Mohammad launches Khor Dubai cultural project

Dubai: His Highness Shaikh Mohammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has launched the ambitious Khor Dubai cultural initiative which aims to establish Dubai as a global centre for cultural and civilised dialogue.

Shaikh Mohammed viewed a large model of the Dh7 billion project which will stretch 4 million cubic feet along the two banks of Dubai Creek from Shindagha to Saif, passing through ancient markets in Dubai and Deira up to Bani Yas at the other bank of the creek.

The project, which will make the Creek one of the most comprehensive cultural destinations in the world, reflecting Dubai's status as a multicultural city, features a complex of low-rise buildings modelled on local architectural concepts housing museums, galleries, performing art centres, workshops for painters and sculptors, luxury hotels, residential blocks, bazaars, and marinas.

Parking spaces will be increased from just 1000 at present to 10,000 vehicles.

The promising cultural initiative epitomises the far-sighted vision of Sheikh Mohammad to establish the UAE as an influential contributor to the regional and international artistic and cultural as well as economic scenes.

The project aims to preserve all manifestations and forms of the UAE culture and heritage to keep the past in touch with the vibrant present and promising future.

The project will also lay the foundations for a fertile cultural ground that fosters and nurtures creative intellectual, artistic and cultural minds who will play a crucial role in preserving and sustaining local heritage and values and promote and develop cultural assets.

The launch ceremony was attended by Shaikh Majed bin Mohammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, which will oversee the implementation of the project, Mohammad Abdullah Al Gargawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs, Mohammad Al Mur, Chairman of Dubai Cultural Council and a number of senior officials and prominent cultural figures.