How Dubai is transforming Al Mamzar into a 7 million-visitor beachfront destination
Dh3bn coastal upgrades aligned with 2040 liveability ambitions
DUBAI – Dubai is pressing ahead with a Dh3 billion beach development plan designed to significantly expand its coastline capacity and enhance its global appeal as a leading lifestyle destination.
The initiative forms part of a wider long-term vision to position the emirate as the world’s best city to live in by 2040. Authorities have confirmed that work across multiple sites is progressing at full pace, with no delays reported.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, said the ambitious plan seeks to increase beach capacity for tourists and visitors by 170 percent.
Dubai beach development
The beach development strategy, valued at Dh3 billion, is a central pillar of Dubai’s broader urban expansion agenda. It focuses on upgrading public beaches, enhancing facilities, and creating new destinations that cater to residents and international visitors alike. The initiative aligns closely with the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, which prioritises sustainable urban living, improved public spaces, and greater access to recreational areas.
Mohammed bin Rashid: As part of our efforts to transform Dubai into the world’s best city to live in by 2040, we recently approved the AED3 billion Dubai Beaches Development plan aimed at increasing beach capacity for tourists and visitors by 170%.
— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) April 21, 2026
Work has commenced, and our… pic.twitter.com/hmsDMF8OT7
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum noted that project teams have maintained uninterrupted progress, emphasising that development efforts “have not stopped and will not stop”. The statement reflects a consistent approach to fast-tracking major infrastructure works across the emirate, particularly those tied to long-term economic and social objectives.
Officials say the expansion will not only increase physical capacity but also improve the overall quality of beach experiences, integrating modern amenities, accessibility features, and family-oriented attractions.
Al Mamzar Beach upgrade
Among the key projects under the plan is the redevelopment of Al Mamzar Beach, which is nearing completion. The site is being transformed into a major family destination, with the capacity to accommodate up to 7 million visitors annually. Spanning an area of 4 million square feet, the project represents one of the largest beach enhancements currently under way in Dubai.
ضمن برنامجنا لجعل دبي أفضل مدينة للعيش في العالم بحلول 2040 .. اعتمدنا قبل فترة خطة دبي لتطوير الشواطئ بقيمة 3 مليارات درهم بهدف زيادة استيعاب شواطئ دبي للسياح والزائرين بنسبة 170%
— HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) April 21, 2026
وبدأ العمل .. ولم تتوقف فرق العمل عن الإنجاز ولم يحدث أي تباطؤ ولن يحدث..
تفقدت أحد مشاريع… pic.twitter.com/75uTjSrZf7
The development is expected to offer a range of facilities tailored to families, including expanded recreational zones, upgraded infrastructure, and improved public services. Its scale and design are intended to support high visitor volumes while maintaining a focus on comfort and accessibility.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum recently inspected the site, highlighting its strategic importance within the wider coastal development programme. The project is positioned to become a flagship destination, contributing to Dubai’s growing portfolio of leisure and tourism assets.
Al Mamzar Beaches Development Project
— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) April 21, 2026
- Part of an AED 3 billion portfolio of premium beachfront developments across key locations.
- Aligns with the Dubai Quality of Life Strategy 2033, which focuses on enhancing open public spaces, promoting healthy lifestyles, and improving… pic.twitter.com/K7hZ7uSNFD
Future expansion
Dubai’s leadership has reiterated its commitment to accelerating development across all sectors, with beach projects forming a key component of this momentum. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum indicated that the pace of work will continue to intensify, with further enhancements expected in the coming phases of the plan.
The beach development programme is part of a broader effort to strengthen Dubai’s global competitiveness by enhancing quality of life and expanding tourism infrastructure. Authorities have consistently linked such projects to long-term economic diversification goals, as well as efforts to attract international visitors and residents.