Dubai has initiated the installation of the first batch of 1,000 specially designed reef modules, aimed at protecting Dubai’s coastal environments, enhancing fish populations, and supporting the city’s marine ecosystem, according to authorities who announced this on Saturday.
During a media briefing, Ahmed Mohammed Bin Thani, director-general of Dubai Environment and Climate Change Authority (Decca), stated that these artificial reefs will increase fish stocks and improve food security in the UAE.
The reef modules are crafted to mimic natural reef structures, offering habitats that attract and support a diverse array of marine life, including fish, crustaceans, mollusks, and other marine fauna. They provide a surface where organisms can thrive, grow, and obtain their nourishment. Additionally, they serve as breeding grounds for fish and safe havens from predators.
The Dubai Reef project, described as “the world's largest purpose-built reef development,” was launched in April by 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.
A total of 20,000 reef modules are planned to be deployed over the next three years in four clusters covering 600 square kilometers of Dubai’s coastal waters. The majority of these modules are constructed from recycled and sustainable concrete and steel, while larger modules for deeper depths are made entirely of steel. These modules, designed to last over 100 years, vary in size to create diverse habitats for different fish species.
Ryan Paik, CEO of HaejooX, the official construction and fabrication contractor for Dubai Reef, mentioned that the artificial marine habitats range from 1.6 meters to 6.5 meters in height and are deployed in depths from 18 meters to over 25 meters.
HaejooX, a South Korean company and a leader in the purpose-built reef industry, has been involved with the Dubai Reef project since its initial proof of concept in 2021. Paik noted that all marine modules are fabricated in Dubai using biofuel-powered facilities, ensuring durability and promoting marine life.
The Dubai Reef project is also expected to create new business opportunities in marine tourism, including diving and related sectors.
Paik highlighted that six module types are being developed, with three already completed: Reef Shade, Arab Marine Pyramid, and Fish Cube. The remaining modules, X-Reef, Fish Cave, and Ocean Castle, are yet to be fabricated. Each module is designed with specific materials, weights, dimensions, and deployment depths to support various marine ecosystems.
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