25 July 2006
Dubai: Some 320 historic buildings in Dubai will be restored by 2010 as part of the government's architectural conservation plans, said a senior official at the Dubai Municipality.
The civic body has so far restored more than 100 buildings in the emirate.
"Efforts are being made to place historical buildings on the approved list of heritage sites of Unesco," said Ahmad Mahmoud, Head of the Historical Building Section at the Dubai Municipality.
Speaking to Gulf News, he said the UAE would soon have a law on architectural conservation to protect historical buildings and archaeological sites in the country.
"The law will help the UAE place its historical buildings and sites on approved list of world heritage sites of Unesco and other international organisations concerned," said Mahmoud.
Currently, none of the restored historical buildings or archaeological sites in the UAE are recognised by Unesco.
An official at the Municipality added the Ministry of Education is also currently working on a proposal to include architectural conservation courses in the high school curriculum.
Mahmoud said the restoration work of historical buildings in Dubai is being done as per international standards by skilled and professional workers.
"We are successfully carrying out a 20-year plan, which was launched in 1990 aiming at restoring historical buildings," he said.
Dubai is vying to enlist at least three of its major historical sites - Shindagha, Bastakia and Hatta Heritage Village - with Unesco.
Some of the restored buildings, including Al Fahidi Fort, Al Ahmadiya School and Shaikh Saeed House, will also be offered for listing on the world heritage sites of Unesco.
Mahmoud said the Municipality spends an average of Dh10 million per year on restoration work. So far, the civic body has spent more than Dh90million.
"We have a professional workforce to do restoration work. They are not only involved in restoration work in Dubai but also provide expertise to other emirates to help them in their work," he said.
The municipality helped Fujairah Municipality to restore historical Al Bidiya Mosque and did some conservation projects in Ras Al Khaimah in addition to providing expertise to Syria, Morocco and Yemen.
A hotel is being run in one of the restored buildings in addition to a number of restaurants and coffee shops. Some of the restored buildings have also been rented out for residential purposes.
By Ashfaq Ahmed
Gulf News 2006. All rights reserved.
