Where the City Breathes: Dubai’s Dh650 Million Plan to Reimagine Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary
A bold step towards biodiversity, sustainability — and soul-restoring serenity in the middle of a metropolis.
In a city that’s famous for soaring skyscrapers, supercars, and space-age innovations, Dubai has just made a powerful statement — nature matters.
The Dubai Municipality has unveiled a Dh650 million redevelopment project for the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary — a wetland oasis just minutes away from Downtown Dubai. But this isn’t just about conservation — it’s about rewriting how we experience nature in an urban world.
What Makes This Sanctuary So Special?
Ras Al Khor — often translated as “Cape of the Creek” — is a place where flamingos glide, mangroves breathe, and city noise seems to melt into bird songs. Spanning over 6.4 square kilometres, this protected wetland is home to more than 450 species and sees the arrival of 20,000 migratory birds every year.
It’s one of Dubai’s oldest ecological treasures, and in 2007, it became the first UAE site listed under the Ramsar Convention — an international treaty for the conservation of wetlands.
Dubai’s Vision: Nature That Nurtures
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Announced this week, the project will be completed in two phases:
📌 Phase One (to be completed by end of 2026 – Dh100 million):
•+144% increase in water bodies — expanding aquatic ecosystems to 74 hectares
•+60% increase in mangrove coverage — critical for climate resilience
•+10 hectares of mudflats added — to support shorebird habitats
•New irrigation channels & mangrove rehabilitation — to attract more biodiversity
All of this isn’t just about numbers — it’s about giving life more room to thrive.
📌 Phase Two:
•Development of a Visitor Centre
•Creation of 3km walking trails and 5.6km cycling tracks
•New infrastructure for eco-tourism, community events & education
Imagine families biking alongside a peaceful creek, schoolkids learning about flamingos in real-time, and travellers pausing for silence — all in a city that rarely sleeps.
This Isn’t Just a Development. It’s a Commitment.
In the words of Marwan Ahmed bin Ghalita, Director General of Dubai Municipality:
“This project reflects our commitment to biodiversity and ecological balance — using innovation to preserve what matters.”
And he’s right. While the world grapples with climate uncertainty, Dubai is anchoring its future in green thinking, not just green architecture.
A Call to Locals, Travellers, and Nature Lovers Alike
