Old structures part of nation’s memory, conservationists say

The law ‘should protect’ buildings from ‘70s and ‘80s

DUBAI // Heritage conservationists are calling for an indepth study of buildings that evoke memories of the UAE’s development.

The law on protecting heritage structures should include buildings constructed in the 1970s and 1980s, they said.

“I support the opinion that you need buildings from the 70s and 80s. You need examples from every decade because it shows the development of the UAE’s architecture and economy,” said Rashad Bukhash, chairman of the UAE Architectural Heritage Society.

“Buildings are related to memories of people who lived and worked there. Our country is very young so it is important to preserve the things we have. Memories of a city are very important.”

The UAE has 300 archaeological and 2,500 historic sites, according to a survey by Mr Bukhash.

Last year a survey of Dubai listed seven archaeological and 715 historic sites.

A law to preserve century-old buildings has been passed by the FNC and is awaiting the Government’s approval.

Under Dubai’s laws, a building constructed 40 years ago or longer must have the municipality’s approval for any construction or alteration.

Heritage buildings are also graded on their political, economic and tourism importance. Although no changes can be made to a Grade A building, Grade B and Grade C buildings can undergo renovation after approval.

Buildings constructed in the early years of the UAE’s founding are, however, not protected.

“It shows the evolution of architecture, we come from somewhere right? We study this in history class, so why not keep it?” said Rama Husam Ddine, an urban designer.

“It’s not just not about a building’s age but how a certain style of architecture spread out in the world in a certain era, so it is important to preserve such build- ings,” she said. “Sometimes we only see history as pre- oil with the barjeel [ wind tower] houses. “But when oil came, then came the infrastructure and concrete buildings. That is also part of our heritage. We should hold on to that to see how we evolved.”