DUBAI, 12 August 2007 — The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has completed building the last kiosk at Al-Shindaga Heritage Village.
Khaled Al-Zahid, acting CEO of RTA’s Marine Agency, said the Heritage Village location was significant in that it was the very heart of heritage life. The selection, he said, was done in coordination with the Department of Tourism.
“The agency selected the suitable location inside the village surrounded by heritage locations such as the Diving Village. The traditional kiosk has been placed beside the old ships in the village to emulate the heritage of Dubai,” he said.
Al-Zahid pointed out that the concept aims at emulating the old buildings of Dubai in order to preserve old traditions, and demonstrate the historical identity of this old emirate; which was and is still a key point of trade between East and West.
“The project aims at designing and constructing seven traditional kiosks for selling snacks, newspapers, magazines, water and juices,” Al-Zahid added. “The kiosks will also provide services to the public at seven stations located along Dubai Creek. One kiosk is constructed at each station, namely: Bani Yas, Al-Sabkha, Deira Old Souk, Al-Seef, Bur Dubai and Heritage Village Station.”
He pointed out that the total cost of the project was 2.5 million dirhams at an average cost of 415,000 dirhams per kiosk. The project is characterized by the unique design of these kiosks as they indicate the purpose for which they have been built. Moreover, they stress the traditional architectural pattern which fits well with the historical places and the identity of the area. They provide rest places and offer attractive views of Dubai Creek. The same is true of the shape of the boats which depict the identity and values of RTA’s Marine Agency.
The heritage kiosks are also characterized by the possibility of shifting the kiosk from one place to another, as it has been designed to be portable.
Al-Zahid also revealed that each boat measures 11 meters in length and seven meters in width. However, the area of the kiosk is 3x3 meters and has a height of 3 meters. It consists of seven windows each measuring 1x1 meter in addition to one door of 1x1 meter. Each one has two sofas capable of seating eight persons. The kiosk has typical Arabian decorations approved by Historical Buildings Section at Dubai Municipality whereas the boat is made of steel and coated with teakwood.
