September 08, 2008

Arabian Canal breaks ground in Dubai

It is reported that ground breaking has been started for 75 kilometer long Arabian Canal with 700 meter test trench is being dug using some of the biggest machinery in the world. The cost of the project is USD 11 billion.

This trial excavation, currently under way and being conducted by the Samsung Corporation, is equivalent to a quarter of 1% of the final mega project. In five years, the Arabian Canal will snake east from Dubai Waterfront, run around Maktoum International Airport, before heading back to the coast near Dubai Marina.

Mr Ian Raine development manager for the Arabian Canal said that the project is something that had never been seen before in the region. He added that “We are digging deeper than anything dug before in the Middle East. Traditionally, canals are generally built for functional reasons but this will create a new destination in Dubai. It is part of the vision of Dubai’s leaders to create more waterways. One very important element of this development is public access.”

He added that Work to develop this land will begin in 2008 and in around 15 years this new city will have a population of 2 million people. He said that “It will be developed as a new city with homes, offices, retail, entertainment facilities and extensive public parks and open spaces.”

The canal will be 6 meter deep with the width ranging from 75 meter to 150 meter. Samsung will have to dig up to 70 meters before it reaches the level required. A total of 1 million cubic meters of earth will be excavated each day once the main project gets under way. The canal will run at sea level all the way through and with estimated ground elevations of up to 60 meters and 70 meters above sea level, will see huge inclines.