Dubai Sees Population Surging 76% on Lure of Beaches, Greenery
- City doubles down on expansion amid economic challenges
- Dubai plans to boost hotels and beach capacity, green spaces
Jumeirah beach in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, on Jan. 27.
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Pandemic or regional competition, Dubai doesn’t plan to slow down.
The Middle East’s business and tourism hub has unveiled an ambitious urban plan that predicts population will surge 76% over the next two decades as it eyes growth amid stiffening competition with neighbors looking for life after oil.
Under the plan published on Saturday, Dubai aims to boost its beach capacity by 400% and more than double hotels and green spaces in the desert metropolis that attracts millions of tourists each year. An expansion of public transport, economic and industrial zones is expected to help drive new residents into the city, known for its man-made islands.