The Director General of Dubai Municipality, Marwan bin Ghalita, confirmed that the launch of nighttime beach access in Dubai was not a leisure-driven or promotional move, but rather a direct response to the real needs of both residents and visitors. The initiative reflects Dubai’s core philosophy of continuously evolving its laws and regulations to serve people first and meet the expectations of global tourism.
Speaking during a session titled “How Cities Preserve Their Human Spirit”, held as part of the World Government Summit, bin Ghalita explained that beaches around the world are traditionally used only during daylight hours. However, Dubai’s unique nature as a tourism destination that receives visitors 24/7 required a fresh look at conventional rules.
He said:
“We asked ourselves: why don’t we update the regulations around beach usage to reflect the city’s reality? That’s where the work began to allow access to beaches at night—while maintaining full safety and organizational standards.”
He pointed out that this move required legislative amendments, full coordination among relevant entities, and the integration of advanced technologies as part of what he described as the “invisible infrastructure”—a system that visitors don’t see, but one that plays a fundamental role in the success of such initiatives.
Bin Ghalita emphasized that Dubai’s nighttime beach experience has evolved into a global model, with other cities beginning to adopt the same concept. This highlights Dubai’s capacity to create urban solutions that are both innovative and exportable.
He added:
“We don’t develop ideas just for Dubai—we share successful experiences that can inspire cities around the world.”
Empowering Youth: A Strategic Pillar for the Future
Bin Ghalita also stressed that youth empowerment is a core pillar of the UAE government’s operational system—not a temporary initiative. He clarified that young people in Dubai Municipality are not only involved in project execution but are also actively contributing to decision-making and leadership.
He stated:
“Youth make up around 45% of Dubai Municipality’s workforce. We trust them with bold decision-making responsibilities and provide them with full support, because they are the ones who will live in this city in the future—and lead its development.”
He further highlighted the importance of involving youth in global platforms such as the World Government Summit, which offers them valuable opportunities to engage with international decision-makers and experts. This, in turn, boosts their readiness to lead future projects that align with societal needs and the aspirations of upcoming generations.
Urban Memory: Creating Meaningful, Lasting Experiences
Addressing the concept of urban memory, bin Ghalita explained that one of the key indicators of a city’s success is its ability to leave a lasting, human-centered impression on visitors, in addition to offering world-class infrastructure and services.
He said:
“When a visitor carries beautiful memories from a city and chooses to return again and again, it’s a sign that we’ve succeeded in creating genuine experiences that foster deep emotional connection with the place.”
Bin Ghalita concluded by reaffirming that flexible legislation, investment in people, and youth empowerment are the foundational pillars of Dubai Municipality’s approach to building a vibrant city—one that meets the evolving needs of its residents and visitors while continuing to offer world-class, replicable urban experiences on a global scale.
