Move over Dubai, Abu Dhabi is opening its very own canal next month.

Located on Reem Island, the 2.4 kilometre canal will be based within the Shams development.

Property developer Aldar has said that final testing is underway and the scheduled flooding of the canal will take place in early April.

The canalscape, or area surrounding the water feature, will cover an area of 46,000 square metres and feature 450 trees.

“Shams is becoming one of the most sought-after destinations in the city, thanks to the quality of the developments and its prime location on Reem Island,” said Talal Al Dhiyebi, chief development, Aldar Properties PJSC. “This new canal will play an integral part of the community, as it runs through the heart of the development, and provides many areas for meeting up, exercising, and socialising.”

Other developments on Reem Island close to completion include 23 kilometres of walkways, 1,550 metres of cycle paths and 3,650 metres of promenade built along the coast. There’ll also be small parks as well as a public beach overlooking the mangroves.