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 extending to a length of 6.6km, Jebel Ali Beach will see 5km of sandy beach developed by Nakheel, and a 1.6km mangrove beach developed by Dubai Municipality.

Key features:

• Amenities: Featuring a unique blend of aesthetics and functionality, Jebel Ali Beach’s buildings and facilities will offer services to the highest international standards. The beach will include integrated infrastructure, with a two-lane road in each direction, as well as parking for 1,000 vehicles and 80 bicycle racks.
• The Pearl: The first of the three beach zones, the Pearl is the hub for recreational activities at Jebel Ali Beach. It will feature a lively family beach, sports activities, a swimming pool, kids play zones, a beach club with a pool and private beach (for a fee), several restaurants, shops and cafes, as well as a floating restaurant in a unique location. The section includes a 2km open beach for swimming, a 2.5km diving area, a cycling track and a 5km running track.
• The Sanctuary: The project offers residents and visitors a new eco-tourism experience – they can enjoy watching turtles in their natural habitat. In this area, you can expect safe environmental exploration, with the highest priority on environmental conservation for the natural habitat. The authorities will ensure various measures and regulations are in place to protect turtles and provide them a safe nesting environment.
• The Nest: Located within the mangrove area, the Nest offers a recreational destination that is a compelling mix of educational initiatives and environmental conservation. The area will host an environmental centre for the study of biodiversity, turtle rehabilitation and care programmes, and opportunities for visitors to learn about the local ecosystem, and their role in preserving it.

3. Umm Suqeim 1 and 2

Umm Suqeim Beach is undergoing a Dh500 million transformation, and is set to become a global tourist hub with a distinctive Emirati character.

Size and scope: Stretching across 3.1km and covering approximately 445,000 square metres, Umm Suqeim Beach will see a 30% increase in its beach area and usable public spaces. Upon completion, the beach will welcome up to 6 million visitors annually.

Key features

• Facilities: The beach will soon include new practical features that improve transport connections and add to overall convenience. The plan outlines 10 mobility hubs, 11 taxi pick-up and drop-off points, and integrated facilities for bicycles and e-scooters. With 2,400 parking spaces in the works, visitors can expect a 200% increase in parking capacity in the area.
• Beachfront development: Smart lighting systems will illuminate 130,000 square metres of beachfront, allowing for night swimming in the area, and converting the beach into an all-day destination.
• Traditional architecture: One of the most prominent features of this beach is the inclusion of six main gateways, with architectural designs rooted in Emirati heritage.
• Observation tower: Look out for a visually striking 38m tall observation tower at the beach. Inspired by the emirate’s maritime heritage, the tower serves as a prominent visual landmark.

Jumeirah Beach 1

Spanning 1.4km, Jumeirah Beach 1 received a major transformation that expanded it by 50%. It reopened in February this year.

The popular beach saw revamped walking and cycling tracks, new outdoor gyms and play areas, as well as enhanced smart services, including AI-led rescue systems and free Wi-Fi. It also introduced 15 new investment opportunities for beach activities, retail, dining, and services.