Khor Dubai: Culture on the creek

His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, launched a project yesterday in order to convert 20 kilometres of the Dubai Creek into a cultural landmark.

The project, called Khor Dubai, will line more than 70 attractions on both sides of the waterway, including an opera house and 10 museums.

The promotional video shown at the opening ceremony had helicopter shots outlining art galleries and cafes that will dot the Creek's mouth and then follow its bends, passing through The Lagoon all the way to Business Bay.

Heritage landmarks

Khor (creek in Arabic) Dubai also plans to protect some heritage landmarks in the area, which includes preserved zones such as Al Bastakiya and Al Shindagha.

Details, such as the cost or completion date of the project, have not yet been made public.

Khor Dubai is being developed by the Dubai Cultural and Arts Authority, a new agency set up in the first week of this month by Shaikh Mohammad. It is chaired by Shaikh Mayed Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

"The Khor Dubai cultural project – a living museum – is a national project for the UAE that will be executed by public and private companies with the supporting hands of the UAE people. The far reaching benefits of the project will cover the UAE citizens and residents, as well as the people visiting the country," said Shaikh Mayed.

The viewing screen at the venue near the historic home of the late Shaikh Saeed Al Maktoum at Al Shindagah – later flipped open to reveal a large model of Khor Dubai. Shaikhs and local VIPs gathered around the model, followed by guests and the media converging near it.

Project details

Khor Dubai will add:

• 10 museums
• Nine public libraries
• 14 theatres
• Seven technical institutes
• 11 art galleries