Dubai Water Canal: A Vital Lifeline for the City
Experience the unparalleled wonder of Dubai Water Canal – a breathtaking water passage that will ignite your imagination and leave a lasting impression on your heart.
Get ready to be amazed, because Dubai Water Canal offers a truly unique journey that will stay with you forever. Join us in this adventure and experience the thrill of this vibrant oasis!
What Is Dubai Water Canal?
The Dubai Water Canal is a 3.2-kilometer long and 6 meter deep man-made waterway that stretches from the Creek in Old Dubai through Business Bay, before flowing into the Arabian Gulf.
The iconic walking bridge with a purple arch at the Dubai Canal Walk is called the Tolerance Bridge. It was given a new name in 2017 to celebrate a special day called the International Day of Tolerance.
From here, you can enjoy amazing views of the city’s buildings, find many places to eat and shop, and enjoy a peaceful atmosphere for walking or running.
At night, the canal becomes even more special with beautiful lights and impressive laser shows, making it stand out from other attractions in the city.
Best Time to Go
The best time to visit the Dubai Water Canal is typically during the winter season when the weather is more pleasant.
Additionally, the evening hours offer a vibrant atmosphere with beautiful lighting, but you can enjoy the canal at any time of the day depending on your preferences.
Things to Know
Address: 56RV+P5H Street – Al Safa – Jumeirah 2 – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Parking situation: There’s a parking garage located underneath the Sheikh Zayed Road Bridge. There’s also street parking available in Dubai Water Canal, but it can be limited.
Operating hours: Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Fees: Dubai Water Canal is free for the general public to visit at any time.
How to Get Around
By car: Take Sheikh Zayed Road or Al Wasl Road.
By bus: The 27, 8, 28, and X28 buses all stop at the Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall stop, which is a short walk from the canal.
By taxi: Hail a taxi on the street, or just use a taxi app like Uber or Careem.
By metro: The nearest metro station to the Dubai Water Canal is the Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall station.
What to Do at Dubai Water Canal
Cycle along the Waterfront
The cycling path next to the Dubai Water Canal is well-kept and safe to use. It’s also quite flat, so it’s suitable for cyclists of all levels.
Start your bike ride at a few different spots along the Dubai Water Canal. One popular option is to begin at the Burj Khalifa. From there, you can pedal north to Souk Al Bahar or south to the Jumeirah Beach Residences.
Another choice is to start at the Dubai Mall. Ride west along the canal towards the Business Bay district. If you don’t have a bike, there’s easily rent one nearby.
Take a boat ride
There are different types of boat rides available. These include abra rides, dhow cruises, and dinner cruises.
Abra rides are the least expensive option and offer a short and scenic trip across the canal. Dhow cruises are more relaxed, allowing you to see the skyline from the water, while dinner cruises provide an opportunity to have a meal while taking in the beautiful sights.
Visit the Dubai Waterfall
The Dubai Waterfall is a man-made waterfall located on the Sheikh Zayed Road Bridge in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It’s 120 meters (394 ft) long and 30 meters (98 ft) tall. At night, it shines with purple and blue lights.
The waterfall only runs from 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM and is a popular place for tourists. It works by pumping water from the Dubai Water Canal to the top of the bridge and letting it flow down the sides.
Visit the Madinat Jumeirah
Madinat Jumeirah is a resort complex designed to look like an Arabian town. It has 40 hectares of beautiful gardens and waterways. The resort consists of three boutique hotels: Jumeirah Al Qasr, Jumeirah Mina A’Salam, and Jumeirah Al Naseem.
You can also find a spa, a gym, and several restaurants and bars in the resort. Many couples choose Madinat Jumeirah as their wedding venue because it’s so popular and has hosted many famous weddings.
Explore the Souks
- Souk Madinat Jumeirah: Souk Madinat Jumeirah is a classic Arabian-style marketplace situated within the Madinat Jumeirah resort complex.
It offers a vast selection of over 200 stores where you find souvenirs, handicrafts, clothing, jewelry, and much more. Additionally, the souk boasts a variety of dining options, including restaurants and cafes.
- Souk Al Bahar: Souk Al Bahar is a modern souk located in the Downtown Dubai district. It has over 100 shops where you can find a wide variety of goods.
This modern souk seamlessly blends traditional Arabian architectural features with modern design elements. It has many walkways and courtyards that are connected to each other.
There’s also live entertainment there, such as traditional Arabic music and dance performances.
- The Dubai Gold Souk: The Dubai Gold Souk is the biggest gold market in the world. It has over 350 shops where you can buy gold jewelry, coins, and other gold items.
The souk is located in Dubai’s Deira district and is open from morning until late at night. One of the best things about the Dubai Gold Souk is finding gold jewelry at more affordable prices than other locations.
Visit the Burj Khalifa
The Burj Khalifa is the tallest building in the world, reaching a height of 828 meters (2,717 feet). It’s designed by Adrian Smith from Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, its construction began in 2004 and finished in 2010.
The building is named after Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the former president of the United Arab Emirates. It’s a mixed-use building that includes residences, offices, and a hotel. It has a total of 163 floors, including 160 stories and 3 observation decks.
The highest observation deck is on the 163rd floor, offering incredible views of Dubai and the surrounding desert. The Burj Khalifa is a popular tourist attraction and a significant landmark in Dubai. It symbolizes the city’s ambition and its global standing.
Take a photo of the Sheikh Zayed Bridge
The Sheikh Zayed Bridge is a stunning bridge located in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. It’s named after Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the first president of the United Arab Emirates.
The bridge was designed by Zaha Hadid Architects and was completed in 2010. It’s a suspension bridge with a main span of 846 meters (2,772 feet). At night, the bridge lights up and becomes a popular destination for tourists.
It’s a favorite spot for photographers who want to capture the stunning views of the city skyline.
Where to Eat Nearby Dubai Water Canal
Philotimos Meze & Grill
Menu: Greek cuisine
Address: Dar wasl – Al Wasl – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Contact details: +971 55 556 1937
Pricing: $$$
Website
Philotimos Meze & Grill is a Greek restaurant in Dubai’s Dar Wasl Mall. It’s popular for its genuine Greek food made with fresh, seasonal ingredients. The menu offers a wide range of small plates called meze, as well as grilled meats and seafood.
The restaurant’s name comes from the Greek word “philotimo,” which means “love of honor.” Inside, you’ll find a cozy atmosphere with white walls, blue furniture, and comfy seats.
REIF Japanese Kushiyaki
Menu: Japanese cuisine
Address: Dar Wasl Mall – Al Wasl Rd – Al Wasl – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Contact details: +971 4 255 5142
Pricing: $$$
Website
REIF Japanese Kushiyaki is a Japanese restaurant in Dubai, which offers skewered meats and vegetables grilled over a robata grill.
The restaurant is owned by Reif Othman, a chef of British-Japanese descent recognized for his imaginative approach to classic Japanese cooking.
The menu offers an extensive assortment of kushiyaki skewers alongside other Japanese favorites like ramen, sushi, and sashimi. It also features a choice of unique cocktails and mocktails, showcasing creative flavor combinations.
Arabian Tea House – Jumeirah Archaeological Site
Menu: Emirati cuisine
Address: Jumeirah Archaeological – Jumeirah – Jumeirah 2 – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Contact details: +971 4 298 4559
Pricing: $$$
Website
The Arabian Tea House is a relaxed Middle Eastern restaurant in Dubai, offering a more casual experience compared to the original Arabian Tea House in Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood.
They serve a variety of dishes including breakfast, local seafood, meat, and vegetarian options, as well as coffees and teas.
The menu highlights traditional Emirati delicacies such as lugaimat (fried dough balls), harees (thick meat and lentil porridge), and machboos (rice with meat or seafood)
The restaurant is housed in a charming Arab-style building with arched doorways and beautiful latticework windows, featuring traditional Arabic furniture and decorations inside.
Additionally, they provide a spacious outdoor terrace where guests can enjoy scenic views of an archaeological site.
Jones The Grocer – Delta JBR
Menu: International cuisine with Australian twist
Address: Delta Hotels by Marriott, Bahar 7 – Jumeirah Beach Residence – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Contact details: +971 4 439 8883
Pricing: $$$
Website
Jones the Grocer is an upscale market and cafe that offers gourmet groceries and global food with an Australian twist. The restaurant has a modern and stylish interior, with tall windows that provide stunning views of the Arabian Gulf.
Their menu has something for everyone, including classic dishes like eggs benedict and burgers, as well as unique options like the kangaroo burger and truffle mac and cheese.
The grocery section at Jones the Grocer is filled with a wide variety of specialty items, such as imported cheeses, cured meats, fresh seafood, and pre-made meals. They also have a great selection of wines, beers, and spirits.
La Terrasse Cafe
Menu: Arabic, French, and international cuisine.
Address: 2D St – Al Wasl – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Contact details: +971 52 885 8759
Pricing: $$
Website
The La Terrasse Cafe in Dar Wasl Mall is a casual café that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. They have a wide range of food options, including pastries, sandwiches, salads, and pasta dishes. You can also enjoy a selection of coffees, teas, and smoothies.
The La Terrasse Cafe located in 2 Seasons Hotels is a restaurant where you can eat all day. They serve Arabic, French, and international cuisine. It offers you to choose from a buffet with three live cooking stations or order from the menu.
The restaurant has a modern design and plenty of space, with room for up to 200 guests.
Where to Stay Nearby Dubai Water Canal
JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai
Address: Sheikh Zayed Road – Business Bay – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Contact details: +971 4 414 0000
Pricing: $$$
Book now
The JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai is a five-star hotel that holds the record for being the tallest hotel in the world, towering at a height of 355 meters (1,165 ft).
The hotel has a whopping 1,608 rooms and suites for guests to stay in. You’ll find a selection of 14 restaurants and bars, a spa and fitness center, and a massive event space spanning over 8,000 square meters.
It takes pride in its collection of more than 12 top-rated restaurants and bars, including a rooftop bar that offers amazing views of the city. The hotel’s design draws inspiration from the date palm, which is a symbol of Dubai.
Hilton Dubai Al Habtoor City
Address: Sheikh Zayed Road – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Contact details: +971 4 437 3333
Pricing: $$$
Book now
The Hilton Dubai Al Habtoor City is a fancy hotel with five-star status. It has a whopping 44 floors! One of the coolest things about this hotel is that it hosts a famous water show called La Perle by Dragone.
There are also other fun things to do, like going to a nightclub, watching a movie at the cinema, or bowling. The hotel looks really modern with its sleek lines and simple decorations.
The Hilton Dubai Al Habtoor City has a kids’ club where children of all ages can have a great time doing arts and crafts, playing games, and swimming.
Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Canal View
Address: Business Bay – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Contact details: +971 4 875 3300
Pricing: $$$
Book now
The Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Canal View is a luxurious 5-star hotel located by the Dubai Canal. It provides stunning panoramic views of the city skyline. The hotel features 206 spacious and well-lit rooms. Guests can enjoy complimentary access to the fitness center and pool.
What sets this hotel apart is that it’s the only one in Dubai that allows direct access to the Dubai Water Canal.
V Hotel Dubai, Curio Collection by Hilton
Address: Al Habtoor City – Sheikh Zayed Road – Dubai – United Arab
Contact details: +971 4 436 6666
Pricing: $$$
Book now
The V Hotel Dubai, which is a part of the Curio Collection by Hilton, is a tall hotel with 33 floors. It’s located near the Dubai Water Canal and offers stunning views of the city.
The hotel has 356 rooms and suites, all of which are decorated in a modern style and have large windows that let in lots of light. As a member of the Curio Collection, the hotel has its own unique personality and design.
The V Hotel Dubai reflects the vibrant and lively atmosphere of Dubai with its bold colors, geometric patterns, and stylish furniture.
Where to Shop Nearby Dubai Water Canal
The Dubai Mall
Address: Downtown Dubai – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Contact details: +971 800 382246255
Pricing: $$-$$$$
Website
The Dubai Mall is the biggest shopping mall in the world when it comes to the amount of land it covers. It’s located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and is part of a huge complex called Downtown Dubai, right next to the famous Burj Khalifa.
The mall is gigantic, with a total area of 502,000 square meters (5,400,000 square ft) and more than 1,200 shops. You can also find lots of international restaurants there, over 200 to be exact, as well as plenty of fun things for families to do.
They have big department stores like Galeries Lafayette and Bloomingdale’s too.
The Walk at JBR
Address: The Walk, Jumeirah Beach Residences 1, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Contact details: +1617-300-0956
Pricing: $$-$$$$$
Website
The Walk has more than 100 stores and boutiques, including famous international brands like Zara, H&M, and Mango. Throughout the year, The Walk hosts different events such as the Dubai Food Festival and the Dubai Shopping Festival.
Besides shopping and dining, The Walk has other attractions like the Souk Madinat Jumeirah, the Wild Wadi Waterpark, and the Burj Al Arab. It’s also a popular place to people-watch as it’s always bustling with activity.
At The Walk in JBR, discover luxury boutiques such as Bottega Veneta, Cartier, Dior, Gucci, and Louis Vuitton.
Entry to The Walk is free, and it’s open 24 hours a day. The best time to visit is in the evening when the lights are on, creating a more lively and festive atmosphere.
Al Ghurair Centre
Address: Al Rigga Rd – Deira – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Contact details: +971 800 24227
Pricing: $$-$$$$$
Website
Al Ghurair Centre is one of the oldest and largest shopping malls in Dubai having opened in 1982. It holds the distinction of being the first modern shopping mall in the Middle East.
With over 380 stores, the mall offers a diverse selection of international brands along with a range of dining options from restaurants to cafes. In addition, the mall features a cinema, a hotel, and various other amenities.
Al Ghurair Centre is renowned for its affordable prices, making it a popular destination for shoppers.