A 13 kilometre extension to Dubai Creek, which will more than double its length, was approved yesterday by the Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. It will run from Ras Al Khor, which is the wetland at the end of the natural Creek, into the Gulf at Jumeirah, giving it two outlets to the sea.

WAM picture from Gulf News

As I explained in an earlier posting, the Creek runs through the heart of the city of Dubai and is naturally an inlet from the Gulf which peters out in the desert as a wetland after about 10 kilometres. Some of the extension has already been completed, allowing more waterfront developments to be built. The largest of these is Business Bay, a US$54 billion commercial and residential project which is well under way. This new plan, expected to cost around US$275 million, completes the extension.

The new canal will be at least 100 metres wide and will cross three major roads, which will have new bridges built across the waterway. Sheikh Zayed Road’s bridge will be 12 lanes, Al Wasl and Jumeirah Beach Roads will both have six lane bridges.

Public water transport with terminals in strategic locations will run the length of the waterway from the city centre to Jumeirah, easing the congestion on Dubai’s roads. The plan also calls for amendments and additions to the surrounding roads, walkways, water sports facilities and green areas on both sides.