Dubai is renowned globally for its high-profile engineering projects and upscale urban planning. From man-made islands to world-record-breaking skyscrapers, the city keeps reinventing itself to establish new monuments. One of the newest wonders that marries infrastructure with lifestyle and leisure is the Dubai Water Canal.
This latest canal reurbanized the cityscape by opening onto Arabian Gulf Dubai Creek and constructing a high-end water city along Business Bay, Safa Park, Jumeirah, and Al Habtoor City.
Already completely operational since November 2016, the canal was a huge success among joggers, cyclists, photographers, families, and tourists.
More than just a water passage, the Dubai Water Canal is an experience: with its iconic pedestrian bridges, glowing boardwalks, cascading waterfall, luxury hotels, nearby attractions, and vibrant dining options, it perfectly represents Dubai’s unique mix of nature and innovation.
In this ultimate guide, we’ll discuss all there is to know about Dubai Water Canal — from what it is and how to get there, to its top attractions, features, and restaurants.
What is Dubai Water Canal?
The Dubai Water Canal is a 3.2-kilometer-long artificial canal linking Dubai Creek (located near Deira and Bur Dubai) to the Arabian Gulf through the city center.
- Width: 80-120 meters
- Depth: Approximately 6 meters, with sufficient depth to allow small yachts and boats to pass through
- Cost: AED 2.7 billion (USD 735 million)
- Opened: November 2016
The canal was not only a service waterway, but also a new resort area, including boardwalks, parks, luxury compounds, and walk areas along them. It actually did bisect giant chunks of the city into islands, like parts of Jumeirah and Business Bay.
The dream for Dubai was that it would have an urban center waterfront way of life, kind of like Venice and Amsterdam, but with a very contemporary and Arabian flavor.
Dubai Water Canal Uniques
There are some special factors that make Dubai Water Canal the most interesting project in Dubai:
- Engineering Marvel: Beneath Sheikh Zayed Road, Al Wasl Road, and Jumeirah Road — three of the most congested roads in Dubai — runs the canal with beautifully designed bridges spanning them.
- Walking Bridges: Three slim pedestrian bridges give pedestrians bird’s-eye views of the canal and skyscape.
- Waterfall: A hydraulic waterfall comes to a halt each time boats go underneath at the bottom of the Sheikh Zayed Road Bridge.
- Boardwalks & Cycle Tracks: Along 6.4 kilometers of boardwalks and 12 kilometers of cycle tracks running along the canal.
- Lighting: In the night, once it starts getting dark, the canal glows with multicolored LED lights, and it is heaven to behold.
- City Development: New complexes along the canal like Al Habtoor City with restaurants, hotels, and the marvelous La Perle show.
Dubai Water Canal Timings
- Public Access: 24/7
- Boardwalk & Footbridges: Day and night at any time
- Dubai Canal Waterfall: Streams in the evening, typically 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM
- Cruises: Between the 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM hours, subject to the cruise provider
Dubai Water Canal Entry Fee
Not-so-bad news for tourists — no entrance fee to go check out Dubai Water Canal. Walking on boardwalk, walking on bridges, and gazing at the views are all gratis. However, cruises like boat cruise, abra ride, or dinner cruise in the area aren’t cheap.
How to Access Dubai Water Canal?
The canal is located in the middle and within walking distance:
- By Metro: The closest metro station is Business Bay Metro Station (Red Line). It is a direct walk from the metro station to the canal.
- By Car: Drive to Safa Park, Al Habtoor City, or Business Bay. Private car parking is nearby.
- By Taxi/Ride Apps: Get a taxi, Careem, or Uber and drop you at Al Habtoor City entrance or the bridges of the canal.
- Through Water Transport: Dubai RTA offers abras and water taxis to experience a bird’s eye view of the canal.
Dubai Canal Highlights
Dubai Water Canal comes to life with plenty to enjoy:
- Panoramic views of Dubai skyscrapers and landmarks
- 6.4 km boardwalk to have an evening walk or morning jog
- Three pedestrian bridges with impressive architectural designs
- Cycling paths linking Dubai’s wider cycle path network
- The stunning lit-up Dubai Waterfall under Sheikh Zayed Road
- A short walk from high-end hotels, restaurants, and lifestyle destinations
Dubai Water Canal Boardwalk
The boardwalk itself is one of the best around the canal. A staggering 6 km plus in length, it’s paradise for walkers, joggers, and cyclists.
- Jogging & Cycling: Divided roads for pedestrians’ and cyclists’ also ensure security and happiness.
- Scenic Views: You’ll see everything from yachts cruising by to Dubai’s glittering skyline.
- Resting Places: Benches, shaded areas, and grassy areas line the pathway.
Tip: Visit at night when the canal is lighted, and the temperature is warm and vibrant.
Dubai Water Canal Footbridges
The three pedestrian bridges are functional crossings but also relics of architectural history:
- First Bridge: Trendy wavy building crossing Safa Park and Jumeirah.
- Second Bridge: Curvy Spacy Bubblicious bridge curving as a beautiful arc, the ideal spot to take a photo shoot.
- Third Bridge: The longest and widest, and one that provides excellent views of the canal along with Downtown Dubai.
All three of these bridges are illuminated in the evening, and hence it is an eye treat.
Dubai Water Canal Waterfall
Its most concentrated section is the Dubhai Canal Waterfall, artificial and with direct access to the canal below the Sheikh Zayed Road Bridge.
- Restricts the water supply each time a boat goes through with motion sensors.
- Multicolored LED lights light it up at night as a waterfall.
- It’s also made over into a tourist and local Instagram spot.
One of the Dubai Water Canal tourist attractions is a Dubai Canal Cruise. Two tourist options:
- Dhow Cruises: Affordable boat cruises with buffet dinner, live show, and entertainment.
- Luxury Yacht Hire: Private yacht with customized schedules.
- RTA Water Taxis: Affordable boat cruises with picturesque views.
Evening dinner cruises depart at dusk with unobstructed views of the canal and cityscape lit up.
Places Near Dubai Water Canal
One of the highlights of a visit to the canal is its proximity to some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, which will add to your other things to do in Dubai:
1. Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary
Birdwatcher’s paradise, the sanctuary is home to more than 20,000 birds, among them internationally renowned pink flamingos.
2. Safa Park
One of the city parks that is just ideal for picnics, jogging, and visits with family. Having the canal close by is something you cannot miss out on from your schedule.
3. Jumeirah Beach
Situated next to it is Jumeirah Beach, one of Dubai’s most populated sandy beaches, ideal for sun tanning and swimming in the sea.
4. Al Habtoor City
Hub of luxury hotels (W Hotel, St. Regis, Hilton) and the breathtaking La Perle by Dragone show, the world’s first permanent aqua theater production in Dubai.
5. Downtown Dubai & Burj Khalifa
You also manage to see Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, and the Dubai Fountain within driving distance a bit later at night after the canal cruise.
Top Restaurants Around Dubai Water Canal
Foodies, Dubai Water Canal complex is abuzz with fine dining choices:
1. The Larder at Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Canal View
Hip but casual, restaurant is ideal for breakfast buffet or speedy lunch with canal view.
2. Kana Café, Business Bay
High-end café with shisha, Middle Eastern fare, and pastry, popular among youth crowds.
3. St. Regis Downtown Dubai Library
Sophisticated and elegant, ideal for tea time, coffee, or leisure time with rich atmosphere.
4. Mama’esh, Business Bay
A foodie haven for authentic Palestinian food, such as manakeesh and traditional baked pastries.
FAQ
Here are a few questions and queries that others have asked on the topic of Dubai Water Canal that you too might find helpful.
An artificial 3.2 km long canal linking Dubai Creek to the Arabian Gulf through boardwalks, promenades, and amenities.
No, you cannot. You can have boat cruises, abras, and water’s edge activities, though.
Yes, boardwalk, bridge, and canal visit is completely free. Cruises and food are on payment.
To Sum Up!
The Dubai Water Canal is not just a waterway — it’s a symbol of Dubai’s innovative spirit. By linking Old Dubai’s Creek to the Arabian Gulf.
The city created a modern urban oasis where locals and tourists can enjoy scenic walks, cycling tracks, dining, cruises, and iconic sights like the waterfall under Sheikh Zayed Road.
From a peaceful sunset stroll by the canal with your loved one, a family picnic to a luxurious fine dining boat cruise, there is something for any type of traveler on the canal.
There are places in the area like Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary, Al Habtoor City, Jumeirah Beach, and Downtown Dubai worth visiting, so it is the ideal complement to any travel schedule to Dubai.
If you simply have to visit Dubai outside towers and malls, then it is important to go to the Dubai Water Canal. Free, public, and one of the city’s most stunning places, especially in the evening when the sun goes down.
