Dubai’s boldest marine project is making waves for a sustainable future
Dubai is diving into the future, literally, with the launch of Dubai Reefs, a visionary project that merges marine restoration, sustainable living, and ecotourism into one ambitious floating ecosystem.
Designed as a “living lab” for ocean innovation, Dubai Reefs will span 200 square kilometres, becoming home to over 1 billion corals and 100 million mangrove trees.
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At its core is a marine institute, leading cutting-edge research in conservation, regeneration, and climate resilience.
Dubai Reefs is an entire floating community. It will include residences, eco-lodges, hospitality hubs, educational facilities, retail, and research spaces, all powered by 100 per cent renewable energy, including solar, hydropower, and even futuristic wave farms.
A central goal of the project is to support the green economy, with a target to generate over 30,000 jobs in marine science, sustainable development, tourism, and regenerative ocean farming; a climate-friendly food production method that brings agriculture to the sea.
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Spearheaded by sustainable city developer URB, CEO Baharash Bagherian sees the initiative as a critical turning point for coastal cities worldwide.
The health of our cities is intrinsically tied to the health of our oceans,” he notes, pointing out that ocean degradation will drastically reshape our planet if left unaddressed.
Dubai Reefs represents not just a local innovation, but a blueprint for ocean-friendly urban planning.
With rising sea levels threatening cities around the globe, this project reimagines the relationship between people and the sea, balancing ecological health with economic opportunity.
From coral farms to eco-tourism lodges and wave-powered clean energy, Dubai Reefs is proof that sustainability and ambition can float together.
It’s a bold step toward a future where the ocean and the city thrive as one.
For further information, visit urb.ae
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