Dubai Reef: A marine restoration and ecotourism project
Dubai Reef by Dubai Can is the world’s largest marine reef development project that promotes ecological sustainability. It is a four-year initiative by the government to boost marine life and enhance the biodiversity of Dubai’s coastline. The Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence and Chairman of the Executive Council, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, inaugurated the first phase in April 2024, garnering considerable attention.
Are you curious to learn more about the Dubai Reef and the ecotourism plans for the coastline? Keep reading for all the information on this exciting new project in Dubai!
Dubai Reef: Boosting marine life in Dubai
Announced during Cop28, Dubai Reef by Dubai Cans is an innovative project to boost the flora and fauna of the city’s coast and waters. This plan involves 20,000 purpose-built reef modules being released into Dubai’s waters over four phases starting from 2024 till 2027.
It will feature 400k cubic metres of reefs, which aligns with the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), the UAE’s Green Agenda 2030, and the UAE Net Zero 2050 strategy.
Key Environmental Goals
The key environmental goals of the landmark marine project include:
- Enhancing biodiversity
- Safeguarding Dubai’s coastal and marine habitats
- Supporting fish populations
- Increasing ecosystem resilience
- Encouraging environmental stewardship
- Strengthening socio-economic prosperity and ecotourism
- Preserving the city’s marine heritage
But why coral reefs, you may ask? Coral reefs are essential for water filtration, fish reproduction, protecting the shores and preventing erosion. They absorb the carbon in the atmosphere and store it in their tissues, roots and soil. With Dubai Reef introducing reefs to the marine ecosystem, we can see more fish and increased biodiversity in the future. It can also play a role in protecting the city from storms and offering food security.
Dubai Reef Highlights
Dubai Reef would have 20,000 purpose-built coral reefs covering 600 sq. km of the coastline. There will be 400k cubic metres of corals, which is expected to be completed by 2027.
This project was championed by His Excellency Ahmed Mohammed bin Thani and HaejooX, a reef developer, in 2021. They analysed the effectiveness of purpose-built reefs using advanced technology and found that their data showed a significant expansion of marine life.
Following this, the Dubai Environment and Climate Change Authority (DECCA) was formed to work alongside the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) to ensure the successful delivery of the Dubai Reef project. DP World, Dubai Chambers, Nakheel, the Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation and Emirates have joined hands as strategic partners of this project.
FAQs about Dubai Reef
What is the tentative completion date of Dubai Reef?
The project will be executed in four phases and be completed by 2027.
Why should we protect coral reefs?
Coral Reefs are important for maintaining biodiversity. Multiple sea organisms live in coral reefs, including molluscs, fish, corals and sea turtles. They also protect coasts from waves (and tsunamis) and prevent soil erosion.
Coral reefs are the source of livelihood for millions of people, providing food and tourism opportunities in the vicinity.
Can I go scuba diving in the UAE?
Yes, you can! There are a range of places around that country that offer scuba diving facilities. If you’re looking for scuba diving lessons in Dubai, you can go scuba diving at Jumeirah Beach and Kite Beach. You can also try a one-of-a-kind diving at Deep Dive Dubai. For the curious, there are places to go wreck diving in Dubai.
If you’re a sea life enthusiast, we recommend visiting The Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo. It offers fun for adults and children and is full of fish and underwater animals. You could go to dining at one of the underwater restaurants in Dubai to take dining to a new level.
That’s all we know about Dubai Reef by Dubai Can so far, but we’ll keep updating this article as the project progresses through its development to eventual completion. And remember, you can stay updated on Dubai’s latest developments and activities with MyBayut, the region’s best lifestyle and property blog.
Featured and body image credits: Dubai Reef’s official website
