New projects to revive the charm of old Dubai’s historic sites

Dubai: Old Dubai will return to its glory in three years, with a major renovation project for the Historical District getting clearance on Tuesday. His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, approved plans to develop the area, the oldest part of the city centred around Khor Dubai (Dubai Creek), the Dubai Media Office said in a Press statement.

Shindagha, Bur Dubai, Al Fahidi and Deira districts will get a new look to revive the charm of its historical sites.

Floating exhibits housed in traditional pearling and trade boats, interactive smart screens beaming local tales, and daily light and sound shows projected on the old and new buildings on both sides of Dubai Creek, are some of the features being planned by authorities.

More abra services between both sides of Dubai Creek, well-ventilated pedestrian ways inside the historical district and an art tour linking art galleries are also in the works.

The joint initiative, led by the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM), Dubai Municipality and Dubai Culture, is expected to transform the area into the leading culture and heritage centre of the region.

Helal Saeed Almarri, Director-General, DTCM, said work is due to start shortly on the first phase of the project, which will include the upgrade of souqs in Deira and Bur Dubai, and the installation of abra stops at Shindagha.  “Visitors can fully immerse themselves in the history and explore the authentic culture of Dubai and the trading hub of Khor Dubai in particular.”

There are more than 60 projects planned as part of the overall redevelopment including Al Shindagha Museum, which will feature 17 pavilions and have over 50 collections of historical and cultural artefacts on exhibit.

A promenade will connect the Shindagha area all the way to the Al Fahidi district — enabling visitors to walk seamlessly between the areas of the development. The area will also feature Al Fahidi fort and Al Sabkha as part of the largest open-air historic district built around Khor Dubai as envisaged by Shaikh Mohammed.

The project includes the conversion of a number of streets in Bur Dubai, Al Fahidi and Deira to pedestrian walkways enabling easier access to upgraded public areas, including Al Sabkhah Square.

Parking facilities will be upgraded, including the additional parking area for Shindagha from adjacent Port Rashid.

“Although the overall delivery will take three years, we are sure that the changes will be felt by visitors very soon. We are sure that this development will enhance our ability to register Khor Dubai as a Unesco World Heritage Site,” said Director-General of Dubai Municipality Hussain Nasser Lootah.

This week Dubai Municipality revealed that the area proposed for the Unesco title would be shrunk to restrict the urban spaces around the historical area to the buffer zone after the first bid was deferred last year.

“Khor Dubai and the Historical District are the soul of the city and define our cultural legacy and our Emirati heritage,” said Abdul Rahman bin Mohammed Al Owais, the UAE’s Health Minister and Chairman of Dubai Culture & Arts Authority.

“Apart from having contributed to the evolution of the city as a global hub for business by promoting trade and commerce, our community today celebrates the cultural identity of Dubai and serves as one of the most inspiring art centres.”

sajila@khaleejtimes.com