Dubai to Develop Ras Al Khor Sanctuary for Eco-Tourism

Photo: Dubai Government Media Office 

Dubai Municipality has started a big project to improve the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary. This project will cost AED650 million in total and will be done in two phases. The first phase will cost AED100 million and will be ready by the end of 2026.

This plan follows the orders of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to make Dubai’s natural reserves better. It is part of the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, which aims to make Dubai one of the top three cities for tourism in the world. The project will also help protect the environment and give people a chance to enjoy nature.

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What will be done in Phase One?

• Phase one will cover 6.4 square kilometres of the sanctuary.

• Dubai Municipality will plant more mangroves, increasing their area by 60% from 40 hectares to 65 hectares.

• New irrigation channels will be made to water these mangroves.

• Mangrove forests will be improved, and new habitats like the mangrove lake, North Edge Lake, and reed ponds will be created.

• A Green Spine will also be developed to make the area greener.

• The water bodies in the reserve will grow by 144%, reaching 74 hectares. This will help absorb 60% more carbon dioxide, cleaning the air.

• 10 hectares of mudflats will be added to support the ecosystem and biodiversity.

Why is this project important?

Marwan Ahmed bin Ghalita, Director General of Dubai Municipality, said that this is one of the most important environmental projects in Dubai. It will make Ras Al Khor a top eco-tourism place, making Dubai a better city to live, work, and visit. The project will also help protect plants and animals and keep nature safe while giving people fun and educational experiences.

Bader Anwahi, CEO of the Public Facilities Agency, added that the project will teach people about biodiversity and attract many visitors. After the project is done, it is expected that 250,000 to 300,000 people will visit the sanctuary every year, which is six times more than now.

What will happen in Phase Two?

The second phase will build the main infrastructure and recreational facilities, covering an area of 20,000 square metres. This phase will include:

• A visitor centre to show the plants and animals in the sanctuary

• Birdwatching towers

• Restaurants and kiosks

• Centres to teach people about the environment

• 5.6 km of cycling tracks

• 3 km of walking trails through nature

• 23 hectares of landscaped green areas

Awards and Importance

This project was designed by expert firms and has already won seven awards for its design and planning. Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary is very important for Dubai. It covers 6.4 square kilometres and was the first place in the UAE to be listed under the Ramsar Convention in 2007. It has almost 450 types of plants and animals, including many migratory birds like flamingos that visit every year.

Dubai aims to make this sanctuary a model for other cities, showing how to balance tourism with protecting the environment.