Dubai has unveiled plans to construct the emirate's longest public beach in Jebel Ali, aimed at serving as a major eco-tourism destination. The master plan for the Jebel Ali Beach Development Project, approved by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, includes a 6.6km stretch allowing visitors to watch turtles in their natural habitat.
The project is part of a broader strategy to revamp Dubai's public beaches and increase their size by 400 per cent under the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan.
"Our focus is on creating spaces rich in beaches, open areas, and recreational greens," Sheikh Hamdan said.
"The ultimate goal is to enhance the well-being of the city’s people, create a healthy environment for all and make Dubai the world’s best place to live in.”
According to the Dubai Media Office, the beach will be a “distinctive recreational destination that places a high priority on environmental preservation and the protection of local ecosystems and wildlife.”
Mattar Al Tayer, Dubai's commissioner general for infrastructure, urban planning and well-being, emphasized the project's commitment to nature.
“An open beach for the public and a site of global environmental importance, the Jebel Ali Beach Development Project is the first of its kind in the UAE,” he said.
“It is located within the Jebel Ali Wildlife Sanctuary, listed under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance."
“The beach's development will ensure the preservation and enhancement of ecosystems and wildlife at the site, including enhancing turtle habitats and planting mangrove trees, which will contribute to blue carbon footprint growth and provide an open beach with minimal impact on ecological and biological systems."
Under the large-scale project, a 5km sandy beach is to be developed by Nakheel, and a 1.6km mangrove beach is to be developed by Dubai Municipality.
“The plan includes a 2km open swimmable beach, a 2.5km diving sports area, a walkway with viewing platforms to blend with the surrounding environment, and recreational and service areas for beachgoers of all ages, including kids play zones, sports and marine activity areas,” said Mr. Al Tayer.
The beach will be linked to a two-lane road in each direction and will feature parking for 1,000 vehicles, 80 bicycle racks, a cycling track and a 5km running track.
The beach is to be divided into three locations: The Pearl, the hub for beach and recreational activities; The Sanctuary, a haven for turtles and other natural habitats; and The Nest, set within the mangrove area, which will include an environmental centre for studies and awareness of biodiversity, turtle rehabilitation and care programmes.