Waterfront surges ahead as Nakheel commences flooding of Palm Cove Canal

Palm Cove Canal, which makes up the first of four main waterways at Waterfront, will hold a total volume of 4.2 million cubic metres of water and is 140 meters wide. Section one of Palm Cove Canal will take approximately two weeks to fill; the water flooded today is the first to be introduced into Waterfront's waterway system.

The Palm Cove Canal, eight kilometres in length, forms the distinct island of Madinat Al Arab, Boulevard Park, and the Canal District of Waterfront; and will be linked to the Arabian Gulf at two entrances. A full study is currently underway by marine specialists to ensure that the breakwaters do not disturb the natural offshore reef system. The study will also reveal the best means of utilising the waterway system as a form of transport throughout Waterfront, easing the reliance on the motor vehicle.

Matt Joyce, Nakheel Managing Director, Waterfront said:

"Today is a momentous day in Waterfront's history and we are witnessing the results of years of hard work. When complete, Palm Cove Canal will boast five marinas, miles of boardwalks, and an integrated water transport system.

"The flooding of the canal marks the first step in bringing this waterfront community to life. The waterway system will also form an important arterial link for Waterfront in line with a study that has been commissioned to achieve Nakheel's vision of delivering sustainable communities; focusing on integrating water transport with land based transport to form comprehensive networks."

Construction of Palm Cove Canal, which runs parallel to the coastline, is more than 65 per cent complete. Upon full completion, which is expected towards the end of 2008, the canal will boast eight vehicle bridges and two pedestrian bridges. In addition, there will be five marinas covering a total area of 82 hectares and a quay wall of 3,350 linear metres. Waterfront's entire waterway system will comprise of Palm Cove Canal, Waterfront City Harbour Canal, Southern Harbour Canal, and a section of the Arabian Canal.

Waterfront, the largest waterfront development in the world, is set to transform 1.4 billion square feet of empty desert and sea into an international community for an estimated population of 1.5 million people that is twice the size of Hong Kong island.