UAE | Heritage and Culture

Initiative to 'combine past and present'

mohammad announces dubai creek project from al shindagha area to business bay

  • Staff Report
  • Published: 00:17 March 27, 2008
  • Gulf News

  • Shaikh Mohammad reviews the prototype of Khor Dubai project after launching it yesterday accompanied by Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Shaikh Maktoum Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, and Shaikh Majid.
  • Image Credit: WAM
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Dubai: His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai launched yesterday the "Khor Dubai" Cultural Project which aims to transform the banks of Dubai creek into the cultural hub of the city.

The ambitious 20 kilometre project was announced at Shaikh Saeed Al Maktoum's house in Al Shindagha by Shaikh Majid Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, head of the Culture and Arts authority, in the presence of Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, and Shaikh Maktoum Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai as well as Prince Aga Khan, head of the Ismaili sect.

"The initiative will draw its roots from our heritage and history and embrace our present to build the future, taking our country to new horizons of prosperity and development," said Shaikh Majid.

Icons

Khor Dubai will include 72 new cultural icons that will be added to other attractions of the creek: the old souqs in Deira and Bur Dubai and the abra. Ten thematic museums will be created on the banks of the creek, starting from the Prophet Mohammad Museum announced recently, and museums of culture, heritage and contemporary arts and science.

Nine public libraries will also be set up, dedicated to poetry, music and literature. The project will also include 13 theatres, an opera house, galleries, cultural and artistic institutes, besides workshops for local and foreign artists as well as residents.

In line with the Dubai Strategic Plan 2015, the project comes 50 years after the extension of the creek by the late ruler of Dubai, Shaikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum in 1958. The project will create "a unique area that will combine the past and the present to lay down the foundations for the future, merging the cultures of the world with icons of literature, art and creativity," said Shaikh Majid.

The project is expected to extend from the Al Shindagha area to Business Bay on the banks of the creek, which will see the participation of the public and private sector. "With Your Highness' remarkable vision, you have continued to build significant projects around the Creek and doubled its length to re-ignite its vibrant ambience."

In numbers

Cultural scene

- 72 new cultural icons

- 10 museums

--9 public libraries

--13 theatres

--1 opera house

Dubai Strategic Plan 2015

The Dubai Strategic Plan (DSP) 2015, announced in February 2007, is formulated to help the Dubai government steer the emirate into the next level of growth, development and excellence.

The Plan, divided into five sections - Economic Development, Social Development, Infrastructure, Land and Environment, Safety, Security and Justice and Public Sector Excellence -also addresses major public concerns: traffic, rent, inflation as well as labour disputes that have influenced the everyday lives of UAE residents over the past few years.

The DSP hopes to enrich Dubai's cultural environment through the following steps:

- Improve governance of the culture sector

- Upgrade the regulatory framework for cultural organisations

--Develop physical infrastructure to promote cultural activities

--Increase awareness and interest in cultural activities

--Identify and nurture talent

--Focus on availability of quality cultural activities

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