Out in the open

Restaurant at Dubai Heritage Village a reminder of the past

Kan Zaman restaurant at the Heritage Village in Dubai, which holds memories for many people, was for decades forgotten and deserted because of modernity and expansion of urbanism. Today, the restaurant and cafe has once again got its place of importance in the city, thanks to efforts by the UAE authorities to revive the cultural heritage of the area.

The Shindagha area was frequently visited by pearl and spice traders in the olden days and owing to its strategic location, Kan Zaman gained much importance with them. After a busy day, traders liked visiting the cafe , which was then known as Hareb Cafe. It was located in the marketplace and extended along the Creek. UAE nationals and tourists alike gathered here to eat and relax.

Ideal location

Its location between the two seas - the Creek, which was then referred to as the "front sea", and the Arabian Gulf, then known as the "back sea" - played a significant role in its popularity. And the restaurant's Jalsa (a huge courtyard with seating arrangements) was so popular that people could not resist making frequent visits.

Gradually, because of urbanism, people left the area for more convenient areas and Kan Zaman lost its popularity.

Today, UAE has put in great efforts to revive the cultural heritage of the nation. And the Department of Tourism & Commerce Marketing (DTCM) and Dubai Municipality have restored the historical buildings of the area.

During the restoration work, care has been taken to maintain both the commercial and historical values of the place. The conserved old architectural heritage ranges from houses and mosques to cafes and layout of the old town and can be seen in their original form.

The professionally-restored old architecture of the restaurant will take you on a fascinating journey into the past. In the Jalsa you can see people of different nationalities relaxing in the congenial atmosphere and reliving the past. The old buildings and activities of the area have preserved the rich heritage and culture of the UAE.

Kan Zaman restaurant has remarkably boosted tourism and made Dubai one of the most favoured tourist destinations in the world. It seats around 1,200 to 1,500 persons, and is today as crowded as it used to be in the olden days.

Khalid Ahmad Hareb bin Hareb, co-owner and manager of Kan Zaman, says the restaurant and cafe is the oldest and only traditional one in Dubai. Today it serves the same kind of food which had been served here years ago when it was run by his grandfather.

Hareb adds that besides preserving the national heritage of the UAE, Kan Zaman also provides visitors with information. It has been conducting a number of cultural programmes on the UAE heritage and folklore in coordination with DTCM to boost tourism locally and internationally. Quizzes on UAE's national occasions are conducted and also aired.

Future plans include a website (featuring tourist information) and cruise trips to entertain and introduce youngsters to the diverse culture of the country. The cruise trips will also instill in youngsters a passion for their national heritage and increase their understanding of how their ancestors lived years ago.

"Whenever I come to Dubai on weekends I never miss visiting Kan Zaman," said Rashid Mohammed Al Nuami, a UAE national. "The view, the peace and quiet of the place and its traditional style are the things that attract me," he added.

"I like the unique cultural atmosphere of Kan Zaman and the cool breeze from the Creek," said Waleed Mohammed Al Baloushi, a UAE national. "I enjoy the local desserts available here. As the food served here is traditional and the atmosphere of the Jalsa is great, I think this place is significantly good for families," Waleed noted.

Cultural atmosphere

Sabine Unlmann a German tourist, is in the UAE on a two-week visit. "Kan Zaman has exposed me to the culture of the UAE," she says. "I find the place more Arabian than any other and am touched by the charm of the past."

Thomas Reiner a regular traveller to Dubai, finds the traditional food very interesting. "I also enjoy the sheesha here," he adds.

Bassam and Riyaan Dhakistan, an expatriate couple, find Kan Zaman an ideal place to come on weekends.

"Arabic food served in the huge and peaceful Jalsa, the spectacular view of the Creek and the fine weather at night has made us choose Kan Zaman our weekend spot," Dhakistan explains.

Another expatriate couple, Nidal and Reem Aumari, see Kan Zaman the best place to relax after a tiring day or a long week of hard work. They are particularly fond of the soft Arabic country music being played and find it a good community gathering place.