Ajman, United Arab Emirates, April 20, 2026 – Local authorities in Ajman have confirmed rumors about a proposed land reclamation project along the city’s coastline. The ambitious undertaking aims to increase the available land area by approximately 200 hectares, potentially sparking significant economic growth for the emirate.
As per preliminary plans, the project is set to begin in the coming months and will be executed by a consortium of UAE-based contractors and international experts. The land reclamation will allegedly involve the construction of a new breakwater wall along the shoreline, allowing for the creation of new residential and commercial areas.
While proponents of the project maintain it will stimulate economic growth and attract foreign investment, local environmentalists have expressed concerns about the potential consequences of the proposal. “The Ajman coastline is already facing numerous environmental challenges, including coastal erosion, pollution, and marine life displacement,” said Fatima Al-Naqeeb, director of the Emirates Environmental Society.
Al-Naqeeb’s fears are not unfounded, given the sensitive nature of the coastline, which is rich in marine biodiversity. Environmentalists are concerned that the construction of a breakwater wall could have far-reaching consequences for the local ecosystem, ultimately resulting in the degradation of the marine environment and impacting the livelihoods of local fishermen.
Moreover, local residents have expressed worries about the potential impact of increased development on the city’s infrastructure, including its already-congested roads and water supply. While local authorities have promised to invest in necessary upgrades, many residents remain skeptical about the project’s feasibility.
The Ajman Department of Urban Planning and Municipalities has yet to release an official statement outlining the details of the project, including the estimated cost and timeline. However, a spokesperson for the department acknowledged the concerns raised by local residents and environmentalists, stating that “all necessary precautions and regulations will be followed to ensure the sustainability of the project and minimize its impact on the environment.”
In light of these concerns, the UAE government has promised to conduct an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) to determine the potential risks associated with the project. The EIA results are expected to be released in the coming weeks, providing clarity on the potential effects of the land reclamation project.
In the meantime, local activists have called on residents to participate in awareness campaigns and voice their concerns about the potential impacts of the project. While the project has the potential to drive economic growth, it is essential that the needs of the environment and local communities are addressed to avoid exacerbating existing environmental and social issues.
