Dubai unveils Dh500m plan to turn Umm Suqeim Beach into landmark attraction
3.1km waterfront project expands beach space and night-time facilities
DUBAI – His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, has approved a sweeping master plan to redevelop Umm Suqeim Beach into a distinctive global attraction.
The project aims to combine world-class design with a strong Emirati identity while enhancing public access to one of the city’s most prominent waterfronts. The plan forms part of Dubai’s broader strategy to elevate public beaches and reinforce the emirate’s standing as a leading international tourism and lifestyle destination.
The Dh500 million development will be delivered by Dubai Municipality as a flagship initiative within the emirate-wide programme to upgrade public beaches. The project aligns with the Dubai Quality of Life Strategy 2033 and supports the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, both of which prioritise integrated public spaces, sustainable infrastructure and improved waterfront use to meet the needs of a growing population.
Umm Suqeim Beach redevelopment
The redevelopment extends across 3.1 kilometres of waterfront and covers a total area of approximately 445,000 square metres. Plans include a 30 per cent increase in beach area and developable spaces, creating more room for leisure, sports and community use. Dedicated sports areas, recreational zones and specialised water sports spaces will form part of an all-day destination designed to serve residents and visitors alike.
To support activity after sunset, smart lighting systems will illuminate 130,000 square metres of beachfront, enabling evening events and night swimming. The lighting design is intended to enhance safety while maintaining the character of the coastal environment. The master plan is based on social, environmental and traffic studies, supported by extensive community engagement to balance tourism growth with environmental protection and the privacy of nearby residential neighbourhoods.
Access upgrades
A key element of the project is improved accessibility and traffic flow. Parking capacity will increase by 200 per cent to around 2,400 spaces, addressing current demand and anticipated growth in visitor numbers. Roads and access points from Jumeirah Street will be revamped, and traffic flows will be separated from surrounding residential areas to ease congestion and improve safety.
The redeveloped beach is expected to accommodate up to six million visitors annually. Infrastructure upgrades will include six main gateways with architectural designs reflecting local identity, alongside 10 mobility hubs and 11 taxi pick-up and drop-off points. Facilities for bicycles and electric scooters will be integrated into the design, supporting multi-modal transport and encouraging active mobility.
A 38-metre observation tower, inspired by Dubai’s maritime heritage, will serve as a visual landmark and focal point within the development. The tower is designed to enhance the beachfront skyline and provide elevated views of the coastline.
Smart systems
Innovation and sustainability form central pillars of the master plan. The project will adopt engineering solutions to address climate change and rising sea levels, including the construction of a two-kilometre retaining wall and the elevation of beach levels. These measures aim to protect the shoreline while ensuring long-term resilience of facilities and public spaces.
An AI-powered smart system will be deployed to improve the efficiency of managing facilities and services. The system will support operations across lighting, maintenance and visitor services, contributing to streamlined management of the expanded beachfront.
On announcing the plan, Sheikh Hamdan said the initiative reflects Dubai’s commitment to enhancing beaches with advanced urban planning standards and cutting-edge technology. He described Dubai as “a jewel among cities and a pearl among beach destinations”, adding that the quality of life of residents and visitors remains a priority. He also noted that developing infrastructure, public spaces and waterfronts forms part of an integrated vision to create a holistic urban environment that meets community expectations and strengthens Dubai’s position as a leading global city.
The master plan was approved in the presence of senior officials including Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Chairman of Dubai Airports; Omar bin Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications; Abdulla Mohammed Al Basti, Secretary General of The Executive Council of Dubai; and Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Supreme Committee for Urban Planning in Dubai.
Marwan Ahmed bin Ghalita said the project reflects Dubai Municipality’s commitment to delivering advanced tourism infrastructure centred on quality of life, sustainability and community wellbeing. He noted that the beach will be designed as a welcoming space for all segments of society, with attention to safety, accessibility and inclusivity for people of determination and senior citizens.
Dubai Municipality will also engage investors and private sector partners in development works, strengthening public-private partnerships and supporting growth in the tourism economy.