DUBAI, 30 June 2006 — The building of dhows, the traditional Arab Gulf sea craft, will continue on Dubai Creek. Dubai Properties announced recently that its landmark leisure and tourism project, Culture Village, would feature a dockyard showcasing traditional dhow-building skills.
Dhow building on Dubai Creek has been prevalent for centuries. Dubai Properties’ initiative will mean that one of the emirate’s oldest traditions will continue for generations to come.
“Dubai’s culture evolved around the creek with the discovery of pearls on the rich oyster beds. Dhows are as much a part of our cultural heritage as the creek. With Culture Village, we will be preserving two of our most valued traditions,” said Hashim Al-Dabal, CEO of Dubai Properties. “As the era of the dhow trade passes, a whole culture is in danger of fading into history. Culture Village will bring the heritage back to the forefront and highlight its rightful place in our social fabric. Our initiative is a tribute not only to the ‘art’ of the boat builder, but to boat builders themselves.”
The AED50-billion Culture Village, located along the Dubai Creek next to Garhoud Bridge over an area of 40 million square feet, will blend Arabian culture and heritage into its ambience.
Designed to maximize the waterfront potential of the creek while preserving Dubai’s maritime roots, Culture Village will feature wide open spaces, traditional wind towers, cobblestone walkways, unique sculptures, waterways topped with bridges, creekside souks, restaurants and cafes, an amphitheatre for live performances and cultural festivals, an exhibition hall and museums.
“The inclusion of a dhow building yard within Culture Village reflects Dubai Properties’ vision of blending the Arab world’s history with Dubai’s heritage in the project,” said Al-Dabal.
In addition to residential, retail and commercial sectors, Culture Village will also contain academic institutions, schools, art colleges, and academies for dance and other crafts as well as a traditional souk. Dhow construction evolved over the centuries. Until the end of the 15th century dhows were built without the use of a single nail.
