DUBAI REEF, one of the world’s largest artificial reef developments, is making impressive strides in restoring marine ecosystems off Dubai’s coast. New underwater footage reveals a thriving marine habitat at the initiative’s proof-of-concept site, with a sharp rise in fish populations and biodiversity.
Driven by Dubai Can and backed by public and private sector partners, DUBAI REEF supports global sustainability goals while helping safeguard the marine environment for future generations.
Launched in 2024 under the directive of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, the initiative plans to deploy 20,000 reef modules across Dubai's waters by 2027. So far, 39% of total reef modules have been fabricated, with 3,660 already in place.
Surveys now report a noticeable increase across 15 native fish species, including groupers and barracuda, alongside an eightfold jump in overall fish population. Experts believe this points to a 10% boost in local marine biodiversity, which is a key sign of ecological recovery.
