Dubai: The popular and historic Dubai Creekside area of Al Bastakiya is getting a facelift.
While its wind towers and shaded courtyards are a favourite among residents and visitors, additions to the already bustling area will include a specialised arts and cultural centre to host events, festivals and activities.
The new look of Al Bastakiya will encourage artists from all fields to visit and work - thanks to a performance art theatre, studios and workshops with a mix of concept and designer outlets, boutique hotels, galleries, cafes and restaurants.
Plans to increase activities around Al Bastakiya have been set in motion by His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and Shaikh Ahmad Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Event Management Corporation.
The event management corporation was recently launched under the directive of Shaikh Mohammad to place Dubai as a unique sports and cultural hub on both the regional and international levels.
The Al Bastakiya project will revitalise one of Dubai's oldest districts, said Shaikh Ahmad. "It will also serve as a significant driver to one of the objectives outlined in the Dubai Strategic Plan 2015," he said.
"The project is in line with the vision of the Khor Dubai cultural project, recently launched by the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority which is set to revive the national cultural heritage of Dubai, as well as establish the UAE as a centre for global dialogue and cultural platforms.
"The Al Bastakiya district will help establish an arts and cultural community at the heritage site and attract creative minds from across the world to support our efforts to inspire indigenous talent," he added.
Previous visitors to the heritage areas include Prince Charles and Lady Camilla.
Heritage area: What you will find here
The Bastakiya Heritage Area was built in the late 19th century by Iranian merchants attracted to the city by its relaxed trade tariffs and takes it name from the town of Bastak in southern Iran. Most of the buildings are open to the public and the following can be found there:
- Shaikh Mohammad Centre for Cultural Understanding
- Basta Art Cafe - Popular courtyard cafe.
- Majlis Gallery - Features the work of local and international artists.
- Ostra - Gallery specialising in contemporary art and sculpture.
- XVA - Small guesthouse and art gallery.
- Bastakiya Art School
- Journalists Association
- Emirates Philatelic Association
- WWF
- The Association of Architectural Heritage Preservation
Have you ever visited Al Bastakiya? How was the experience? What efforts do you think should be taken to preserve such cultural and historical places? Tell us at letter2editor@gulfnews.com or fill in the form below to send your comments.
Your comments
When I first arrived in Dubai, in the 70's, Bastakiya was one of the most beautiful areas, stretching from the entrance of the Shindagah tunnel, through to where Carrefour now stands. It was shocking to see the destruction of the area in the 80's. It seems that many years later, the people of Dubai have finally woken up to the loss of part of their history and are now thankfully preserving what little is left.
I am lucky enough to have one of the original beautifully carved doors from Bastakiya..saved, at the last minute from destruction...and now proudly hanging in my home in Germany
Susannah
Paderborn,Germany
Posted: May 25, 2008, 09:42
