Dubai: The Municipality is continuing with its efforts to make Dubai Creek one of Unesco’s world heritage sites, it was announced on Sunday.
Rashad Bukash, director of Architectural Heritage Department at Dubai Municipality, told Gulf News the application to register Dubai Creek had already been submitted on January 31, and that by September, experts from Unesco will be visiting the area and cross-checking the submitted information.
The verdict is expected to be announced by June 2014.
The technical committee to supervise the campaign recently met at Dubai Municipality’s main building, which was attended by representatives of various government bodies including the UAE National Council for Tourism and Antiquities, Dubai Police, Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing, the Department of Economic Development, RTA, Dubai Culture and Sports Authority, Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industries, Dubai Maritime City and Dubai Customs.
Located in the heart of Dubai dividing the city into two parts, Bur Dubai and Deira, Dubai Creek is a natural seawater inlet of the Arabian Gulf located in the heart of Dubai with a length of 14 kilometres at a width between 100-500 metres. The creek divides the city into two parts and has played a major role in the economic development of the region throughout history.
While speaking at Sunday’s meeting, Hussain Lootah, director general of Dubai Municipality, said the joint efforts to get the creek classified on the world heritage site reflects the country’s deep routed concern over the culture and heritage of the people.
“The Creek is a life line between Deira and Bur Dubai which, by the course of time, took Dubai to fame and glory, and we are here to stand up united to spread the greatness of the creek across the globe,” said Lootah.
He added if the Creek becomes a world heritage site it would further highlight Dubai’s position on the global map of tourism and business.
He praised the Architectural Heritage Department at Dubai Municipality for initiating the campaign and for their committed efforts to follow up the matter with national and international agencies and organisations.
