Reviving marine life with Dubai Reef
Learn more about this ambitious new project to enhance coral reef habitats off the coast of Dubai.
Driving sustainability
with marine biodiversity
About the project
Dubai Reef is an ambitious sustainability initiative to create one of the world’s largest marine reef developments off Dubai's coast. As part of the project, purpose-built artificial reef modules will be installed across 600 square kilometres of seabed over the course of four years, restoring coral habitats, enhancing marine biodiversity and protecting our coastline.
Environmental goals
Reefs across the world have been impacted by climate change and environmental and human pressures. The installation of artificial modules will help revive the depleted coral reefs in the Arabian Gulf waters, by providing an environment that attracts fish and marine life such as sponges, oysters, crabs, clams and sea urchins. Dubai Reef reflects the city's sustainability efforts and aligns with the strategies of COP28, the UN Climate Change Conference taking place in Dubai in 2023, while supporting Dubai Economic Agenda (D33) and UAE NetZero 2050 goals.
Economic boost
Alongside the environmental benefits, the initiative will advance a new stream of green economy projects, from creating a thriving space for the marine industry to supporting the community of fishermen. It will boost the city's job market and open doors for exciting partnerships, eco-tourism, leisure activities and research opportunities, while emphasising the importance of our rich marine heritage. Dubai Reef is just one of the latest initiatives to drive responsible tourism and increase the city’s positive social impact for citizens, residents and tourists alike.
Core objectives
Find out how our top goals will support Dubai
4 phases
starting from 2024 until 2027
400k
cubic metres of reefs
600sqkm
across Dubai's seabed
20,000
artificial reef modules
