Dubai has kicked off a major redevelopment of the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary, with Dubai Municipality awarding a contract for the Dh100 million first phase of the transformation. The full project, split into two phases, is expected to cost around Dh650 million in total.
Spanning approximately 6.4 square kilometres, the initiative aims to protect biodiversity, boost eco-tourism, and reinforce Dubai’s global reputation for sustainability. The works are expected to wrap up by the end of 2026.
The upgrade is aligned with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which aspires to place the city among the world’s top three tourism destinations.
The first phase focuses heavily on environmental restoration. Mangrove coverage within the sanctuary is set to rise by 60 percent—from 40 to 65 hectares—through planting, new irrigation channels, and forest rehabilitation. New habitats like a mangrove lake, North Edge Lake, reed ponds, and a “Green Spine” will also be created, along with consistent post-rehabilitation monitoring.
In addition, water bodies in the sanctuary will be expanded by 144 percent to cover 74 hectares, helping boost carbon dioxide absorption by 60 percent. Ten hectares of mudflats will also be added, strengthening the area’s ecosystem.
Describing the development as one of the municipality’s flagship environmental infrastructure projects, Dubai Municipality Director General Eng. Marwan Ahmed bin Ghalita said, “It enhances the appeal of Dubai’s nature reserves as unique and diverse destinations… and reinforces Dubai’s position as the best city in the world to live, work and visit, and a global model for sustainable future cities.”
He added that the project is a testament to the city’s commitment to preserving biodiversity and achieving ecological balance through innovation.
The second phase will focus on infrastructure and visitor engagement. Plans include a visitor center, birdwatching towers, restaurants, kiosks, and education facilities—all tailored to fit within the sanctuary’s sensitive ecosystem. Outdoor features like 5.6 kilometres of cycling paths and three kilometres of walking trails are also in the works, along with 23 hectares of landscaped areas.
Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary, home to nearly 450 species and around 20,000 migratory birds annually—including the famed flamingo—was the first site in the UAE listed under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands in 2007. It remains one of the region’s most important biodiversity havens.