Dubai is set to welcome its longest open public beach as the master plan and designs for the Jebel Ali Beach Development Project have been approved, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, announced on Sunday.
The Jebel Ali Beach Development Project will feature a two-kilometre open beach for swimming, a 2.5km diving sports area, a walkway with viewing platforms, and recreational and service areas designed for all ages. Spanning 6.6 kilometres in length and covering a total area of 330 hectares, the development aims to enhance Dubai’s coastal experience.
“The Jebel Ali Beach Development Project is part of a broader master plan to develop public beaches in the emirate aimed at increasing the total length of beaches by 400%,” said Sheikh Hamdan. “This involves adding new public beaches, enhancing existing ones, and equipping them with new recreational, sports, aesthetic, and investment facilities as envisioned in the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan.”
The project will also boast integrated infrastructure, including a two-lane road in each direction, parking for 1,000 vehicles, 80 bicycle racks, a cycling track, and a 5 km running track, ensuring accessibility and convenience for visitors.
Mattar Al Tayer, Commissioner General for Infrastructure, Urban Planning, and Well-Being Pillar, highlighted the ecological focus of the project, noting that a 5 km sandy beach will be developed by Nakheel and a 1.6 km mangrove beach by Dubai Municipality. “The area features a unique ecosystem due to the presence of mangrove trees, which enhances the sanctuary and provides habitats for many living organisms,” he stated.
The beach will encompass three distinct areas. The ‘Pearl’, located near the entrance of Palm Jebel Ali, will serve as the main hub for beach and recreational activities, offering a lively family beach, sports activities, a swimming pool, kids’ play areas, a beach club, and various dining options. The ‘Sanctuary’ will focus on environmental conservation, particularly for turtles, while still providing recreational and sports activities. The ‘Nest’ will offer a mix of educational initiatives and environmental conservation, featuring an environmental centre for studies and biodiversity awareness.
Additionally, a floating bridge linking the two sides of Al Mamzar Beach was announced on June 3, marking the first of its kind in Dubai. This 200-metre pedestrian bridge will allow visitors to explore over the water surface without getting wet.
Dubai continues to expand its coastline, with an ambitious project announced last year to increase the public beach length to 105km, up from the current 21km. This expansion aligns with the city’s goal of becoming the best city to live in, providing a distinguished healthy environment for residents and visitors.
