Dubai’s mega Historical District project takes shape

The mega Dubai Historical District (DHD) project is taking shape in the emirate with the first phase, the Al Shindagha museum, now open.

The museum and the wider project is being developed by the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority in collaboration with Dubai Municipality and Dubai Tourism.

The heritage museum showcases the UAE’s past through exhibitions, organised events, and specialised public-learning programmes.

One of the highlights is the Perfume House, which showcases traditional and industrial perfume-making techniques.

‘The Dubai Creek: Birth of a City’ is another pavilion of the museum that will showcase artefacts and archival photography charting Dubai’s development from the past to the present.

Abdul Rahman Al Owais, Chairman of Dubai Culture, said, “The opening of Al Shindagha Museum commemorates the historical city of Dubai…This major landmark allows us to spread our rich heritage and introduce it to visitors, underlining our vigorous efforts to safeguard Emirati heritage.”

“This serves as the first step in the development of the Dubai Historical District, which will help drive Dubai’s burgeoning tourism sector and cultural scene.”

The DHD project was launched by the UAE’s Vice President and Prime Minister and Dubai’s ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum in 2015 to support cultural tourism in Dubai by highlighting its traditions and heritage.

Read: Sheikh Mohammed Approves Renovation Of Dubai’s Historical District

The project aims to rejuvenate some of the oldest parts of the emirate to transform the area into a culture and heritage centre, focusing on trade, crafts and the pearling industry.

It will see several old historical buildings restored, with many museums planned.

The project hopes to attract 12 million visitors to the historical district by 2020.

Read: Work progresses on Dubai’s Shindagha heritage project

Saeed Al Nabouda, acting director general at Dubai Culture, said: “Al Shindagha Museum is a direct translation of the vision of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to transform Dubai into an open-air museum.”