Sheikh Hamdan recreates historic Sheikh Rashid photo in front of 18th century Dubai fort

Dubai’s historic Al Fahidi Fort will undergo a facelift, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, has announced.

Taking to Twitter, Sheikh Hamdan posted a photo collage that shows him striking the same pose as the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum — the Dubai Crown Prince’s grandfather — in front of the fort.

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed said the rehabilitation project is being carried out as part of the vision of the late Sheikh Rashid to promote the fort as a cultural landmark and preserve the emirate’s civilisational heritage.

Located at the southern end of the Dubai Creek, the Al Fahidi Fort was built in 1787 and served as the headquarters for the ruler of the emirate. It was restored during the reign of the late Sheikh Rashid. In 1971, the year when the UAE was founded, Al Fahidi Fort was officially inaugurated as the Dubai Museum and began showcasing the history and heritage of the emirate of Dubai.

in 1995, the second section of the museum located under the fort was opened. It contains exhibits and collections from the period before the discovery of oil as well as antiquities that were found in Dubai’s archaeological sites.

The rehabilitation project is in line with the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to preserve historical buildings in the city.

As part of the rehabilitation plan, the fort will be temporarily closed.

Witness to history

Sheikh Hamdan said: “As one of the country’s historic attractions, Al Fahidi Fort has a special significance in Dubai’s history as it has witnessed key phases of Dubai’s transformation over the past 200 years.

“Following the directives of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid on the preservation of historic buildings, we launched a rehabilitation project for this important monument so that it can continue to serve as a cultural centre in Dubai and an essential component of Dubai’s cultural scene.

“Our historical assets are our treasures, and we must continue to protect and preserve them for future generations.”

Cultural destination

Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture, said the fort is a “prominent monument that reflects our cultural identity and values”.

“Today, this historical landmark is gaining huge importance as one of the most attractive cultural destinations in the emirate. This monument also holds a prominent place on the cultural tourism map, both locally and internationally, serving as a destination for visitors and tourists from abroad.”

The rehabilitation project aims to “take visitors on a journey that gives them a deeper understanding of Emirati history and culture and provide them a unique experience at this landmark site”.

What you are in store for

Since its inception, Al Fahidi Fort has witnessed different phases of development. The mission is to now restore and renew the historical landmark, as part of ensuring cultural and heritage assets are protected in the city.

Once complete, the museum will reopen with new enhancements that will provide visitors, citizens, residents, and tourists with a rich and immersive cultural experience and allow them to explore history and its importance for future progress.

Al Fahidi Fort welcomed around 1.5 million visitors in 2019, bringing the total number of visitors since its inauguration to almost 17 million.

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