New multi-phase expansion will introduce the UAE’s first dune-top desert zipline alongside new adventure, dining, entertainment, and cultural experiences from 2027
Dubai, UAE, 15 September 2026: Arabian Adventures, part of the Emirates Group, has announced an AED 8 million expansion of The Fort – Lisaili, unveiling the destination’s new concept and design vision at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) Dubai 2026.
The investment reflects growing demand for experience-led tourism among both international visitors and UAE residents and supports Dubai’s continued development as a world-class destination for leisure, entertainment, and outdoor experiences.
Following the success of The Fort – Lisaili since its launch in November 2024, the expansion will significantly enhance the destination’s offering. Located just 45 minutes from Downtown Dubai, the destination has become popular with international visitors and UAE residents alike for its blend of desert dining, live entertainment, family-friendly activities, and adventure experiences, including camel rides, dune buggy adventures and 4×4 desert drives.
Designed around flexibility and personal choice, The Fort – Lisaili enables guests to create their own desert journey, while the new investment will introduce a next generation of attractions, hospitality concepts, and immersive experiences.
The site is currently closed for an extensive redevelopment programme. While the original experience will reopen for bookings from October 2026, the first phase of the expanded destination is set to launch in January 2027, with a second phase following in July 2027.
Phase One
Opening in January 2027, phase one will introduce a range of new attractions, venues and experiences designed to further broaden the destination’s appeal to families, leisure travellers, residents, and event organisers.
Guests will be able to explore an authentic Arabic market, relax in an exclusive VIP majlis, enjoy new dining concepts overlooking the dunes, and access a dedicated children’s play area. New entertainment and event spaces will accommodate everything from intimate private celebrations and corporate gatherings to large-scale events.
The destination will also debut the UAE’s first dune-top desert zipline. Spanning 250 metres from the crest of a sand dune, the attraction will offer a unique perspective of Dubai’s desert landscape and forms part of Arabian Adventures’ vision to bring together adventure, culture, entertainment, and hospitality within a single immersive destination.
Phase Two
From July 2027, phase two will introduce a new visitor centre serving as the destination’s central hub, featuring cafés, retail outlets, prayer rooms and ticketing services.
The development will also include elevated viewing decks and exclusive VIP lounges offering panoramic views across the surrounding desert landscape.
Further additions will include dedicated camel experiences and curated animal encounters, reinforcing the destination’s connection to the UAE’s rich heritage and long-standing desert traditions.
First Look at ATM Dubai 2026
Visitors to Arabian Travel Market 2026 can experience a preview of the enhanced destination through Arabian Adventures’ immersive stand activation, bringing elements of The Fort – Lisaili’s future design and guest experience to the Dubai World Trade Centre for the first time.
Sébastien Doussin, Senior Vice President – Global Travel Services & Destination Management at dnata Travel Group, said: “The Fort – Lisaili has exceeded our expectations since opening, attracting both international visitors and UAE residents seeking a more flexible, immersive, and personalised way to experience Dubai’s desert. This investment reflects our confidence in the destination, the continued growth of Dubai’s tourism sector, and the increasing demand for authentic, experience-led attractions.
“Our vision is to create a destination that is uniquely Dubai, where visitors can combine adventure, dining, entertainment, and cultural experiences in a way that suits their interests and pace. From the UAE’s first dune-top desert zipline to new hospitality concepts, event spaces, and cultural experiences, we’re creating a destination that offers something new with every visit and encourages guests to return time and time again.”
To find out more about Arabian Adventures and its growing range of UAE-based desert and city experiences, visit www.arabian-adventures.com, call 800 ARABIAN (2722426)