Initiative to 'combine past and present'

Staff ReportPublished: March 27, 2008, 00:18
Dubai: His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai launched yesterday the "Khor Dubai" Cultural Project which aims to transform the banks of Dubai creek into the cultural hub of the city.
The ambitious 20 kilometre project was announced at Shaikh Saeed Al Maktoum's house in Al Shindagha by Shaikh Majid Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, head of the Culture and Arts authority, in the presence of Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, and Shaikh Maktoum Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai as well as Prince Aga Khan, head of the Ismaili sect.
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"The initiative will draw its roots from our heritage and history and embrace our present to build the future, taking our country to new horizons of prosperity and development," said Shaikh Majid.
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Khor Dubai will include 72 new cultural icons that will be added to other attractions of the creek: the old souqs in Deira and Bur Dubai and the abra. Ten thematic museums will be created on the banks of the creek, starting from the Prophet Mohammad Museum announced recently, and museums of culture, heritage and contemporary arts and science.
Nine public libraries will also be set up, dedicated to poetry, music and literature. The project will also include 13 theatres, an opera house, galleries, cultural and artistic institutes, besides workshops for local and foreign artists as well as residents.
In line with the Dubai Strategic Plan 2015, the project comes 50 years after the extension of the creek by the late ruler of Dubai, Shaikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum in 1958. The project will create "a unique area that will combine the past and the present to lay down the foundations for the future, merging the cultures of the world with icons of literature, art and creativity," said Shaikh Majid.
The project is expected to extend from the Al Shindagha area to Business Bay on the banks of the creek, which will see the participation of the public and private sector. "With Your Highness' remarkable vision, you have continued to build significant projects around the Creek and doubled its length to re-ignite its vibrant ambience."

http://www.gulfnews.com/nation/Heritage_and_Culture/10200701.html

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