DUBAI – The enchanting allure of Dubai’s public parks and beaches, where iconic skylines seamlessly blend with recreational spaces, is no mere coincidence. According to a senior municipal official, this magnetic charm is the product of meticulous research, strategic planning, and a fundamental shift in regulatory frameworks.
Speaking at the concluding session of the World Governments Summit, Marwan Ahmed bin Ghalita, Director General of Dubai Municipality, revealed the philosophy underpinning the city’s public infrastructure. “Behind every swing, there is research to ensure it brings joy to a child and encourages repeated use,” Ghalita explained, emphasizing that success is measured by continuous public engagement and the creation of lasting memories.
The core objective, he stated, is crafting environments that compel visitors to return repeatedly. This requires examining every minute detail through the lens of user experience and comfort, transforming standard public facilities into destinations with significant added value.
Among Dubai’s groundbreaking innovations is the world’s first artificially illuminated night beach. While natural bioluminescent beaches exist globally, Dubai pioneered an artificial alternative using advanced lighting systems to create stunning nocturnal landscapes. This project required the municipality to adapt existing rules and regulations—a flexibility Ghalita cites as central to Dubai’s innovative spirit. “The beauty of Dubai is when you come up with a new idea, you change the rules for the benefit of the community,” he noted, attributing this adaptability to the city’s year-round tourist appeal.
This announcement coincides with the recent unveiling of Dubai’s ambitious 2030 Blue and Green Spaces Roadmap. Valued at over $1.09 billion (Dh4.03 billion), this comprehensive plan aims to significantly expand the emirate’s green corridors and public beachfronts, including planting 1.5 million trees. This initiative reinforces Dubai’s commitment to enhancing quality of life through thoughtfully designed public realms that merge functionality with aesthetic excellence, ultimately strengthening the city’s fabric and global appeal.