A Case Study Documenting the Dubai Coastal Zone Monitoring Programme: An International Example

A Case Study Documenting the Dubai Coastal Zone Monitoring Programme: An International Example

Anonymous, A.

TU Delft

Messina

2005-12-01

A comprehensive coastal monitoring programme has been set up for the Dubai coastal zone following extensive infra-structural development over the last 20 years. The Dubai coastal zone, and in particular the Jumeirah frontage, has been identified as a key element in the expected dramatic expansion of tourism to the region. Considered together with an expected 300% increase in population within the next 20 years, it is likely that the coastal resource will be under tremendous pressure (Smit, F. et al, 2003). The Dubai Municipality has long since recognised that along with the desire to live and work by the sea comes the difficulties of working with the dynamic forces of nature and, increasingly, the requirement to consider the natural environment (www.dubaicoast.org). As such, an Integrated Coastal Zone Management approach has been adopted in order to provide a good understanding of prevailing coastal processes in order to recommend optimum development approaches whilst still maintaining protection for vulnerable areas. Previous monitoring data has been collected on an ad-hoc or a scheme-by-scheme basis. However, the need exists to capture coastal data in a more systematic manner to enable coastal planners and others to develop a full understanding of environmental conditions and how coastal developments will affect this process (www.dubaicoast.org). The initial monitoring programme began in 1997 with bathymetric and topographic baseline surveys being carried out. In addition to this, a directional wave rider buoy was deployed to provide information on nearshore wave activity. Subsequent surveys were carried out regularly over the following years up until 2002 when the monitoring programme was considerably expanded to include whole extent of the Dubai coast, from Al Mamzar Lagoon in the north to the Jebel Ali coast in the south. The Dubai Coastal Zone Monitoring Programme utilises leading edge technology to assist Dubai Municipality with its management role in ICZM. The current initiative by the Municipality aims to build upon the existing data sets using industry recognised techniques, and will provide information required for the further development of its existing coastal zone management capability (www.dubaicoast.org).

shore protection
coastal zone management
Dubai
coastal monitoring

TPE600500

http://resolver.tudelft.nl/uuid:9336c4ec-e79e-4c70-bac0-059cf256977d

Messina project

http://www.interreg-messina.org/

Hydraulic Engineering Reports

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© 2005 Authors