DM invites private firms to invest in Jumeira Beach beautification project

This came in a meeting of two Municipality officials with representatives of potential investors who were briefed on the major features of the project as well as the available investment opportunities.

Addressing them, Khalid Mohammed Al Zahed, Head of Coastal Management Section which undertakes the project, said: "Over the past couple of years, the municipality has initiated a number of new projects with the aim of reinforcing Dubai's position as a prime holiday destination in the region. Many of these projects include exciting investment opportunities."

He added that the Costal Management Section has already started working on the first phase of this project, which involves an extension of three existing breakwaters as well as sand replenishment of the beach with the aim of offering all beach visitors a safer and bigger beach.

The second phase of the project consists of soft and hard landscaping of the beach front as well as refurbishing of existing beach facilities such as refreshment kiosks and changing rooms, which shall newly include lockers. In addition to that, a whole range of new facilities shall be added like a 3.8 km long jogging track, walk ways and a family recreation area with paddle pool. Other planned facilities include; amphitheatre, food courts, beach bazaar, skate park for older kids and crèche (guarded play area) for younger kids, beach restaurant and beach café.

Salah Al Qaiwani, Head of Specialised Contracts and Investment Section at the Contracts and Purchasing Department, said: "All of these represent exciting investment opportunities for potential private sector firms that might be interested in offering a variety of services to the public."

He explained to the audience procedures in initiating joint investment ventures with Dubai Municipality.

Special facilities for police rescue teams and coastguards, changing rooms with lockers, a jogging track, walkways and water sports activities will be provided as part of the Jumeirah Beach Beautification Project.

"The proposed development is aimed at offering global best standards for beach-goers," said Al Zahed.

He said Dubai was committed to its reputation as one of the safest tourist destinations in the world and the municipality wanted to ensure visitors using its beaches experienced world-class recreational facilities in addition to international safety standards.

Dubai Municipality consultants have drawn on state-of-the-art engineering tools, including those to predict the impact of waves. During the first phase of the work a portion of the beach between the northern breakwater (alongside Dubai Marine Beach Resort and Spa) and the T-shaped breakwater (near the Police Rescue Unit) will be made available as far as possible for continuous public use.