Here is inpart a 'formative assessment' of a shoreline in Dubai.
2. Historical Context
Prior to its development Dubai Creek entrance was characterised by a series of spits and
bars similar to many of the other tidal lagoon entrances along the adjacent coastline,
such as Khalid Lagoon, Ajman creek, Jazirat Al Hamra, Umm Al Qawain and Ras Al
Khaimah. In the early 50’s it was noticed that Dubai Creek was silting up quite rapidly
thus limiting the size and number of ocean going vessels that could safely navigate it.
This in turn had an impact on the fishing fleet that provided the income for a significant
part of the national population.
In the mid 1950’s Sheikh Rashid commissioned Neville Allan of Sir William
Halcrow and Partners to survey the creek and he presented a redevelopment plan that
involved construction of steel sheet piling training walls, blasting of the bed of the creek
and dredging. Having raised the money from the taxation, investment bonds and a loan
from the Emir of Kuwait the creek improvement project commenced in 1959 and was
completed by the end of 1963, having grown further and been financed by sales of the
reclaimed land. The much improved facilities resulted in a massive increase in trade by
the shipping lines so that demand outstripped supply.
As a result construction commenced on Port Rashid in 1967, originally
envisaged as just tour berths it was expanded to fifteen and opened in late 1972. It was
later expanded by a further twenty two berths by extending the breakwaters into deeper
water and completed in 1978. This was closely followed by the completion of the dry
dock alongside in early 1979. At the same time the construction of Mina Jebel Ali, a
sixty six berth deep water port with an approach channel some 20km. long commenced
some 35km. to the south-west Dubai. Various fishing harbours and private harbours
were constructed during the late 1970’s including Mahdi Al Tajir’s private harbour,
Jumeira fishing harbour, Umm Sagiem (1), Umm Sagaim (2 – formerly known as Maze
Gam), Mina Seyaha and the Jebel Ali Hotel Marina. Whilst not arresting one hundred
per cent of the alongshore drift these structures tended to compartmentalise the coastline
between Jebel Ali and Dubai.
To the north-east of the creek the shoreline was reclaimed with the construction
of Deria Sea Cornich in the late 1970’s. This stopped south of the entrance to Al
Mamzar creek pending the agreed definition of the border between Dubai and Sharjah.
Replies
We should see the last inch of abuse of native Hawaiian women and how they think to survive for the sake of their children.
Waianae is going through a quick change for commercialism over night. At the expense of local people and their 2,000 year old subsistence living. We should see some major changes happening which are already in the process. I am just concern at this moment over the poverty in Waianae. We have many mono communities out here in Waianae that should loose their homes, lives, and children in the process of these changes.