Building on its marine life conservation initiatives and sustainability pledges, Dubai has launched pilot reef modules for its ambitious Dubai Reef project, that it says are the world’s largest marine reef development project.

As part of its sustainability drive, Dubai, known for luxury shopping, ultramodern architecture, has inaugurated the Dubai Reef project with the launch of the pilot reef modules.

In a press statement, Dubai Economy and Tourism (DET) says that as part of sustainable initiative by Dubai Can, Dubai Reef is the world’s largest marine reef development project.

Dubai Economy and Tourism (DET) says it is planning to deploy 20,000 purpose-built reef modules of various sizes over a four-year period that will be built around 600 sqkm across Dubai’s waters. The design of the reef units will see them exceed 400,000 cubic metres in volume.

DET adds that the Dubai Reef project is a city-wide collaboration uniting key partners to support the wider strategic goals and ambitions of Dubai and the UAE, including the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), the UAE’s Green Agenda 2030 and the UAE Net Zero 2050 strategy.

“The landmark Dubai Reef initiative is a testament to the vision of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. Reef ecosystems are unique life sources and vital components in the protection of marine life. Dubai Can’s Dubai Reef project will inject vitality into our coastal waters and contribute to global conservation efforts. The project’s significant long-term environmental and socio-economic impacts will serve Dubai’s commitment to ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come,” says Sheikh Hamdan.

The statement adds that Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET and Dubai Environment and Climate Change Authority (DECCA) will work on this project together and Director General of DECCA, Ahmed Mohammed bin Thani will play a key role in supporting the Dubai Reef project.

“Aligned with the visionary leadership of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and guided by the directives of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai, the Dubai Reef project showcases the emirate’s enduring commitment to sustainability and environmental conservation. This collaboration between public and private sector entities will see each partner bring their expertise to drive Dubai’s sustainable future and contribute towards achieving the ambitious goals set forth in the D33 Agenda,” says Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of DET.

“The Dubai Reef project will provide diverse environments to attract and stimulate fish and marine life. In 2021, we partnered with leading reef developer HaejooX to launch a two-year proof of concept, analysing the effectiveness of purpose-built reefs in Dubai. The study used advanced technologies and utilised a three-dimensional scanning system to understand the quantities and types of fish present. Preliminary data showed an abundant expansion in marine life,” says Ahmed Mohammed bin Thani, Director General of DECCA.

DET says that the Dubai Reef initiative is a strategic investment set to protect marine life and environmental sustainability, with key drivers including enhancing biodiversity, safeguarding Dubai’s coastal and marine habitats, supporting fish populations, and increasing ecosystem resilience. The project will also encourage environmental stewardship, strengthen socio-economic prosperity and ecotourism, and preserve Dubai’s marine heritage.