Dubai’s strategic focus on enhancing public spaces for resident wellbeing received a high-level review this week as His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council, inspected the near-complete Jumeirah Beach 1 development. The flagship Dubai Municipality project, now over 95% finished, is set to significantly elevate the quality of life and bolster the emirate’s status as a premier global lifestyle and tourism hub by transforming 1,400 meters of coastline into a smart, resilient, and fully integrated urban destination.
The review, held on January 7, 2026, reinforced the emirate’s commitment to sustainable urban development aligned with the Dubai Urban Master Plan 2040 and the Dubai Quality of Life Strategy 2033. Accompanying the Crown Prince were several high-ranking officials, including His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, and Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Remote Work Applications, His Excellency Omar Sultan Al Olama, highlighting the project’s significance across economic, urban, and technological sectors.
Setting New Benchmarks for Urban Beaches
Marwan Ahmed bin Ghalita, Director General of Dubai Municipality, briefed His Highness on the comprehensive nature of the upgrade. The revitalization extends beyond cosmetic enhancements, integrating smart technology, robust infrastructure, and climate change resilience measures. The project is scheduled to reopen to the public in early February, promising a world-class coastal experience for both residents and international visitors.
Sheikh Hamdan emphasized that public beaches are integral to Dubai’s urban structure, noting that infrastructure development must directly contribute to liveability and community health. “Our vision is to develop a smart, future-ready city with advanced and sustainable infrastructure, world-class public spaces, and beaches that offer integrated services and high-quality experiences,” he stated.
Integrated Amenities and Future-Ready Design
The redevelopment represents a major push toward promoting active lifestyles and ensuring accessibility for all segments of society. The new Jumeirah Beach 1 will feature dedicated pedestrian, cycling, and jogging paths alongside modern recreational and sports facilities.
Key enhancements include:
- Advanced Facilities: Upgraded restrooms, showers, and changing rooms designed to international accessibility and privacy standards.
- Smart Integration: Incorporation of Wi-Fi, electronic information displays, smart lockers, and AI-enabled rescue and monitoring systems linked directly to the Municipality’s central control rooms.
- Sustainability and Resilience: Engineering works included raising the beach level and replenishing it with 250,000 cubic meters of specially sourced sand, a crucial measure to enhance long-term sustainability and protection against rising sea levels.
- Economic Opportunity: The project introduces more than 15 investment opportunities spanning dining, retail, and beach-related services, bolstering the local tourism ecosystem.
A Model for Community Well-being
Dubai Municipality stressed that the development reflects its commitment to implementing leadership directives to develop public beaches in line with global best practices. Bin Ghalita affirmed that the initiative is designed to handle Dubai’s rapid population and tourism growth while delivering a distinctive, enjoyable, and environmentally sound experience.
By focusing on high-quality, integrated services, the Jumeirah Beach 1 development aims to transform the public coastline from a simple stretch of sand into a dynamic, central urban destination. This approach underscores Dubai’s ongoing trajectory toward becoming one of the world’s most desired cities to live, work, and visit, effectively leveraging its coastal assets to enhance community cohesion and individual wellbeing. The successful completion and reopening of this project will serve as a definitive benchmark for future public space development across the emirate.