Dubai Reefs: An ocean restoration and ecotourism project
Dubai Reefs is a new project by URB that has garnered quite the hype recently. Deemed the world’s largest ocean restoration project to be completed by 2040, Dubai Reefs will include 200 sq. km. of artificial reefs, a coastal ecosystem and a sustainable ‘floating’ community with marine research, regeneration and eco-tourism spaces besides retail, hospitality and educational facilities.
But what exactly will Dubai Reefs offer, and why is it being built? We’re sharing everything we know about this new and exciting project in Dubai.
Dubai Reefs: The Developers And The Dream
One of the biggest impacts of climate change is the rising sea levels. It is predicted that by the end of the century, several countries will have to deal with increasing sea levels and coastal flooding, including Dubai. Rising sea levels are detrimental to coral reels too.
But why is the sea level rising? One reason is that the oceans absorb heat (from climate change), causing thermal expansion. Oceans today absorb more than 90% of the excess heat from climate change (more than at any point in the past 10,000 years). Our oceans are becoming more acidic. Then, there’s the continuous melting of ice glaciers, causing an increase in sea levels.
Coral reefs are key for water filtration, fish reproduction, protecting the shores and preventing erosion. They absorb the carbon in the atmosphere and store it in their tissues, roots and soil. If the world continues with the current carbon dioxide emission trends, it is predicted that we may not have coral reefs by the end of this century.
This is where Dubai Reefs, an attempt to enhance the coastal ecosystems, comes in. Along with all the benefits that coral reefs provide, such as protecting the city from storms and offering food security, Dubai Reefs’ mangroves, tidal marshes, and seagrass meadows would store more carbon per unit area than terrestrial forests.
Dubai Reefs is a project by URB, a developer that prides itself on coming up with Net Zero Sustainable Cities.
Dubai Reefs Highlights
Dubai Reefs would have artificial coral reefs and mangroves and an institute for conservation and marine sciences. You can expect to find artificial reefs covering 200 sq. km, with more than 1 billion corals and 100 million mangrove trees upon project completion.
Another focus of this project is marine eco-tourism, including ‘eco-lodges’, floating ‘eco-resorts’ and a few recreational activities.
Let’s now check out the project’s highlights.
The Marine Institute
The Marine Institute will be a hub of learning and development in marine biology, focused on finding ways to protect and conserve Dubai’s marine and coastal environment. It will facilitate learning for oceanographers, scientists, ocean farmers, marine educators and future marine biologists.
The Marine Institute will use technology, including AI (artificial intelligence), Biorock and 3D printing for Dubai Reefs. Both 3D printing and bioprinting will be used to create textures mimicking natural underwater landscapes that can host microalgae.
The facility will research methodologies to increase coral reef population, biodiversity, fish abundance and human dietary diversity. Their goal is to connect ocean ecosystem health to human health.
Floating Sustainable City
Dubai Reefs will have a one-of-a-kind floating sustainable city offering retail, hospitality, entertainment, research options and more. This city would encourage sustainability through various means, such as ‘blue carbon’, where they offset their carbon emissions by planting mangrove trees along the coastline.
This city is to be self-sufficient, offering green jobs and empowering the economy by living in harmony with the ocean. It is to be an eco-destination for human and environmental wellness.
Marine EcoTourism
Artificial reefs will attract tourists since these reefs would look as vibrant as natural reefs. Dubai Reefs will also offer eco resorts and eco-lodges, which would also help increase employment opportunities in the emirate and long-term income sources.
The eco-tourism areas would provide visitors with a wellness experience and activities such as underwater forest bathing similar to the Japanese Shinrin Yoku, where you can meditate and muse amongst trees. There will be floating turtles and wildlife sanctuaries to help enhance marine and coastal wildlife.
The Renewable Energy Source Behind Dubai Reefs
Because Dubai Reefs is a sustainability-centric project, it will be powered by ocean wave energy capture. Wave energy capture is a reliable and consistent source of energy in comparison to other renewable energy sources. It has no carbon emissions and is environment-friendly.
Since the city would be floating, it would combine kinetic energy harvesting technology with ocean farming to create electricity. The ocean is a vast, untapped source of clean energy, so we’re excited to see how this ambitious plan pans out.
Ocean Farming
Regenerative ocean farming is to become one of the most effective tools to adapt to climate change. It is more than a source of sustainable food production and food security. Dubai Reefs plans to encourage a switch from land-based proteins, which produce ten times more carbon dioxide than regenerative ocean farming. This way, seafood would be Dubai residents’ primary source of protein.
Dubai Reefs will have the region’s largest oyster farm. Along with being a food source, oysters are great for the environment. One oyster can filter 50 gallons of water each day and provide food and habitat for other marine organisms. There will be seaweed aquaculture, scallops, mussels and clams, all of which can help eliminate carbon and minimise ocean acidification. Ocean farming will create thousands of jobs for marine farmers in the country.
FAQs about Dubai Reefs
What is the tentative completion date of Dubai Reefs?
URB estimates the completion of Dubai Reefs by 2040.
Why should we protect coral reefs?
Coral Reefs are important for maintaining biodiversity. Multiple sea organisms live in coral reefs, including molluscs, fish, corals and sea turtles. They also protect coasts from waves (and tsunamis) and prevent soil erosion.
Coral reefs are the source of livelihood for millions of people, providing food and tourism opportunities in the vicinity.
Can I go scuba diving in the UAE?
Yes, you can! There are a range of places around that country that offer scuba diving facilities. If you’re looking for scuba diving activities in Dubai, you can go scuba diving at Jumeirah Beach and Kite Beach. There are other beach activities in Dubai that you can indulge in. You can go to Fujairah, known for being a great place for first-time scuba divers. Or, for the curious, there are places to go wreck diving in Dubai.
That’s all we know about Dubai Reef by URB. On the other hand, URB announced The Loop, a sustainable cycling and wellness track in Dubai earlier in the year.
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