Dubai Reef achieves a major milestone: the mission to enhance marine biodiversity

 

 

Dubai has always proudly hit the mark in meeting its goals and exceeding expectations. Once again, the city has kept its word and attained a milestone in its sustainability initiative.

 

On 23rd November, His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council, witnessed the landmark launch of Dubai Reef’s Phase 1 deployment plan, following the completion of the fabrication of the first 1,000 purpose-built reef modules, held during the Emirates Dubai SailGP at Mina Rashid.

 

 

The Phase 1 deployment plan marks a significant milestone in Dubai’s commitment to marine sustainability, powering through the vision to protect and enhance our marine ecosystems.

 

The event was attended by His Excellency Abdulla Mohammed Al Basti, Secretary General of The Executive Council of Dubai; His Excellency Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism; and their Excellencies' Directors General, Dubai Reef strategic partners, and stakeholders.

 

 

 

 

The deployment of these first 1,000 reef modules is set to start in the last week of November 2024 at various depths across four clusters to create various habitats for different fish species.

 

The project involves the deployment of 20,000 purpose-built reef modules of various sizes over three years, of which the pilot stage was inaugurated by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum in April 2024. The reef modules aim to establish a vibrant marine habitat for reef fish and aquatic fauna such as hard and soft corals, sea anemones, sponges, and mollusks, spanning 600 square kilometers of Dubai’s waters.

 

 

 

 

Construction of the Dubai Reef modules began in August 2024. Fabricated by HaejooX on a site powered by biofuels, the materials ensure durability as well as promote and support marine life.

 

Sheikh Dr. Saeed bin Ahmed bin Khalifa Al Maktoum, Executive Director of the Dubai Maritime Authority (DMA) says, "The progress we have seen so far is the result of the unwavering commitment and tireless efforts of our strategic partners, aligning with DMA’s mission to create an integrated marine ecosystem supporting Dubai’s blue economy, while establishing the emirate’s position as a leading global destination for innovation and marine sustainability."

 

 

 

 

The need to protect the environment is a global understanding, and Dubai has been at the forefront of implementing numerous innovative initiatives and environmentally friendly practices. The Dubai Reef and the achievement of this target are a testament to the emirate's and the nation's collective drive to fulfill this mission.

 

Dubai Reef is the second major project under the pioneering Dubai Can sustainability initiative, aligned with the ambitious goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda to further consolidate Dubai’s position as a leading global city for business and leisure. Let us all try our best to be sustainable in our actions and join our sensational city to accomplish greater milestones with grandiose!