in the region, natural reserves, stations for desert sports, and development initiatives that serve the people of these areas," he said.
"A different and new tourism experience will be provided in the countryside and wilderness of Dubai."
The plan, spanning 2,216sq km, includes protecting the natural reserves and archaeological sites, supporting farmers and local products, and creating investment opportunities for locals.
It will construct the first dedicated route for desert vehicles, bicycles and electric scooters to link tourist attractions and entertainment areas with the existing 90km cycling track at Al Qudra and Saih Al Salam.
The project will also establish a station for sandboarding and desert driving, and will offer helicopter tours.
The plan for the 100km Saih Al Salam Scenic Route includes offering trips to the ancient sites of Saruq Al-Hadid and Al Marmoom Heritage Village, horse and camel riding, and desert walks.
As part of the project, camps and lodges will be built, as well as open-air lounges that will allow people to enjoy their stay beside the lakes. Kayak boats will also be available for hire.
Souvenir shops and cafes will be located beside the lakes.
The Saih Al Salam Scenic Route project will also include an outdoor cinema and caravan park.
It also includes plans to host sports such as skydiving, hot air balloons and safari trips, and have a club for remote-controlled planes and cars.
Tips to stay safe during hot weather
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can increase dehydration.
- Seek cool environments: Use air conditioning, fans, or visit community spaces with climate control.
- Limit outdoor activities: Avoid strenuous activity during peak heat. If outside, seek shade and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
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Multitasking pays off for money goals
Tackling money goals one at a time cost financial literacy expert Barbara O'Neill at least $1 million.
That's how much Ms O'Neill, a distinguished professor at Rutgers University in the US, figures she lost by starting saving for retirement only after she had created an emergency fund, bought a car with cash and purchased a home.
"I tell students that eventually, 30 years later, I hit the million-dollar mark, but I could've had $2 million," Ms O'Neill says.
Too often, financial experts say, people want to attack their money goals one at a time: "As soon as I pay off my credit card debt, then I'll start saving for a home," or, "As soon as I pay off my student loan debt, then I'll start saving for retirement"."
People do not realise how costly the words "as soon as" can be. Paying off debt is a worthy goal, but it should not come at the expense of other goals, particularly saving for retirement. The sooner money is contributed, the longer it can benefit from compounded returns. Compounded returns are when your investment gains earn their own gains, which can dramatically increase your balances over time.
"By putting off saving for the future, you are really inhibiting yourself from benefiting from that wonderful magic," says Kimberly Zimmerman Rand , an accredited financial counsellor and principal at Dragonfly Financial Solutions in Boston. "If you can start saving today ... you are going to have a lot more five years from now than if you decide to pay off debt for three years and start saving in year four."
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