Beachcombers of Dubai, you’re going to have kilometres more of sandy shores to sun yourself in. A recently approved beach development masterplan has outlined that Dubai’s public beaches will see a 400% increase. But the upgrades extend beyond just bumping up the length of beaches from 21km to 105km. An additional 54km of new beaches will also dot the coastline by 2040.
Jebel Ali will get a new beach
First on that list is Jebel Ali Public Beach, whose development is being helmed by Nakheel – the same folks behind the new pet-friendly public beach in Dubai Islands. The Jebel Ali Beach is going a step further; it aims to be an eco-tourism spot with mangrove trees and turtle rehabilitation enclosures. Cycling tracks, food and retail outlets, water sports and dedicated spaces for beach camping are also in the pipeline for this new beach. As is a direct public bus connecting Jebel Ali Metro Station to the beach will make it easily accessible.
New facilities at old beaches
Dubai’s existing public beaches are also going to undergo major overhauls. Al Mamzar Beach will have a 4,000-metre cycling track and mangrove plantation on the corniche by the end of 2023. Meanwhile, Jumeirah Beach 2 and Umm Suqeim 1 will have water sports facilities, retail kiosks and smart safe lockers installed to bring them on par with beach clubs and hotels.
Besides the 3 new night-swimming beaches, more public beaches will be converted into night beaches. So, a total of 9% of Dubai’s shores will be safe for after-dark swims. And this is just a slice of the planned 300% increase in services offered by Dubai public beaches.
Beaches will be people of determination-friendly
These upcoming beaches are designed to cater to people of determination and their specific requirements. Jumeirah Public Beach 1 and 2, Umm Suqeim Public Beach 1 and 2, Al Mamzar Public Beach and Al Mamzar Corniche have already been equipped with wheel-chair-friendly entrances and routes into the sea. Designated parking areas, and lifeguards trained to assist those with special needs have already been introduced here.