Dubai is set to transform Umm Suqeim Beach into a world-class waterfront destination after Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, approved a Dh500 million master plan for its redevelopment.

The project, led by Dubai Municipality, is one of the emirate’s flagship beach development initiatives and aims to blend global design excellence with a distinctive Emirati identity, reinforcing Dubai’s position as a leading international tourism destination.

A future-ready beach destination

Spanning 3.1 kilometres and covering 445,000 square metres, the redevelopment will increase the beach area and developable spaces by 30 per cent. Smart lighting will illuminate 130,000 square metres of beachfront, enabling night swimming and extended evening activities.

Aligned with Dubai’s long-term vision

Sheikh Hamdan said the project reflects Dubai’s commitment to enhancing public spaces through innovative design, advanced urban planning and sustainable infrastructure, while prioritising quality of life for residents and visitors.

The Umm Suqeim Beach master plan supports the Dubai Quality of Life Strategy 2033 and the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, focusing on sustainable waterfront development, healthy lifestyles and community wellbeing.

Extensive social, environmental and traffic studies were conducted, alongside community engagement, to ensure the project balances tourism growth with environmental protection and residential privacy.

Key features of the Umm Suqeim Beach redevelopment

• Capacity to welcome up to 6 million visitors annually
• 200% increase in parking, reaching approximately 2,400 spaces
• Six architecturally distinctive gateways reflecting local heritage
• Ten mobility hubs and 11 taxi pick-up and drop-off points
• Integrated cycling and e-scooter facilities
• A 38-metre observation tower inspired by Dubai’s maritime history
• Upgraded road access from Jumeirah Street with improved traffic flow

Sustainability and climate resilience

The project places strong emphasis on sustainability, including climate change adaptation measures such as a two-kilometre retaining wall, elevated beach levels, and an AI-powered smart facilities management system to enhance operational efficiency.

Boosting tourism and private sector participation

Dubai Municipality will actively engage private sector partners and investors, strengthening public-private partnerships and further supporting Dubai’s tourism economy.

Once completed, the redeveloped Umm Suqeim Beach is expected to become a globally recognised urban landmark, offering a destination that combines leisure, sport, culture and sustainability.

DP World has officially unveiled Dubai Food District, a bold transformation of the Al Aweer Central Fruit and Vegetable Market into one of the largest and most advanced food trade hubs in the world.

Rolling out in phases from 2027, the mega district will more than double the current market’s footprint to 29 million sq ft, bringing trade, storage, processing and distribution together under one roof. Think cold-chain logistics, smart warehousing, food processing, digital solutions, cash-and-carry zones and even a gourmet food hall.

Announced last year by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the project expands beyond fruits and vegetables to include dairy, staples, gourmet and specialty foods, positioning Dubai as a global gateway for food trade and food security.

Built on Al Aweer’s strong legacy, serving over 2,500 traders since 2004, the district aims to boost efficiency, cut supply chain risks and help food businesses reach markets faster and smarter. With multimodal connectivity to more than 20 global markets, DP World is betting big on Dubai’s role at the heart of the future food economy.

Residents in the UAE will soon have a new way to get around, with Etihad Rail unveiling the country’s first fully integrated passenger rail network connecting 11 cities and regions. Passenger services are expected to begin in 2026, offering a fast, reliable, and comfortable alternative to road travel.

New stations

Seven new stations will open in Al Sila, Al Dhannah, Al Mirfa, Madinat Zayed, Mezairaa, Al Faya, and Al Dhaid, adding to previously announced stations in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, and Fujairah. The stations have been strategically placed to make commuting and travel between residential areas, business hubs, and key destinations easier for residents.

The trains will run on fixed schedules, with modern interiors, ergonomic seating, onboard Wi-Fi, and power outlets at every seat. Each train can carry up to 400 passengers, with the network expected to handle around 10 million passengers annually.

Abu Dhabi-Dubai in 57 minutes

Residents can expect travel times of 57 minutes from Abu Dhabi to Dubai, 105 minutes to Fujairah, and 70 minutes to Al Ruwais. The passenger network will link destinations from Al Sila in the west to Fujairah in the east, reducing dependency on cars and providing a convenient option for daily commuters and weekend travellers alike.

Etihad Rail confirmed that 10 of the 13 trains have already arrived in the UAE and completed safety testing. Officials said the system is being equipped with advanced technologies to ensure safety, efficiency, and reliable service for daily travel.

The network builds on Etihad Rail’s freight operations launched in 2023 and is part of the UAE’s vision for an integrated national transport system. A future high-speed rail line between Abu Dhabi and Dubai is planned, expected to cut travel time to just 30 minutes and support long-term economic growth.