An artist’s impression of Jebel Ali Beach.

The longest public beach in Dubai will be opened in Jebel Ali, with Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum approving the master plan on Sunday (July 7).

First announced in May 2023, the Jebel Ali Beach Development Project is located within the Jebel Ali Wildlife Sanctuary and will cover 330 hectares and span 6.6 kilometers.

“The Jebel Ali Beach Development Project is part of a broader master plan to develop public beaches in the emirate aimed at increasing the total length of beaches by 400 percent This involves adding new public beaches, enhancing existing ones, and equipping them with new recreational, sports, aesthetic, and investment facilities as envisioned in the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan,” Sheikh Hamdan said.

The plan includes developing two areas: a 5km sandy beach to be developed by Nakheel and a 1.6km mangrove beach to be developed by Dubai Municipality.

It will also have a 2km open beach where people can swim and a 2.5km diving sports area. There will also be a walkway with viewing platforms, as well as recreational and service areas for beachgoers of all ages, including kids play zones, sports and marine activity areas.

The beach will be connected with integrated infrastructure, including a two-lane road in each direction, parking for 1,000 vehicles, 80 bicycle racks, a cycling track, and a 5 km running track.

The beach will be divided into three sites. First is the Pearl, on the right side near the entrance of Palm Jebel Ali. It will have a centre for beach and recreational activities with options for a lively family beach, sports activities, a swimming pool, kids play zones, a beach club with a pool and private beach for a fee, several restaurants, cafes, shops, and a floating restaurant in a unique location.

The second site, named the Sanctuary, offers a haven for turtles and natural habitats.

The third site is the Nest, within the mangrove area, offering a recreational educational destination featuring a mix of educational initiatives and environmental conservation. It includes an environmental centre for studies and awareness of biodiversity, turtle rehabilitation and care programmes.

“The architectural design of the buildings and facilities of the Jebel Ali Beach Development Project is inspired by a mix of natural geometry, drawing from shapes found in marine nature such as coral and turtle shells, as well as the Boho Syle, which uses elements and materials available locally. The buildings resemble the natural dunescape. The project offers several investment opportunities, such as restaurants, leisure centres, and commercial kiosks, to ensure maximum comfort for beachgoers and meet their various needs.

Dubai currently has a total of eight public beaches: Al Mamzar Beach, Al Mamzar Corniche, Jumeirah 1, Jumeirah 2, Jumeirah 3, Umm Suqeim 1, Umm Suqeim 2, and Jebel Ali Beach. ICA/Expat Media