DUBAI-Dubai Customs has completed the fishermen harbours development project in Jumeirah and Umm Suqeim. The project aims to support traditional fishermen communities and revive the UAE’s rich heritage.
The project commenced in mid-2008. It involved the development of three harbours, while restoring their unique appeal, in keeping with the demands of modern society. The three harbours are Jumeirah 1, Umm Suqeim 1 and Umm Suqeim 2.
The completed project covered two main parts. The first is renovating harbours, including a boatyard for fishing boats and another for yachts and recreational boats. The boatyard is fully operational now with a total capacity of 466 anchorages, of which 348 are for fishing boats and 119 are for yachts and recreational boats.
The second part of the project is dedicated to improve fishermen’s everyday life with facilities like special fisheries for them, warehouses to store fishing tools, boat repair workshops and two fish markets; one in Jumeirah 1 and the other in Umm Suqeim 1. Retail outlets, world-class restaurants and cafes, majlis, prayer halls and tourist and recreational facilities are also included.All of these facilities are to cater to the needs of fishermen and residents and to attract tourists by providing means of comfort to them to enjoy an incredible waterfront experience with some of the best views in Dubai. The project will constitute a tourist landmark while reflecting on the Emirati heritage and culture.
Fishermen facilities are allocated, including docks, warehouses and seamen accommodation units. A restaurant to serve food to seamen is placed in every harbour. The first of these restaurants is the Seaview Restaurant which opened in Umm Suqeim 1, where a minimart also opened. Sea More Café, Charm Thai Cuisine and a minimart are in service now in Jumeirah 1 harbour, where a Pizzaro Restaurant is set to open in May 2014. Both fish markets in Jumeirah 1 and Umm Suqeim 1 were opened. The rest of the facilities will become in service on the course of this year.
Beneficiaries of the project include 1000 labourers and seamen, stressing Dubai Customs’ social and cultural roles side-by-side with its economic, commercial and security roles. DC makes valuable contributions to sustainable development and reserving the UAE national identity to complement the overall boom witnessed in Dubai in particular and the UAE in general.