Dubai to redevelop wildlife sanctuary as eco destination

Covering 6.4 square kilometres, the new project, led by Dubai Municipality with the Dubai Environment and Climate Change Authority, will unfold in two main phases, each designed to balance environmental stewardship with visitor experience. 

 

With an investment of AED100 million, the first phase will focus on ecological enhancements, including an expansion of mangrove coverage, from 40 to 65 hectares, and a 144% boost in bodies of water, bringing the total area to 74 hectares. 

 

The project will also introduce new mudflats and a ’Green Spine’ to connect different habitats, plus a mangrove lake and reed ponds.

 

Scheduled for completion by late 2026, these upgrades are expected to increase carbon dioxide absorption by 60% and further enrich the sanctuary’s biodiversity.

 

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Phase two will shift emphasis to visitor infrastructure, with plans to accommodate up to 300,000 guests annually, a six-fold increase from current visitation levels. 

 

There will be a new visitor center, birdwatching towers, dining options, kiosks and educational facilities, as well as 5.6 kilometres of cycling tracks, 3 kilometres of walking trails and 23 hectares of landscaping.

 

The project, which forms a key part of the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, has already received seven international and regional awards for its innovative and sustainable design.

 

For more information, visit www.dm.gov.ae 

 

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