Dubai unveils major beach development plan

The length of public beaches in Dubai will expand by 400 per cent by 2040.

That's according to a master plan approved by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

It will see the length of Dubai's beach developments increase from 21 km to 105 km by 2040, while the services provided on beaches will increase 300 per cent by 2025.

The plan includes opening of new public beaches and the development of existing ones.

Sheikh Mohammed said the master plan demonstrates Dubai’s commitment to providing unique experiences for beachgoers in line with the goal of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 to consolidate the emirate’s status as one of the top three cities for tourism.

.@HHShkMohd approves 'Master Plan for Dubai Public Beaches’, which will see the length of emirate's public beaches increase by 400% by 2040 & services provided on public beaches increase 300% by 2025. pic.twitter.com/hKIFloAVv1

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) May 25, 2023

.@HHShkMohd approves 'Master Plan for Dubai Public Beaches’, which will see the length of emirate's public beaches increase by 400% by 2040. pic.twitter.com/THhKvYPbt2

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) May 25, 2023

.@HHShkMohd approves 'Master Plan for Dubai Public Beaches’, which will see the length of emirate's public beaches increase by 400% by 2040 & services provided on public beaches increase 300% by 2025. pic.twitter.com/oYg3oGqbXK

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) May 25, 2023

Jebel Ali Public Beach

Sheikh Mohammed was briefed on Phase I of the Master Plan spanning 54 km of public beaches, which includes the development of the Jebel Ali Public Beach in collaboration with Nakheel.

The beach will be developed into an eco-tourism attraction featuring diverse activities.

Mangrove trees will be planted in parts of the beach to boost protection from erosion and preserve marine animal habitats.

The public beach will also have cycling and pedestrian tracks, aqua sports facilities, restaurants and food carts, shops and retail outlets as well as camping and parking areas.

A direct public bus route will be launched to link Jebel Ali Metro Station to the new Jebel Ali Public Beach.

The public will be able to visit turtle enclosures at the beach.

The enclosure will support nationwide efforts to save and rehabilitate turtle species and return them to their natural habitat, as part of the broader goal of preserving the country’s marine environment.

Al Mamzar Public Beach

The ‘Dubai Master Plan for Public Beaches’ also includes the development of Al Mamzar Public Beach (Creek and Corniche).

The project, which will commence in June, is set to be completed by the end of this year.

It will feature new public facilities, pedestrian and cycling tracks and the planting of mangrove trees along the Corniche.

Key Targets

As part of the new Plan, a 4,000-metre cycling track will be added to Al Mamzar public beaches and 9% of its public beaches will be designated for night swimming in 2023.

In 2024, the number of services at the beach will double and an additional 3% of public beaches will be designated for night swimming while in 2025, the beach services will increase three-fold and the length of cycling tracks will rise by 20%.

Short and Long-Term Initiatives

An array of short and long-term initiatives will seek to boost investment in commercial facilities at the beach.

In the short term, retail kiosks will be constructed on Jumeirah Beach 2 and Umm Suqeim 1 and the beach will see new water sports facilities and the installation of smart safe lockers.

Long-term initiatives include a study to explore the offering of new commercial investment opportunities through the introduction of retail outlets, restaurants, and marine sports activities as well as the development of Jebel Ali Public Beach to provide camping facilities.