Dubai, UAE – DP World has completed the first phase of its flagship marine biodiversity initiative at Jebel Ali Port with the installation of 1,000 “living seawall” panels, designed to transform traditional seawall surfaces into thriving marine habitats. The project enhances biodiversity while strengthening coastal infrastructure, building on the Group’s successful pilot at the Port of Callao in Peru.

Developed in partnership with the scientific program of the Sydney Institute of Marine Science, Living Seawalls, the initiative will be expanded to 6,000 panels by 2028. Once completed, it will form the region’s longest continuous waterfront dedicated to supporting natural ecosystems.

The panels feature a range of engineered designs that mimic natural rocky formations, such as rock pools, enabling marine organisms to settle and grow. By introducing these nature-inspired structures, conventional coastal assets are converted into habitats that actively support marine life.

Abdullah Bin Damithan, CEO and Managing Director of DP World GCC, said ports play a critical role in enhancing coastal resilience. He noted that the program demonstrates how infrastructure can support global trade while contributing to the restoration of natural habitats, adding that integrating science-led designs across DP World’s ports helps marine ecosystems stabilise and thrive in areas that previously held limited biological value.

A biodiversity monitoring programme at Jebel Ali Port is scheduled to begin in 2026 to assess the impact of the new panels and contribute to global research on the role of ports in supporting environmental resilience.

The project forms part of DP World’s Ocean Strategy and supports global biodiversity targets under the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, reflecting the Group’s commitment to investing in sustainable coastal infrastructure across its international network.

The Jebel Ali initiative follows the success of the pilot project in Callao, Peru, where 66 species across 12 marine groups were recorded within 12 months, including seven species found exclusively on the panels. No invasive species were detected, while algal diversity increased and overall ecological functions improved, highlighting the effectiveness of nature-inspired design.

DP World continues to expand its nature-positive initiatives, including support for the Dubai Reef project—one of the world’s largest marine reef development programmes—aimed at enhancing marine biodiversity, reducing carbon impacts and advancing circular economy models in port waste management. As environmental pressures on coastal cities intensify, the living seawall project at Jebel Ali stands as a scalable global model that brings together science, sustainability and port development.