H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, has approved the second phase of the project dedicated to preserving Dubai’s heritage architecture.
Part of a larger initiative aimed at protecting the emirate's cultural and architectural heritage, and maintaining its rich identity, the project aims to safeguard areas, sites and buildings, which hold significant historical relevance and tell the story of Dubai's past. The sites and buildings covered by this project serve as symbols of the emirate’s journey through the years.
This second phase focuses on the preservation of 35 areas, sites, and buildings dating from the 1960s to the 1990s, following the successful completion of the first phase, which covered buildings from Dubai’s earlier history.
H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed said that the project reflects the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to raise the emirate’s profile as a global cultural destination, and preserve its unique national character. The emirate’s heritage is an integral aspect of its identity that connects the community to its history and its roots. By protecting its heritage architecture, Dubai seeks to promote a deeper understanding among citizens, residents and visitors of what has shaped the emirate into the thriving global metropolis it is today, His Highness said.
Sheikh Hamdan emphasized Dubai's ongoing efforts to preserve heritage areas, highlighting their cultural significance and role in fostering continuity. The project aims to restore 35 heritage sites, transforming them into an "open museum of human heritage." These areas symbolize Dubai's history, progress, and global interactions, bridging the past with future aspirations. Directives were issued to enhance the appeal of both historical and modern landmarks, aligning with Dubai's commitment to national identity and economic growth. The project's second phase adds 35 more sites to the restoration effort, totaling 807 sites across both phases.
Dawoud Al Hajri, Director General of Dubai Municipality, emphasized the Municipality's commitment to preserving historical landmarks and heritage sites, particularly in the second phase of the project. This phase focuses on restoring 35 sites and buildings dating from the 1960s to the 1990s, representing Dubai's recent architectural history and the era of Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum's transformative vision. These structures, including iconic landmarks like the Clock Tower and Rashid Tower, reflect Dubai's socio-economic evolution.
Al Hajri highlighted the significance of sharing this heritage with future generations, underscoring its role in narrating Dubai's journey of development and modernization.
In the first phase of the project, Dubai Municipality focused on preserving buildings from Dubai’s earlier historical periods. This phase aimed to "document and protect" these structures, ensuring their preservation for future generations. Buildings, sites and areas covered by this phase included the Al Shindagha Heritage District, the Naif area, and Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, among others.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
