Jebel Ali Beach Development Project gets green light: see details

Dubai’s coastline is set to transform with the approval of the Jebel Ali Beach Development Project by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai.

Spanning 6.6 kilometres, the initiative is part of the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan to develop public beaches in the emirate, increasing the total length of beaches by 400 per cent.

Dubai currently has a total of eight public beaches: Al Mamzar Beach, Al Mamzar Corniche, Jumeirah 1, Jumeirah 2, Jumeirah 3, Umm Suqeim 1, Umm Suqeim 2 and Jebel Ali Beach.

Commenting on the landmark project, Sheikh Hamdan said: “Under the directives of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, we are committed to developing the infrastructure and services needed to offer diverse urban experiences for citizens, residents and visitors.

“Our focus is on creating spaces rich in beaches, open areas, and recreational greens. The ultimate goal is to enhance the wellbeing of the city’s people, create a healthy environment for all, and make Dubai the world’s best place to live in.”

Three zones planned

Situated within the Jebel Ali Wildlife Sanctuary, the beach’s layout integrates diverse zones such as the Pearl, the Sanctuary and the Nest, each tailored to offer unique experiences from family-friendly activities to ecological education initiatives.

Mattar Al Tayer, commissioner general for Infrastructure, Urban Planning, and WellBeing Pillar, said. “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. 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.”

With similar transformations underway at Al Mamzar and Jumeirah 1 Beaches, Dubai is poised to elevate its status as a leading global beach destination.

Advanced amenities such as ‘night-swimmable’ beaches, extensive cycling tracks, and state-of-the-art safety measures reflect Dubai’s commitment to accessibility and sustainability.

All eight of Dubai’s public beaches, including Jebel Ali Beach, proudly hold the prestigious Blue Flag accreditation, a testament to their adherence to global environmental standards.

.@HamdanMohammed approves master plan and designs for Jebel Ali Beach Development Project. Spanning 6.6 km, the project forms part of the #Dubai Master Plan for Public Beaches Development.
https://t.co/fSCgXEcVBN pic.twitter.com/bYrzLDdCE5

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) July 7, 2024

Jebel Ali Beach Development Project: Key highlights

In terms of architectural design, the project is inspired by marine natural forms like coral and turtle shells, reflecting the local Boho style and natural ‘dunescape’.

The plan includes a two-kilometre open swimmable beach and a 2.5 kilometre diving sports area.

Planned infrastructure includes a two-lane road, parking spaces for 1,400 vehicles, dedicated spaces for charging eco-friendly cars, 80 bicycle racks, a cycling track as well as a five-kilometre running track.

It will feature amenities like the first 24/7 night-swimmable beach, a pedestrian path and floating bridge.

The project will be developed around three locations: The Pearl offers family-friendly beach activities, sports, swimming pool, kids play zones, beach club, restaurants, cafes, shops, and a unique floating restaurant; the Sanctuary provides a haven for turtles and natural habitats; and the Nest features an environmental center for biodiversity studies, turtle rehabilitation, and educational programmes on coastal ecosystem preservation.

The project offers investment opportunities including restaurants, leisure centres and commercial kiosks for visitor comfort and needs.

Service facilities at the beach will include public health facilities, recreational zones, shower areas, restrooms, barbecue areas, and modern amenities designed according to the top global practices, ensuring comfort and privacy.

The area will have drinking water stations, irrigation networks, and sewage disposal systems extending over five kilometres, along with modern automatic irrigation systems to increase green spaces.

Services and facilities will be provided to cater to the needs of people of determination compatible with the Dubai Code for an Accessible Environment and global best practices.

The area will be equipped with advanced services such as Wi-Fi, electronic screens, AI-powered beach rescue, and extensive monitoring systems.