Dh35m plan to protect Dubai’s beaches

DUBAI // A Dh35million project to prevent public beaches in the emirate from being washed away has been welcomed by residents.
The work to protect Umm Suqeim beaches 1, 2, and 3 from erosion will begin next week, covering a 3.5 kilometre stretch.
"It's important that this work is carried out because you can see the erosion along the beaches in Umm Suqeim," said Xavier Sedaghat, from Kitesurf Club Dubai. "We use the beach next to the sailing club in Jumeirah 3 where they already have rock barriers to protect the beach."
Groynes – structures designed to slow down longshore drift – will be built using timber and steel. Sand will also be replenished, with the municipality covering 760,000 cubic metres.
The project is expected to be completed by March next year, said Hussain Lootah, the director general of the civic body.
"The project plan consists of constructing five groynes, with lengths ranging between 135 and 165 metres, and beach nourishment in Umm Suqeim 1," he said. Erosion of Umm Suqeim 2 beach can only be tackled by pumping in new sand.
This is not the first time the municipality has used groynes, having successfully used them on Jumeirah Beach 1.
Alya Al Harmoudi, director of the municipality's Environment Department, said beaches in Umm Suqeim were crucial for attracting thousands of tourists each year, although their popularity has been threatened by a number of issues.
"Over the past years, these beaches have been subjected to severe erosion as a result of the implementation of offshore development projects," she said.
"This led to the loss of large parts of the coastal areas, threatening the safety of buildings and infrastructure overlooking the sea, in addition to hindering the development works on these beaches."
Work will be carried out in stages, to avoid a complete closure of the beaches. The municipality urged people to follow safety instructions and not enter work sites.
The initiative forms part of the municipality's responsibility to manage public beaches across the emirate, and falls in line with Dubai Vision 2020, to increase tourism.
It was approved by Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Minister of Finance and Chairman of Dubai Municipality.
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