Dubai, the vibrant city of the United Arab Emirates, has emerged as a global hub for business, tourism, and culture. It is a city that is continuously evolving, and yet it has managed to hold on to its rich heritage and history. Dubai has a fascinating past, with a diverse range of cultures and traditions that have influenced its development over the years. It is important to resuscitate and educate the next generation about this rich heritage so that they can understand and appreciate the city's history and culture.

1. Resuscitate and educate the next generation about
the rich heritage of Dubai
Abstract:
Dubai, the vibrant city of the United Arab Emirates, has emerged as a global hub for business,
tourism, and culture. It is a city that is continuously evolving, and yet it has managed to hold on
to its rich heritage and history. Dubai has a fascinating past, with a diverse range of cultures and
traditions that have influenced its development over the years. It is important to resuscitate
and educate the next generation about this rich heritage so that they can understand and
appreciate the city's history and culture.
Dubai's history dates back more than 4,000 years when it was a small fishing village located at
the edge of the Arabian Desert. Over the centuries, Dubai has been a center for trade, with
merchants from across the region coming to buy and sell their goods. The city's strategic
location on the Gulf coast made it an ideal place for trading, and it soon became an important
hub for commerce.
In the early 19th century, Dubai became a major player in the pearl industry. Pearls were one of
the most valuable commodities in the world at that time, and Dubai's location on the Gulf coast
made it an ideal place for pearl diving. The pearl industry brought prosperity to Dubai, and it
remained a significant part of the city's economy until the 1930s when the industry collapsed
due to the introduction of cultured pearls.
After the decline of the pearl industry, Dubai began to focus on other areas of trade and
commerce. The discovery of oil in the 1960s transformed the city, and it became one of the
wealthiest cities in the region. The oil boom allowed Dubai to modernize and develop its
infrastructure, and it soon became a center for tourism and business.
Despite the rapid development of the city, Dubai has managed to preserve its cultural heritage.
The city is home to many historic landmarks and cultural sites that provide insight into its rich
history. One of the most iconic landmarks in Dubai is the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the
world.
Dubai's rich heritage history.
Dubai is a city that is known for its modern architecture, luxurious shopping centers, and iconic
skyline. However, the city also has a rich heritage history that dates back more than 5000 years
ago. Dubai was once a small fishing village that thrived on the pearl diving industry and was
located at a strategic location between the East and the West, making it a hub for trade and
commerce.

2. Pre-Islamic Era
The earliest recorded history of Dubai dates back to the pre-Islamic era. The area that is now
Dubai was inhabited by the Bani Yas tribe, who were known for their pearl diving skills and
maritime activities. The Bani Yas tribe was part of the larger Qahtani tribe, which was known for
its strong military prowess and ruled over the region for centuries.
During this period, Dubai was an important trading center that connected the East and the
West. The city had a thriving economy that was centered around pearl diving, fishing, and
trade. The people of Dubai were skilled sailors and navigators who traded with the neighboring
regions and countries, including India, China, and Persia.
Heritage House in Dubai.
Heritage House, also known as Bayt Al Wakeel, is a historic building located in the heart of
Dubai's old town. The building is one of the oldest and most well-preserved examples of
traditional Emirati architecture in the city, and it serves as a testament to Dubai's rich cultural
heritage.
History of Heritage House
Heritage House was built in 1934 by Sheikh Ahmed bin Dalmouk, a prominent businessman and
pearl merchant in Dubai. The building was originally used as a trading house and warehouse,
and it was a hub for the city's bustling pearl trade.
In the 1970s, the building was abandoned and fell into disrepair. It was later restored and
reopened as a cultural center in 1995. Today, Heritage House Dubai is a popular tourist
attraction that offers visitors a glimpse into Dubai's rich cultural heritage and history.
Architecture and Design
Heritage House Dubai is an excellent example of traditional Emirati architecture. The building
features a distinctive wind tower, or barjeel, which was a common feature in traditional Emirati
homes. The wind tower is an architectural element that helps circulate cool air throughout the
building and keeps it cool during the hot summer months.
The building is also characterized by its thick walls and small windows, which help keep the
interior cool and shaded. The walls are made of coral and gypsum, while the roof is made of
wood and palm fronds.
The interior of Heritage House is equally impressive. The building features a large central
courtyard, which is surrounded by several rooms and alcoves. The rooms are decorated with
traditional Emirati furnishings, including colorful rugs, cushions, and textiles.

3. Exhibitions and Events
Heritage House Dubai hosts several exhibitions and events throughout the year, which
celebrate Dubai's rich cultural heritage and history. The building features a permanent
exhibition that showcases the history of Dubai's pearl industry, as well as the life and times of
Sheikh Ahmed bin Dalmouk.
The exhibition includes a collection of photographs, artifacts, and documents that offer visitors
a glimpse into Dubai's past. There is also a traditional Emirati majlis, or sitting room, where
visitors can relax and enjoy traditional Emirati hospitality.
In addition to the permanent exhibition, Heritage House hosts several temporary exhibitions
throughout the year, which focus on various aspects of Emirati culture and history. The building
also hosts traditional Emirati performances, including music, dance, and storytelling, which
offer visitors a chance to experience Emirati culture firsthand.
Visiting Heritage House
Heritage House is located in the historic Al Fahidi neighborhood of Dubai, which is one of the
oldest and most well-preserved parts of the city. The building is open to the public from
Saturday to Thursday, from 8:30 am to 8:30 pm, and on Fridays from 2:30 pm to 8:30 pm.
Visitors can explore the building on their own or take a guided tour, which offers a more in-
depth look at Dubai's cultural heritage and history. The tours are conducted in several
languages, including English, Arabic, and French.
In addition to Heritage House, visitors to the Al Fahidi neighborhood can explore several other
historic buildings and museums, including the Dubai Museum, the Sheikh Mohammed Centre
for Cultural Understanding, and the Coffee Museum.
Conclusion
Heritage House Dubai is a valuable cultural landmark that offers visitors a chance to experience
Dubai's rich cultural heritage and history. The building's distinctive architecture and design,
combined with its exhibitions and events, make it a must-visit destination for anyone interested
in Emirati culture and history.