Dubai Municipality has unveiled AED 9.5M heritage trails in Deira’s historic souqs, covering 1.8 km across seven markets. The project blends tradition with modern amenities, supporting 500+ shops, boosting tourism, and preserving Dubai’s cultural identity under the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan.
DUBAI, August 25, 2025 — Dubai Municipality has completed an ambitious AED 9.5 million restoration project that breathes new life into Deira’s historic markets. The initiative introduced 1.8 kilometers of interconnected heritage trails, designed to enhance visitor experiences while safeguarding the city’s cultural identity.
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Deira, one of Dubai’s oldest and most vibrant districts, has long been known for its bustling souqs filled with gold, spices, textiles, and perfumes. The new heritage trails link together these markets, weaving a cultural pathway through seven historic souqs including the Gold Souq, Spice Souq, Perfume Market, and Textile Souq.
The project doesn’t just focus on beautification—it aims to make the area a seamless cultural journey where tourists and residents alike can discover the charm of old Dubai while enjoying modern amenities.
The initiative delivered:
To maintain cultural authenticity, traditional materials like sarooj plaster and restored wooden shading were used, preserving the architectural integrity of the souqs while upgrading their functionality.
The project benefits over 500 small shops in Deira’s souqs, providing them with increased visibility and footfall as tourists are guided through these dedicated cultural pathways. By enhancing accessibility and comfort, Dubai Municipality hopes to boost economic activity for local traders while enriching cultural tourism.
This heritage trails project is part of the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, which places cultural preservation and tourism at the heart of the emirate’s development strategy. By blending tradition with innovation, the initiative highlights Dubai’s commitment to honoring its heritage while embracing the future.
Bader Anwahi, CEO of the Public Facilities Agency, emphasized: “Deira’s traditional markets are an inseparable part of Dubai’s cultural identity. This project celebrates our history, supports today’s communities, and ensures future generations can experience the spirit of old Dubai.”
In essence, Dubai’s Deira heritage trail project transforms one of the emirate’s oldest neighborhoods into a living cultural museum, reinforcing Dubai’s position as a global city that values both progress and tradition.
source
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/
