Dubai Canal is set to open next month with work on the Dh2 billion project moving on schedule, confirmed authorities.

Water has been released in Dubai Canal for the first time during its three year period of construction as part of a testing process.

Though at a level lower than the proposed six metres the canal will eventually have, this is a significant development indicating the project is on schedule, an official said.

According to an official on Monday, the release of water is part of a testing process and the level will be gradually increase through the next couple of weeks.

Construction work is moving at a steady pace, with pedestrian bridges being built simulteanously at different locations, including a suspension bridge with a huge arch built about the canal.

“Dubai Canal is on track and our monitoring system in place ensures the project is ready according to the set plan,” said Laila Taher Faraidoon, Executive Director of RTA Director General and Chairman of the Board, Mattar Al Al Tayer’s Office.

With Dubai Canal being the biggest project to be ready this year in Dubai, the Dubai International Project Management Forum (DIPMF) on Monday was abuzz with talks about the mega project that is set to change the face of Dubai.

The 3.2-kilometre Dubai Canal, linked with the Business Bay Canal and Dubai flowing into Arabian Gulf, has now turned a major portion of old Dubai into an island, including areas like Bur Dubai, Zabeel, Al Karama, Oud Metha and Al Satwa.

Dubai Creek, which begins at Al Shindagha in Bur Dubai, originally spanned 14 kilometres, culminating at Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary.

However, the Creek has now been extended all the way to the intersection of Al Khail Road and Financial Centre Street, where Business Bay begins. The combined waterway will stretch for 27 kilometres. Parts of Jumeirah and Al Safa areas, Business Bay, Downtown Dubai, Al Jaddaf and Oud Metha will also be part of the massive island.

Another important development that the canal will bring is a major upgrade to the marine transport in Dubai.

According to RTA, marine transit modes are expected to carry more than six million passengers annually around the canal and man-made islands off the coast in the next couple of years.

The Dubai Creek along with the stretch of canals will have 18 marine stations, which will allow people to travel freely along the waterway from Deira and Bur Dubai to Jumeirah. Five of these stations are being built along the canal, while seven more will be at Business Bay.

Project management

Speaking on the sidelines of the forum on Monday, Faraidoon said the RTA has adopted a robust project management policy.

“We have our own processes and policies that are on par with highest international standards. Our monitoring system ensures highest standard of work while making sure the projects are delivered on time,” she added.

Speaking about the forum, Laila said that the forum brings together all the international experts and gurus of project management and is a learning experience for all participants.

“As an organisation that is continously carrying out mega projects it is important for us to contantly update our processes and policies. DIPMF is a learning platform or RTA as well, as we interact with world leaders and improve our practices as well,” she said.

The two day conference opened on Monday at Madinat Jumeirah, with an opening address by Bill McDermott, CEO of SAP SE.

Hailing the UAE’s leadership in adopting role model innovation he said: “How do you make people happier, how do you make societies more successful and how do you make enviroments more sustainable? Nobody knows that better than the leadership of Dubai.”