Dhs650m development project for Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary

In line with the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to develop Dubai’s natural reserves in alignment with the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, Dubai Municipality has announced the awarding of the contract for the first phase of the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary Development Project at a cost of approximately Dhs100 million, with the overall cost across two phases of the project estimated at Dhs650 million.

The project aims to enhance biodiversity, preserve the sustainability of natural habitats and reinforce the sanctuary’s position as a premier sustainable eco-tourism destination offering a unique and integrated experience that further enriches quality of life for residents and visitors alike.

The development aligns with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, especially its objective of placing Dubai among the world’s top three destinations for tourism, with the city’s exceptional quality of life and new investment opportunities that promise to boost the sanctuary’s direct economic returns offering added impetus for the initiative.

The sanctuary has been planned and designed based on the needs of both residents and tourists, aiming to deliver the best recreational and tourism experience that promotes a sense of connect with the environment while preserving the sanctuary’s natural elements.

The project, which is to be executed in two main phases, will bring about a qualitative shift in environmental sustainability in the emirate. Phase one will cover approximately 6.4 square kilometres of the sanctuary and is expected to be completed by the end of 2026.

Dubai Municipality seeks to rehabilitate and improve mangrove habitats by planting new mangroves and increasing mangrove coverage by 60%, from 40 to 65 hectares.

This will include the provision of new irrigation channels, rehabilitation of mangrove forests and creating new habitats such as the mangrove lake, North Edge Lake and reed ponds. A Green Spine will also be developed, and post-rehabilitation monitoring will be conducted regularly.

Phase one also envisions a 144% increase in water bodies within the reserve, expanding their total area to 74 hectares, helping achieve major environmental benefits such as a 60% increase in carbon dioxide absorption. Additionally, 10 hectares of mudflats (salt flats) will be added, contributing to the sanctuary’s ecosystem and biodiversity.

Eng. Marwan Ahmed bin Ghalita, Director General of Dubai Municipality, said: “The Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary Development Project is one of the most prominent environmental infrastructure initiatives being undertaken by Dubai Municipality. It enhances the appeal of Dubai’s nature reserves as unique and diverse destinations, supporting the goals of the eco-tourism sector and reinforcing Dubai’s position as the best city in the world to live, work and visit, and a global model for sustainable future cities.”

He added: “With its unique design, the project marks a major milestone in the development and preservation of natural reserves. It reflects Dubai Municipality’s commitment to protecting biodiversity and natural habitats through innovative practices that support sustainable growth and ecological balance. This project is part of our broader effort to make Dubai a leading global, attractive, sustainable and high-quality city through the initiatives and services we offer to the community.”

Bader Anwahi, CEO of the Public Facilities Agency at Dubai Municipality, said: “The project, which Dubai Municipality is implementing in two main phases, will lead to significant environmental advancements that enhance sustainability and preserve natural habitats across the emirate.

It also aims to achieve a range of social goals, most notably raising environmental awareness among the community about biodiversity issues, supporting the strategic objectives of Dubai and the UAE for eco-tourism, and creating investment opportunities and environmentally themed tourist destinations. Upon completion, the project is expected to multiply the number of visitors to the sanctuary six-fold, reaching between 250,000 and 300,000 annually.” This will support the hosting of various events and activities within a total area of 20,000 square metres, taking into account the specific requirements of the ecosystem.