PREVIEW

Dubai has unveiled plans for what could become the world's largest coastal regeneration initiative. The project developer, URB, plans to plant 100 million mangroves on the coast of the Persian Gulf. Dubbed Dubai Mangroves, the ambitious proposal features futuristic glass domes which will house a visitor hub, botanic museum and conservation centre. Currently in the design and research phase, the initiative seeks to bolster Dubai’s marine biodiversity. Inside the bio domes, visitors could inspect various plants while learning more about mangroves and the flora of the area. Tourists can also take a leisurely stroll along the coastline while enjoying the surrounding nature and breathtaking views of the ocean. For fitness fanatics, there will be running and cycling tracks along with beach sports facilities. The infrastructures will also include social spaces and areas dedicated to biosaline agriculture - a farming method using salty water. The mangrove forest is expected to capture 1.23 million tonnes of C02 annually - an equivalent to emissions from 260,000 cars per year.