A Dubai Police rescuer jumps down to lift up a swimmer struggling to keep afloat near the Jumeirah beach.
Dubai Municipality has initiated a beach safety study as part of a multidisciplinary project.

"This study is all about developing a beach safety management system that is specific to the needs of Dubai and will also make recommendations based on best practices followed worldwide," said Khalid Al Zahed, head of Marine Works Unit in General Projects Department.

"Dubai is committed to its reputation as one of the safest tourist destinations in the world and we want people using our beautiful coast and creek to enjoy the world's best possible system for managing their safety."

The study, being conducted by a West Australian consortium of coastal and legal experts, comes in line with Dubai's overall coastal development.

The Dubai Beach Safety Study is due for completion in March 2005.

Over the next year the study team will compile and review local and international information on beach safety and help the municipality develop guidelines to strengthen its beach management.

The effort is also expected to lead to a new Internet site promoting wise use of the Dubai coast. Al Zahed said the study would include a thorough assessment of the approach to beach safety management presently used in Dubai by both government agencies and private operators, complemented by a comprehensive analysis of global best practice.

It will focus on the Al Mamzar and Jumeirah Beach Parks and the Jumeirah open beach, and will include coastal geomorphology, beach safety, lifesaving, legal advice and engineering modelling.

The study is being led by international coastal expert Dr Robert Kay, and includes DAL Science and Engineering, O'Beirne Consulting, Minter Ellison and UK-based engineering research company HR Wallingford.

"The beach safety study will be a collaborative effort between all parts of the Dubai Municipality and the Police Department. In addition, the municipality will work with hotel and beach club operators to ensure any new beach safety management system is applied to all parts of the Dubai coastline and Dubai Creek," Al Zahed added.

The emirate's coastline has undergone a rapid transformation during the last 20 years with a series of major shore-based infrastructure development projects associated with the trade, fishing and tourism industries.

What makes the Dubai beaches more attractive are the slew of public facilities available, including playgrounds, barbecue sites, food kiosks, and picnic areas for families.

The winter weather being so pleasant, the beaches are packed with tourists this time of the year.

Setting standards and going beyond
* The Dubai Beach Safety Study will be completed in March 2005.

* The study is being led by global coastal expert Dr Robert Kay, and includes DAL Science and Engineering, O'Beirne Consulting, Minter Ellison and UK-based engineering research company HR Wallingford.

* The project will be a collaboration between the Dubai Municipality and the Police Department. In addition, the municipality will work with hotel and beach club operators to ensure any new beach safety management system is applied to all parts of Dubai coastline.

* The study will aim to set up a beach management system that is specific to the needs of Dubai.