Gulf Construction Online - Dubai’s historical areas to get a major facelift

UAE Focus

Dubai’s historical areas to get a major facelift

01 March 2015

The UAE government has embarked on a major renovation project that aims to rejuvenate some of the oldest parts of Dubai city including Shindagha, Bur Dubai, Al Fahidi and Deira, said a report.

This follows the go-ahead from Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, for developing Dubai’s historical district, reported The National.

The project, which involves the building of a museum, pedestrianisation and restoration, will centre around Dubai Creek and cover an area of 1.5 sq km. It is being carried out by Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM), Dubai Municipality and Dubai Culture.

The project will be completed in phases based on five elements – tradition, heritage, trade, community and placemaking. The mammoth scheme involves more than 60 individual projects, including Al Shindagha Museum, which will feature 17 pavilions and more than 50 collections of historical and cultural artefacts, stated the report.

The improvements complement the municipality’s plans to qualify as a United Nations World Heritage Site, and will be presented to Unesco in January next year, it added.

The work on the project, which will focus on Shindagha, Bur Dubai, Al Fahidi and Deira, could begin later this month, said the report, citing senior government officials.

The area will also feature a restored Al Fahidi Fort and Al Sabkha area, as part of the largest open-air historic district built. A number of streets in Bur Dubai, Al Fahidi and Deira will be converted to pedestrian walkways, enabling easier access to renovated public areas such as Al Sabkha Square. Visitor parking will be improved throughout the historical district.

Under the project, Shindagha will have floating exhibits in traditional pearl and trade boats, while Deira’s old watch towers and traditional stores will be restored and a square will be constructed, it added.