New ventures aim to revitalise Dubai's heritage attractions

Dubai's tourism industry could benefit immensely from the development of heritage tourism, which holds great potential, according to private investors.

The Dubai government has invested heavily in the Shindagha Heritage Village, Dubai Museum and Heritage and Diving Village as well as the restoration of the Bastakiya area during the past few years.

Dubai Municipality's historic buildings section has been undertaking projects to refurbish some of the city's venerable homes and convert them into heritage sites.

In addition, the three archaeological sites currently under development will also attract visitors.

However, the heritage sites have not attracted much private investment. Some restaurant operators have set up outlets at the Shindagha Heritage Site, which attract a reasonable number of visitors every day.

New and innovative products for the heritage sites will help Dubai re-position itself as a preferred destination for heritage tourism in the Gulf.

Currently, the Shindagha Heritage Village, Heritage and Diving Village, Hatta Heritage Site and Dubai Museum are the major heritage sites showcasing Dubai's earlier eras.

However, the historic buildings at Bastakiya, near the Ruler's Court, are gaining increasing prominence among tourists as well as investors for setting up projects.

Dubai Municipality began renovating the area and creating facilities for tourism development a few years ago. A section of the project has already been completed in which the Al Majlis Gallery and a small boutique hotel are currently serving visitors.

The area has attracted among others a young non-resident Indian investor, who is planning to create something new and innovative for visitors.

"For many years, Dubai has been projected as a shopping destination. It has also been attracting business travellers from all over the world. Fun and entertainment as well as sporting events have also been added to the list of attractions which are drawing leisure travellers to the emirate," said Rajiv Nihalani, director of Nihalani Brothers.

"However, of late, heritage sites are attracting an increasing number of visitors, which increase the choice for tourists and we believe this segment has a lot of potential to grow."

Rajiv is currently investing Dh1.5 million in three projects in Al Bastakiya to set up three outlets that he believes will offer an alternative for Dubai's visitors.

The projects are three outlets located in three villas – a fashion house, an art cafe and an interior products shop – all interlinked and easily accessible. The projects, which are under development, are being set up in a traditional environment, away from the city's hustle and bustle. Rajiv, whose family has been in the textile business for four decades, has decided to branch out into fashion, art and interior retailing. Nihalani Brothers, with an annual turnover of $25 million, deals in imports, exports and wholesale textile products and have strong links with India, Switzerland, Poland, China, Korea and Japan.

"Tourists as well as UAE residents will have a reason to visit Al Bastakiya repeatedly.

"What we are going to set up will encourage shoppers, tourists and consumers to spend a good amount of their time, eat out and shop in a relaxed atmosphere," he said.

"We are lining up 10 famous Indian fashion designers whose branded outfits will be available in the fashion store exclusively. The art cafe will help visitors to relax and enjoy the evening in a pleasant atmosphere, while the interior products shop will add flavour to the ambience of the area.

"The art cafe is a very unique concept. We will display contemporary Indian art, and tourists will be able to make purchases while sipping coffee in a very relaxed atmosphere," he said.

"The project will combine heritage, shopping and entertainment elements and create a niche product that will attract visitors.

"This is a unique concept and we are doing this to add value to Dubai's attractions," Nihalani said.

"I think there is a demand for what we are going to offer. Indian fashion is getting more and more attention in the international markets.

"This is one place where the best of the Indian fashion will be available under one roof.

"Together, these will comprise a destination in themselves."

Heritage sites

• Shindagha: Heritage Village
• Heritage and Diving Village
• Dubai Museum and Al Fahidi Fort
• Sheikh Obaid bin Thani House
• Al Ahmedia School
• Hatta Heritage Village and Hatta Fort
• Al Bastakiya
• Boat building area at Al Jaddaf Archaeological sites
• Jumeirah site
• Ghusais site