Dubai’s effort toward sustainable marine ecosystem

Published on May 22, 2024

By: Tuhin Sarkar

His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, has inaugurated the landmark Dubai Reef project with the launch of the pilot reef modules. This sustainable initiative by Dubai Can is the world’s largest marine reef development project and marks a pioneering step in Dubai’s efforts to promote ecological sustainability.

Dubai Reef aims to deploy 20,000 purpose-built reef modules of various sizes over four years, spanning 600 square kilometers across Dubai’s waters. The meticulously crafted reef units will exceed 400,000 cubic meters in volume, creating a substantial marine habitat.

In line with the directives of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan and The Executive Council of Dubai, the Dubai Reef project is a city-wide collaboration uniting key partners to support Dubai’s strategic goals, including the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), the UAE’s Green Agenda – 2030, and the UAE Net Zero 2050 strategy.

Sheikh Hamdan stated, “The landmark Dubai Reef initiative is a testament to the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Reef ecosystems are unique life sources and vital components in the protection of marine life. Dubai Can’s Dubai Reef project will inject vitality into our coastal waters and contribute to global conservation efforts.”

The initial proof of concept, led by His Excellency Ahmed Mohammed bin Thani and contractors HaejooX in 2021, has resulted in the activation of the first modules. Partnering with the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) and the newly formed Dubai Environment and Climate Change Authority (DECCA), the project aims for successful delivery under the guidance of His Excellency Bin Thani.

Strategic partners include DP World, Dubai Chambers, Nakheel, the Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation, and Emirates. His Excellency Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of DET, emphasized the collaboration between public and private sectors in driving Dubai’s sustainable future and achieving the D33 Agenda’s ambitious goals.

Investor Ray Dalio praised the initiative, highlighting its potential to advance ocean restoration and environmental health. “I love this audacious Dubai Reef project because it will be a remarkable contribution to the world’s understanding of the benefits of ocean restoration,” said Dalio.

The Dubai Reef initiative aims to enhance biodiversity, safeguard coastal and marine habitats, support fish populations, increase ecosystem resilience, and encourage environmental stewardship, thereby strengthening socio-economic prosperity and ecotourism.