Dubai Beaches Development plan: New attractions, women-only beach and major upgrades

Dubai is known for its beautiful, pristine beaches. Now, with the Dubai Beaches Development plan, the city coastline is only going to get better and better. The plan features first-of-its-kind ventures, like a women-only beach that allows for night swimming, and an observation tower that’s Instagram-worthy. What other features can residents and visitors expect at beaches in Dubai? We break down the development plan for you below. What is the Dubai Beaches Development plan? Just this week, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, announced the approval of Dh3 billion for the Dubai Beaches Development plan, wherein beach capacity for tourists and visitors is set to expand by 170%. The plan is expected to increase the total length of beaches in Dubai by 400%, and introduce brand-new leisure, tourism, and lifestyle destinations to the city’s vibrant beaches. Currently, Dubai has a total of eight public beaches: Al Mamzar Beach, Al Mamzar Corniche, Jumeirah 1, Jumeirah 2, Jumeirah 3, Umm Suqeim 1, Umm Suqeim 2, and Jebel Ali Beach. All of them have acquired the globally prestigious Blue Flag accreditation, which is awarded to public beaches that meet its compliance criteria for marine water quality, environmental education, environmental management, public safety, and services for five consecutive years. The Dubai Beaches Development plan will see some of the emirate’s most popular beaches undergo major developments, as part of the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, which aims to transform Dubai into the world’s best city to live in, by 2040. The initiative aligns with the Dubai Quality of Life Strategy 2033, as it focuses on expanding public spaces and promoting healthier lifestyles. It also works towards the city’s Blue and Green Spaces Roadmap 2030, which focuses on establishing Dubai among the world’s most sustainable coastal cities. Which beaches are undergoing development? Managed by Dubai Municipality, the Dubai Beaches Development plan is currently developing the following four beaches, via phased projects, through 2030. One of them, Jumeirah Beach 1, has already completed renovations, and has been opened to the public since February this year. 1. Al Mamzar Beach: Corniche, Beach Park, and Lagoon This Dh500 million flagship project, featuring world-class facilities and experiences, is set to become a leading family destination in the city. Size and scope: Spanning 4 million square feet, Al Mamzar Beach will be able to accommodate up to 7 million visitors annually. With the significant increase in the number of visitors to Al Mamzar, you can expect a 500% boost in service capacity, and the introduction of more than 65 new investment opportunities in the area. The project has sustainability and climate resilience at its core. Based on specialised environmental studies, engineering teams have raised beach levels and strengthened coastal protection to enhance shoreline stability. A Dubai Municipality update on April 7 stated that the development of Al Mamzar Corniche is 88% complete. Key features: Smart facilities: Al Mamzar Beach will showcase 35 service and leisure facilities, all built to the highest international standards, as well as several accessibility features for people of determination. Smart services, with artificial intelligence-supported technology, will allow for swift response during rescue missions or emergencies. Leisure centres: The plan includes green spaces, a 2,000 square metre skateboarding area, a waterfront restaurant, children’s play areas, and beach lounges. There is going to be a separate water sports zone, with the inclusion of jet ski docks. Active zones: Al Mamzar Beach will also feature more than 5.5km of walking, running, and cycle tracks, linking the Al Mamzar Lagoon, Corniche and Beach Park. The integrated beach-and-park experience is ideal for both casual visitors and athletes. Private, premium experiences: Al Mamzar Corniche, spanning 1.25 million square feet, is set to offer more customised experiences, such as sports facilities, art walkways, seasonal event spaces, and the much-anticipated women-only beach. Floating walkway: Al Mamzar Lagoon is set to feature a floating walking path, the first of its kind in the region. Women-only beach: Al Mamzar Beach is going to be home to the world’s first 24-hour women-only beach. This area will be fully enclosed and built to international safety standards. It will include night swimming access, a secure and private environment, and facilities designed to be used both in the day- and night-time. 2. Jebel Ali Beach Blending recreation with environmental preservation, Jebel Ali Beach is set to become a unique tourist destination that places a high priority on the conservation of local ecosystems and wildlife. This beach will be divided into three distinct locations: the Pearl, the Sanctuary, and the Nest. Size and scope: Covering a total area of 330 hectares, and