Developing beaches in Dubai will help to boost tourism and real estate, property experts say
Plans to develop 54km of beaches in Dubai will increase the number of sought-after waterfront properties, lead to the development of more resorts and retail outlets and attract more tourists to the emirate, experts have said.
Development plans were announced last Thursday by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai.
Expansion work will begin around Palm Jebel Ali, The Palm Jumeirah and Al Mamzar. A new 8km beach will be developed at Jebel Ali.
The news was welcomed by experts in Dubai’s property and tourism sectors.
“This can only be good news for the real estate sector because it will further enhance Dubai’s attractiveness as a place to visit and live,” said Simon Baker, managing director at Haus & Haus.
“It will potentially create more space to build new high demand waterfront properties and resorts.
“As for affecting house prices, it’s too early to comment, really – this is part of the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, so it’s a long-term strategy.”
Last month, experts said Dubai’s population boom, alongside an influx of European property investors, was driving a housing shortage and a surge in rents.
The city’s popularity has led to new properties selling out almost immediately, while soaring costs mean many tenants and owners are reluctant to move over concerns they will have to pay more elsewhere.
These factors have led to a shortfall in available property, with demand exceeding supply, leading real estate officials told The National.
The development of enclosed beach areas, walkways, cafes and dining areas will be key to the new projects.
Sheikh Mohammed said the expansion was part of the emirate’s development plan launched in March 2021.
“These areas will definitely see an increase in popularity in construction and real estate in the same locations,” said Paul Kelly, operations director for real estate firm Allsopp & Allsopp.
“Everyone loves to be by the water and the most popular communities are indeed by the water in Dubai.
“Once people’s quality of life is enhanced, from easy access to the beach or the popularity the area will have, it will attract restaurants, gyms and other businesses, creating a community which will automatically attract residents to invest, rent and buy.”
The developments are part of a wider plan to lengthen the beaches in the emirate by 400 per cent by 2040 and increase the services provided on public beaches by 300 per cent by 2025.
They will also serve to increase the number of attractions available to residents and tourists, one of Dubai’s leading hoteliers said.
“We estimate over 30 per cent of the guests in our city hotels like to visit the beach during their stay,” said Paul Bridger, chief operating officer of Rove Hotels.
“While many people enjoy the beach clubs that have grown in recent years, many also enjoy the amazing public beaches the city has to offer and this helps retain Dubai’s top spot for visitor appeal.”