H.H. Sheikh Hamdan Approves Major Development for Jebel Ali Beach to Boost Tourism

Photo : Dubai Government Media Office

His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council, has given the green light to the master plan for the 6.6-kilometer development of Jebel Ali Beach. This ambitious project will transform the area into a major recreational destination, with careful consideration for the preservation of the local mangrove ecosystems and wildlife.

The Jebel Ali Beach Development project encompasses two main areas. The first, a five-kilometer sandy beach, will be developed by Nakheel. The second area, the 1.6-kilometer-long Mangrove Beach, will be overseen by Dubai Municipality. Together, these areas will provide a unique blend of recreational and environmental features.

Sheikh Hamdan has also approved the architectural designs for the buildings and facilities within the project. These designs aim to support various beach activities and include essential services and amenities. The plan features a two-kilometer-long open beach for swimming, a 2.5-kilometer diving area, a walkway, and viewing platforms that blend seamlessly with the natural environment. Additionally, there will be recreational areas, children’s play zones, and spaces for sports and marine activities.

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Infrastructure improvements are a key part of the development. The project includes a two-lane street in each direction, parking for 1,000 vehicles, 80 bicycle parking spaces, a dedicated bicycle path, and a five-kilometer running path.

Sheikh Hamdan stated, “Under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, we are determined to implement the infrastructure and services, and provide multiple urban options for citizens, residents and visitors, including beaches, open spaces and recreational green spaces, to enhance the quality of life in the city, and for Dubai to be the best city to live in the world, providing a distinguished healthy environment for residents and visitors.”

He further explained, “The Jebel Ali Beach Development Project comes within the framework of the comprehensive plan to develop public beaches in the emirate, with the aim of increasing their length by 400 percent by adding new public beaches and developing existing ones, and providing them with new recreational, sports, aesthetic and investment services and facilities, in line with the Dubai Urban Plan 2040.”

Mattar Al Tayer, Commissioner-General of Infrastructure, Urban Planning and Quality of Life, highlighted the significance of the development. He noted that the project is the first of its kind in the country, an open beach accessible to the public and located within the globally significant Jebel Ali Wildlife Sanctuary, which is listed under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance.

Al Tayer emphasized that the beach's development would ensure the preservation and enhancement of the local ecosystems and wildlife. This includes improving habitats for turtles and expanding mangrove trees, thereby increasing the blue carbon footprint and creating an environmentally friendly beach with minimal impact on natural systems.

The project will divide the beach into three distinct locations. The first, called The Pearl, is near the entrance to Palm Jebel Ali and will serve as a hub for beach and recreational activities. It will feature a lively family beach with sports activities, a swimming pool, children’s play areas, a beach club with private beach access for a fee, several restaurants, cafes, shops, and a floating restaurant.

The second location, The Sanctuary, will be a safe haven for turtles and other natural habitats. The third site, The Nest, located within the mangrove area, will be an educational and entertainment destination focusing on environmental studies and awareness. It will include an environmental center dedicated to biodiversity, offering turtle treatment and rehabilitation programs.

This center will provide visitors with opportunities to learn about and help preserve the coastal ecosystem, protecting mangroves and other wildlife in the area.