Mansoor bin Mohammed witnesses launch of DUBAI REEF’s phase 1

The launch ceremony, which follows the completion of the fabrication of the first 1,000 purpose-built reef modules, was held during the Emirates Dubai Sail Grand Prix at Mina Rashid.

The event was attended by Abdulla Mohammed Al Basti, Secretary General of The Executive Council of Dubai; Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism; and their excellencies directors general, DUBAI REEF strategic partners, and stakeholders.

DUBAI REEF, a sustainable initiative under Dubai Can, has officially commenced the deployment phase of its reef modules, which will form the world’s largest single purpose-built reef development. The launch event marks a significant milestone for DUBAI REEF, the second major project launched under Dubai Can.

Dubai Can is a pioneering citywide sustainability initiative introduced by H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai. DUBAI REEF was first announced at COP28 in December 2023, with its pilot stage inaugurated in April 2024.

Contributing to global conservation efforts, the project aims to significantly enhance marine biodiversity, safeguard Dubai's vital coastal and ocean habitats, support fish populations, and increase ecosystem resilience. Over a three-year period, a total of 20,000 reef modules of various sizes will be deployed over a study area of 600 square kilometres, with ongoing scientific monitoring and assessment to ensure the project achieves its intended ecological goals.

DUBAI REEF is the result of a collaboration of key Strategic Partners – 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’s pioneering real estate arm Dubai Holding Real Estate; Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation (PCFC); and Emirates – who have come together from across the public and private sectors to support the leadership’s vision for sustainability and the strategic ambitions of Dubai and the UAE.

Further, highlighting how different industries can play a role in Dubai’s sustainability ambitions, National Ready Mix Concrete Co. has joined the project as a Premium Partner, providing the concrete required for the fabrication of the 20,000 modules, while Strategy& part of PwC Middle East has joined as an Advisory Partner, providing expert guidance and advice on the DUBAI REEF conservation and restoration programme, as well as the governance and regulatory framework.

Aligned with the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, the UAE’s Green Agenda - 2030, and DET’s Dubai Sustainable Tourism programme, DUBAI REEF also directly supports several United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): decent work and economic growth (SDG 8), life below water (SDG 14), climate action (SDG 13), responsible consumption and production (SDG 12) and partnerships (SDG 17).

H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports, and Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline & Group, said, “The DUBAI REEF project hits a key milestone today with the beginning of the first 1,000 purpose-built modules’ deployment into the city’s waters. This marks the start of a remarkable project to restore and protect our marine ecosystems at unprecedented scale. Dubai is once again demonstrating its leadership in sustainability, and Emirates is proud to contribute to the DUBAI REEF project. Emirates recognises the importance of preserving our natural world for future generations. We are actively involved in anti-wildlife trafficking efforts, and for more than 20 years, we’ve supported the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve in its work to protect Dubai’s desert ecosystem. Our participation in the DUBAI REEF project builds on that commitment. With the support of our visionary leaders and the strong cadre of partners on this project, w
e believe this marine sanctuary will unlock huge value by protecting the fragile underwater landscapes that are critical for Dubai’s development, now and into the future.”

Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), said, “Reflecting the vision and leadership of Their Highnesses, phase one of the DUBAI REEF deployment phase marks a significant milestone in our pursuit of innovative, environmentally positive solutions that seamlessly align ecological preservation with economic growth. By establishing a self-sustaining model that optimises the use of marine and coastal natural assets, the project not only strengthens our ecosystem resilience, but also serves as a replicable framework for other global destinations to contribute to both economic vitality and planetary health. A testament to the impact of Dubai’s public-private partnerships, with organisations collaborating to drive forward this transformative initiative and strengthen socio-economic prosperity, DUBAI REEF highlights the city’s commitment to fostering a robust R&D ecosystem, empowering local companies and maritime businesses, and prioritising responsible economic growt
h drivers that generate positive ripple effects across industries. By integrating these efforts into the ambitious goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, we are reinforcing Dubai’s position as a global hub for innovation, sustainability, and forward-looking economic strategies.”

Abdul Aziz Abdulla Al Ghurair, Chairman of Dubai Chambers, commented: “The launch of the first phase of the Dubai Reef project embodies Dubai’s commitment to pioneering sustainability initiatives that benefit both the environment and the economic landscape. As a strategic partner, Dubai Chambers is proud to support this transformative project, which restores marine biodiversity and aligns with the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33. This significant milestone reflects the power of public-private collaboration in driving innovative solutions that position Dubai as a global leader in sustainability.”

Ahmed Mohammed bin Thani, Director General of the Dubai Environment and Climate Change Authority (DECCA), said, “Dubai continues to drive forward with its ambitious environmental agenda. Bringing together multi-industry stakeholders from across the public and private sectors, DUBAI REEF showcases the emirate’s enduring commitment to sustainability and environmental conservation. We are committed to safeguarding Dubai's environment and ensuring the sustainability of its ecosystems and resources. Today, we celebrate the installation of the first 1,000 purpose-built reef modules in Dubai’s waters, a step that will significantly enhance marine biodiversity, support fish populations, and ensure their sustainability for future generations.”

Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Chairman of the Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation (PCFC), said, “We are proud of DUBAI REEF’s role in advancing the maritime sector and enhancing environmental sustainability in Dubai. By creating a long-term positive impact on the marine environment and fostering biodiversity, this project aligns with our vision at PCFC to position Dubai as a global hub for innovation and sustainability.”

Abdulla bin Damithan, CEO and MD, DP World GCC region, said, “Reef habitats are among the most diverse and valuable ecosystems on Earth and DP World recognises its responsibility to protect and nurture them. We are actively working to prevent degradation and restore ocean ecosystems biodiversity in many locations we operate in around the world. We are therefore devoted to this work in our home here in Dubai and we are honoured to work with such visionary leaders and partners on this inspirational project.”

Huda Buhumaid, Chief Impact Officer, Dubai Holding, said, “We are proud to support DUBAI REEF, a transformative project that aligns with Dubai’s ambitious sustainability agenda. As a strategic partner, we are committed to enhancing Dubai’s position as a leader in environmental stewardship. Through this partnership, we look forward to creating a lasting impact that will benefit future generations and achieve Dubai’s long-term sustainable growth vision.”

The launch event also saw the unveiling of three of the DUBAI REEF modules; namely, the Arab Marine Pyramid, Reef Shade and Fish Cube. HaejooX, the official construction and fabrication contractor for DUBAI REEF, began fabrication of the purpose-built reef modules in August 2024, with the pouring of the ‘Arab Marine Pyramid’ and ‘Reef Shade’ unit types. Last month, it was announced that the fabrication of the first 1,000 of 20,000 units had been completed.

Over the project’s roll-out, more than six different module types will be deployed at various depths across clusters in Dubai’s waters. Varying in dimensions to establish a vibrant marine habitat for reef fish and aquatic fauna such as hard and soft corals, sea anemones, sponges and molluscs, the modules range from 1.65 metres to 6.5 metres in height and are deployed in depths of 18 metres to more than 25 metres. The modules deployed in Dubai are purpose-built and are placed on the seabed. They are designed to promote marine life, increase biodiversity, and enhance biological productivity.

The ‘Reef Shade’, ‘Arab Marine Pyramid’, ‘X-Reef’, and ‘Fish Cube’ module types are fabricated using sustainable concrete and steel, while the two largest types, the ‘Fish Cave’ and ‘Ocean Castle’, are fabricated solely from steel. Providing ecological benefits to Dubai’s marine environment and adhering to sustainability and environmentally-friendly practices, the materials used to fabricate the modules ensure durability and are designed to last more than 100 years.

Positioned to form a broad, complex breeding ground, the reef modules will be strategically placed based on extensive marine technical surveys, modelling and impact assessments. Additionally, the project has ensured that the reef modules are positioned in locations that will not impact shipping lanes and navigational paths. This was achieved through collaboration with maritime authorities and other key stakeholders.

Supporting country-wide and global environmental strategies, DUBAI REEF is also aligned with the UAE’s ‘Year of Sustainability’, which was extended through to the end of 2024. A strategic investment set to leave a lasting legacy for protecting and sustaining marine life, DUBAI REEF has been a collaborative effort since its inception – from government departments, universities, leading companies and local fishermen, to students and wider communities. Long-term objectives for the project include encouraging environmental stewardship, contributing to marine conservation research, strengthening socio-economic prosperity and eco-tourism, and preserving Dubai’s marine heritage.

As the fabrication process continues for the purpose-built reef module types, a lot of work has been happening behind the scenes to forge partnerships and collaborations that will support the project’s long-term objectives. Planning is also in place to launch a number of community engagement programmes to raise awareness of DUBAI REEF’s benefits for local communities, the environment, and future generations. Various public-engagement and volunteering programmes will be introduced to give organisations and individuals the opportunity to contribute to Dubai’s commitment to securing a sustainable future.

DUBAI REEF is the second major project under the citywide Dubai Can sustainability initiative, launched in February 2022 by H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Through its first major campaign, ‘Refill for Life’, Dubai Can has seen a reduction in the usage of an equivalent of more than 25.4 million 500ml single-use plastic water bottles and 12.7 million litres of water dispensed via 50 water fountains located across the city.