Dubai's Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism) and Desert Gate, the Dubai Historical District, have launched the first heritage tour programme of the historical area of Khor Dubai, also known as Dubai Creek.

Aptly called ‘Tales from the Past’, the heritage tour highlights the importance of Dubai’s historical and culturally rich areas.  The authorities recently conducted the first tour of the for visitors with trained Emirati guides.

The Dubai Historical District (DHD) Rejuvenation Executive Committee comprising the Dubai Municipality, Dubai Tourism, and Dubai Culture & Arts Authority (DCAA) introduced the tours as part of UAE’s 44th National Day celebrations.

The initiative complements the plan that was adopted in 2015 by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, to enhance and renovate Khor Dubai and other historical neighbourhoods of Al Shindagha, Bur Dubai, Al Fahidi, and Deira, showcasing the emirate’s heritage, specifically in the fields of trade, handicrafts, and pearl diving among many others.

Covering 1.5 sq km, the development will be based on five pillars of tradition, heritage, trade, community and place making – ensuring the original fabric of the area is preserved and made easy for visitors to navigate. Khor Dubai will have pedestrian spaces where historical stories will be displayed on smart application platforms along with monuments that depict stories of the past, brought to life by the tour guides.

“Khor Dubai has played an intrinsic role in the fortunes of Dubai for centuries, and under the vision of Dubai’s leadership, the support of the Supervisory Committee and the joint task force made up by dedicated personnel from Dubai Municipality, Dubai Tourism and Dubai Culture & Arts Authority, the rejuvenation project has started bearing fruit with the first fully authentic heritage tour initiative having been completed. With the continued support from our patrons, partners and community, we are very positive that we will showcase increasingly outstanding results in the years to come,” said Obaid Salem Al-Shamsi, assistant director general of Dubai Municipality and chairman of DHD Rejuvenation Executive Committee.

Dubai Tourism, in cooperation with DCAA, trains and licenses Emirati tour guides through a specially created ‘Tour Guide Certification Program’. The initiative not only provides local talents with the opportunity to showcase their skills but also helps them introduce visitors to the UAE’s heritage to enrich their knowledge and experience. The tour further supports in bridging the communication gap with other cultures from all around the world and draw a clear and concise image of what it means to be Emirati.

The tour “Tales from the Past” can be booked through Desert Gate’s online portal at www.dubaidesertgate.com - TradeArabia News Service