The UAE has announced the launch of Masfout, the second of its Emirates Villages project, in the northern emirate of Ajman. The Mafout project, which boasts key tourism and heritage facilities, aims to attract 100,000 tourists from across the region.
Mafout was 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, reported Wam.
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. 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.
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.
It was launched by HH Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ajman in the presence of Crown Prince Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Chairman of the Emirates Council for Balanced Development and other senior officials.
During the event, Sheikh Humaid was briefed by Sheikh Theyab about the project’s strategic pillars, which aim to unleash the area’s various social, tourism and cultural potential.
Lauding the efforts of the Emirates Council in the “Emirates Villages” project, Sheikh Humaid said it was a perfect model of balanced and sustainable economic and social development based on partnerships between the government, private and community sectors.
Sheikh Ammar expressed his happiness at Masfout being chosen as the site of the second project under Emirates Villages. Sheikh Theyab said Masfout had considerable tourism and heritage potential for empowerment of local youth.
“The project, which will commence in Q4 2023, includes the development of tourism, heritage and service facilities that can attract 100,000 tourists and support youth projects in the region. Our goal is to enable the local youth to take advantage of economic opportunities,” he added.
