Dubai Reef, a pioneering purpose-built reef development and one of the world’s largest, is showing measurable progress in restoring marine ecosystems across Dubai’s coastal waters. New underwater footage from the initiative’s proof-of-concept site reveals a vibrant marine habitat, where fish populations and biodiversity are steadily increasing around the deployed reef modules.
Site surveys have identified a significant rise in fish populations across 15 native species, including snappers, groupers, and barracuda. Early data points to a 10 per cent boost in marine biodiversity, coupled with an eightfold increase in fish biomass—key indicators of the initiative’s impact on local ecosystems.
Habitat restoration
The initiative’s first pillar, Marine Habitat Restoration, targets the deployment of 20,000 reef modules across 600 square kilometres of Dubai’s waters by 2027. These efforts aim to create optimal conditions for marine life to thrive. Since the project’s launch in 2024, 39 per cent of the total modules have been fabricated, with 3,660 units already deployed.
Beyond habitat restoration, Dubai Reef incorporates two additional pillars—Marine Life Rehabilitation and Marine Conservation Research. Together, these components support a long-term vision of marine conservation aligned with Dubai’s sustainability agenda.
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Launched as a sustainability initiative under Dubai Can, Dubai Reef was established under the directive of 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.
The initiative is driven by a multi-stakeholder collaboration across key public and private sector partners, including the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET); Dubai Environment and Climate Change Authority (DECCA); DP World; Dubai Chambers; Nakheel, a member of Dubai Holding Real Estate; Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation (PCFC); and Emirates. Collectively, these entities are advancing the city’s sustainability goals while supporting key United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 14 (Life Below Water), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
