Ajman’s Sheikh Humaid launches Masfout project

Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ajman has unveiled the Masfout Development Project.

The development project will implement a wide range of innovative development strategies in Masfout, where cultural tourism forms the central axis of the region’s development.

Sheikh Humaid affirmed that the social stability of citizens and their families in various regions of the UAE, improving their living standards and ensuring their well-being and happiness, are priorities of the country’s leadership.

Sheikh Humaid lauded the efforts of the Emirates Council for Balanced Development, led by Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Emirates Council for Balanced Development, through the “Emirates Villages” project, which is a model of balanced and sustainable economic and social development based on partnerships between the government, private and community sectors.

Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Crown Prince of Ajman expressed his happiness at Masfout being chosen as the site of the second project under Emirates Villages. Sheikh Ammar stressed that they are looking forward to presenting a distinguished developmental model in this area, with modern specifications that will improve the well-being of the region’s citizens and attract tourism and investment.

Sheikh Theyab affirmed that Masfout has considerable tourism and heritage potential and distinguished national cadres. The goal is to enable its youth to take advantage of economic opportunities, he said, adding that the project, which will commence in Q4 2023, includes the development of tourism, heritage and service facilities to attract 100,000 tourists and support youth projects in the region.

The project is based on several pillars, including developing tourism projects, meeting the community’s services needs with key partners, supporting the private sector through the development of 50 projects, drafting strategic and training programmes that support community members, and promoting the region and its history.

The Masfout Project is the second project of Emirates Villages launched by the Emirates Council for Balanced Development to establish a sustainable development model and create new economic and investment opportunities to ensure social stability and decent living for the community.

The project involves the development of Al Aflaj and the launch of academic, practical and professional training programmes.

Masfout’s tourism potential

Masfout enjoys breathtaking natural landscapes and a unique geographical location and is known for its cold winters given its location between towering mountains and highlands that attract nature enthusiasts.

The city has a rich history and many important historical sites, such as the Masfout Museum, which showcases the city’s 5,000-year history. Another notable site is Masfout Castle, which is situated on top of a high mountain peak and dates back to the 19th century. There is also the Bin Sultan Mosque, built in 1815 AD.

Masfout is a relatively large area with many villages, such as Al Muzeira, Al Khanfariya, and Al Sabigha, and has many distinguished tourist attractions and luxury resorts.

Masfout’s agriculture

Masfout is known for its fertile and high-quality agricultural lands, and farms spread across a large area. Its moderate summer climate, low humidity and relative winter coldness contribute to its agricultural productivity. Its valleys are among the most fertile in the UAE.

The city of Masfout also has nine main falajs (traditional irrigation canals), with some reaching a length of three kilometres, and secondary seasonal falajs that depend on water flowing from the valleys.

The region also has sustainable and seasonal dams on the outskirts of its valleys, such as Al Khaliban Dam, Al Muzeira Dam and Al Yazir Dam, which collect water flowing from the mountains and plains used for irrigating lands and supplying wells and falajs used for agricultural irrigation.

Quality strategic partnerships

As part of its quality strategic partnerships, the Emirates Council for Balanced Development, in collaboration with Mubadala and Hub71, is launching a joint project to transform rural villages into thriving hubs for innovation and sustainable growth.

The project, starting in Masfout, focuses on helping improve the quality of life of all segments of society, including advanced healthcare services, quality digital education, sustainable agricultural technology, supporting ecotourism, and helping achieve sustainable infrastructure.

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