Arabian Adventures, part of the Emirates Group, has announced an AED8 million ($2.2 million) expansion of The Fort – Lisaili at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) Dubai 2026, where it unveiled a new concept and design vision for the project. 

The investment aims to meet growing demand for experience-led tourism and support Dubai’s development as a leading destination for leisure, entertainment and outdoor experiences.

Located around 45 minutes from Downtown Dubai, The Fort – Lisaili opened in November 2024 and has attracted international visitors and UAE residents with its combination of desert dining, live entertainment, family activities and adventure experiences, including camel rides, dune buggies and 4x4 desert drives.

The destination is currently closed for redevelopment.

Its original experience is scheduled to reopen for bookings in October 2026, followed by the first phase of the expansion in January 2027 and a second phase in July 2027.

Phase One will introduce an Arabic market, VIP majlis, new dining venues overlooking the dunes, a dedicated children’s play area and expanded entertainment and event spaces.

A key addition will be the UAE’s first dune-top desert zipline, stretching 250 metres from the crest of a sand dune.

The second phase will add a new visitor centre featuring cafés, retail outlets, prayer rooms and ticketing services.

Elevated viewing decks, VIP lounges, dedicated camel experiences and curated animal encounters will further enhance the destination’s cultural and hospitality offering.

Arabian Adventures is showcasing the future concept through an immersive stand activation at ATM Dubai 2026, giving visitors a first look at the redesigned destination.

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.

Doussin added: “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.” -TradeArabia News Service