Dubai ruler says ‘work will not stop’ on construction projects

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, vice president and prime minister of the UAE and ruler of Dubai, has said the emirate will not stop work on its projects but will accelerate the pace of development. 

His comments followed a tour of the AED500 million ($136 million) Al Mamzar Beaches development, one of Dubai Municipality’s flagship projects. 

Sheikh Mohammed said the emirate had recently approved the AED3 billion Dubai Beaches development plan, which aims to increase beach capacity for tourists and visitors by 170 percent.

The project is part of Dubai’s vision to transform the city into “the world’s best place to live” by 2040.

“Our projects are moving ahead and work will not stop. On the contrary, the pace will accelerate. We remain committed to a clear development agenda,” he said.

Spanning 4 million square feet and accommodating up to 7 million visitors annually, Al Mamzar Beaches is nearing completion, the UAE state-run Wam news agency reported. 

The project will include 35 service and leisure facilities and will generate more than 65 new investment opportunities.

It will include the world’s first 24/7 women-only beach offering night swimming, a floating walkway at Al Mamzar Lagoon and a waterfront restaurant.

More than 5.5km of walking, running and cycling tracks will link the lagoon, the corniche and Al Mamzar Beach Park.

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The US-Israel-Iran war, which began on February 28, is costing the Middle East at least $600 million a day in lost visitor spending, the World Travel and Tourism Council estimates. 

Tourism accounted for nearly 13 percent of UAE GDP in 2025, contributing $72 billion and supporting about 925,000 jobs.  

Dubai had more than 19 million international visitors last year.