Mohammed bin Rashid approves Creek Panorama Project

Dubai, November 18, 2012 (WAM) - Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum yesterday approved the Creek Panorama Project, the first pedestrian bridge across Dubai Creek from Bur Dubai to Shindagha. During a visit to the headquarters of Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), His Highness Sheikh Mohammed also inspected progress on a number or projects and initiatives, including the residential complex of Dubai Police, Tram Al Sufouh and the Business Bay Canal Extension. Flanked by H.H. Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid was welcomed by the Chairman of the Board and Executive Director of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), Mattar Al Tayer. Briefing His Highness Sheikh Mohammed, Al Tayer said that the 120-meter Creek Panorama, which will be raised 17 meters high over the creek, will be another unique important landmark in the emirate, will provide a pedestrian-friendly venue in the busy business district and will provide commercial opportunities through its shops and kiosks. The Dh390 million residential complex for Dubai Police includes 322 villas at Oud Al Matina on an area of 177 thousand square meters. The villas are being constructed to replace the old police quarters in Al Qusais area where the Dubai Metro Green Line's Depot was constructed, Al Tayer noted. The Dh 1.5 billion Business Bay Canal Extension project will extend the canal from Sheikh Zayed Road up to the Arabian Gulf. The RTA will award the Dh1.5bn project contracts before the end of 2012 to enable contractors to begin construction work as early as the first quarter of 2013. The path of the Water Canal is 2.8 km in length, and ranges from 80 to 100 meters in width. The Canal will cross the Sheikh Zayed Road (before the Safa Interchange) and passes through Safa Park, Wasl Road, Jumeirah 2 and Jumeirah Road and goes on to terminate at the Arabian Gulf, thus ensuring the renewal of water in the entire Canal. The Canal passes across populous areas and will have areas for service utilities, cycling and pedestrian tracks, greens, and pedestrian bridges linking both banks of the waterway. The Al Sufouh Tram extends 14 km along Al Sufouh Road. Phase 1 envisages construction of a 9.5 km-long track starting from Dubai Marina up to Mall of the Emirates Station. The Tram network includes 19 passenger stations, 9 of which are covered under Phase 1, and spreads, across areas of activity and population density along the tram route. Each train will measure 44 meters in length with a loading capacity of about 300 passengers. The fleet will consist of 8 trams in Phase 1 and 17 more will be added in Phase 2. There will be a fleet of 25 trains in place capable of commuting about 5000 passengers per hour per direction. The tram track will run at ground level along Al Sufouh Road but will have an elevated section across certain areas of Dubai Marina, for reasons dictated by structures in the area. It will pass parallel to the Dubai Metro Red Line and will link up with the metro system at three stations along Sheikh Zayed Road with footbridges to ease transit and exchange of passengers between the two modes. The Sufouh Tram will also link up with the Monorail of the Palm Jumeirah at the entrance of the Palm from Sufouh Road to facilitate passenger traffic between the areas served by both projects. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed also visited an educative quad bikes show organised by RTA under the theme: Safe Driving, More Fun. The show educates public and private school students on the optimal and safe use of bikes. – Emirates News Agency, WAM