Daijiworld Media Network - Dubai
Dubai, Feb 1: Dubai is poised to elevate its coastline to a new global benchmark after Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum approved a Dh500 million redevelopment of Umm Suqeim 1 Beach. The project, a key pillar of the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, aims to dramatically expand and modernise public beach infrastructure while enhancing quality of life for residents and visitors alike.
The redevelopment envisions Umm Suqeim, located near the iconic Burj Al Arab, as a next-generation urban beach that seamlessly blends nature, technology and community spaces. Designed to cater to people of all ages and abilities, the upgraded beachfront will feature smart, AI-driven systems to manage services and utilities, ensuring efficiency and sustainability.
Among the major highlights are dedicated night-swimming zones and fully illuminated beachfront areas spread across nearly 130,000 square metres, enabling round-the-clock access. Parking capacity will triple to about 2,400 spaces, supported by improved access roads from Jumeirah Street. Mobility across the area will be enhanced through multiple entry points, taxi stands, cycling tracks, e-scooter zones and integrated pedestrian hubs.
A striking 38-metre observation tower inspired by Dubai’s maritime heritage is set to become a new landmark, offering panoramic views of the coast. Climate resilience has also been built into the design, with elevated beach levels and a two-kilometre retaining wall to mitigate the effects of sea-level rise and coastal erosion.
Beyond infrastructure, the project reflects Dubai’s broader ambition to strengthen public spaces and encourage healthier, outdoor lifestyles. Sheikh Hamdan has described the initiative as a balance between preserving Emirati identity and delivering world-class urban experiences. The redevelopment supports the emirate’s goal of increasing the total length of public beaches by 400 per cent under the Dubai 2040 plan.
For residents and tourists, the transformation promises a vibrant, all-day destination that shifts beach culture beyond daylight hours. Early-morning fitness seekers, late-night families and leisure lovers will share a space designed for continuous activity. More than 2,000 square metres of new retail and dining outlets will further position Umm Suqeim as an in-city staycation hub.
Once completed, the project is expected to redefine public beach access in Dubai, offering the feel of a luxury coastal resort while remaining freely accessible to everyone—a seamless fusion of urban life, wellness and nature along one of the city’s most treasured shorelines.