Coastal Development: Dubai

Question 1

Facts and figures

Answer 1

Coastal reclamation in the UAE has been developing since 2001
Two Palm shaped artificial islands were completed in 2007
2003-plans for a new Palm shaped island were unveiled and 300 other islands to make ‘The World’
To create islands for Palm Jumeriah, 94 million m3 of sediment were dredged from the sea

Question 2

Benefits

Answer 2

Palm Jumeriah not only created a new coastline but it became:
A centre for world class hotels
Home to over 200 shopping centre outlets
Centre for luxury housing
Centre for leisure and entertainment developments
Provides a valuable income for people

Question 3

Disadvantages

Answer 3

‘Nature’ journal-uncontrolled development, weak regulatory oversight and a lack of scientific monitoring are seriously threatening ecosystems along the coast
More than 40% of shores of some countries in the region are developed-greater environmental impact than any other coastal region
Poor water circulation-some places water can remain stationary for weeks-algal blooms
Invasive fish species
The gulf region has already lost 70% of its coral reef since 2001 and the rest are endangered
Palm Jebel Ali-destroyed 8km2 of natural reef