UAE plans Dh190b heritage investment

Dubai: The UAE has a planned investment outlay of Dh190 billion in the cultural arena to spearhead positive cultural development and heritage conservation across the country including archaeological sites, museums, historic buildings, cultural landscapes and collections, according to UK-based event organiser CMPi.

"The government is now taking an active role in mainstreaming culture and heritage with the aim of preserving and conserving human culture, while exposing its values and socio-cultural and educational dimensions for a better understanding and appreciation by the general public. This has opened up immense opportunities for those involved in the development, operation, management and maintenance of such attractions," said Chris Fountain, CMPi group director.

Showcase

A series of projects are on the anvil such as the Museum of Middle East Modern Art, a Dh50 billion landmark project that will include an amphitheatre, an exhibition hall and smaller museums displaying local and international art, as well as a shipyard for traditional dhow builders.

The Dh7 billion Khor Dubai Cultural Project (KDCP) comprising a complex of low-rise buildings using traditional designs is another major project. It houses museums, galleries, performing arts centres, art workshops, luxury hotels and bazaars.

Together with several similar initiatives in Abu Dhabi and Sharjah, heritage and culture will be a key element in transforming the UAE into a regional and global cultural destination.

Initiatives

"The launch of the Abu Dhabi Cultural Association and the Abu Dhabi Book Fair as well as the dedication of several buildings as heritage destinations in the oasis city of Al Ain are proof that culture and heritage are now being taken seriously," Fountain said.

Abu Dhabi's Shaikh Zayed National Museum will be a key attraction in Saadiyat Island's Cultural District proposition, which also includes the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi modern and contemporary art museum, the Louvre Abu Dhabi universal museum, a performing arts centre, maritime museum and a park with pavilions devoted to culture and the arts.

New expo next year

In the context of swelling investments in heritage and cultural initiatives, CMPi has announced the launch of the Middle East Attractions, Amusements, Parks, Leisure and Entertainment International Trade Exhibition (MEAAPLE), scheduled to take place on February 2 and 3 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC).

"Noticeably, the country's amazing cultural initiatives deliver powerful messages as they create business opportunities and MEAAPLE has been launched to enable international companies to develop contacts and deliver business in this key growth market," Fountains said.

Do you think these new initiatives will help the UAE develop or improve its heritage and culture? What more could be done?