Dubai Reef, the world’s largest purpose-built reef development and a sustainable initiative by Dubai Can, has successfully completed the production of the first 1,000 purpose-built reef modules.
This is a significant step on its path to promoting ecological sustainability and increasing marine biodiversity in Dubai’s waters.
The Dubai Reef project was initiated by H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of the Dubai Executive Council. Over the course of three years, 20,000 specially constructed reef modules of varying sizes will be installed. Sheikh Hamdan officially opened the pilot stage in April 2024, and the first 1,000 reef modules will be deployed in the final week of November 2024.
At various depths across four clusters, the Dubai Reef project will see the deployment of numerous distinct purpose-built reef module types. With heights ranging from 1.60 meters to 6.5 meters and deployment depths ranging from 15 meters to 25 meters, the modules can be used to create a variety of habitats for various fish species. The reef modules aim to create a vibrant marine habitat for reef fish and other aquatic animals like sponges, mollusks, hard and soft corals, and sea anemones.
The pouring of the Arab Marine Pyramid module type marked the beginning of the Dubai Reef module construction in August 2024. The materials used, which were made by HaejooX on a site powered by biofuels, ensure durability and support marine life—a process that adheres to sustainability and eco-friendly practices.
“The successful fabrication of the first 1,000 reef modules is a significant achievement, and we are excited to see the project take shape,” said Ahmed Mohammed bin Thani, Director-General of DECCA. Dubai Reef is a shining example of what can be accomplished by working together and coming up with new ideas. We are pleased to continue being one of the project’s key strategic partners because it is in line with our mission to protect the environment, preserve the natural balance and quality of the environment, and preserve Dubai’s natural resources.
Sheikh Dr. Saeed bin Ahmed bin Khalifa Al Maktoum, Executive Director of the Dubai Maritime Authority (DMA) at the Ports, Customs, and Free Zone Corporation (PCFC), expressed pride in the efforts made by DMA and PCFC to support leading environmental initiatives, such as Dubai Reef, which supports marine biodiversity and reflects Dubai’s future-oriented vision. “The progress we have seen so far is the result of the unwavering commitment and tireless efforts of our strategic partners, aligned with DMA’s mission to create an integrated marine ecosystem supporting Dubai’s blue economy and establishing the emirate’s position as a leading global destination for innovation and marine sustainability,” he stated. We are moving forward in accordance with the schedule, with the ultimate objective of elevating Dubai as a marine industry leader and creating a marine ecosystem that is healthy and long-lasting.
“The delivery of the first 1,000 reef modules marks an important milestone that demonstrates Dubai’s commitment to developing a vibrant and resilient habitat for our marine ecosystem,” said Yousuf Lootah, CEO of Corporate Strategy and Performance in the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET).
We will be able to achieve our overarching objectives if we are able to produce and deliver consistent numbers of modules throughout the project’s lifecycle. Dubai Reef’s strategic partners have been instrumental in bringing the project to this point, and we hope that more organizations and individuals will join this significant sustainability initiative at this point.
“As the official construction and fabrication contractor for Dubai Reef, we are thrilled to reach this important milestone,” stated Ryan Paik, CEO of HaejooX. We anticipate fulfilling our promise to have a positive impact on Dubai’s marine environment by completing the first 1,000 reef modules on time.
Dubai Reef is the second major project in Sheikh Hamdan’s groundbreaking Dubai Can sustainability initiative. It covers 600 square kilometers of Dubai’s waters and is in line with the ambitious objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, which aim to further establish Dubai as a global leader in business and leisure.
Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), Dubai Environment and Climate Change Authority (DECCA), DP World, Dubai Chambers, Nakheel, Ports, Customs, and Free Zone Corporation (PCFC), and Emirates are the city’s strategic partners for Dubai Reef.