Dubai: Sheikh Hamdan unveils Jebel Ali open beach project with diving, swimming and viewing areas

The master plan and designs for the Jebel Ali Beach Development Project, the plan to to develop the longest open public beach in Dubai, has been approved, announced Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai on Sunday.

Upon completion, the Jebel Ali Beach Development Project will see a two-kilometre open beach for swimming, a 2.5km diving sports area, a walkway with viewing platforms, and recreational and service areas for beachgoers of all ages.

With a length of 6.6 kilometres, Jebel Ali beach will cover a total area of 330 hectares.

Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels.

The beach will also 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.

In a statement, Sheikh Hamdan stated: "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%. 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."

Sheikh Hamdan added that the government is "determined to implement the infrastructure and services, and provide multiple urban options for citizens, residents and visitors, including beaches, open spaces and recreational green spaces, to enhance the quality of life in the city, and for Dubai to be the best city to live in the world, providing a distinguished healthy environment for residents and visitors."

According to Mattar Al Tayer, Commissioner General for Infrastructure, Urban Planning, and Well-Being Pillar, the plan will include a 5 km sandy beach to be developed by Nakheel and a 1.6 km mangrove beach to be developed 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. The design of the area allows for optimal site utilisation, enabling the preservation of the ecosystem and enrichment of the visitor experience," Al Tayer noted.

Three locations

The beach will be have three separate locations. The first location, the 'Pearl', is situated on the right side near the entrance of Palm Jebel Ali. This location will be the main centre for beach and recreational activities with options for a lively family beach, sports activities, a swimming pool, and kids' play areas. 'The Pearl' will also have a beach club with a pool and private beach for a fee, several restaurants, cafes, shops, and a floating restaurant.

The second site, named the 'Sanctuary' is a haven for turtles. This area places the highest priority on environmental conservation while and housing recreational and sports activities at the same time.

• Dubai to increase its public beaches by 5 times, announces Sheikh Mohammed