In pictures: the newly-opened Dubai Canal is a truly impressive feat

While the US celebrated and mourned the so-called "triumph of Trump" on Nov 9, the UAE enjoyed a different kind of triumph. 

This week, UAE vice president and prime minister and Dubai’s ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum officially opened the Dubai Canal, a $545-million project that had been three years in the making.

"We celebrate the canal, an architectural, commercial and geographical triumph," tweets Sheikh Mohammed. 

"The canal is not just an architectural accomplishment, but also a triumph of our heritage, history and heart."

The 3.2-kilometer long and 120-meter wide man-made waterway connects the Business Bay Canal and Dubai Creek and flows into the Arabian Gulf, transforming a major portion of Dubai into an island. It is considered Dubai's biggest project this year. 

The canal will soon be surrounded by shops, restaurants and parks and its 6.4-kilometer long waterfront includes jogging and cycling tracks. 

Most importantly, the canal offers marine transport services in nine stations, including stops at Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai Design District and Jumeirah, according to Emirates247.

The Dubai Canal is perfectly picturesque, these pictures prove it:

Apart from the celebratory extravaganza, the official opening of the Dubai Canal included a speech by Sheikh Muhammad, an aerial show inspired by the UAE’s heritage and a film revealing the construction process of the canal.