Dubai installs more cameras to monitor coast

DUBAI // More cameras are to be trained on the Dubai coastline to monitor any changes caused by the rapid development. Six are to be installed on the Burj Al Arab hotel to complement three already installed on the sail-shaped building. The network will give Dubai Municipality information on beach profiles and wave patterns, and help protect the coastal environment. "There is a crucial role we have to play in monitoring the coastal zone," said Hamdan Al Shaer, the director, of the municipality's environment department.

Officials said a phenomenal amount of coastal development is taking place that, coupled with an estimated 300 per cent increase in population over the next 20 years, will put coastal resources under tremendous pressure. "We are studying the possible locations for these cameras so that they can capture more lively information about the near-shore situation in the emirate," said Alya Abdul Rahim, the head of coastal management section.

Radar stations would also be used to monitor changes, officials said, with the contract to fix two in the area from Port Rashid to Jumeirah Palm already awarded. These stations, which will cover an area of up to 10km out to the sea, will monitor elements such as the speed and direction of surface sea currents and the length, height and direction of the waves. The system will provide information in two-dimensional maps, to be made available on the website, www.dubaicoast.ae.

pmenon@thenational.ae