Dubai launches landmark Dubai Reef project, one of the world's largest marine reef developments

Dubai has unveiled one of the largest marine reef development projects globally. Initiated in alignment with the directives of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council, the Dubai Reef project will be spearheaded by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) along with the founding partner, the Regulatory Committee on Fishing of Living Aquatic Resources in Dubai. The collaborative efforts also involve Dubai Chambers, the Ports, Customs, Free Zone Corporation (PCFC), and Nakheel.

The project is part of Dubai's plan to have more fish population, promote eco-friendly fishing, and make sure we have enough food. The Dubai Reef project will also help cut down carbon emissions and increase marine biodiversity. As Dubai works towards being a top sustainable city, following its goals in the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, this project aims to make Dubai one of the best cities in the world.

The launch of the project coincides with the hosting of the 28th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP28), which is being held at Expo City Dubai until 12 December. The Dubai Reef project shows that Dubai is serious about helping the environment. It's part of Dubai's bigger plan called 'Dubai Can' to support sea life, make more types of sea creatures, and become one of the best sustainable cities in the world.

Commenting on this, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan said, " Dubai recognises the critical importance of the environment and is fully committed to its preservation as a top strategic priority for ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come. The profound challenges posed by global climate change have exerted significant pressure on various forms of wildlife, and Dubai is strongly dedicated to playing a substantial role in mitigating these effects through initiatives that promote the sustainability of our natural environment, with particular emphasis on coral reefs. Coral reefs are a vital component in the protection of marine life and have both economic and environmental significance. We are pleased to see this promising project launched in Dubai, contributing to global efforts aimed at conserving coral reefs."

The Dubai Reef project is an effort that involves placing artificial reef pieces of different sizes in a vast area of 600 sq km in Dubai's clear waters. The careful design of these reefs is more than 400,000 cubic meters in total, and they can capture around seven million tons of carbon each year.

Apart from capturing carbon, this project is essential for bringing back coral reef homes, protecting the coast, and bringing life back to the sea in Dubai.

Dubai Reef Will Develop In 4 Phases

The Dubai Reef project will unfold in four phases, each contributing to its success and ecological impact. Deployment of the Dubai Reef project will commence at the end of Q1 2024 and is targeted for completion within a four-year time frame.
* Georgiana Kelleher at www.edelman.com.au