Dubai island taking shape
THIS IS PART OF A TESTING PROCESS AND LEVEL WILL BE GRADUALLY INCREASED THROUGH NEXT COUPLE OF WEEKS
Release of water into canal is part of a testing process and level will be gradually increased
D ubai Canal is set to open next month with work on the Dh2 billion project moving on schedule, Gulf News can confirm. Water has been released in Dubai Canal for the first time during its three-year construction period as part of a testing process. Though the water is at a lower than proposed level of six metres, the depth the canal will eventually have, this is a significant development indicating the project is on schedule, an official said.
According to an official yesterday, the release of water is part of a testing process and the level will be gradually increased through the next couple of weeks. Construction is moving at a steady pace, with pedestrian bridges being built simultaneously at different locations, including a suspension bridge with a huge arch built above 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 the office of RTA director-general and chairman.
With Dubai Canal being the biggest project to be ready this year in Dubai, the Dubai International Project Management Forum (DIPMF) yesterday was abuzz with talk about the mega project that is set to change the face of Dubai.
The 3.2km Dubai Canal, linked with the Business Bay Canal and Dubai flowing into the 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 14km, 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 27km. Parts of Jumeirah and Al Safa areas, Business Bay, Downtown Dubai, Al Jaddaf and Oud Metha will also be part of the island.
The canal will bring a major upgrade to marine transport in Dubai.According to RTA, marine transit modes are expected to lift 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 yesterday, Faraidoon said the RTA has adopted a robust project management policy. “We have our own processes and policies that are on a 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, Faraidoon said that the forum brings together international experts and gurus of project management and is a learning experience for all participants.
“As an organisation that is continuously carrying out mega projects it is important for us to constantly update our processes and policies. DIPMF is a learning platform for RTA as well as we interact with world leaders and improve our practices as well,” she said.
The two-day conference opened yesterday.