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5/13/24, 2:23 PM Hamdan bin Mohammed approves second phase of Dubai's heritage architecture preservation project - Arts & culture - Emirates24|7
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.

Global destination
HH 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.

Architectural treasures
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

His Excellency 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 preservation efforts not only honour the historical significance of these sites but
also aim to share this rich heritage with future generations.

He further mentioned that 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 has significantly shaped the city's rapid development and modernisation during that
period.

The 35 sites and buildings covered by the second phase of the project include: Clock Tower, Rashid Tower, Dubai Petroleum
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