UAE's Balanced Development Agency Launches Massfout Gateway Project

The UAE Council for Balanced Development has started construction on a major new project called "Masfout Gateway" in Ajman emirate's mountainous Masfout region. The development aims to connect the area's key attractions while preserving its cultural identity and natural landscape.

The project will cover 500 square meters with a 16-meter-high structure and a 40-meter architectural walkway. It's designed to link three important local sites: the Masfout Museum, the Owl Tower, and Falaj Al-Waraa through continuous mountain walking trails. This creates an uninterrupted path for nature lovers and mountain adventure enthusiasts.

Masfout already stands out for its rocky slopes and mild climate, making it a popular destination for local families and hikers. The area recently earned recognition as the "Best Tourist Village for 2025" from the UN World Tourism Organization. This international award highlights how the region successfully combines tourism development with authentic Emirati identity.

The timing of this project matters for the UAE's broader development strategy. The country has been working to diversify its economy beyond oil and create sustainable tourism destinations that showcase local culture. Mountain tourism represents a growing market segment, especially as travelers seek authentic experiences away from urban centers.

For investors and tourism operators, projects like this signal the UAE's commitment to developing its interior regions, not just coastal areas. The focus on connecting existing attractions through walking paths suggests a sustainable approach that works with the natural landscape rather than against it.

The gateway will serve as an architectural landmark that bridges traditional heritage with modern design. Visitors will get an integrated experience that goes beyond just visiting a location - they'll be able to explore how Emirati culture interacts with the mountain environment.

The Council for Balanced Development sees this as part of their larger mission to improve quality of life across different regions of the country. By developing rural and mountainous areas, they're creating economic opportunities outside the main cities while preserving what makes these places special.