Credit where due, although questions remain

In yesterday's newspapers and on all the local blogs it was one of the day's top stories. GulfNews:

Dubai authorities yesterday ordered developers to stop building work on Jumeirah Open Beach.

The decision came directly from His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

Comments posted by GulfNews readers were understandably upbeat:

Good news. Always developers think about themselves only - they think that money is life. Thanks to His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
S. Ali
Dubai,UAE

Best news I have heard all year. About time they gave something back to the public.
J. Smith
Dubai,UAE

Finally! Everyone should be ecstatic that Dubai's best beach belongs to the public again.
R. Kreuz
Baltimore,USA

Great news! This is the kind of move that will really give confidence to those people who believe in the future of the country. Amongst all the 'private' developments, it is imperative to leave access to the sea for the public in some areas!
S. Bradley
Prague,Czech Republic

Wait... "the beach has been given back to the public..." But at some earlier stage, clearly, the beach had been given to a developer by the self-same 'Dubai authorities'. The developer hired manpower and materiel and started the construction of the fencing which, a few weeks back, triggered off the outcry of those who maintain that Dubai needs at least some beach space to remain accessible to the public.

Should the Dubai authorities, often and sometimes deservedly praised for their vision, not have foreseen this problem and refrained from placing the tract at the disposal of a developer?

And how is the developer now to be compensated for the investment surely made in the formulation of an ambitious 'master plan', for the investment visibly made in manpower and materiel?

Jumeirah residents enjoying the beach will have such questions to ponder, I think.