Dubai has opened the Dh2.7-billion ($735 million) Dubai Water Canal, a 3.2-km-long tourist landmark in the heart of the city with a walkway, and jogging and cycling tracks.

The canal passes across the Business Bay to Safa Park, Al Wasl Road, Jumeirah 2, Jumeirah Road and ends in the Arabian Gulf, at the Jumeirah Beach Park. This waterway, which is 6 m deep and 120 m wide, creates a 6.4-km-long waterfront.

The project has been developed by Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in collaboration with Meydan and Meraas.

A 570-m bridge with eight lanes in each direction has been built crossing Sheikh Zayed Road above the course of the canal in a way allowing free navigation round-the-clock.

Bridges and intersections have also been built at Al Wasl and Jumeirah Roads. In addition, bridge will be constructed to lead to the proposed peninsula to the south of Jumeirah Park. 

Five pedestrian bridges have also been constructed to facilitate the movement of pedestrians. In order to fulfill the requirements of the smart city needs, smart electric poles controllable with a smart app have been used.

The development project will generate over 80,000 sq m of public realms and vital facilities, in addition to more than 6 km of waterfront including a walkway, jogging and cycling tracks and public amenities (see also Contractors feature).