Oh yeah, so I forgot to mention this. Last week I complained about the closure of Jumeirah Open Beach, the last free beach in Dubai (see Bye Bye Beach).
Well, apparently HH Sheikh Mo has saved it from development - unless this is some elaborate pre-April 1st hoax.
No, honestly, this article reads as if some high-powered nationals who live nearby got in on the game, and they obviously carry a little more weight than a few measly expatriates...
Emirates Today Jumeirah beach project scrapped Sheikh Mohammed orders halt to development on Jumeirah Open Beach By Hakam Kherallah March 30, 2007
Authorities yesterday Dubai ordered developers to stop building work on Jumeirah Open Beach.
The decision came directly from His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
“I can confirm that work on the fencing work will be stopped,” a senior official told Emirates Today last night.
“Sheikh Mohammed has ordered Dubai Municipality to stop the project on Jumeirah Beach,” the official added.
The decision followed pleas by UAE nationals who live in the area, who approached the Ruler’s Office saying the project would deprive them of their lifestyle. A large number of expatriate residents living in the area lodged similar complaints.
Instructions to tear down the fencing work on the popular beach, extending from Burj Al Arab to Port Rashid, “will keep the window to the sea open for Dubai citizens who love the area”, said one source.
When workers began erecting aluminium fences to shut off the beach in Umm Suqeim earlier this month, the move sent shockwaves through the community of UAE nationals and expatriates who live along Dubai’s coastline.
Emirates Today broke the story about the fencing work. However, details regarding the proposed development were scant, but sources had revealed there were plans to build a resort and develop the coastline from Jumeirah Open Beach to Port Rashid.
The sources, who insisted on remaining anonymous, revealed the resort was to comprise hotel, commercial and residential facilities.
Many residents expressed disbelief that a coastal development project was to be started.
UAE nationals said the project would mean an end to their lifestyle, while expatriate residents complained they had paid enormous rents saying it was money wasted as the sea view would no longer be there.
Now they can breathe a sigh of relief as the fences blocking the view of the Arabian Gulf will be dismantled.
Workers involved in the fencing work were still seen in the area yesterday, but the orders to remove the aluminium panels had already been given, said the source.
The beach at Umm Suqeim is the only remaining venue that grants beach access for everyone, aside from Jumeirah Beach Park, which is often crowded as it attracts people from all parts of Dubai and neighbouring emirates as well as tourists.
One resident said: “In Dubai this is the only remaining window to the sea. Jumeirah Beach Park is meant for people who like crowds.” The decision by the Dubai Government came as a pleasant surprise to regular visitors to the popular public beach in Jumeirah.
“Dubai is proving again it is a city that cares,” one longtime resident said.
