Dubai: The Dubai Creek extension up to the Arabian Gulf via Business Bay will provide an alternative transport route for residents and tourists.
"The canal will be part of Dubai's ambitious plan for water transport, as it will be used by private boats as well as ferries for public transport.
"Passengers will be able to take water transport from the Dubai Creek to reach Business Bay, Jumeirah, Al Wasl or Shaikh Zayed Road," said Engineer Mattar Al Tayer, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).
His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, yesterday reviewed the Dubai Creek extension project and approved a plan to further extend the water channel by 2.2km from Shaikh Zayed Road to the Arabian Gulf, passing through Safa Park, Al Wasl Road, Jumeirah 2, Jumeirah Road and Jumeirah Beach Park.
The work on the 100-metre wide channel is under way between the main Dubai Creek in Ras Al Khor and Shaikh Zayed Road.
Bridges
Al Tayer said there would be bridges over the new water channel with a minimum height of 8.5 metres to provide enough space for boats to pass beneath.
"Stations for passengers using water transport and private boats will be built on both sides of the water channel," he said. "It will be one of Dubai's major attractions both for tourists and residents."
Al Tayer said in line with Shaikh Mohammad's instructions, the RTA would carry out more projects, amendments and additions on many roads in areas around the water channel.
He said the roads in Jumeirah, Al Wasl and around Safa Park would also be improved to ensure the free flow of traffic and pedestrians.
"There will be walkways and water sports facilities along the channel where as pedestrian crossings will also be build on it at different locations including Safa Park," Al Tayer said.
Both sides of the water channel will have green areas to make it a popular place to visit.
- With inputs from WAM
Your comments
This project will undoubtedly have a major impact on Dubai. However, I doubt that it will reduce road traffic one bit. I think that the biggest impact will be for the splendid wildlife area at the end of the creek, where the flamingos can be found feeding. The extra canal will most probably introduce an extra water flow, changing the whole area dramatically. But this is Dubai, where no one cares about the environment as long as we get paid on time and don't have to sit in a traffic jam every morning and afternoon!
Jodi
Delft,The Netherlands
This project will definitely transform Dubai into a world class city.
Suhail
Abu Dhabi,UAE
I love to travel using the water transport. It would be an exciting way of enjoying my weekends with my family.
Sabir
Dubai,UAE
I think this will surely encourage people to look at travelling in a more enjoyable perspective.
Renie
Dubai,UAE
I presume that villas and roads will need to be cleared to ensure the completion of this project, and that there will now be construction and traffic chaos in what was previously a settled and quiet area.
Rana
Dubai,UAE
