Dubai to restore old areas, create 'open museum'

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Dubai’s old neighbourhoods and buildings built between 1960s and 1990s will be restored to create an “open museum of human heritage".

The Executive Council of Dubai announced on Sunday the approval of the second phase of the project dedicated to preserving the emirate’s heritage architecture.

“By protecting our heritage architecture, we seek to promote a deeper understanding among citizens, residents and visitors of what has shaped the emirate into the thriving metropolis it is today,” noted Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai.

“We have a responsibility to celebrate our history and protect our architectural treasures for future generations,” he added.

The second phase of restoration focuses on the preservation of 35 sites and buildings dating from the 1960s to the 1990s. The first phase covered 17 archaeological sites, 14 historical areas, and 741 buildings from Dubai’s earlier history.

The 35 sites and buildings covered by the second phase of the project include:

Deira Clock Tower
Rashid Tower
Dubai Petroleum Building
Terminal 1 at Dubai International Airport,
Dubai Municipality Main Building
Dubai Television Building
Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Palace - Za'abeel
Hospitality Palace
Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Palace – Hatta
Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed School – Hatta
Za'abeel Secondary School
Al Ras Library
Dubai Land Department Building
Fish Roundabout
Dubai Courts Building
Diwan Building
Naif Police Station
Flame Monument
Emirates Post Building - Al Karama
Water tank at Al Khazzan Park
Safa Park Building
Al Nasr Leisureland
Jumeirah Zoo
Emirates Golf Club
Dubai Creek Golf Club
Jumeirah Mosque
Rashidiya Grand Mosque
Al Fahidi Mosque
Health Authority Mosque
Omar Bin Haider Mosque
Al Maktoum Hospital
Dubai Hospital
Baraha Hospital
Rashid Hospital
Latifa Hospital (Al Wasl)