Dubai Municipality has awarded the contract for the first phase of the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary Development Project, with a value of AED100m ($27.2m).

The full two-phase project will cost AED650m ($177m) and is designed to position the sanctuary as a global model for sustainable urban eco-tourism.

The development is in line with the directives of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai to develop the emirate’s natural reserves in alignment with the 2040 Urban Master Plan.

Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary in Dubai Phase One

Covering 6.4sq km, phase one of the project focuses on rehabilitating natural ecosystems, with a major emphasis on biodiversity and climate resilience:

• 60 per cent increase in mangrove coverage (from 40 to 65 hectares)

• 144 per cent increase in water bodies (to 74 hectares), supporting 60 per cent more CO₂ absorption

• Creation of new habitats including Mangrove Lake, North Edge Lake, and reed ponds

• Addition of 10 hectares of salt flats (mudflats)

• Development of a Green Spine and continuous ecological monitoring

The sanctuary, which already attracts around 20,000 migratory birds each year, including flamingos, is expected to multiply annual visitors six-fold to 250,000–300,000 once complete.