Home » Top Destinations In UAE » Masfout in UAE Honored as Best Tourism Village in the World for 2025: A Global Model of Sustainable Rural Tourism
Published on
October 18, 2025
The mountainous enclave of Masfout, located in the northern part of Ajman, United Arab Emirates, has been officially recognized as the “Best Tourism Village in the World for 2025” by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). This prestigious accolade highlights Masfout as a global model for sustainable rural tourism, celebrating its remarkable success in harmonizing cultural preservation, environmental stewardship, and community empowerment. The award underscores the UAE’s growing dedication, particularly Ajman’s, to fostering eco- and rural tourism that benefits local populations while safeguarding natural and cultural heritage.
Masfout’s Unique Cultural and Natural Charm
Nestled amid the Hajar Mountains, Masfout boasts breathtaking landscapes marked by rugged peaks, verdant valleys, and cooler temperatures relative to the surrounding desert regions. Its distinct geographical setting offers a tranquil retreat renowned for its natural springs, hiking trails, and panoramic views.
Masfout also stands out for its rich heritage sites, including the Masfout Castle, a mud, stone, and timber fortification restored in the 1940s, perched atop high mountain cliffs. The village also houses the historic Bin Sultan Mosque dating back to 1815, exemplifying local architectural and religious traditions. Together, these landmarks enhance Masfout’s appeal as an authentic destination for travelers seeking cultural depth and nature immersion.
UNWTO Recognition Validates Sustainable Practices
Selected from among two hundred seventy villages across sixty five countries, Masfout showed outstanding adherence to sustainable tourism criteria encompassing environmental protection, social inclusion, cultural heritage preservation, economic vitality, and innovation. The UNWTO’s Best Tourism Villages initiative, which launched in 2021, aims to uplift rural destinations by promoting balanced development, empowering youth and women, fostering innovation, and integrating tourism with sustainable agricultural and food systems.
The award ceremony took place in Huzhou, Zhejiang Province, China, with an Emirati delegation led by Mahmoud Khaleel Al Hashmi, Director General of the Ajman Department of Tourism Development. The ceremony symbolized international recognition of Masfout’s pioneering approach to rural and eco-tourism that balances modern visitor expectations with deep respect for local traditions and nature.
Economic and Social Empowerment Through Tourism
Masfout’s success illustrates the positive socio-economic impacts of well-managed tourism. Initiatives focusing on traditional crafts and rural enterprises have fostered local employment and entrepreneurship, especially among women and youth, creating pathways for community resilience.
The village’s tranquil environment, distinctive cultural sites, and authentic rural lifestyle encourage sustainable visitor experiences that reduce environmental footprints while nurturing social well-being. Masfout’s model highlights how rural tourism can simultaneously conserve heritage, provide economic opportunities, and elevate quality of life.
Strategic Development and Future Plans
Masfout is part of Ajman’s wider Emirates Villages initiative that promotes sustainable development in rural areas. The region is preparing several new tourism and heritage projects to attract up to one hundred thousand regional and international visitors annually. These projects aim to expand infrastructure, enhance visitor services, support local business development, and integrate digital transformation in tourism promotion.
Emphasizing community collaboration, Ajman Department of Tourism Development works with private sector partners and local leaders to balance tourism growth with cultural respect and environmental conservation, ensuring Masfout remains a pristine and inviting destination for years to come.
Masfout: A Growing Destination for Authentic Experiences
Tourists drawn to Masfout find a diverse activity offering including hiking, mountain biking, picnicking, and cultural tours. Its natural springs, cooler climate, and scenic picnic areas make it a perfect getaway from urban centers. Additionally, the thriving artisan community contributes to vibrant local markets showcasing handcrafted products, culinary traditions, and folklore, deepening visitors’ cultural connection.
Proximity to Ajman’s city and easy access routes add to Masfout’s appeal as a rural retreat without sacrificing convenience. The village’s integration into Ajman’s broader tourism ecosystem strengthens the emirate’s reputation as a multifaceted destination, complementing its coastal attractions.
