URB, a leading urban planning and development firm headquartered in Dubai, has put forth an innovative proposal to set new standards for coastal rejuvenation within the city.
Dubai Mangroves aims to plant over 100 million mangrove trees along a 72-kilometer coastline stretch, enhancing Dubai’s shoreline while integrating ecological preservation with urban growth.
This initiative, prioritizing urban resilience, biodiversity, and sustainable development, aligns with both the city’s environmental objectives and the Dubai 2040 Master Plan.
Currently in the research phase, the project plans to undertake six pilot design studies in specific areas. Each zone will serve as a model demonstrating how different infrastructure elements can harmoniously coexist with mangrove restoration efforts, creating versatile coastal landscapes offering ecological, recreational, and aesthetic benefits.
URB has previously spearheaded projects such as The Loop in Dubai and the Dubai Reefs Project.
The new initiative is centered around mangroves, renowned for their remarkable capacity to sequester carbon, protect coastal regions from erosion, and enhance marine life and food security. With each tree capable of absorbing 12.3 kg of CO2 annually, the project as a whole can sequester 1.23 million tonnes of CO2 yearly, equivalent to the annual CO2 removal of over 260,000 gasoline-powered passenger vehicles.
CEO of URB, Baharash Bagherian, emphasizes the project’s vision: “Dubai Mangroves serves as evidence of how urban and environmental innovation can harmonize, offering a model for cities worldwide. It showcases the transformative potential of integrating ecological preservation with urban development. However, this project goes beyond coastal regeneration or resilience; it sets a global benchmark for how cities can reconcile the planet’s needs with those of its inhabitants.”
Various educational resources are integrated into the project, including the Mangrove Visitor Hub, which aims to educate and engage both locals and tourists on the significance of mangroves and broader environmental challenges. Alongside the Botanical Museum and the Nature Reserve Conservation Center, The Hub will function as a focal point for advocacy, education, and research, fostering environmental stewardship among residents and visitors alike.
