.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
Dubai Municipality has announced that it has awarded a AED100 million ($27.2 million) contract for the the development of Phase I of the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary Development Project, one of its most prominent environmental infrastructure initiatives.
The project has been planned and designed based on the needs of both residents and tourists, aiming to deliver the best recreational and tourism experience that promotes a sense of connect with the environment while preserving the sanctuary’s natural elements, said a statement from Dubai Municipality.
To be executed in two main phases, the AED650 million ($177 million) Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary project aims to bring about a qualitative shift in environmental sustainability in the emirate, it stated.
Phase one will cover approximately 6.4 sq km of the sanctuary and is expected to be completed by the end of 2026.
The project aims to enhance biodiversity, preserve the sustainability of natural habitats and reinforce the sanctuary’s position as a premier sustainable eco-tourism destination offering a unique and integrated experience that further enriches quality of life for residents and visitors alike, it stated.
Dubai Municipality seeks to rehabilitate and improve mangrove habitats by planting new mangroves and increasing mangrove coverage by 60%, from 40 to 65 hectares.
This will include the provision of new irrigation channels, rehabilitation of mangrove forests and creating new habitats such as the mangrove lake, North Edge Lake and reed ponds. A Green Spine will also be developed, and post-rehabilitation monitoring will be conducted regularly, it added.
Eng. Marwan Ahmed bin Ghalita, Director General of Dubai Municipality, said: "With its unique design, the project marks a major milestone in the development and preservation of natural reserves. It reflects Dubai Municipality’s commitment to protecting biodiversity and natural habitats through innovative practices that support sustainable growth and ecological balance."
"This project is part of our broader effort to make Dubai a leading global, attractive, sustainable and high-quality city through the initiatives and services we offer to the community," he stated.
Bader Anwahi, CEO of the Public Facilities Agency at Dubai Municipality, said: "The project aims to achieve a range of social goals, most notably raising environmental awareness among the community about biodiversity issues, supporting the strategic objectives of Dubai and the UAE for eco-tourism, and creating investment opportunities and environmentally themed tourist destinations."
The second phase, to be implemented at a later stage, will focus on establishing and enhancing the main infrastructure and recreational services.
This will support the hosting of various events and activities within a total area of 20,000 square metres, taking into account the specific requirements of the ecosystem, said Anwahi.
The Phase II will see the completion of 5.6 km of cycling tracks and 3-km-long walking trails through natural landscapes. Moreover, 23 hectares of landscaping is also part of the makeover.
"Once completed, it is expected to multiply the number of visitors to the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary six-fold, reaching between 250,000 and 300,000 annually,” he added.-TradeArabia News Service