Dubai was once deserted and carving a canal inside the city was a genius idea. The Dubai water canal project was first opened for tourists in 2016. Since then it has been a great tourist place. This artificial water canal expands to 3.2 km. It connects the business bay area to the Arabian Gulf.
Dubai excels in technology and innovation, and this canal has been a great addition to it. Over time, lots of projects have been developed alongside it, adding to the overall experience.
What is the Dubai Water Canal?
Dubai management decided to make this project worth attention. They spent 545 million and Extended it from Dubai Creek to the central city. This canal passes through Business Bay, Jumeirah, and Sheikh Zayed Road, adding beauty to Dubai scenes. It also passes through many residential sites and hotels.
Attractions and Activities Near Canal
This canal passes through quite the area. Dubai has developed a lot of attractions alongside it. Here is what you can do and enjoy here.
Stunning Waterfall:
The canal has a mechanical waterfall that lights up at night. The scene looks so beautiful and picturesque. This waterfall is located under the Sheikh Zayed Road Bridge. If you are a night wanderer, this is a great place for you to explore and enjoy. The refreshing breeze and colourful waterfall make it a great place for a romantic walk under moonlight along the waterside.
Pedestrian Bridges:
There are 3 bridges on the canal that not only allow seeing city panoramic views but are great spots in themselves. All these bridges are unique in design and engineering.
Their intelligent design seems straight out of a sci-fi movie. These bridges connect to the major transport networks and recreational spots. Dubai management worked and planned in detail for this project. The first bridge Is 122 metres long and 6 meters wide. The second bridge is 205 meters long and has an S-shaped deck. It looks like it is floating above the water.
The third bridge is 140 meters long and 3.5 meters wide. The design looks like a twisted structure. This bridge also provides shade from the sun so that people can enjoy the view in the shade.
Dhow Cruises and Ferry Rides:
Dubai has a lot of water entertainment and cruise and Ferry rides are one of them. These cruises and Dhows have a whole package of entertainment and food. Most of them are affordable. You can enjoy canal views, dine in and enjoy the cruise ride.
Cycling and Jogging Tracks:
There is a 12 km jogging track where you can jog and cycle while enjoying wonderful canal views.
Parks
There are dedicated seating areas and green spaces where you can relax and enjoy the canal views. Jumeirah Beach Park and Canal’s promenade are famous among them.
Dining and Shopping
As the canal passes by, there are a lot of waterfront dining spots. Some Famous ones are
- La cruise restaurant business bay. It is located at Marasi Dr, Business Bay, Dubai. The view and food are both well-liked by the visitors.
- Asil Dubai for Moroccan, Turkish and Lebanese food. They also serve live BBQ and have a cocktail bar.
- The canal lounge. They have both indoor and outdoor settings and are a great fun place for parties and gatherings too. The outdoor setting looks magical at night time.
- Lana Lusa for Mediterranean dishes. They have separate menus for kids and vegans. It is situated at a water canal, four seasons private residences, Dubai.
- Basta is famous for its Italian food.
- TAN CHA restaurant is famous for its Chinese food.
- TABU Dubai has great canal views and food.
- Bellini Cafe which is right in front of the water canal. They also serve a vegan menu. Both the view and food are highly recommended by visitors.
- There are a lot of shopping places and boutiques near the canal.
Ticket Prices
Well, the first thing that comes to mind regarding a Dubai trip is budget. Here is what to expect if you are exploring the Dubai water canal.
- Walking and Jogging are free access areas.
- Boat Rides prices are different depending on the operator and package. Water taxis can cost you approx. 25-50 AED per ride and dhow Cruises Range from 150-300 AED, depending on if you have included meals or entertainment.
Tips for Visiting
- The best place to visit the canal is in the evening. The skyline looks wonderful with the setting sun and the lighting at places, especially the waterfall, looks beautiful.
- Don’t forget to take your camera with you. The city looks so beautiful around the water canal that you won’t want to stop taking pictures.
- Always wear comfortable clothing and shoes. As you are probably going to walk a lot, comfort is a priority.
- If you are travelling with children, make sure you follow the safety rules. Don’t go too near the water. Also on bridges, be careful.
What Not to Do?
Don’t throw garbage. The place is clean and beautiful and let it remain the same.
- There are restricted zones along the canal. Strictly don’t go there.
- Avoid going on bridges when they are too crowded during the peak hours.
Impact of Water Canal on Dubai’s Economy and Urban Appeal
The city had levelled up its game with this project. Dubai is well known for its innovative projects and this project adds to the reputation. It has increased the opportunities for tourism and investment. The properties alongside the canal are higher in rate now which brings money to the economy through investments. Also, the sites alongside the canal are much better with water views.
Conclusion
Dubai Water Canal is an innovative project that has lifted up the Dubai experience. There are a lot of sites alongside this water canal that not only add to tourism but are also very helpful in boosting the economy. The project offers multiple tourist sites like bridge walk, waterfall and cruise experiences. Most of them are very budget-friendly unless you don’t add up extra entertainment and leisure activities that may be expensive. Overall, it is a nice option to explore Dubai City a little more.
