The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is set to open its ambitious Dubai Water Canal this month (November).

The Dh2-billion ($544 million) Dubai Water Canal is a unique tourist landmark development offering a new lifestyle pattern in the heart of the city and the two sides of the canal linking the Dubai Creek with the Arabian Gulf.

The project, which boasts a new shopping centre, four hotels and 450 restaurants as well as luxury housing and cycling paths, is being developed by the authority along with Dubai real estate groups Meydan City Corporation and Meraas.

The canal is 3 km long and about 80 to 120 m wide with a depth of up to 6 m with the tide. Bridges crossing the canal rise more than 8 m allowing 24-hour free navigation in the canal, which will add 6 km to the Dubai waterfront.  

As part of the project, the RTA has built bridges over the canal for Sheikh Zayed Road, Al Wasl Road and Jumeirah Road.