Dubai has officially announced a major redevelopment of Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary. The AED 650 million project aims to enhance the area’s natural environment while improving public access and eco-tourism infrastructure.
The Ras Al Khor upgrade is part of the Dubai 2040 Urban Masterplan, which places sustainability and livability at the core of future development.
Phase One: Expanding Green Spaces and Water Features
The first phase of the project will cover 6.4 square kilometres and is set to be completed by the end of 2026. Key developments in this phase include:
- Planting more mangroves, increasing coverage by 60%
- Creating a new mangrove lake, North Edge lake, and reed ponds
- Introducing 74 hectares of water bodies
- Constructing a “green spine” to connect the different sections
- Adding mudflats to support local ecosystems
Phase Two: Visitor Centres, Trails, and Facilities
The second phase will focus on visitor experience. It will bring:
- A new visitor centre and birdwatching towers
- Dining options such as restaurants and kiosks
- Educational centres to support community learning
To encourage eco-friendly exploration, the project will also introduce 5.6 km of cycling tracks and 3 km of walking trails.
Bader Anwahi, CEO of the Public Facilities Agency at Dubai Municipality, said that after completion, the sanctuary could welcome up to 300,000 visitors annually — six times the current number.
