Humaid bin Rashid Inaugurates Masfout Gateway Project Within Emirati Villages Development Initiatives

His Highness Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Ajman, inaugurated the “Masfout Gateway” project in the Masfout area of Ajman, which was implemented by the UAE Council for Balanced Development in cooperation with the Municipality and Planning Department, as part of its efforts to enhance sustainable development and improve quality of life in Emirati villages and areas.

The project comes within the Council’s strategic initiatives aimed at developing Emirati villages, enhancing their vital services and facilities, and transforming them into attractive destinations that reflect national identity and keep pace with modern development requirements.

His Highness Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi affirmed that the Masfout Gateway project represents a qualitative milestone in the comprehensive renaissance journey witnessed by the Emirate of Ajman, and a translation of the UAE’s vision in achieving balanced development that bears fruit in all areas of the country.

His Highness noted that this project is not merely an architectural edifice, but rather a gateway connecting the authenticity of the past with the aspirations of the future, reflecting the firm commitment to improving people’s quality of life and creating the ideal environment that combines living comfort with preserving authentic heritage.

His Highness the Ruler of Ajman praised the efforts of the UAE Council for Balanced Development, chaired by His Highness Sheikh Dhiyab bin Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development Affairs and Martyrs’ Families, in implementing these projects that develop Emirati villages and areas and enhance their position as global tourist and cultural destinations.

His Highness stated that Masfout Gateway will effectively contribute to enhancing the area’s position as a centre for tourist and investment attraction, while preserving its natural character, serving present and future generations, and enhancing the competitiveness of the UAE in general and the Emirate of Ajman in particular for living and tourism.

For his part, His Highness Sheikh Dhiyab bin Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development Affairs and Martyrs’ Families, Chairman of the UAE Council for Balanced Development, affirmed that the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the State, may God protect him, represent the foundation from which efforts to achieve balanced development in the UAE are launched, ensuring that the fruits of renaissance reach all villages and areas, and enhancing quality of life and social and economic stability, within a comprehensive national vision that places people at the core of the development process and believes in the importance of its sustainability and continuity for future generations.

His Highness explained that the “Masfout Gateway” project embodies this approach through an integrated development model that combines developmental development with enhancing the cultural and natural identity of the area, contributes to supporting tourist and economic movement, and opens new horizons for the local community, enhancing Masfout’s position as a distinguished mountain destination and consolidating the role of Emirati villages as an effective driver in the national development journey.

The inauguration was attended by His Excellency Mohammed Khalifa Al Kaabi, Secretary-General of the UAE Council for Balanced Development, Abdulrahman Al Nuaimi, Director General of the Municipality and Planning Department in Ajman, and a number of officials from the Council, Department and area.

His Excellency Mohammed Khalifa Al Kaabi, Secretary-General of the UAE Council for Balanced Development, affirmed that the Council, chaired by His Highness Sheikh Dhiyab bin Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, is committed to achieving balanced development based on the specificity of place and enhancing integration between urban development and the cultural and natural dimension, noting that the project represents a qualitative addition contributing to enhancing the presence of Emirati villages as sustainable tourist and developmental destinations.

His Excellency stated that the Masfout Gateway project reflects the UAE Council for Balanced Development’s commitment to developing rural areas according to a comprehensive development vision that preserves national identity and employs natural and cultural assets in a modern sustainable manner, contributing to enhancing quality of life and creating integrated tourist and cultural experiences for all members of society.

The project embodies the concept of linking urban development with cultural and geographical identity by transforming Emirati villages into integrated destinations that reflect the authenticity of place and provide visitors with a unique experience combining nature, culture and heritage.

The project is built on a construction area of approximately 500 square metres with a height reaching 16 metres and includes an architectural walkway 40 metres long to form an integrated architectural edifice connecting Masfout Museum, Al Bouma Tower and Falaj Al Wara’a through connected mountain walking paths without interruption, enhancing ease of movement and mobility for nature lovers and mountain adventure enthusiasts.

The project also includes creative artistic works inspired by the area’s culture and ancient heritage, highlighting Nabati poetry, popular heritage and authentic mountain customs, enabling visitors to learn about Masfout’s history and cultural legacy, in an integrated experience blending architectural beauty with the richness of local identity.

The Masfout area enjoys a distinguished natural and cultural position, combining rocky slopes and moderate climate, making it an ideal destination for mountain trips and environmental activities, and a preferred destination for family outings.

Masfout also won the title of “Best Tourism Village for 2025” from the United Nations World Tourism Organization, an achievement reflecting its distinction as an integrated tourist and developmental destination embodying the spirit of Emirati identity.

The “Masfout Gateway” project contributes to adding new urban and cultural value to the area, where the gateway will form an architectural icon combining local heritage and modern identity, providing an integrated experience that enhances Masfout’s presence on the mountain and cultural tourism map in the country.

The UAE Council for Balanced Development aims through this project to support balanced development pathways, achieve sustainable quality of life, and provide new opportunities to discover the beauty of the Emirati mountain environment within a pioneering urban and tourist experience.