Dubai Water Canal: A Complete Guide to the Ultimate Waterfront Experience
Dubai Water Canal is one of the world’s ultimate waterfront experiences, situated in the heart of Dubai. It is a man-made canal that extends from the Arabian Gulf, transforming Dubai Creek into an ultimate sailing and cruising destination. The canal was inaugurated in 2016 by the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The canal connects Dubai Creek to the Persian Gulf via the Dubai Water Canal, and it is a popular spot for yachts and boats.
Visitors can take the water taxi, Dubai ferry, or dhow cruise to explore the canal while enjoying the stunning city views. The canal features several pedestrian bridges such as the Tolerance Bridge, and a footbridge that connects The Dubai Mall to Dubai Water Canal. The canal also passes through popular tourist locations like Burj Khalifa, Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina, and Al Habtoor City. With plenty of entertainment options like the dhow dinner cruise and the Marina Walk, visitors can experience one of Dubai’s most stunning attractions.
History of the Dubai Water Canal
The Dubai Water Canal is a 3.2 km long waterway flowing from Dubai Creek to the Arabian Gulf. The project was inaugurated in November 2016, costing approximately AED 2.7 billion. The canal’s purpose is to enhance Dubai’s tourism sector and improve the city’s connectivity. The canal is not just a beautiful waterway but also a transportation channel for boats and ferries.
Attractions Along the Dubai Water Canal
Dubai Canal Waterfall
The Dubai Canal Waterfall is an 80-meter wide and 3-meter high waterfall located at the Sheikh Zayed Road Bridge. In the evening, the waterfall is illuminated by colorful lights, making it an excellent spot for a romantic walk or a family outing.
Dubai Water Canal Boardwalk
The Dubai Water Canal Boardwalk is a popular pedestrian walkway that offers stunning views of the city skyline and allows visitors to enjoy various leisure activities such as cycling, jogging, or simply strolling along the water.
Marasi Business Bay Promenade
The Marasi Business Bay Promenade is a 12 km long waterfront promenade that connects the Dubai Water Canal to the Business Bay district. The promenade offers a picturesque view of the canal and the Dubai skyline. The promenade has plenty of restaurants, cafes, and retail shops to explore.
Safa Park
Safa Park is a large park located along the Dubai Water Canal. The park has lush green lawns, playgrounds, picnic areas, and jogging tracks. It is a perfect spot for a family outing or a picnic with friends.
Jumeirah Beach Park
Jumeirah Beach Park is a popular beach park located near the Dubai Water Canal. The park has white sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and plenty of facilities such as showers, changing rooms, and food outlets. The beach park is an excellent spot for a day out with friends and family.
The Dubai Mall
The Dubai Mall, one of the largest malls globally, is located near the Dubai Water Canal. The mall has over 1,200 retail outlets, a giant aquarium, a cinema complex, and plenty of restaurants and cafes. The mall is a perfect spot for a day of shopping and entertainment.
Dubai Water Canal Activities
Cruise Tours
Taking a cruise tour is one of the best ways to experience the Dubai Water Canal. The canal has several tour operators that offer cruise tours, where visitors can enjoy the stunning views of the canal and the city’s skyline from the water. Some tour operators even offer dinner cruises, where visitors can enjoy a delicious meal while cruising along the canal.
Water Sports
The Dubai Water Canal is also a popular spot for water sports enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy a range of water sports, including kayaking, paddleboarding, and jet skiing. There are plenty of rental shops along the canal where visitors can rent equipment and gear.
Cycling and Walking
The Dubai Water Canal also offers a dedicated cycling and walking path stretching along the entire length of the canal. The path offers stunning views of the canal and the surrounding area and is a great way to explore the canal at a leisurely pace. Visitors can bring their own bicycles or rent them from rental shops along the canal.
Also Read: Discover the Best Spot for Scuba Diving Dubai, UAE: An Underwater Adventure Awaits
Practical Information for Visiting the Dubai Water Canal
Getting There
The Dubai Water Canal is located in the heart of Dubai and is easily accessible by car or public transport. Visitors can take the Dubai Metro to the Business Bay station, which is a short walk from the canal.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit the Dubai Water Canal is between November and March when the weather is pleasant and comfortable. It is best to avoid visiting during the summer months when temperatures can soar to over 40 degrees Celsius.
Tickets and Admission
There is no admission fee to visit the Dubai Water Canal. However, visitors may need to pay for activities such as boat tours or water sports.
Facilities and Services
The Dubai Water Canal offers plenty of facilities and services for visitors, including public restrooms, prayer rooms, and parking facilities. There are also several cafes and restaurants along the canal where visitors can enjoy a meal or a snack.
FAQs
Is there an admission fee to visit the Dubai Water Canal?
No, there is no admission fee to visit the Dubai Water Canal.
What are some of the attractions along the Dubai Water Canal?
Some of the attractions along the canal include the Dubai Canal Waterfall, Marasi Business Bay Promenade, Safa Park, Jumeirah Beach Park, and The Dubai Mall.
What activities can visitors enjoy at the Dubai Water Canal?
Visitors can enjoy a range of activities at the canal, including boat tours, water sports, and cycling and walking.
Is the Dubai Water Canal open all year round?
Yes, the canal is open all year round, but it is best to visit between November and March when the weather is pleasant.
Conclusion
Dubai Water Canal is a man-made waterway that runs from Business Bay to the Arabian Gulf, passing through the heart of Dubai. It offers a range of exciting activities and sights to enjoy, such as taking a boat tour or a canal abra that will take you to the water’s edge. You can also walk along the footpath alongside the canal, which stretches over three kilometers and offers views of the creek and Dubai impressive skyline.
The canal has also been named by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum as one of Dubai’s most unique destinations. Safa Bridge is one of the notable bridges on the canal, and it is the first clear span suspension bridge in the Middle East. Visitors can walk underneath the bridge and watch its opening and closing.
Another highlight on the canal is the iconic Sheikh Zayed Bridge, which offers a breathtaking view of the city if you want to take a yacht cruise. Overall, Dubai Water Canal is an exciting place to spend a day exploring and seeing the city’s beauty from a unique perspective.
