Sheikh Hamdan approved the development plan for Jebel Ali Beach

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council, has approved the master plan for the development of Jebel Ali Beach. The 6.6km beach will become a recreational destination with a focus on environmental protection. As part of the Dubai 2040 Master Plan to increase the emirate's public beaches by 400%, the Jebel Ali Beach Development Project has been approved. The project covers 6.6 kilometers and covers 330 hectares. Dubai is committed to implementing innovative projects that enhance the quality of life and strengthen the city's position as one of the best places to live and work.

The project is part of a larger initiative to improve Dubai's urban environment led by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The main objective is to create a unique recreational destination with a focus on environmental conservation and the protection of local ecosystems and wildlife. The master plan for the development of public beaches across the emirate envisages increasing their length by 400% by building new beaches and improving existing ones. New recreational, sports, aesthetic and investment facilities will be created on these beaches in line with the vision set out in the Dubai Master Plan 2040.

The Jebel Ali Beach development project will aim to preserve the environment and provide a place for recreation. Jebel Ali Beach will be the first of its kind in the UAE to be located within the Jebel Ali Wildlife Sanctuary, which is included in the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance. Mattar Al Tayer, Commissioner General of Infrastructure, Urban Planning and Pillar of Wellbeing, said the project aims to create a unique recreational beach with a focus on protecting the environment and supporting the emirate's sustainability and ecotourism goals.

Jebel Ali Beach will cover an area of 330 hectares and will be the longest open beach in Dubai. The project includes two zones: a 1.6km mangrove beach to be developed by Dubai Municipality and a 5km sandy beach to be developed by Nakheel. Mangrove trees enhance the reserve's ecosystem and provide habitat for various living creatures.

The project will include a 2.5-km diving area, a 2-km open beach for swimming and a walkway with viewing platforms. The beach will have play areas for children, sports and water play areas, and recreational areas for visitors of all ages. Infrastructure development includes a two-lane road in each direction, 1,000 parking spaces, 80 bicycle parking spaces, a bicycle lane and a 5-kilometer running track.

The Jebel Ali beach project is divided into three zones:

1. The Pearl: A beach and activity center including a family beach, sports activities, children's play areas, beach club, restaurants, cafes, stores and a floating restaurant.
2. The Sanctuary: A sanctuary for turtles and natural habitat with an emphasis on conservation.
3. The Nest: A recreational and educational area in a mangrove area with an ecological center for biodiversity research and turtle rehabilitation.
4. The architectural design of the buildings and structures is inspired by natural forms such as coral and turtle shells and boho style, using local materials. The project offers investment opportunities including restaurants, entertainment centers and commercial kiosks.

The Supreme Committee for Urban Planning and Quality of Life recently awarded development contracts for Al Mamzar and Jumeirah 1 beaches, totaling 5.7 kilometers. The beaches will be equipped with modern facilities including showers, toilets, changing rooms, children's playgrounds, areas for beach and physical sports, and barbecue areas. About 1,400 parking spaces for cars and buses will be available, as well as recharging areas for eco-friendly vehicles.

These beaches will be equipped with state-of-the-art technological services including lockers, electronic screens, Wi-Fi internet access and beach rescue services utilizing advanced artificial intelligence technology. Enhanced monitoring of the beaches will be carried out through more than 100 state-of-the-art cameras connected to the central control rooms of Dubai Municipality and Dubai Police.

Dubai's comprehensive beach development plan aims to achieve several key objectives:

• 100% beach development
• 400% increase in the quality of service on public beaches
• 56% increase in the length of beaches suitable for night swimming
• 285% expansion of bicycle paths along beaches
• Increasing the length of jogging paths by 125%

Dubai currently has eight public beaches, all of which have earned Blue Flag awards for meeting standards of public safety, environmental management, education and seawater quality.