Dubai Ruler approves ‘Green’ projects worth $1.8 billion
Projects include a waste processing unit, wildlife sanctuary development, revitalising public beaches and adding eight million sqm. of green spaces in Dubai
HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, have approved a total of 29 development projects worth $1.8 billion as part of the country’s strategy to ensure environmental sustainability.
Implemented by the Dubai Municipality (DM), these projects are expected to add eight million sqm. of green spaces and parks to the Emirate’s residential and commercial areas. On the announcement of the project, HH Sheikh Mohammed said: “We are pressing ahead with developing our city, improving the quality of our lives and making the future of the UAE.”
Waste processing project
In a series of tweets, HH Sheikh Mohammed also announced the $1.09 billion waste-processing project, which can accommodate 1000 garbage trucks per day and generates enough energy for 135,000 homes. To be located in the Warsan area of Dubai, the project will be capable of processing 5,666 tonnes of municipal solid waste per day and 1.9 million tonnes of municipal solid waste per year, and will have the capacity to generate 200 MW of energy annually.
The Dubai Ruler added that the project will produce energy by processing waste, and that environmental sustainability is reflected in all initiatives and projects launched by government entities, independently or in partnership with the private sector. Phase one of the project will be completed by 2023 and the entire project will be completed by 2024.
Dawood Al Hajri, director general of DM said that the new plant that is one of Dubai’s largest infrastructure projects. Created to serve the emirate’s current and future waste management and green energy requirements, the project consists of a waste weighing unit, 15 reception points, five furnaces, a steam and power generation zone, 10,000 gas processing units, 27 gates and a zone for extracting metal from incinerated waste.
“Sustainability is key to the UAE’s future readiness,” HH Sheikh Mohammed said when briefed about the project, adding that providing a clean environment is at the heart of their efforts to advance development and provide a high quality of life both now and in the future.
“We have adopted global best practices and implemented innovative projects to preserve our environment and protect the health and safety of people in the UAE,” stated HH Sheikh Mohammed.
Public beach revitalising project
During his visit, HH Sheikh Mohammed was also briefed on a $136 million project to develop public beaches in Dubai, which aims to develop one million sqm. of beachfront area from Al Mamzar beach to Umm Suqeim 2.
It has been noted that the project will be implemented in three phases – the first covers 4,250 metres of beachline extending from Al Mamzar Creek beach to Al Mamzar Corniche, the second covers 2,150 metres of beachline extending from Jumeirah Beach to Al Shorouq, and the third phase covers 6,015 metres of beachline in Umm Suqeim 1 and 2. Dedicated areas for water activities and jogging and cycling tracks will be provided as part of the overall plan to promote a fitness culture and healthy lifestyle among the city’s residents.
The development is expected to revitalise the beachfront and increase swimming areas. On the project, HH Sheikh Mohammed, said: “The quality of life in Dubai is the secret of loving life in the Emirate.”
Wildlife sanctuary project
HH Sheikh Mohammed also reviewed the $27 million Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary development project, which seeks to enhance the sanctuary’s ecosystem and biodiversity.
The project will increase wetlands in the sanctuary by 200,000 sqm. and expand green cover by planting mangrove trees in a 1,000,000 sqm. area., while service facilities and entertainment amenities will also be built as part of the project.
Open garden project
HH Sheikh Mohammed also reviewed a project to develop the first open garden on Al Mamzar Creek, which will be implemented over a four-year period extending from 2021 to 2024. The project is set to add eight million sqm. of green spaces, and is part of a broader plan to expand the city’s green spaces. This will increase the percentage of green areas in development projects and raise Dubai’s global ranking in this area.
