His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council, has witnessed the landmark launch of DUBAI REEF’s phase one deployment plan.
The special launch ceremony, which follows the completion of the fabrication of the first 1,000 purpose-built reef modules, was held during the Emirates Dubai Sail Grand Prix at Mina Rashid.
DUBAI REEF, a sustainable initiative under Dubai Can, has officially commenced the deployment phase of its reef modules, which will form the world’s largest single purpose-built reef development. The launch event, marks a significant milestone for DUBAI REEF, the second major project launched under Dubai Can.
Contributing to global conservation efforts, the project aims to significantly enhance marine biodiversity, safeguard Dubai’s vital coastal and ocean habitats, support fish populations, and increase ecosystem resilience.
Over a three-year period, a total of 20,000 reef modules of various sizes will be deployed over a study area of 600 square kilometers, with ongoing scientific monitoring and assessment to ensure the project achieves its intended ecological goals.
DUBAI REEF is the result of a collaboration of key Strategic Partners, 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 Airlines.
Aligned with the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, the UAE’s Green Agenda – 2030, and DET’s Dubai Sustainable Tourism program, DUBAI REEF also directly supports several United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): decent work and economic growth (SDG 8), life below water (SDG 14), climate action (SDG 13), responsible consumption and production (SDG 12) and partnerships (SDG 17).
His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports, and Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline & Group, said that, “The DUBAI REEF project hits a key milestone today with the beginning of the first 1,000 purpose-built modules’ deployment into the city’s waters. This marks the start of a remarkable project to restore and protect our marine ecosystems at an unprecedented scale.”
His Excellency Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), stated that, “Reflecting the vision and leadership of Their Highnesses, phase one of the DUBAI REEF deployment phase marks a significant milestone in our pursuit of innovative, environmentally positive solutions that seamlessly align ecological preservation with economic growth.
By establishing a self-sustaining model that optimizes the use of marine and coastal natural assets, the project not only strengthens our ecosystem resilience, but also serves as a replicable framework for other global destinations to contribute to both economic vitality and planetary health.”
Image Credits: Dubai Media Office | Cropped by GBN
‘Reef Shade’ to the ‘Ocean Castle’
The launch event also saw the unveiling of three of the DUBAI REEF modules, namely, the Arab Marine Pyramid, Reef Shade and Fish Cube. HaejooX, the official construction and fabrication contractor for DUBAI REEF, began fabrication of the purpose-built reef modules in August 2024, with the pouring of the ‘Arab Marine Pyramid’ and ‘Reef Shade’ unit types. Last month, it was announced that the fabrication of the first 1,000 of 20,000 units had been completed.
Over the project’s roll-out, more than six different module types will be deployed at various depths across clusters in Dubai’s waters. Varying in dimensions to establish a vibrant marine habitat for reef fish and aquatic fauna such as hard and soft corals, sea anemones, sponges andmolluscs, the modules range from 1.65 meters to 6.5 meters in height and are deployed in depths of 18 meters to more than 25 meters. The modules deployed in Dubai are purpose-built and are placed on the seabed. They are designed to promote marine life, increase biodiversity, and enhance biological productivity.
The ‘Reef Shade’, ‘Arab Marine Pyramid’, ‘X-Reef’, and ‘Fish Cube’ module types are fabricated using sustainable concrete and steel, while the two largest types, the ‘Fish Cave’ and ‘Ocean Castle’, are fabricated solely from steel. Providing ecological benefits to Dubai’s marine environment and adhering to sustainability and eco-friendly practices, the materials used to fabricate the modules ensure durability and are designed to last more than 100 years.
Positioned to form a broad, complex breeding ground, the reef modules will be strategically placed based on extensive marine technical surveys, modeling and impact assessments. Additionally, the project has ensured that the reef modules are positioned in locations that will not impact shipping lanes and navigational paths. This was achieved through collaboration with maritime authorities and other key stakeholders.
Leaving a lasting legacy
Supporting country-wide and global environmental strategies, DUBAI REEF is also aligned with the UAE’s ‘Year of Sustainability’, which was extended through to the end of 2024. A strategic investment set to leave a lasting legacy for protecting and sustaining marine life, DUBAI REEF has been a collaborative effort since its inception, from government departments, universities, leading companies and local fishermen, to students and wider communities.
DUBAI REEF is the second major project under the citywide Dubai Can sustainability initiative, launched in February 2022 by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Through its first major campaign, ‘Refill for Life’, Dubai Can has seen a reduction in the usage of an equivalent of more than 25.4 million 500ml single-use plastic water bottles and 12.7 million liters of water dispensed via 50 water fountains located across the city.
