Dubai: H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, has given the green light for the second phase of Dubai’s heritage architecture preservation project. This initiative, part of a broader strategy to safeguard the emirate’s cultural and architectural legacy, aims to protect significant historical sites and buildings dating from the 1960s to the 1990s.
The project is aligned with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to elevate Dubai as a global cultural destination while preserving its unique identity. Sheikh Hamdan emphasized the importance of preserving Dubai’s heritage, connecting communities to their history and roots, and fostering cultural continuity.
The second phase targets the restoration of 35 heritage sites and buildings, transforming them into “open museums of human heritage.” Sheikh Hamdan stressed the responsibility to celebrate history and safeguard architectural treasures for future generations. These sites, located in the heart of modern Dubai, bridge the past with the city’s future aspirations.
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Directives issued by Sheikh Hamdan aim to enhance the appeal of historical areas and modern landmarks to attract more visitors, contributing to Dubai’s economic, cultural, and tourism growth.
Dawoud Al Hajri, Director General of Dubai Municipality, highlighted the Municipality’s commitment to preserving historical landmarks. The second phase focuses on structures from Dubai’s recent architectural history, reflecting the city’s socio-economic transformations under the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum’s visionary leadership.
The 35 sites covered in the second phase include iconic landmarks such as the Clock Tower, Rashid Tower, and Dubai Petroleum Building, among others. These sites encapsulate Dubai’s journey towards modernization and development.
In the first phase, the project concentrated on preserving buildings from earlier historical periods, including the Al Shindagha Heritage District and Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood. The ongoing efforts aim to document, protect, and share Dubai’s rich heritage and architecture with future generations, ensuring its legacy endures.
