Where to live in Dubai if you want to take the boat to work
In a few years from now, Dubai residents will be able to say they live on an island. If they stay within the perimeters of one of the Dubai waters, that is.
Although Dubai Creek currently runs land inwards to end at Business Bay Canal, it will soon be redirected to the Arabian Sea with the digging of Dubai Canal.
The land between Dubai Creek on one side and Dubai Canal on the other, stretching as far land inwards as Al Khail Road, will be surrounded by water.
With a total of 18 stations along this waterway and various marine transportation means drawing multiple routes, you might soon be able to take the boat to work.
Want to know where you could hop on? Emirates 24|7 has localised the stations.
Dubai Canal
The extension of the Creek from Business Bay under Sheikh Zayed Road, through Safa Park and past Jumeirah 2 is Dubai Canal, the part of the waterway that is currently dug up.
There will be a total of 5 stations on this route. Most of these stations serve public areas such as Jumeirah Beach Park and Safa Park.
However, some residential communities will be served by the marine route. Jumeirah 2 is one such community.
Many of the existing villas have had to make way for the canal, but this does not mean the entire community will disappear. There are still many villas that seem to be future waterfront residences. With a marine station planned in this community, it may be an ideal place to live.
Across Al Wasl Road is the next marine station. As this station is located opposite Safa Park it will probably function as a crossing point to a marine station on the Safa Park side.
However, there are more benefits of this station as it lies in the backyard of Safa community. Residents in this area will have access to an extended marine route.
Business Bay
Although the creek has already been extended to twirl through the high-rise buildings, the marine stations in Business Bay are yet to be built.
With limited transportation means to the residences further towards Al Khalil Road, water transportation is a welcome addition to the community.
The western-most end of Business Bay canal will have two stations. This area was once the plot for the Burj al Alam, the tallest commercial tower, but this tower was never built.
The area is probably best known for the iconic Churchill Tower. This two-tower complex includes a residential high-rise building, known for its resemblance with the Chrysler building. The structure is relatively close to the upcoming station.
However, closer to the station is the smaller West Wharf, a relatively new structure offering residences in a stylishly designed building. Other buildings a little further down the road are mostly commercial buildings, except for Bay View, which is still relatively close to the upcoming station.
On the opposite side a second station will be built, near Mayfair Tower. This structure is the main residential building here, although Opera View is not too far away from the marine station either.
A bit further down the stream is another widening of the Business Bay canal. A relatively unknown part of Business Bay, the area offers stunning views and soon a marine station.
Currently, the main residential complex on these banks is The Residences at Business Central, a fine-living community. Although this complex is surrounded by mostly commercial towers, Hamilton tower lies in the near vicinity of the marine station as well.
Dubai Design District
Beyond the buzz of Business Bay lies Dubai Design District, or d3. This community is upcoming and will not attract your interest if you are not in some way involved with the design industry.
One marine station will be located on the banks of this new community. Although primarily a business district, apartments of various kinds will be available for those working in the community.
Opera Downtown District
A marine station will be located at Downtown Opera District. A stylish cultural destination on the east side of Downtown Dubai, this community is best known for the upcoming Dubai Opera house. However, residential towers will become available too.
Opera Grand, a high-rise with over 200 apartments is already there.
Noteworthy is that two marine stations are vested on the opposite side, near Dubai Metro stations. One station will be located behind Creek Metro Station, while another near Al Jadaf is already there. Crossing the Creek at these points will be possible.
Dubai Creek
The existing stations on Dubai Creek are mainly to accommodate visitors to the many tourist attractions in old Dubai, such as Deira Souk, Dubai Old Souk, Al Fahidi.
Unless you reside in Rolex Tower, there is very little chance you live near a marine station in Old Dubai.
An exception is Al Ghubaiba, which has become a hub of all kinds of transit modes and is a residential area too.
The marine station furthest north on the Creek, commuters can hop on here to start their journey along the new waterways, or head towards the sea for a coastal ride along the emirate.