The growing anthropogenic coastal activities and massive coastal developments in Dubai represent a significant stress on the coastal ecosystem of Dubai. The fragmented authorities and the lack of an adequate understanding of biogeophysical and socio-economical processes in coastal areas are major constraints in addressing environmental problems . In addition, the lack of coordination between the entities and the conflict of interests between the stakeholders has not allowed the development of proper ecological monitoring programs or adequate environmental impact assessment studies. Therefore, developing coastal zone management strategies is a must to ensure sustainable coastal development.
My research aims to assess the ecological status of the Dubai coastal environment and how has this changed over time, and to propose recommendations for effective sustainable ecological management for Dubai marine environment. Accordingly, the research objectives are as follows:
1. Review of the recent available information and studies relevant to water, sediment and ecology, particularly temporal changes which may be associated with coastal development.
2. Analyse spatial and temporal characterization of water quality, distribution of sediment and macro benthos in the coastal zone of Dubai.
3. Assess coastal water quality, sediment quality and macro-benthos using primary data collected by investigating spatial and temporal distribution variations.
4. Drawing on the findings from objectives 1-3 above, critically evaluate the overall impacts and suggest recommendation for sustainable coastal zone management of Dubai.
Director, Environment Department, Dubai Municipality (1997-2014)
My main responsibility was to develop strategies and policies that reflect and achieve the vision of the Government of Dubai which include:(a) Planning and execution of strategies and programmes for the protection of environment, conservation of natural resources,(b) Operations and programmes for environmental quality monitoring, pollution control, management of industrial and hazardous wastes and , public cleansing services ,and (c) Management of facilities for collection, treatment, recycling and disposal of solid and hazardous wastes.
Currently, I am in charge of semi government companies involved in environmental services, facility management and waste recycling. I am also a Board Member of the Zayed International Prize for the Environment, UAE.