On Sunday 7 July, the plans for the Jebel Ali Beach were officially unveiled. The development project measures 6.6 kilometres in length and, once built, it will be Dubai’s longest public beach.
In the long run, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, wants to develop the world’s best public beaches within the United Arab Emirates. As part of that vision of the future, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, has now approved the master plan for Jebel Ali Beach.
“Under the directives of His Highness 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”, Hamdan bin Mohammed commented. “Our focus is on creating spaces rich in beaches, open areas, and recreational greens. 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. 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%.”
The entire project will span over a surface of 330 hectares, including a stretch of 5 kilometres of sandy beach, to be developed by Nakheel, and 1.6 kilometres of mangrove beach, developed by the Dubai Municipality. Visitors will be able to participate in a large number of activities on-site, including swimming, diving, walking and playing.
“The plan includes a 2 km open swimmable beach, a 2.5 km 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 Mattar Al Tayer, Commissioner General for Infrastructure, Urban Planning and Well-Being Pillar. “The beach will be connected with 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.”
The project gets even more interesting considering that it’s located within the Jebel Ali Wildlife Sanctuary, a Ramsar Convention listed Wetland of International Importance. The sanctuary is home to several rare species, including theendangered hawksbill turtle, the endangered mottled eagle ray and the green turtle. Environmental preservation is said to be key and mangrove trees will be planted in order to enhance the area. In order for tourists and other visitors not to disturb the wildlife, the area will be divided into three parts: the Pearl (recreation), the Sanctuary (wildlife and minimal impact sports) and the Nest (mangroves).
