DUBAI, 12 November 2003 — A permanent showcase of the Arab culture and heritage is to be created at the 18 billion-dirham Dubailand project promoted by Dubai Tourism Development Company (DTDC). This follows the signing of an agreement by DTDC with Dubai Heritage Vision (DHV) recently. “The showcase is aimed to enrich Dubai’s tourism attractions and provide visitors and residents with a unique recreational and learning experience of the history of the region,” DTDC Chairman Mohammed Al-Gergawi said.
DHV is a joint venture between Heritage Vision France and the Dutco Group of Companies. The agreement was signed by Al-Gergawi on behalf of DTDC, which is to build and manage Dubailand. Founders Anita Mehra Homayoun and Pierre Marcout signed for Heritage Vision. Tariq Ahmad Baker represented the Dutco Group of Companies.
Heritage Vision is affiliated with Heritage Vision France, which has created similar cultural tourism projects in Marakkesh, Morocco, and is opening another in Angkor Wat in Cambodia next year.
DHV will be located on 380 hectares of desert in the Nad Al-Sheba area. The project’s objective is to create an authentic desert village oasis capturing the regional flora and fauna and exhibiting the culture, handicrafts and arts of the region. The region’s history will be narrated though a renowned theatrical sound and light show set against the backdrop of the desert.
“The project will comprise a number of phases of construction, which will commence with the construction of the site infrastructure, amphitheater and souk. Subsequent phases will incorporate the themed hotel developments, caravanserai and authentic desert adventures and highlights comprising a fully committed eco-tourism experience,” Baker said. “This exciting permanent attraction in the desert is a 20-minute drive from Jumeirah. Visitors will enjoy a Bedouin life, with falconry, horse riding, handicrafts and storytelling transporting them to another time and place,” Anita said.
The design and project management is with the joint venture of Jean Michel Ruols Architects France and Edifice Design and Project Management, a Dubai-based architectural consulting firm and Project Management. The financial consultant is the Dubai-based Executive Consultants, which is affiliated with AT Kearney.
