A mystery behind the fencing of Jumeirah Open Beach has been solved after it was reported a property development is to take shape at the popular spot.
Joggers who found scaffolding around the beach early this week reported being told the area will be closed to the public from next week because of a new coastline property to be built by Zabeel Investments.
The beach is one of the greatest attractions of Dubai for tourists and residents alike. Zabeel Investments confirmed it is building a new coastal development off Umm Suqeim along Jumeirah Beach. The project will comprise residential, commercial and hospitality facilities, reflecting a beachfront lifestyle.
"Located on the prestigious stretch in Umm Suqeim, the development will cover both existing and reclaimed land and will overlook the Burj Al Arab which is just down the coast.
"The development will add to the existing beachside environment.The new project will further extend Dubai's coastline and provide additional opportunities for a beachfront lifestyle," said Mohammed Ali Al Hashimi, Executive Chairman of Zabeel Investments.
Refusing to reveal details about the project, he said: "We are in the early stages of this development and will shortly announce details of the project when it's finalised." Upon visiting the beach, Emirates Today found a 17-km iron fencing is being built along the beach stretching from Burj Al Arab to Port Rashid.
A worker who declined to reveal his name said: "We don't know whether the beach is being fenced off to facilitate the new construction along the coastline, but we are also making gates that will allow access to the beach." It was also said, though not officially confirmed, that the fence is being built to restrict entry to the beach through tickets.
The contracting company building the fence said it has no idea what, if any, construction project is being built on the beachfront.
"We have received the contract to construct a fence. Beyond that we have no clue," said an official from PHD Modular Access, the company executing the contract.
How blue is my view
Avid beach-goers said their life in Dubai will lose some of its charm if they cannot enjoy their weekends or evenings at the Jumeirah Beach.
"It is the amazing beach life in Dubai that gets me going despite the traffic snarls which are getting worse by the day, the spiralling living costs and the long working hours. I cannot imagine how I will survive here without Jumeirah Beach," said Richard Terry, a Jumeirah resident.
Osama Hamdan, 21, from Palestine, said he feels sorry that the beach will be closed. "It has the best view of Burj Al Arab. I live near the beach and go for a walk almost every day," he said.
Conny, 38, a German housewife, said: "For me, there is no reason to live here if I cannot go to Jumeirah Beach." Evelina, 53, an Italian housewife who is leaving Dubai soon, said Jumeirah Beach was her favourite haunt in Dubai.
By Anjana Sankar and Vesela Todorova
© Emirates Today 2007