Phase five most crucial part of project

The extension of Dubai Creek from Shaikh Zayed Road to the Arabian Gulf through Safa Park, Al Wasl and Jumeirah is the most critical part of the project.

His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, last month approved the project, which is called Phase five of the creek extension.

Phase five involves further extension of the creek from Shaikh Zayed Road between the Metropolitan Hotel and Emirates Holidays buildings. It will cut through part of Safa Park and the service road to Al Wasl Road, then passing through Jumeirah 2. Dozens of villas will be demolished to pave way for the creek from Al Wasl Road to Jumeirah Road. Finally, it will pass through Jumeirah Beach Park before re-joining the Arabian Gulf.

Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has been commissioned to complete Phase five of the creek extension project.

Construction work on this phase will start in December 2007 and is expected to finish in November 2010.

Although the width of the creek extension varies from 100 to 500 metres in Business Bay, the width of the 2.2 km Phase five will be 100 metres.

There will be bridges over the creek on Shaikh Zayed Road, Al Wasl Road and Jumeirah Road. The bridges will have a clearance above the channel with a minimum height of 8.5 metres to provide enough space for boats to pass through.

The RTA will also improve the road network along the creek in Al Wasl, Jumeirah and around Safa Park to ensure free flow for motorists and pedestrians.