Heritage, both tangible and intangible, helps preserve the history, traditions and identity of a society. It provides a sense of belonging for current and future generations, fostering social unity.

Heritage is important to us because it is fundamental to learn the history that documents human activity of a city or place. It also elaborates the transformative process from the past to the present by generations. Every city retains its distinct cultural characteristics and historical background, defining the uniqueness of each community or society.

The recent announcement that H.H Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, has approved the second phase of the project dedicated to preserving Dubai’s heritage architecture is of great significance.

Part of a larger initiative aimed at protecting the emirate’s cultural and architectural heritage, and maintaining its rich identity, the project will safeguard areas and buildings, which hold historical relevance and tell the story of Dubai’s past. The sites covered by this project serve as symbols of the emirate’s journey through the years.

This second phase focuses on the preservation of 35 areas dating from the 1960s to the 1990s. It features the restoration of heritage sites, including Dubai’s old neighbourhoods and buildings, which His Highness described as an “open museum of human heritage.” The second phase of the project will restore the Clock Tower, Za’abeel Secondary School, Al Ras Library and Dubai Land Department Building amongst others.

Protecting a nation’s heritage instills a sense of pride and unity among citizens. It also demonstrates a commitment to safeguarding the country’s unique identity and legacy for the world. Heritage encompasses many things. It’s about our ethnic roots, of course, but it also includes cultural teachings and personal experiences.

Our cultural and natural heritage are both irreplaceable sources of life and inspiration. We share our heritage and customs with many others, but it impacts each one of us in unique ways. We carry it throughout life, and it is something to be celebrated and cherished.

For me, my heritage has shaped my values, my personality, my goals, and much more. Everywhere I have gone in life, I have taken my heritage with me, not only in terms of physical travel, but also in my personal journeys.

Reading about the heritage sites that are being preserved, brings a wave of nostalgia as the Al Gurg family have deep associations with several of them. For me, Za’abeel Secondary School of Dubai played an important role in shaping my early identity as an educator.

The Clock Tower traffic signal was one of the earliest projects of the Easa Saleh Al Gurg Group, when my late father and Founder spearheaded the business, encouraging international brands such as Siemens to partner with the Group in nascent Dubai. Our Group’s headquarters is close to the Dubai Land Department building and overlooks the Dubai creek which is a testament of the growth and progress of this nation and the emirate of Dubai.

We’re all part of history and play a part, whether big or small in preserving our heritage. We take something from the generation before and hand over to the generation after us. All our lives have an impact and influence. Heritage is recognising that.

It is something unique to every individual; we hold our own heritage within ourselves. It is always growing and is something we can build and foster through the places, people and culture that we engage with.