Dubai Heritage Vision to promote regional culture and heritage

"A permanent showcase of the Arab culture and heritage will be created at the world-class Dubailand. It is aimed to enrich Dubai's tourism attractions and provide visitors and residents with a unique recreational and learning experience of the history of our region," said Mohammed Al Gergawi, DDIA Chairman.

Dubai Heritage Vision is a joint venture between Heritage Vision France and the Dutco Group of Companies. The agreement was signed by Al Gergawi on behalf of Dubai Tourism Development Company, which will build and manage Dubailand. Founders Anita Mehra Homayoun and Pierre Marcout, signed for Heritage Vision. Dutco Group of Companies was represented by Tariq Ahmad Baker.

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.

Dubai Heritage Vision will be located on 380 hectares of tranquil 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 story of the regions history will be told through a world renowned theatrical sound and light show set against the backdrop of the desert.

"The authentic effects will be realised through a an internationally acclaimed choreographed sound and light show using performers and trained animals, fireworks and water effects. It will be viewed from a specially designed outdoor amphitheatre set into the desert against a backdrop of giant sand dunes and water features," said Al Gergawi.

"The project shall comprise a number of phases of construction, which shall commence with the construction of the site infrastructure, amphitheatre and the souk development. Future phases shall incorporate the themed hotel developments, caravanserai, and authentic desert adventures and highlights comprising a fully committed eco-tourism experience," said Tariq Ahmad Baker. He pointed out that the show is inspired by the UAE and the Middle East region's rich history and culture. "The musical and theatrical creativity will capture the essence of the region and the experience will be enhanced by the latest in technological special effects."

"Visitors to this exciting permanent attraction in the desert, which is only 20-minutes drive from Jumeirah, will be able to step back in time from the minute they arrive," said Anita Mehra Homayoun.

"Greeted by the serenity of the desert, they will enter a desert village with souks and cafes. Authentic Bedouin life where the art of falconry, horse-riding, handicrafts and story telling will transport the visitor to another time and place. The visitor will be surrounded by the indigenous architecture of the village, the desert landscaping as well as the authenticity of the entire ambience, which includes traditional Arabian restaurants and cafes," Anita added.

She said the idea of Dubai Heritage Vision was conceived through the realisation that before it is too late, the rich traditions and heritage of the UAE and the Middle East need to be preserved. Through this unique project, the wonderful story of this region can be told and experienced. Not only will visitors from foreign lands learn about this unique culture, but the nationals and residents will be able to experience what their forefathers experienced first hand.

The design and project management is with the joint venture of Jean Michel Ruols Architects France and Dubai-based architectural consulting firm Edifice Design and Project Management. The financial consultant is Dubai-based Executive Consultants who are affiliated with AT Kearney.