Sheikh Mohammed officially unveils Dubai Canal

Dubai’s billion dollar canal project has been officially opened by UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Dubai’s ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

The 12-kilometre, Dhs3.7bn waterway was formally inaugurated on Wednesday late evening.

The canal connecting Dubai Creek with the Arabian Gulf is a new landmark in modern Dubai and will feature the UAE’s longest promendade.

Parts of Sheikh Zayed Road were closed yesterday as Dubai’s leaders gathered for the opening ceremony near Jumeirah Beach Park.

Speaking at the inauguration, Sheikh Mohammed said: “Every achievement and success that we celebrate motivates us to move ahead with confidence, determination and optimism. We are challenging ourselves to generate the best ideas and initiatives.

“Our progressive way of thinking, ambition and positive energy will bring happiness to the people and prosperity to the nation.”

The canal is six metres deep and 120m wide with five pedestrian bridges and 6.4km of waterfront.

The waterfront includes dedicated footpaths, jogging and cycling tracks, plazas with interactive screens and sitting areas. Smart electrical poles controllable by an app have also been installed.

Marine boat services operating from new stations throughout the canal and linking to Dubai Creek have now been started.

Read: RTA to launch nine new marine stations at Dubai Canal, Business Bay

In 2013, Sheikh Mohammed said he hoped the canal would become the UAE’s “biggest landmark” and will come as part of Dubai’s aim to attract 20 million tourists to the country in 2020.

Earlier this week, the first picture of the newly-filled Canal from space was published by Dubai Media Office.