Municipal glow-ups are no rare thing in Dubai, but this latest project has a real feel of in-grained legacy. This is the Umm Suqeim Beach Matser Plan, recently approved by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and it aims to further enhance Dubai’s reputation as “a pearl among beach destinations”.
In numbers
Umm Suqeim Beach master plan
A wave of new over-water facilities are expected
Umm Suqeim Beach master plan
Enhancing an already stunning natural slice of beachscape
Umm Suqeim Beach master plan
World class leisure facilities by the sea is a Dubai signature
Umm Suqeim Beach master plan
Art in the heart of the project
Umm Suqeim Beach master plan
Night swimming facilities will be given an upgrade
Umm Suqeim Beach master plan
Palm lined boulevards providing natural shade
Umm Suqeim Beach master plan
A 38 metre hight observation tower will act as a location talisman
Umm Suqeim Beach master plan
Iconic backdrops as standard
Umm Suqeim Beach master plan
Umm Suqeim Beach master plan
fresh dining destinations are expected too
Umm Suqeim Beach master plan
Umm Suqeim Beach master plan
Umm Suqeim Beach master plan
All the way to the horizon
Umm Suqeim Beach master plan
New shaded playgrounds
Umm Suqeim Beach master planIMG_1607
Umm Suqeim Beach master plan
Umm Suqeim Beach master plan
Umm Suqeim Beach master plan
Umm Suqeim Beach master plan
Umm Suqeim Beach master plan
The budget allocated for the work extends to Dhs500 million, and is part of both the Dubai Quality of Life Strategy 2033 and the larger Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, which establishes a mandate to develop a significant stretch of the emirate’s coastline. This particular project will focus on a 3.1 kilometre swathe of glimmering beach real estate, with a total site coverage of approximately 445,000 square metres. This will secure and additional 30 per cent in total beach area and developable spaces. Enhancements will include a smart lighting system, illuminating 130,000 square metres of the beach to enable night swimming.
The update is expected to attract six million visitors annually and will benefit from a 200 per cent increase in parking spots. The plans also include 10 mobility hubs and 11 taxi pick-up points.
Where exactly is Umm Suqeim Beach?
It’s the segment of shoreline that runs from the Burj Al Arab, all the way up to Kite Beach. The public access beach is already a popular spot for runners, swimmers, sunbathers, watersports enthusiasts, toddler ‘I want an ice cream’ meltdowns, cyclists, beach cafe’s and hosts the patriotic majesty of the Flag Garden (erected each year to celebrate Flag Day and Eid Al Etihad).
What new features can we expect at Umm Suqeim Beach?
One of the most exciting new additions will be a 38-metre tall observation tower, a nod to the emirate’s proud seafaring heritage. Visitors can also expect further developments to the sporting, recreational and dining portfolios. A video released by Dubai Media Office teases new kid’s playgrounds, a whale sculpture and other artful attractions. And, as with all Dubai megaprojects, there will be a strong focus on sustainability – with engineering specifically deployed to guard against rising sea levels.
Talking about the endeavour, His Excellency Marwan Ahmed bin Ghalita said: “in developing Umm Suqeim Beach, we focus on creating an all-day beach destination that combines leisure, sports, and culture while adhering to the highest standards of safety, accessibility, and inclusivity for people of determination and senior citizens. We seek to make the beach a welcoming space for all segments of society.”
Timelines
As yet, there is no official timeline for the project. More on that, when we have it.
Images: Dubai Media Office
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