DUBAI WATER CANAL

Snaking its way through the city, the Dubai Water Canal is one of Dubai’s newest and most ambitious achievements. Inaugurated in 2017, this unique canal is designed after San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge and stands proudly in Sheikh Zayed Road, one of the busiest streets in the city centre. Apart from its striking grandeur, the Canal is also popular as a free attraction in Dubai, which does not require an entry fee.

The waterfront beauty of Dubai Canal is flanked by a promenade, which when lit up in the later hours, forms quite the spectacle. Five pedestrian bridges hang across the canal’s length at equal distances and offer great vantage points to enjoy the city’s skyline from. A majestic artificial waterfall nestles at the foot of the Sheikh Zayed Bridge intersection, which remains operative for two hours in the night each day.

There are a great many ways to enjoy the beauty of the Dubai Water Canal, and taking a cruise is the best of them. There are several tours offered here- the dhow cruise is an excellent way to taste the local culture here, while the Abra boat ride can be a great family activity.

On the other hand, the luxury yacht cruises here offer a premium experience that combines dining, cultural performances and a romantic tour of the canal. If boating or cruising is not your thing, you could easily spend time idling along the canal’s promenade. The canal is flanked by a 3kilometer long-running track, frequented by regular joggers and pedestrians. A winding cycling track sidles along with it as well. Additionally, the canal area is crowded by a series of luxury diners that combine the delight of Canal views with the experience of fine dining.

Also Explore: Restaurants near Dubai Water Canal

Highlights

• The canal is a great photo stop, offering panoramic views of the city’s skyline.
• One of the biggest attractions here is the artificial waterfall on the Sheikh Zayed pedestrian bridge, lit up at night each day.
• The Canal offers several luxury cruises along its length, with the sunset cruise being an excellent way of exploring the beauty of the place.
• Well paved cycling routes line the canal’s promenade, inviting bikers to itself.
• Surrounded by luxury as well as casual eateries, the Dubai Canal also be a great place for one to explore the local cuisine here.

How To Reach

By Car: If you’re driving to the canal, you would need to travel along Sheikh Zayed Road towards the Trade Centre. Those taking a hired cab or a taxi can alight at the Canal itself, while personal cars need to be parked under the Sheikh Zayed Road Bridge.

By Metro: This is the easiest way to reach the Dubai Water Canal. One would need to take the red line towards the UAE Centre and get off at the Business Bay station. From here, one would need to cross a bridge towards Sheikh Zayed Road, which would take them directly to the canal.

Click here to Book: Museum of the Future Dubai Tickets

Best Time To Visit

The best time to plan a visit to Dubai Water Canal is early in the morning or during the evening hours. This is the time when the crowd is less and you can take part i various activities which happen around the canal.

Also explore Five Palm Jumeirah, it offers laid-back or high-energy options from breakfast to the early hours as you tailor your vacation, whether you want a luxury food experience or want to party the night away. 

Other Essential Information

Places to Visit near & Things to Do near Dubai Water Canal 

1. Al Habtoor City: Often called a ‘City within a City’, Al Habtoor stands proudly on the banks of the Dubai Water Canal. A one stop luxury destination, Al Habtoor features three of Dubai’s largest hotels- St. Regis, Al Habtoor and Westin Dubai.

Apart from the luxury housing here, the Al Habtoor city also features a host of upscale restaurants and bars, and one can spend an entire day here simply exploiting the culinary options. At the heart of Al Habtoor stands La Perle, a performing arts theatre hosting a live performance on a regular basis.

2. La Perle: Offering a breathtaking tribute to the country’s history of pearl diving, La Perle is an exclusive performance theatre nestled in the heart of Al Habtoor city. Designed by Franco Dragone, La Perle hosts the country’s first and only permanent show – a novel ‘aqua theatre’ that combines traditional dances with water acrobatics.

Replete with daring stunts and dives, the show promises to keep you on your edge throughout your stay here. The theatre, designed solely as a setting for this one performance, is adorned with gushing waterfalls and artificial rain that stops and starts on whim.

3. Safa Park: Located in the very heart of the city, the Safa Park is a leafy sanctuary for weary travellers. Lined with clear stretches of natural grass, the Park offers the perfect location for strolls and picnics, making it a great place to visit for families and holidaying couples alike.

Occasionally, one can find a little Japanese garden or a permanent barbecue system set up by the walkway. The Park features several sports courts as well, such as those for tennis or badminton.

4. Dubai fountain: The world’s biggest performing fountain, the Dubai fountain is one of the country’s proudest attractions. Located at the foot of Burj Khalifa, the fountain sways to popular international tunes in an elaborate combination of light and sound.

The spectacle spreads across 30 acres, which is equal to two football pitches. The Fountain now has a platform as well, allowing spectators to come close to the Fountain.

Click here to Book: Dubai Fountain Lake Ride Tickets

5. Visit The Dubai Mall: The largest shopping mall in the world, Dubai Mall is the go-to place for shoppers coming to the city. The dizzying variety of high-end retail outlets here is bound to leave you mesmerized and busy throughout your stay. Accompanying its stores is a variety of luxury dining options, bringing global cuisine under the same roof.

Dubai Mall, however, is best known for offering some of the country’s most exquisite entertainment options- from an ice-skating rink, to an underwater aquarium and even a karting zone, the Mall has it all. 

Must Explore: Best Things to Do in Dubai Mall

6. Go To Pier 7: A one-stop dining destination, Pier 7 delivers a dining experience spanning across the globe. Spread across seven tiers, each floor in Pier 7 offers a unique dining destination, ranging from fine dining to casual lounges. The cuisine served on each tier is distinctly different, each authentic and prepared by the finest and most experienced hands.

7. Visit Jumeirah Public Beach: One of Dubai’s most popular public beaches, Jumeirah Beach is a must visit when in Dubai. With its golden white sands blending effortlessly with the sea beside it, the beach is quite a spectacle.

While one can spend a hefty time here wading through its waters or merely lounging in the sun, Jumeirah Beach offers a variety of water sports as well. The beach also features a number of barbecue areas and children’s playgrounds.

Also Checkout: Best Things to Do in Jumeirah Dubai

8. Explore the Green Planet: A treat for nature lovers, Dubai’s Green Planet is a rainforest cultivated and nurtured in an indoor space. The rainforest functions as a thriving ecosystem within the four glass walls, and is home to over 3,000 species of naturally grown plants.

The Green Planet is divided into four elaborate: the canopy, the mid-story, the forest floor and the flooded rainforest. At the heart of the Green Planet is an impressive 82-feet tall tree that stands tall amidst the surrounding canopy. 

Book The Green Planet Dubai Tickets and visit Middle East's first bio-dome of its kind and immerse yourself with the tropical rainforest.

Restaurants Near Dubai Water Canal 

1. Manga Sushi: Designed as a funky spaceship, this Avant Garde restaurant proves to be a delight for anyone looking to explore the Japanese youth culture. The kitsch decor at the diner imbues the place with a funky charm- one can find several screens playing anime hits, while bookshelves stack rows of manga comics for diners to peruse through. The menu here is authentic Japanese, and prides in a variety of sushi.

Suggested Read: Japanese Restaurants in Dubai

2. The Rose and The Crown: Bustling with buzz and banter, The Rose and the Crown is your quintessential British pub. The delightful interior here invests the ambience here with a sense of coziness, while the menu is both hearty and wholesome.

3. Karachi Grill: An authentic Pakistani diner, Karachi Grill offers a fine assortment of traditional rice, meat and kebab preparations. The fine dining restaurant promises a variety of buffet options, along with a comprehensive a la carte menu.

Recommended Read: Best Pakistani Restaurants in Dubai

Places to Stay near Dubai Water Canal 

1. Westin Dubai: A short walk away from Jumeirah Beach, Westin is an upscale high rise directly overlooking the Dubai Water Canal. The chic rooms and suites at the resort come fitted with all modern luxuries, while club level rooms add a private lounge with snack services. There are six separate restaurants at the Westin, along with a glam bar. Other luxury facilities include six outdoor pools, a gym, a spa and a yoga studio.

2. Habtoor Palace Dubai: Set in a beaux-arts style building, Habtoor Palace is one of Dubai’s most luxurious offerings. The ornate hotel features well-furnished rooms with all modern facilities. Upgraded suites add personal studies, dining rooms and rooftop plunge pools. Added amenities at the hotel include a rooftop pool, bar and a spa. The hotel also features 7 separate diners.

You may also Like: Best Spas in Dubai

3. Regent Beach Resort: Nestled by the Jumeirah Beach, this affordable beach resort is an ideal choice for those looking for pocket friendly stays. The casual stay offers modern rooms with a relaxed vibe, along with two restaurants, a gym, a spa and an outdoor pool.

Also Explore: Dubai Vegetarian Restaurants

Tips for Visting Dubai Water Canal

- The best time to visit Dubai Water Canal is between 08.00PM- 11.00PM, when the artificial waterfall here is operative

- It’s always helpful to carry a camera along, for one can get really great shots of the city from here 

- Sunsets at the canal are best enjoyed from any of the five pedestrian bridges that run across it

- Do not forget to carry a jacket or shawl along if you visit the canal on winter evenings 

- A sunset cruise might be one of the best ways to enjoy oneself at the canal

Click here to Book: Global Village Dubai Tickets