Dubai: The committee responsible of the Dubai Creek bid aimed in becoming a World UNESCO Heritage Site have to patiently wait until June 15 when the confirmation of its status will be announced.
A heritage site, according to UNESCO, must be representative of historical events, traditions, cultures and activity as well as showcase a unique authentic scene.
“At the beginning of March, we had 10 ambassadors to UNESCO from different countries, come to visit Dubai. And at the start of May, we expect ICOMOS [International Council on Monuments and Sites] to release their report on Dubai Creek,” said Rashad Bukhash, Director of Architectural Heritage Department at Dubai Municipality, who also heads the UNESCO bidding committee.
ICOMOS is a subsidiary of UNESCO, and is an international non-governmental organisation of professionals, dedicated to the conservation of the world’s historic monuments and sites.
“By May 2, ICOMOS will hand a copy of their report over to us so we can have an idea of where we stand. Even though we cannot make any modifications at this time, having the report will prepare us in responding to questions at the time of the vote,” explained Bukhash.
The World Heritage Centre, which is based in Paris, had already received Dubai Municipality’s report last February on their role in the site. Meanwhile, the World Heritage Committee, which consists of representatives of 21 of the States Parties to the Convention elected by the General Assembly, will be casting their votes from June 15-25 in Doha.
“During the meeting, members can also decide to defer its decision and request further information on the sites, giving a limit from one to three years. Or they can also decide to reject the bid if they feel that there is no outstanding cultural significance, but we do not expect that to be the case,” he said.
Dubai Creek’s proposed heritage site is made up of 16 areas, including Shaikh Saeed Al Maktoum House, Dubai Heritage and Diving Village, the Gold Souq, and Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood.
