Van Oord to reclaim 13 hectares of land for Dubai

A landmark project by Shamal Holding, a Dubai investment firm, Naïa Island will be a new, reclaimed island off the coast of Jumeirah. It follows other projects in Dubai such as Palm Jumeirah, an artificial island the shape of a palm.

Naïa Island will span about 13 hectares and with 6km of ‘pristine beaches’. 

Van Oord will install key marine infrastructure such as quay walls and culverts ‘with a strong emphasis on nature-based enhancements’.

“The project will also include the reorientation of existing beaches and the strategic relocation of current rock groynes, optimising both coastal protection and the guest experience,” the company statement says.

Van Oord’s fleet of trailing suction hopper dredgers, marine rock installation vessels and otgher specialised equipment will be drafted in to carry out the works, which are due for completion in the first half of 2027.

“Collaborating with top global partners like Van Oord brings our vision to life with precision and excellence,” said Abdulla Binhabtoor, CEO of Shamal Holding. “Their deep technical expertise and proven track record in iconic island developments make them the ideal partner for creating a destination of exceptional character.”

As well as building sandy beaches for tourists, Van Oord has also helped to transform Dubai Harbour under its masterplan. It also involved a complex schedule of land reclamation, quay wall building, vibro-compaction and even a lighthouse building carried out by several subcontractors and a total of 1.300 people on site at any one time.