Australia’s Gold Coast represents groundbreaking innovation, and Dubai coastal development is a testament to how inspiration can lead to unprecedented growth. Both cities are synonymous with ambition and creativity, but few know the story of how Dubai’s rise in coastal development may have been inspired by the pioneering work done on the Gold Coast. What began as the Gold Coast's journey towards coastal resilience, could have helped shape Dubai’s transformation into a global symbol of innovation.
The Gold Coast’s Coastal Resilience Journey
The Gold Coast’s journey from a quiet resort town in the early 1900s to a global leader in coastal innovation is a testament to resilience. In the 1960s, severe beach erosion devastated the coastline, threatening the city’s economy and identity. Restoring the beaches posed an immense financial and technical challenge. Through bold measures, including dredging and land reclamation, the city not only restored its beaches but reimagined its coastline and waterways. It became a global leader in coastal management, implementing strategies to protect its shores while fostering development.
In 1985, Angus Jackson, our founder at ICM but then Director of Beaches and Waterways at the Gold Coast City Council, introduced a revolutionary approach to coastal management through nearshore nourishment (sand placement). His philosophy of "working with nature" went beyond traditional methods, incorporating vegetated dunes, advanced sand management, and meticulous monitoring systems.
This transformation wasn't just about aesthetics it was about resilience. The strategies were designed to safeguard the city against future challenges like rising sea levels, securing its iconic coastline and economy for generations to come.
Did Dubai Coastal Development Take Inspiration from the Gold Coast
By the 1990s, Dubai, under the leadership of Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, sought to transform itself into a global hub. The two cities’ shared ethos of innovation led to a sister-city relationship in March 2001, where Mayor Gary Baildon signed a Sister City Agreement between the Gold Coast and Dubai, focusing on coastal management and waterfront development.
It was rumoured that during an aerial flight over the Gold Coast's canal systems, Sheikh Mohammed commented on the Sovereign Island development that it was great, but could be even better. Could this have helped to validate the vision for Dubai's now-iconic Palm Jumeirah and World Island coastal developments, feats so ambitious they're visible from space.
The Role of Gold Coast Expertise in Dubai's Success
Gold Coast-based companies, particularly International Coastal Management, played a valuable role in assisting with Dubai's vision. With expertise honed on the Gold Coast, ICM was involved with projects, such as the Palm and the World Islands.
These were reclaimed from the ocean, much like the Gold Coast developments were reclaimed from waterways, low lying lands and swamps. Dredging is important to both cities, and we have no doubt that both cities will continue to develop their resilience going forward into the future. - Angus Jackson, ICM
ICM's involvement extended beyond the above-mentioned iconic projects. In the early 2000s, we collaborated with Dubai Municipality to develop solutions tailored to the Gulf's unique environment, including multifunctional artificial reefs (including surf amenity) with additional research and development of artificial reef modules specifically tailored to the local conditions. These efforts highlighted the importance of adapting Gold Coast innovations to meet Dubai's specific needs.
Shared Challenges, Shared Futures
As sea levels rise and coastal cities face increasing environmental pressures, both the Gold Coast and Dubai stand as icons of what can be achieved through innovation and collaboration. Their shared history of resilience and ambition ensures they are well-equipped to adapt and thrive in the face of future challenges.
Dubai coastal development may have taken inspiration from the Gold Coast, but it supercharged the vision, creating developments that capture the world's imagination. Together, they demonstrate that bold ideas and a commitment to innovation can turn challenges into opportunities.
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