Hamdan Bin Mohammed Approves Second Phase Of Dubai's Heritage Architecture Preservation Project

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, has given his approval for the second phase of a project dedicated to preserving Dubai's heritage architecture. This initiative is part of a larger effort to protect the emirate's cultural and architectural heritage, as well as maintain its rich identity. The project aims to safeguard areas, sites, and buildings that hold significant historical relevance and tell the story of Dubai's past.

The second phase of the project focuses on the preservation of 35 areas, sites, and buildings dating from the 1960s to the 1990s. This comes after the successful completion of the first phase, which covered buildings from Dubai's earlier history. Sheikh Hamdan stated that this 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. The goal is to raise Dubai's profile as a global cultural destination and preserve its unique national character.

Dubai's heritage is an integral aspect of its identity, connecting the community to its history and roots. By protecting its heritage architecture, Dubai aims to promote a deeper understanding among citizens, residents, and visitors of what has shaped the emirate into the thriving global metropolis it is today. Sheikh Hamdan emphasized that the preservation of heritage areas in Dubai is an ongoing endeavor aimed at preserving the cultural authenticity across the emirate. The project aims to foster cultural continuity and highlight the enduring relationship between the people and their environment. It also showcases Dubai's historical interactions with the rest of the world and the influences that have shaped the emirate's global impact.

The second phase of the project will see the restoration of 35 heritage sites and buildings, including Dubai's old neighborhoods and buildings. Sheikh Hamdan described these areas as an "open museum of human heritage." He emphasized the responsibility to celebrate history and protect architectural treasures for future generations. These heritage areas hold the memory of decades of progress and symbolize the dawn of Dubai's renaissance. Located in the heart of modern Dubai, these sites bridge the past with the city's future aspirations. Dubai invites the world to witness its past, present, and future all in one place.

Sheikh Hamdan has issued directives to enhance the appeal of both historical areas and modern architectural landmarks to attract more visitors. These efforts reflect a strong commitment to strengthening national identity and raising Dubai's stature on the economic, cultural, and tourism map. The second phase of the project will restore an additional 35 heritage sites and buildings, bringing the total number of sites covered by both phases to 807. The initial phase covered 17 archaeological sites, 14 historical areas, and 741 buildings.Dawoud Al Hajri, Director General of Dubai Municipality, expressed the Municipality's commitment to preserving historical landmarks and heritage sites in Dubai. He highlighted that the sites and buildings included in the second phase represent a significant era in Dubai's history. The preservation efforts not only honor the historical significance of these sites but also aim to share this rich heritage with future generations.

The second phase of the project encompasses the restoration of 35 sites and buildings dating from the 1960s to the 1990s. These structures reflect Dubai's more recent architectural history and narrate the story of the historical, cultural, social, and economic transformations that Dubai has experienced. This phase highlights the profound impact of the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum's vision, which significantly shaped the city's rapid development and modernization during that period.

The 35 sites and buildings covered by the second phase of the project include various landmarks such as Clock Tower, Rashid Tower, Dubai Petroleum Building, Terminal 1 at Dubai International Airport, Dubai Municipality Main Building, Dubai Television Building, Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Palace - Za'abeel, Hospitality Palace, Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Palace - Hatta, Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed School - Hatta, Za'abeel Secondary School, Al Ras Library, Dubai Land Department Building, Fish Roundabout, Dubai Courts Building, Diwan Building, Naif Police Station, the Flame Monument, Emirates Post Building - Al Karama, the water tank at Al Khazzan Park, Safa Park Building, Al Nasr Leisureland, Jumeirah Zoo, Emirates Golf Club, Dubai Creek Golf Club, Jumeirah Mosque, Rashidiya Grand Mosque, Al Fahidi Mosque, Health Authority Mosque, Omar Bin Haider Mosque, Al Maktoum Hospital, Dubai Hospital, Baraha Hospital, Rashid Hospital, and Latifa Hospital (Al Wasl).

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 to ensure 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.

The second phase of the project is a testament to Dubai's commitment to preserving its heritage and showcasing its rich history to the world. By protecting these sites and buildings, Dubai ensures that future generations can appreciate and learn from the emirate's cultural and architectural legacy.

With inputs from WAM