Dubai Reef, an innovative sustainable project initiated by Dubai Can and recognized as the world’s largest purpose-built reef development, has successfully achieved a remarkable milestone with the production of the first 1,000 custom-designed reef modules. This accomplishment represents a crucial advancement in the initiative’s mission to enhance marine biodiversity and foster ecological sustainability within Dubai’s waters.
Project launch and goals
The project was launched by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai. The Dubai Reef initiative further aims to deploy a total of 20,000 specially designed reef modules of varying sizes over a span of three years. The pilot phase was officially inaugurated by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan in April 2024, with the deployment of the initial 1,000 reef modules scheduled to commence in the final week of November 2024.
Diverse habitats for marine life
Dubai Reef will feature a diverse array of purpose-built reef modules deployed at different depths across four distinct clusters. These modules are designed in various dimensions to create unique habitats for a variety of fish species, with heights ranging from 1.60 meters to 6.5 meters, and placed at depths between 15 meters and 25 meters. The goal is to establish a thriving marine habitat for reef fish and other aquatic life, including hard and soft corals, sea anemones, sponges, and mollusks.
Read more: Sheikh Hamdan launches pilot modules for landmark Dubai Reef sustainability project
Construction and sustainability practices
In addition, the fabrication of the Dubai Reef modules began in August 2024, starting with the Arab Marine Pyramid module type. Additionally, these modules, produced by HaejooX at a facility powered by biofuels, are constructed from materials that ensure durability and actively promote marine life, reflecting a commitment to sustainable and eco-friendly practices.
Support from local authorities
Sheikh Dr. Saeed bin Ahmed bin Khalifa Al Maktoum is the executive director of the Dubai Maritime Authority (DMA) at the Ports, Customs, and Free Zone Corporation (PCFC) expressed pride in the collaborative efforts of DMA and PCFC. These efforts support pioneering environmental initiatives like Dubai Reef. He noted that these initiatives align with Dubai’s forward-thinking vision. They also reflect the city’s commitment to marine biodiversity. He stated that the progress made thus far is a testament to the unwavering dedication and hard work of their strategic partners, aligning with DMA’s mission to create a comprehensive marine ecosystem that supports Dubai’s blue economy and solidifies the emirate’s status as a leading global hub for innovation and marine sustainability. He indicated that they are on track with their timeline, aiming to cultivate a balanced and sustainable marine ecosystem, thereby positioning Dubai as a leader in the marine sector.
Collaboration and innovation
His Excellency Ahmed Mohammed bin Thani, director general of DECCA, remarked that the successful creation of the initial 1,000 reef modules is a noteworthy achievement, and they are eager to witness the project’s evolution. He noted that Dubai Reef exemplifies the remarkable outcomes that can arise from collaboration and innovation. Moreover, he expressed pride in being a key strategic partner in this project, which aligns with their mission to safeguard the environment, preserve its quality and natural balance, and maintain Dubai’s natural resources.
Cultivating vibrant and resilient marine habitat
Yousuf Lootah, CEO of Corporate Strategy and Performance, who leads the Dubai Can sustainable initiatives and the Dubai Reef project within the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), emphasized that the completion of the first 1,000 reef modules represents a pivotal milestone that showcases Dubai’s commitment to cultivating a vibrant and resilient marine habitat. He further mentioned that their ability to produce and deliver consistent quantities of modules will ensure reliable output throughout the project’s duration, allowing them to achieve their overarching objectives. Additionally, he highlighted that the strategic partners of Dubai Reef have been instrumental in reaching this point, and they hope this milestone will inspire greater participation from organizations and individuals in this landmark sustainability initiative.
Commitment to marine environment
For his part, Ryan Paik, CEO of HaejooX, said that as the official construction and fabrication contractor for Dubai Reef, they are excited to reach this critical milestone. He also noted that the successful completion of the first 1,000 reef modules is on schedule, and they are eager to fulfill their commitment to positively influence Dubai’s marine environment.
Alignment with economic goals
Moreover, covering an impressive 600 square kilometers of Dubai’s waters, Dubai Reef is the second major initiative under the groundbreaking Dubai Can sustainability program, launched by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. It aligns with the ambitious Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, aimed at reinforcing Dubai’s status as a premier global city for both business and leisure.
Collaborative effort from various sectors
This citywide collaboration involves partners from both the public and private sectors, including the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), Dubai Environment and Climate Change Authority (DECCA), DP World, Dubai Chambers, Nakheel, Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation (PCFC), and Emirates.
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