Though Dubai and the UAE are just 53 years old, they have made remarkable strides, evolving from a barren desert into the dazzling city we see today. The momentum continues, with a series of new megaprojects constantly announced to further entrench its global standing.
Among these is the highly anticipated Etihad Rail, the expansion of the Dubai Metro, and numerous upcoming skyscrapers.
Dubai Reefs
During the COP28 summit at Expo City in December, HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai, officially unveiled the groundbreaking Dubai Reef project—one of the largest marine reef development initiatives in the world. In April 2024, Sheikh Hamdan inaugurated the project, marking the launch of the pilot reef modules—the initial step towards creating a 600-square-kilometre reef that will span across Dubai’s waters. With the activation of the reef’s first modules, the next four years will witness the construction of an additional 20,000 purpose-built reef modules of various sizes. According to recent updates, HaejooX, a company specializing in Blue Carbon projects, has been appointed as the official construction contractor for the project.
Dubai Mangroves
Led by URB, the team behind Dubai Reefs and The Loop, the Dubai Mangroves project (pending official approval) aims to be a groundbreaking initiative to plant over 100 million mangrove trees along 72 kilometers of coastline. This ambitious project will feature various educational and entertainment facilities, including a Mangrove Visitor Hub, a Botanical Museum, and a Nature Reserve Conservation Center. Activities will include guided nature walks, educational programs, and conservation efforts.
Palm Jebel Ali
In 2023, HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, unveiled the master plan for Palm Jebel Ali. This new mega project will be twice the size of Palm Jumeirah, covering approximately 13.4 square kilometers. Comprising seven connected islands, Palm Jebel Ali will feature at least 80 new hotels and resorts. While further details are limited, Sheikh Mohammed tweeted that the mega project would offer “a wide choice of entertainment and leisure facilities.” The original plans included six marinas, a water theme park, and a ‘Sea Village’ with homes built over water.
Nakheel has confirmed that the first villas on Palm Jebel Ali, which went on sale in September 2023, are expected to be handed over in late 2026.
The Island by Wasl
First announced in 2017, not much had been revealed about The Island, located near Burj Al Arab, in recent years. However, according to Meed, developer Wasl awarded a construction contract for the island in November 2023, reaffirming that the project is still underway. Meed reports that Wasl has appointed China State Construction Engineering Corporation for the project, with an estimated value of USD 1.2 billion (Dhs 4.4 billion).
An MGM earnings call on November 8, 2023, provided insights into what to expect at The Island. MGM President and CEO Bill Hornbuckle confirmed that the luxury development is ‘under construction,’ highlighting that the island will feature 1,400 hotel rooms from MGM Grand, Bellagio, and Aria brands. While the original project plans included a potential casino, Hornbuckle noted that the USD 2.5 billion Dubai project has not yet received approval for a casino and will proceed without it.
Hatta Beach
Hatta, a popular exclave in Dubai, is set to undergo several megaprojects, the latest of which was approved in January 2024 by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai. The ‘Hatta Beach’ development will feature a man-made Hatta Beach ‘Crystal Lagoon’ system, stretching across a 10,000-square-meter area, surrounded by a diverse range of leisure facilities.
Other projects under the Hatta Master Development Plan include the construction of eco-friendly hotels and luxury resorts, cable cars offering scenic views over Hatta Dam, waterfalls, hiking and biking trails, the restoration of Wadi Lim Lake, enhancements to UNESCO World Heritage sites such as the Hatta tombs and Falaj Al Shari’a (important archaeological sites dating back to the Bronze and Iron Ages), the Hatta Souq with 70 commercial units, residential and commercial developments in Hatta downtown, new attractions at Hatta Heritage Village, and the development of the Leem Lake area.
Jebel Ali Beach
The Jebel Ali Beach megaproject, approved by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, will create the longest public beach in Dubai at 6.6 kilometers. This sandy stretch in the southern emirate will feature an open beach, viewing platforms, and recreational and service areas for beachgoers of all ages, including sports and marine activity zones.
Dubai Islands
Remember Deira Islands? In August 2022, master developer Nakheel revealed that this megaproject off the coast of Deira will now be known as Dubai Islands, with grand plans to redefine waterfront living across five islands. Each island will offer something unique, from innovative living experiences to cultural hubs, recreational beaches, and beach clubs. The islands will be home to over 80 resorts and hotels, including ‘luxury and wellness resorts, boutique hotels, family-friendly accommodations, and eco-conscious hotels,’ all contributing to Dubai’s tourism and hospitality drive.
Currently, a Riu and Centara hotel are operational on the development, with plans for a Rixos hotel and residences. The project will also feature 20 kilometers of beaches, including a Blue Flag-certified beach—a prestigious award recognizing adherence to stringent environmental, educational, safety, and accessibility criteria.
The World Islands
The World Islands is another ambitious island project launched back in 2008. After more than a decade of inactivity, significant progress is being made across this offshore archipelago, with numerous megaprojects underway.
Guests can now check into Anantara’s luxurious Thai-inspired resort and voco Monaco Dubai (previously Cote D’Azur Monaco). This island also features ‘the raining street,’ the largest swimming pool in the Middle East, and a variety of soon-to-open hotels, all designed to infuse European charm into Dubai.
Recently, Dubai-based Amali Properties announced plans for a stunning private island within the prestigious World Islands archipelago. This iconic new residential address promises to offer “Dubai’s first true residential sail-in sail-out experience,” catering to affluent residents.
In 2025, Zuha Island will join the lineup, developed by the creators of Abu Dhabi’s stunning Zaya resort. This private island will feature just 30 six-bedroom residential villas, alongside a boutique retreat that includes 70 villas with private pools, a beach club, and a serene spa and healing center.
Source : whatson.ae
