Photos: Dubai’s busy Al Fahidi neighbourhood in for complete makeover

The move to revamp the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood in Dubai demonstrates the leadership’s initiative to constantly better the city’s offerings. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, approved the ‘Rehabilitation and Revitalisation of Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood Strategy’ and the ‘Public Art Strategy’ that form part of a broader strategic framework to preserve local heritage and strengthen Dubai’s position as a city at the forefront of shaping the global and regional cultural landscape.

The Crown Prince said these efforts are in line with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to make the emirate a global creative economy hub, an incubator for talent and a destination for art and culture enthusiasts.

Al Fahidi, which dates back to the 19th century, is a huge tourist attraction in Dubai as it showcases the emirate’s charming past. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, was born in nearby Shindagha.

The objectives of the strategic plan for Al Fahidi were based on the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan; the priorities related to culture and heritage in the Dubai Strategic Plan 2030; the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority’s strategic roadmap; and global standards for the development of cultural neighbourhoods.

The strategy seeks to reposition the neighbourhood as a cultural tourism destination by transforming it into a platform for young people to showcase their creative talent and start-up companies in the cultural sector to showcase their offerings.

It also aims to rehabilitate the neighbourhood’s facilities and infrastructure as well as improve its general appearance.

The old buildings was converted into shaded cafes, art galleries and quirky little shops.

The Public Art Strategy aims to promote new artistic trends, cultural innovation and the new creative movement in the emirate through a unified governance framework.

The strategy, which seeks to contribute to economic growth, is being implemented with the participation of partners from all sectors including the private sector.”

Economic growth by stimulating cultural tourism, creating new opportunities for local investment, moving the economic wheel for accompanying sectors, and creating new jobs.

Al Fahidi, on the Bur Dubai side of Dubai Creek, is home to museums, coffee shops and textile souqs.

The area is already home to several street-art projects, with the walls of its old buildings turned into canvasses for artists.