Jumeirah Beach 1 nears reopening as Dubai accelerates public beach upgrades
Sheikh Hamdan reviews progress on flagship Dubai Municipality beachfront redevelopment
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 reviewed progress on the Jumeirah Beach 1 development project, one of Dubai Municipality’s major initiatives to enhance public beach infrastructure and waterfront experiences across the emirate.
The project, now more than 95% complete, forms part of Dubai’s wider strategy to elevate quality of life while strengthening its global appeal as a beach and lifestyle destination. The redeveloped beach is scheduled to reopen to the public in early February.
During the visit, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan was accompanied by senior officials, including Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group; Omar 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.
Jumeirah Beach 1
His Highness Sheikh Hamdan was briefed by Marwan Ahmed bin Ghalita, Director General of Dubai Municipality, on the latest milestones of the redevelopment, which spans 1,400 metres along the Jumeirah coastline. The project represents a comprehensive upgrade of the beach’s design, infrastructure and services, aimed at improving accessibility, safety and user experience for residents and visitors.
The upgraded destination has been designed as an integrated public space, combining recreational, sports and leisure facilities with family-friendly amenities. Dedicated pedestrian walkways, cycling tracks and jogging paths have been incorporated to encourage active lifestyles and ensure smooth movement along the waterfront for all age groups.
Leadership’s vision
During the review, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan underscored Dubai’s commitment to people-centred urban development and sustainable planning. He said infrastructure projects across the emirate are designed to directly enhance wellbeing, liveability and long-term resilience, while maintaining Dubai’s position at the forefront of global urban innovation.
“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,” His Highness Sheikh Hamdan said. He added that public beaches are a core component of Dubai’s urban fabric and play a key role in improving quality of life for residents and visitors alike.
Facilities and access
The Jumeirah Beach 1 development includes upgraded service and health facilities distributed across the site. These include restrooms, showers and changing rooms designed to international standards, with a focus on comfort, accessibility and privacy. Designated zones have also been created for beach activities, recreation and seasonal events, enabling the space to host a variety of community and tourism-focused programmes throughout the year.
Parking facilities for cars and buses have been integrated into the project, alongside electric vehicle charging stations, supporting Dubai’s broader sustainability and clean mobility objectives. The layout has been planned to improve access while reducing congestion and enhancing the overall visitor journey.
Smart and resilient
In line with Dubai Municipality’s approach to developing smart, future-ready beaches, the project incorporates a range of advanced technologies. These include wireless internet connectivity, electronic information displays and smart lockers, providing convenience and real-time information for beachgoers. AI-enabled rescue and monitoring systems have also been installed and linked to Dubai Municipality’s central control rooms, in coordination with relevant authorities, to enhance safety and emergency response capabilities.
Climate resilience forms a central pillar of the redevelopment. Engineering works included raising the beach level and replenishing it with 250,000 cubic metres of clean sand. These measures were based on specialised technical and environmental studies and are designed to strengthen protection against rising sea levels while ensuring the long-term sustainability of the coastline.
Economic opportunities
The project also introduces more than 15 investment opportunities across beach-related activities, retail, dining and service offerings. These spaces are expected to support economic growth, attract private sector participation and further strengthen Dubai’s beach tourism ecosystem.
Marwan bin Ghalita said the Jumeirah Beach 1 development reflects Dubai Municipality’s commitment to implementing the leadership’s directives to upgrade public beaches in line with the highest international standards. He noted that the project responds to population growth and increasing tourism demand, while delivering a distinctive beachfront experience that meets evolving expectations.
The development aligns with the Dubai Quality of Life Strategy 2033 by enhancing open public spaces, promoting healthy living and strengthening community wellbeing. It also supports the Dubai Urban Master Plan 2040, which prioritises the sustainable development of coastal areas, improved accessibility and efficient mobility networks as part of the emirate’s long-term urban growth agenda.