Page 459 - DUBAI MUNICIPALITY ENGLISH PR REPORT MAY 2024

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 further said that the preservation of heritage areas in Dubai is
an ongoing endeavour aimed at preserving the cultural authenticity of areas
across the emirate. The project aims to foster cultural continuity, highlighting
the enduring relationship between the people and their environment. It also
showcases Dubai's historical interactions with the rest of the world as well as
the influences that have shaped the emirate and the impact it has exerted
globally.

The second phase of the project features the restoration of 35 heritage sites
and buildings, including Dubai’s old neighborhoods and buildings, which His
Highness described as an “open museum of human heritage.” "We have a
responsibility to celebrate our history and protect our architectural treasures
for future generations. The heritage areas covered by the project hold the
memory of decades of progress and symbolise 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 the future, all together in one place,” His Highness added.

Sheikh Hamdan 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 as well
as raising Dubai's stature on the economic, cultural and tourism map.

The second phase of the project is set to 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.
Preserving historical landmarks

Dawoud Al Hajri, Director General of Dubai Municipality, said that the
Municipality is committed to preserving historical landmarks and heritage
sites in Dubai. He noted that the sites and buildings included in the second
phase of the project represent a significant era in Dubai's history. The

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