IMage: Dubai Media Office
Dubai Municipality has awarded the contract for the first phase of the Dhs650m Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary Development Project, with initial works valued at Dhs100m and slated for completion by the end of 2026.
The initiative aligns with Dubai’s 2040 Urban Master Plan, is part of efforts to strengthen the emirate’s position as a leading global destination for sustainable eco-tourism and biodiversity conservation.
The project supports the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which aims to place the city among the world’s top three tourism hubs.
Phase one of Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary Development Project
Phase one of the project will cover 6.4 square kilometres of the sanctuary.
Key environmental features include rehabilitating mangrove habitats, increasing mangrove coverage by 60 per cent to 65 hectares, expanding water bodies by 144 per cent to 74 hectares, and adding 10 hectares of mudflats. A Green Spine will also be developed, alongside mangrove lakes, reed ponds and new irrigation channels.
“The Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary Development Project is one of the most prominent environmental infrastructure initiatives being undertaken by Dubai Municipality,” said Engineer Marwan bin Ghalita, director general of Dubai Municipality. “It supports the goals of the eco-tourism sector and reinforces Dubai’s position as the best city in the world to live, work and visit.”
Dubai Municipality said the development will help multiply annual visitors to the sanctuary six-fold, from current levels to between 250,000 and 300,000, and aims to boost public awareness around biodiversity and environmental protection.
Phase two details
The second phase of the project will focus on infrastructure and recreational services, including a visitor centre, birdwatching towers, restaurants, kiosks, and educational spaces.
It will also feature 5.6 kilometres of cycling tracks, 3 kilometres of walking trails and 23 hectares of landscaping.
The design of the project has won seven international and regional awards and was developed in collaboration with Dubai Environment and Climate Change Authority.
Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary, spanning 6.4 square kilometres, was the UAE’s first Ramsar-listed site and hosts around 20,000 migratory birds each year.
It is home to nearly 450 species of flora and fauna, including the iconic flamingo.
