Question 1

What is DUBAI REEF?

Accepted Answer

DUBAI REEF, a sustainable initiative by Dubai Can, is a pioneering purpose-built reef development and one of the largest in the world. 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, announced the landmark DUBAI REEF initiative in December 2023 at COP28. The initiative was officially launched in 2024.

Question 2

How does DUBAI REEF impact the marine ecosystem in Dubai?

Accepted Answer

DUBAI REEF is a marine conservation initiative driven by scientific research and data-proven insights and procedures, from conception to completion. The initiative reflects Dubai’s commitment to environmental stewardship across its three pillars:

Pillar I: Marine Habitat Restoration: aims to fabricate and deploy 20,000 purpose-built reef modules of diverse sizes across the project area by 2027.

Pillar II: Marine Life Rehabilitation: focuses on restoring and supporting the growth of indigenous marine species, such as corals, to enhance biodiversity in Dubai’s waters.

Pillar III: Marine Conservation Research: fosters DUBAI REEF’s potential as a hub for advanced marine conservation research, innovation, and restoration at scale.

Question 3

Why was the initiative launched?

Accepted Answer

DUBAI REEF was launched in response to global challenges facing marine biodiversity, which has declined by 49% between 1970 and 2012. Since 2009, the world has also lost 14% of its coral reefs (World Economic Forum). The initiative aims to enhance biodiversity, improve ecosystem resilience, and strengthen socio-economic prosperity and eco-tourism.

It supports several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including Climate action (SDG 13), Life below water (SDG 14), and Partnerships (SDG 17).

At the local level, DUBAI REEF reflects Dubai’s long-standing commitment to sustainability and future for generations. The initiative aligns with the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, the UAE's Green Agenda – 2030, and DET’s Dubai Sustainable Tourism programme.

Question 4

What is the impact of the purpose-built modules?

Accepted Answer

DUBAI REEF is built around three key pillars, with Pillar I focused on Marine Habitat Restoration through the deployment of 20,000 custom-designed reef modules. These modules are designed to create optimal conditions for marine life - providing food, shelter, and breeding grounds that enhance Dubai’s marine ecosystem over time.

They are strategically placed at depths of 18 to 25 metres, based on extensive marine surveys, modelling, and environmental impact assessments. The reefs attract and support a wide range of marine species, including fish, crustaceans, molluscs, and other marine fauna.

Question 5

Is DUBAI REEF a coral reef development project?

Accepted Answer

DUBAI REEF is a comprehensive sustainability initiative that includes a coral restoration programme under it’s second pillar: Marine Life Rehabilitation.

In its pilot phase, the programme cultivates fragments from 16 native coral species in protected underwater nurseries for up to 18 months. During this time, the coral fragments grow into colonies before being transplanted onto coastal rock formations.

A dedicated 200 sqm coral nursery has been established in a carefully selected location to nurture up to 10,000 coral fragments collected from Dubai’s waters by the end of 2025.

Question 6

How was DUBAI REEF informed by scientific research?

Accepted Answer

DUBAI REEF has been scientifically driven from inception to implementation. In 2021, a two-year proof-of-concept study assessed the effectiveness of purpose-built reefs in Dubai, demonstrating significant improvements in marine biodiversity and fish populations. This success paved the way for the full-scale DUBAI REEF initiative.

Ongoing environmental studies continue to inform reef module design, deployment sites, and provide a baseline for future monitoring.

Looking ahead, Pillar III: Marine Conservation Research will support rigorous scientific activities, including ecological modelling, environmental monitoring, material innovation, technological advancement, global research benchmarking, and reef management planning - ensuring long-term impact and global relevance.

Question 7

Who is leading the DUBAI REEF initiative?

Accepted Answer

DUBAI REEF is a collective effort to enhance Dubai’s sustainability and environmental stewardship. It results from a collaboration among key partners across the public and private sectors, united by shared sustainability goals.

The initiative’s strategic partners include the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET); Dubai Environment and Climate Change Authority (DECCA); DP World; Dubai Chambers; Nakheel; Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation (PCFC); and Emirates.

Question 8

Is DUBAI REEF open for diving experiences?

Accepted Answer

DUBAI REEF is currently in its deployment phase across several locations in Dubai’s waters. Once completed, dedicated diving-friendly zones will be created to offer recreational and professional diving experiences, allowing visitors to explore and enjoy the thriving marine environment. All activities will be carefully managed to preserve the health and sustainability of the reef.

Question 9

Can I volunteer to support DUBAI REEF?

Accepted Answer

DUBAI REEF welcomes your support! If you’re interested in volunteering, please fill out the contact form.

Question 10

How can I support DUBAI REEF?

Accepted Answer

As an individual, you can support DUBAI REEF by adopting sustainable habits, reducing plastic pollution, volunteering with us, and raising awareness about the importance of protecting our seas.

For corporate institutions interested in supporting DUBAI REEF’s long-term goals and joining the partnership programme, please contact us via the contact form.

Question 11

What is the ultimate goal for Dubai Can?

Accepted Answer

The goal of Dubai Can is to reduce our reliance on single-use plastic. The reason behind that goal? We need to act now to help our planet. Across the globe we have created more plastic waste in 10 years than during the previous century combined – and 40% of all plastic waste in the UAE is single-use (Environment Agency).

Question 12

How long do single-use plastics take to decompose?

Accepted Answer

The lifespan of plastic is hugely variable. Plastic bags and disposable coffee cups can last 20-30 years but some products can take far longer to decompose. Plastic straws may take around 200 years to decompose, and water bottles, coffee pods and toothbrushes could take 450-500 years (wwf.org.au).

Question 13

Will it really make an impact if I start using re-useable bottles?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we can absolutely make a difference! But we all need to make a change together. We can create a cultural shift in Dubai – of refilling water, recycling and forming sustainable habits – ensuring a cleaner and healthier city for generations to come. Our refill stations will play a huge role in that, providing chilled, filtered water at convenient points around the city.

Question 14

Where can I find water refill stations in Dubai?

Accepted Answer

You can already find drinking water fountains in some parts of the city, including Kite Beach, Dubai World Trade Centre, Zabeel Park and Madinat Jumeirah. Dubai Can will increase access to clean water by launching up to 50 new refill stations across the emirate. Residents and tourists will have access to crisp, clean, refreshing water in key areas around Dubai.

Question 15

What kind of water do the Dubai Can refill stations provide?

Accepted Answer

The water you will get from a Dubai Can refill station is very similar to what you would get from a typical bottle of local, branded water – which is also similar to filtered tap water. The process of desalination removes unhealthy impurities from water at its source, with another layer of filtration at the refill station.

Question 16

Where does the tap water come from in Dubai?

Accepted Answer

The vast majority of tap water and drinking water in Dubai is desalinated seawater from the Arabian Gulf. The rest of our water supply comes largely from underground sources or groundwater.

Question 17

Can I drink the tap (faucet) water in Dubai?

Accepted Answer

Tap water in the UAE is safe to drink, according to the Conformity Affairs Department at the Emirates Authority for Standardisation and Metrology. The water goes through the process of desalination (removing any impurities) before it reaches your taps. Installing your own additional filter at home ensures the water is not affected by aging pipes or tanks.

Question 18

Will there be any Dubai Can events? How can I get involved?

Accepted Answer

Dubai Can is likely to host special events and activations once more refill stations are installed across the city. The best way to get involved is to register your business and install water filters. Contact us to find out more – and don't forget to refill!

Question 19

How can we (the public) make a difference?

Accepted Answer

Anyone in Dubai can adapt their lifestyle and choose more sustainable solutions when it comes to water consumption. Start by using refillable water containers and explore the water filter options from our preferred suppliers (above). When it comes to single-use plastic, consider the following options: refuse, reduce, re-use, recycle.

Question 20

How can we save sea animals from plastic?

Accepted Answer

Plastic is a huge threat to marine wildlife because of microplastics. The tiny pieces appear as a result of plastic degradation and are often toxic, impacting reproduction and causing diseases. Animals that ingest microplastics may suffer for months or years before they die (worldanimalprotection.org.au).

Question 21

How many animals die because of plastic?

Accepted Answer

It is estimated that 100,000 marine creatures die as a result of plastic entanglement every year. The numbers could be higher since many incidents are not observed. In addition, approximately one million sea birds also die as a result of plastic, which includes ingestion (oceancrusaders.org).

Question 22

How can my business get involved?

Accepted Answer

Your business can take part in Dubai Can and help pioneer a culture of sustainability. Contact us if you would like to know more about sponsoring a Dubai Can refill station.

Question 23

Why should we we reduce, re-use and recycle plastic?

Accepted Answer

Cutting down on the use of plastic will reduce its environmental impact. Some types of plastic, including polyethylene terephthalate, is used for bottles and is often recycled to create things like polyester fabric or automotive parts. However, a staggering 91% of all plastics are not recycled at all. That means they end up in landfills, or within the environment – including the ocean (nrdc.org).

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