Dubai Creek district to undergo world-class regeneration, Sheikh Hamdan says

Crown Prince of Dubai plans to attract creatives and start-ups to the Fahidi area, where the city's story began

Tourists visit the historic Al Fahidi neighbourhood of Dubai. AFP

Al Fahidi Fort in old Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National

The Creek divides Bur Dubai and Deira. Reem Mohammed / The National

Modern buildings are reflected in the window of a traditional house in the neighbourhood of Al Fahidi. AFP

A woman walks in front of a traditional house in the neighborhood of Al Fahidi. AFP

Men feed fish with leftover bread at the Creek in Al Fahidi, Bur Dubai. Mohamed Somji / AFP

Al Farooq Mosque in Al Fahidi Historical District on a sunny day with blue skies

Dubai Museum is now located in the fort. Pawan Singh / The National

Dubai Creek has been the heart of the city for centuries. Reem Mohammed / The National

Dubai's oldest neighbourhood is to undergo regeneration to attract residents, visitors, creatives and start-ups to the area.

Al Fahidi district dates back to the 19th century and was at the city's heart as it grew from a sleepy fishing village to a global metropolis. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, was born in nearby Shindagha.

"We seek to turn it into a leading cultural destination that highlights our nation’s authentic architectural and urban heritage," Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, said on Sunday.

Sheikh Hamdan approved a broader project that seeks to make the city's walls and streets an "open art gallery".

With the regeneration project, the government wants to create a "platform for young people to showcase their creative talent and start-up companies in the cultural sector to showcase their offerings".

"It also aims to rehabilitate the neighbourhood’s facilities and infrastructure as well as improve its general appearance," Dubai Media Office said.

Al Fahidi, on the Bur Dubai side of Dubai Creek, is home to museums, coffee shops and textile souqs. The famous gold and spice souqs are on the Deira side, a Dh1 boat journey across the creek.

The district is already home to several street-art projects, with the walls of its old buildings turned into canvasses for artists.

Further down the river another area, Al Seef, has undergone extensive modernisation after a long period of closure.

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