Dream of Sheikh Rashid realised in Dubai Canal inauguration

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, inaugurated the Dubai Canal on Wednesday.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, inaugurates the Dubai canal on Wednesday. Courtesy Dubai Media Office

DUBAI // A dream of Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed, the late father of modern Dubai, was realised on Wednesday with the inauguration of the Dubai Canal, a project whose attractions will include the UAE’s longest promenade.

The second phase of the 12-kilometre, Dh3.7 billion waterway was celebrated by his son Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, during an event at a peninsula near Jumeirah Beach Park.

The canal connecting Dubai Creek with the Arabian Gulf is a new landmark in modern Dubai, he said, praising the implementation of the project and saying the UAE aspires to rank among the world’s leading nations.

“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,” he said.

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

The first phase of the canal cost Dh1bn and extended 9km from Ras Al Khor through Business Bay to Sheikh Zayed Road. The plans by developer Dubai Holding also include a 12km promenade with water homes, floating restaurants, shops and five marinas lined with palm trees.

The project will also feature the first purpose-built yachting destination in the region and other leisure and entertainment. Residential units will be built on water with boat access and offer views of the canal.

The Dh2.7bn second phase of the project extends 3.2km and has 6.4km of waterfront. The canal runs from Business Bay, crosses Sheikh Zayed Road, passes Safa Park, Al Wasl Road and Jumeirah 2, and ends at the Arabian Gulf.

The celebrations featured the national anthem and a heritage-inspired aerial show titled A Million Drops Make the Oceans, seen against the backdrop of a water fountain. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, and Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, and other officials attended.

A film on the canal project showed how the canal was a culmination of the dream of Sheikh Rashid in 1959 to deepen Dubai Creek to ease marine navigation, and build Al Maktoum and Al Garhoud bridges as well as Al Shindagha Tunnel.

The project’s stages include the construction of three motor bridges linking the canal’s shores, crossing over Sheikh Zayed Road, Al Wasl Road and Jumeirah Road. The bridges opened from January to July this year.

After the film viewing Sheikh Mohammed placed his finger on an electronic panel signalling the canal’s opening and the launch of the maiden water trip. He and his entourage then boarded a yacht as scenes showing Dubai’s maritime heritage were broadcast on screens on the sides of the canal.

Mattar Al Tayer, director general of the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority, thanked Sheikh Mohammed and called it a “shrewd idea” that will add a unique tourist and commercial landmark with a new style of living for Dubai.

“The canal will have several positive environmental effects in improving the quality of water of the entire waterway (Creek, Business Bay and the Water Canal) by 33 per cent,” he said.

It is expected to attract 30 million visitors per year, he said, and increase Dubai’s international competitiveness.

“With water now flowing through the canal, we have accomplished a major step in the implementation and completion of this project,” said Abdulla Al Habbai, chairman of Meraas.