Dubai government will today (November 9) officially open the Dh2.7-billion ($735 million) Dubai Water Canal, a 3.2-km-long tourist landmark development offering a new lifestyle pattern 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 continues to terminate in the Arabian Gulf, namely 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, one of the key and vital projects in Dubai which will have positive effects across the board, has been developed by Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in collaboration with Meydan and Meraas.

The ambitious project will be inaugurated by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai at a grand ceremony in the evening.

Mattar Al Tayer, the director-general and chairman of the RTA board, said: "The Dubai Water Canal is one of the shrewd ideas of Sheikh Mohammed to add a unique tourist and commercial showpiece offering a new style of living in Dubai city. HH is always keen to roll out creative and cracking visionary ideas that define new concepts for people’s happiness and welfare."

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. The project also included shifting the existing utility lines impacted by the route of the canal, in addition to lighting works and water fountains on the bridge.

Bridges and intersections have also been built at Al Wasl and Jumeirah Roads. The Jumeirah Bridge comprises three lanes in each direction and extends 414 m, while the bridge on Al Wasl Road comprises three lanes in each direction in addition to a 370 meter ramp of three lanes linking Al Athar Road with Al Hadeeqa Road, enabling full traffic movement. A bridge will also be constructed to lead to the proposed peninsula to the south of Jumeirah Park.

Five pedestrian bridges, he stated, have also been constructed, of which three cross the Dubai Water Canal with unique aesthetic specifications rising 8.5 m to facilitate the movement of pedestrians.

The first and second bridges are located between Sheikh Zayed Road and Al Wasl Roads, and the third is located in the area between Al Wasl and Jumeirah Roads, said the RTA chief.

The first one, which extends 120 m in length and 6 m in width, is a metal bridge suspended by metal cables lifting the bridge floor. These cables are based on metal pylons built on concrete pillars, he explained.

The second bridge measures 205 m by 6.5 m with its floor constructed on an S curve shape. The pedestrian bridge is suspended by an oval arch rising 50 m; it is supported by concrete pillars on both sides of the canal with hanging steel cables to lift the bridge floor.

The third bridge measures 140 m by 3.5 m in a form of a twisted steel bracket built on steel columns on both sides of the canal.

RTA said all bridges are fitted with elevators and escalators on both sides and the second bridge is fitted with a concrete slope to serve cyclists.

Dedicated footpaths, running track, and plazas have been provided and fitted with interactive screens, and sitting areas overlooking the canal, he added.

In order to fulfill the requirements of the smart city needs, smart electric poles controllable with a smart app have been used.

Decorative and creative lighting and landscaping works have been provided on both sides of the canal, said Al Tayer.

RTA said the marine transport stations have an eye-catching modern design integrated with other aesthetic elements of the canal facilities. The stations' design is inspired by fishing nets and is compatible with the green building standards. They are connected with the quay and have shaded outdoor patios.

From an environmental perspective, the canal will improve the quality of water of the entire waterway (Creek, Business Bay and the Water Canal) by 33 per cent, and improving the turnover of water in the entire system to four times a year.

From a tourist perspective, the canal with its engineering and architectural features will act as a tourist hub that will raise the profile of Dubai as a superb tourist destination.

According to RTA, the new area is expected to attract more than 30 million visitors per annum. The marine transit services will also woo more tourists.

"The ridership of marine transit modes in the canal is expected to exceed one million riders per annum up to 2020, and the number is expected to jump to four million riders by 2030. This is equivalent to about 2.9 million journeys by vehicles on roads. The design of bridges constructed across the canal was tailored to increasing the traffic flow in the area," said Al Tayer.

The canal will offer a new residential district, tourist attractions and recreational facilities including several hotels, restaurants and entertainment areas.

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 that ensure comfort & happiness for visitors.

Al Tayer also lauded the RTA’s strategic partners Meydan Group and Meraas Holding for their collaboration and partnership that contributed to the completion of the Dubai Water Canal Project as scheduled.

He hailed the co-operation of Dubai Holding in the linking Dubai Water Canal with the Business Bay spanning 9 km. -TradeArabia News Service