The AED 2 bn Dubai Water Canal project was first flooded with water on Monday afternoon, according to the Dubai Media Office.

The flooding marks an important step towards the completion of the project, scheduled for next month. It was the first time the canal was flooded after three years of construction.

The project included the drilling of the 3.2 kilometer long canal from Business Bay to the Arabian Gulf and the construction of three pedestrian bridges crossing the canal.

An extension of land has also been constructed to include luxury housing, retail areas, restaurants and hotels, according to Arabian Business.