Coral reefs are the ocean's storytellers, revealing nature's extraordinary ability to endure and transform. An inspirational chapter in this story is unfolding within the teal-hued lagoons of Jumeirah Al Naseem. What began as a dedicated environmental initiative has flourished into one of the region’s most innovative coral restoration projects, with a mission to protect and regenerate the Arabian Gulf’s delicate coral reef ecosystem. Led by Barbara Lang-Lenton, marine conservation expert and Director of the Aquarium at Jumeirah Burj Al Arab and the Dubai Turtle Rehabilitation Project, this important work reminds us to take greater care of our natural surroundings and discover the beauty and resilience of our underwater world.

An Intuitive Approach

What makes this project so special is the vision behind it. Unlike traditional coral restoration projects, Barbara’s approach uses the hotel's purpose-built lagoons. This innovative methodology allows our team to work in a controlled and protected environment, a pioneering effort that Barbara believes may be the only one of its kind in the world.

"We are the first facility growing coral in this type of environment," she explains. "The lagoons have the same water quality and natural marine life as the open sea, but without the challenges of rough weather or waves."

Barbara’s new approach offers several inspiring advantages. Work that would typically require boats, qualified divers, and specific weather conditions can now be performed with simple snorkelling equipment in shallow water. The controlled lagoons remove concerns around weather-related disruptions while preserving the natural benefits of an organic ecosystem, which sterile aquarium environments lack.

Beneath The Water

The nursery employs a special technique called micro-fragmentation, where corals are carefully cut into one-square-centimetre pieces to encourage growth. These tiny pieces are then attached to structures crafted from local cement—a strategic and thoughtful choice inspired by the region's geological history.

"It’s a fascinating thought that the majestic Hajar mountains in the United Arab Emirates were once vibrant coral reefs themselves. Over millions of years, the land shifted and rose, pushing these rich underwater gardens upwards. As a result, our local cement is limestone, which is calcium carbonate. This is the very same material that corals use to build their intricate skeletons," Barbara explains. "The mountains still have the same chemical composition and are perfectly suited to encourage the corals to thrive."

The process is beautifully straightforward yet scientifically profound. These sections of coral heal at their cut edges and attach to the cement blocks, gradually growing to cover the structures. Once they have reached a sufficient size, the entire concrete structure is carefully transplanted to the Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab breakwater, where the natural wave exposure and a perfect slope allow for their continued growth.

The Phoenix Effect

Throughout this process, Barbara and her team have witnessed a remarkable cycle of resilience firsthand. When summer’s warm waters began to cause the coral to lose its colour, a process known as bleaching, the team was left with what seemed to be mere skeletons. Yet, they chose to be patient and to care for them, cleaning them and protecting them from algae, trusting that life would find a way to thrive.

“It was a mesmerising moment when, as the conditions improved, we saw tiny, colourful 'eyes' emerge from those skeletal structures and little holes. Soon, the polyps, the living parts of the coral, began to grow back, restoring the reef to its former vitality.”

This phenomenon, known as the 'Phoenix effect', speaks to the deep strength and spirit of these beautiful creatures. It reminds how powerful and adaptable the natural world is, even in the most challenging environments.” The natural rhythm of the seasons has helped to define the project's operational calendar. All active fragmentation and regeneration work is focused between October and June, before the water becomes too warm.

Expanding Horizons

Since its inception in May 2023, the nursery has successfully propagated around 5000 coral fragments. The project's success has attracted attention from Dubai's Department of Economy and Tourism, leading to collaboration on the broader Dubai Reef project - an ambitious initiative to bounce back marine life throughout Dubai coastal waters.

Future plans include expanding the nursery to Al Qasr's canal section and creating dedicated diving and snorkelling sites for guests, transforming marine conservation into an immersive educational experience.

A Model for the Future

Our coral rehabilitation work began as an act of environmental preservation and has transformed into an extraordinary model for global learning. This innovative project demonstrates how a sophisticated, thoughtful approach can turn challenges into exceptional opportunities, creating solutions that are both environmentally beneficial and practically sustainable for the future of our oceans. "What began as a careful study to see if coral could thrive in our lagoons has blossomed into a transformative endeavour," Barbara shares. "We have some of the strongest coral reefs in the world in the Arabian Gulf, and we now have exciting plans to expand our existing efforts along the Omani and Tanzanian coasts, making a deeper contribution to global marine life."

As climate change and coastal development continue to challenge coral reefs worldwide, Jumeirah's lagoon-based nursery offers a promising blueprint for global conservation efforts - proving that sometimes the most effective solutions emerge from thinking beyond traditional boundaries.

Barbara's plans for the future include continuing to inspire the next generation of ocean enthusiasts, and she speaks thoughtfully about encouraging children to discover the wonders of diving from an early age. “We can encourage children as young as ten years old to earn their SCUBA Diving certification. There is such joy in seeing a child feel passionate and connected to the ocean. It's a truly special moment, knowing we have inspired more young people to explore the underwater world, and in turn, carry this deeper understanding with them throughout their lives.”

We invite you to discover a deeply rooted journey at Jumeirah Al Naseem. Explore our coral restoration project and witness this vital work firsthand, learning how we are helping to cultivate a flourishing future for our oceans.