H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council, has approved the master plan and architectural designs for the Jebel Ali Beach Development Project. The approval transforms 6.6 kilometres of underused shoreline into what will be the longest public open beach in Dubai — a 330-hectare destination that balances family recreation with rigorous environmental conservation.
A Flagship Project Within Dubai 2040
The Jebel Ali Beach Development Project sits squarely within the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, which targets a 400 percent increase in the total length of the emirate's public beaches. Together with ongoing upgrades at Al Mamzar and Jumeirah 1 beaches — which add a combined 5.7 kilometres of improved shoreline — this project signals Dubai's commitment to expanding accessible, high-quality coastal space for residents and visitors alike.
The development is split between two government entities: Nakheel is responsible for the 5 km sandy beach section, while Dubai Municipality will develop the 1.6 km mangrove beach area.
Three Distinct Zones
The master plan organises the beach into three zones, each with a defined character:
The Pearl is the family-oriented hub, offering a 2-kilometre open swimmable beach, swimming pools, children's play areas, sports facilities, beachside restaurants and cafés, shops, and a floating restaurant.
The Sanctuary centres on environmental conservation, with a dedicated focus on turtle habitats and natural ecosystems. Visitors can engage with recreational activities designed around ecological exploration rather than mass tourism.
The Nest occupies the mangrove section and serves as an educational destination, housing an environmental centre, turtle rehabilitation programmes, and biodiversity awareness initiatives for schools and families.
Environmental Commitments at the Core
The site sits within the Jebel Ali Wildlife Sanctuary, a protected area listed under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance. The development is designed to respect and reinforce that designation — protecting existing turtle nesting zones, preserving mangrove stands, and introducing new mangrove planting to enhance the area's blue carbon footprint.
A 2.5-kilometre diving and watersports zone, a walkway with viewing platforms integrated into the natural landscape, bicycle tracks, jogging paths, and additional infrastructure such as parking facilities round out the plan.
Raising Dubai's Beach Standards
Dubai currently operates eight public beaches, all of which hold Blue Flag accreditation — the internationally recognised standard for water quality, environmental education, safety, and services. The Jebel Ali Beach Development Project is designed to meet and exceed that benchmark, establishing a sustainable recreational destination that serves the emirate's growing population while preserving the coastal ecosystems that make the location unique.
