HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, today (February 1) approved the AED500 million ($136 million) master plan for the development of Umm Suqeim Beach, which will transform it into an iconic destination that exudes universal appeal while projecting a distinctive Emirati identity, making it truly one of a kind.
The comprehensive project extends over 3.1km, spanning approximately 445,000 sq m in total, with a 30% increase in beach area and developable spaces.
To support evening activities and night swimming, smart lighting systems will illuminate 130,000 sq m of the beachfront, reported Wam.
Following the revamp, developed Umm Suqeim Beach will be able to accommodate up to 6 million visitors annually, with comprehensive upgrades to infrastructure and services and a 200% increase in parking capacity to approximately 2,400 spaces.
This is complemented by the revamping of roads and access points from Jumeirah Street as well as the separation of traffic flows from surrounding residential areas.
The scope of work includes the construction of six main gateways with architectural designs reflecting the beach’s local identity, 10 mobility hubs, and 11 taxi pickup and drop-off points, in addition to integrated facilities for bicycles and electric scooters.
It also features a 38m observation tower, inspired by the emirate’s maritime heritage, serving as a prominent visual landmark that enhances the beach’s visual identity, stated the report.
Announcing the go-ahead to the master-plan, Sheikh Hamdan said: "The project is part of our ongoing drive to enhance Dubai’s beaches with world-class design elements that reflect the city’s spirit of innovation and creativity and its leadership in leveraging the highest urban planning standards and advanced technology to deliver distinctive, sustainable leisure and tourism facilities."
"Dubai is a jewel among cities and a pearl among beach destinations, and the quality of life of its residents and visitors remains our top priority," he stated.
"The development of Dubai’s infrastructure, including its public spaces and waterfronts, is part of an integrated vision to create a holistic urban environment that meets community expectations and reinforces Dubai’s position as the best city in the world to live, work, and visit," he added.
The master plan was approved in the presence of Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports, and Chairman and CEO of Emirates Airline and Group; Omar bin Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State For Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications; Abdulla Mohammed Al Basti, Secretary General of The Executive Council of Dubai; and Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Supreme Committee for Urban Planning in Dubai.
The master plan is based on specialised social, environmental, and traffic studies, alongside extensive community engagement, to ensure sustainable use, high-quality planning, and a balance between integrating tourism activities and preserving the surrounding environment as well as the privacy of nearby residential areas.
It is one of the flagship strategic initiatives implemented by Dubai Municipality under the comprehensive plan to develop public beaches across the emirate as part of efforts to further enhance Dubai’s appeal as a global tourism destination.
