Façade Retention and Structural Modifications During Historic Building Renovations in Old Dubai

Introduction

Façade retention and structural modifications during historic building renovations in Old Dubai is the practice of preserving heritage external walls-coral stone, gypsum plaster, wind-towers (barjeel), mashrabiya screens-while substantially upgrading or replacing the internal structure, foundations, and services behind them. This approach has become central to how Dubai balances rapid urban development with the protection of its architectural heritage in districts along the Creek.

The scope of this article covers pre-1970s building typologies: courtyard houses in Al Fahidi (Bastakiya), barjeel wind-tower houses in Al Shindagha and Deira, and early commercial or arcaded souq buildings near Naif, the Spice Souq, and Gold Souq. Its audience is Dubai and UAE developers, property owners, contractors, and asset managers working on heritage buildings or “heritage-style” assets, as well as municipal reviewers from Dubai Municipality, Dubai Culture & Arts Authority, and Dubai Development Authority seeking compliant, buildable approaches to preserving local heritage.

In short: façade retention with structural modification in Old Dubai means retaining the heritage external envelope under regulatory controls while reconstructing or reinforcing the internal structure. Authorities require it when a building is designated a heritage asset or falls within a conservation zone administered by Dubai Culture or Dubai Municipality.

By the end of this article you will understand:

• How to assess whether façade retention is viable for a specific Old Dubai building.

• The approval pathways through Dubai Municipality, DDA, and Dubai Culture for heritage renovations.

• Typical structural strategies-needling, propping, shoring, new internal frames-used behind retained façades.

• How INTEGRA Consulting Services sequences design, temporary works, and permanent strengthening on heritage projects.

• Common risks (settlement, cracking, loss of historic fabric) and proven ways to mitigate them.

This article does not cover interior fit-out detailing, purely aesthetic makeovers with no structural substance, or large greenfield developments. Illustrative examples-including barjeel houses adapted into galleries and museum pavilions-are referenced throughout.

Understanding Façade Retention in Old Dubai

Façade retention in Old Dubai refers specifically to keeping an existing façade-constructed from coral stone, gypsum-lime mortars (such as the traditional “Jus Bahar” mix), timber lintels, and decorative elements like carved plaster cornices and wind-towers-structurally intact and visually unchanged from the public realm, while allowing significant internal reconfiguration. It is not merely cosmetic: the retained façade must maintain its structural integrity and continue to read as authentic historic fabric. Old Dubai’s traditional buildings utilize local materials like coral stone and mud mortar, and these materials present unique challenges because of their limited tensile strength and vulnerability to moisture, salt crystallization, and wood rot.

Dubai’s rapid urbanization from the 1990s onward saw many older buildings demolished for modern infrastructure. The policy shift began in earnest when Dubai Municipality’s Historical Buildings Section-and later Dubai Culture & Arts Authority-recognized the cultural significance of districts like Al Fahidi and Al Shindagha, prioritizing conservation and adaptive reuse over complete demolition. Where full preservation is economically or structurally unfeasible, controlled façade retention has become the accepted middle ground, particularly for heritage fronts along the Creek. Façade retention preserves the visual identity of streets while enabling the built environment to evolve. This distinction matters: “conservation” maintains existing fabric, “restoration” returns a building to a documented earlier state, adaptive reuse converts it for new functions with modern upgrades, and “facadism” preserves only the façade-sometimes criticized as superficial. Façade retention in Old Dubai sits deliberately between full preservation and facadism, demanding both structural substance and material authenticity.

Heritage Building Typologies in Old Dubai

The main historic structures where façade retention is commonly applied include:

• Traditional courtyard houses in Al Fahidi (Bastakiya): Narrow, dense plots with thick load bearing walls of coral stone masonry, internal courtyards providing ventilation and light, timber roof elements, and barjeel wind-towers rising above the roofline. These buildings’ historic character derives as much from their massing and street-wall continuity as from individual decorative elements.

• Barjeel (wind-tower) houses along Dubai Creek in Al Shindagha and Deira: These typologies feature prominent wind-towers that are both structural and ornamental. The Creek-facing elevations are especially regulated, as they define Old Dubai’s most recognizable waterfront silhouette and visual identity.

• Early 20th-century commercial buildings and arcaded souq fronts near Naif and the Spice/Gold Souqs: Characterized by tall shop openings, timber shutters, decorative cornices, and sometimes mashrabiya screens, these buildings have often been altered over time with incompatible building materials such as cement plaster and concrete lintels.

The structural systems of these typologies share common traits: load-bearing masonry or coral stone walls that carry vertical loads from timber beams and resist lateral loads through diaphragm action provided by roof or floor structures. Foundations are typically shallow-simple spread footings of local stone-and humidity and salt ingress from the Creek progressively degrade mortar and masonry joints. Dubai’s climate accelerates the degradation of historic masonry materials, making condition assessment an essential first step.

Buildings dating to pre-1960s or pre-1970s original construction are most likely to be listed or to fall within conservation masterplans managed by Dubai Culture. Research shows that coral-stone houses in these districts have been restored using imported stone and traditional mortar techniques, with original ornamental woodwork often replicated by skilled masons from Yemen, Pakistan, and Afghanistan when local craftsmanship or materials are no longer available.

What Counts as Façade Retention vs. Full Preservation

Façade retention, precisely defined, means preserving the external envelope-street-facing walls, wind-towers, cornices, decorative screens, and other external elements-while permitting significant reconfiguration of internal spaces, floors, roof structure, MEP systems, and even foundations behind and beneath those walls. The old façade remains in situ (or is carefully dismantled, numbered, and reconstructed) as an authentic heritage element, not a replica.

This contrasts with:

• Full building preservation, where both interior and exterior fabric must largely remain unchanged, limiting spatial and functional modifications.

• Reconstruction or replication, where buildings are demolished (or have already been lost) and rebuilt to recreate the original appearance using similar materials and historical features.

• Purely cosmetic façade makeovers on later, non-listed buildings that involve updating surface finishes without meaningful heritage substance or structural considerations.

Old Dubai authorities may encourage façade retention over full preservation for practical reasons: it permits modern fire safety compliance, delivers more usable floor plates for hospitality and retail functions, allows integration of MEP services, and addresses structural safety in areas subject to settlement and flooding near the Creek. Adaptive reuse often requires careful balancing of modern functional requirements and historic integrity, and façade retention offers the framework for that balance. Architectural facadism incorporates old facades into new structures, but in heritage zones the expectation goes further-demanding material authenticity and structural connection, not just visual mimicry.

Understanding these definitions is essential before engaging regulators and structural engineers, because the classification of a project directly shapes approval requirements, technical strategies, and budgets.

Regulatory and Planning Framework for Historic Renovations in Old Dubai

No façade retention or structural modification in Old Dubai can proceed without coordinated planning consent. Dubai has strict regulations governing facade retention and historic preservation, and any project involving changes to heritage buildings or their settings requires multiple authority approvals before a single temporary prop is installed. INTEGRA typically becomes involved at concept or pre-concept stage to align design intent with the requirements of Dubai Municipality, Dubai Culture, DDA, and-where applicable-master developer guidelines governing Creek-side zones.

Key Authorities and Heritage Designations

The principal entities governing heritage renovations in Old Dubai are:

• Dubai Culture & Arts Authority (Dubai Culture): Responsible for protecting designated historic districts such as Al Fahidi and Al Shindagha, reviewing any alterations visible from the public realm, and issuing heritage impact assessments. A heritage significance assessment should precede any structural work on historic buildings under Dubai Culture’s oversight.

• Dubai Municipality (DM): Issues building permits, reviews structural submissions, and enforces compliance with the Dubai Building Code, including sections on existing structures and conservation guidelines. Facade renovation requires approval from Dubai Municipality, and structural modifications must comply with Dubai Building Code standards. Dubai’s new regulations require certified contractors for facade renovations, and Dubai’s Contractor Licensing Law requires certified renovation contractors for all heritage-related work.

• Dubai Development Authority (DDA) and master developers: Where heritage-style projects interface with adjacent free zones or integrated developments, DDA or the relevant master developer may impose additional design review requirements.

A building in Old Dubai may be classified as a formally listed heritage asset, a building within a designated conservation area (such as Al Fahidi or Al Shindagha), or an unlisted but “contextually sensitive” building adjacent to heritage streetscapes. The classification determines what portion of the building façade must be retained-sometimes the entire external shell, sometimes only the principal elevation and wind-towers. Preservation authorities balance heritage protection with urban regeneration in Dubai, allowing pragmatic flexibility where it does not compromise the historic character of the streetscape.

Approval Pathways for Façade Retention and Structural Changes

The general approvals journey for a typical Old Dubai façade retention project follows a structured sequence. Facade renovation must comply with Dubai Building Code regulations at every stage, and the project team must demonstrate that proposed interventions protect both the cultural heritage significance of the building and public safety requirements.

Key submissions typically include:

• Concept heritage proposal (narrative, sketches, conservation statement) submitted to Dubai Culture for in-principle acceptance. This establishes which original features have historical value and must be retained.

• Architectural and structural concept submissions to Dubai Municipality, presenting the façade retention strategy, structural strengthening intent, and any excavation or load-increase proposals.

• Temporary works and shoring methodology for review, especially where buildings front narrow streets or sit near the Creek. Façade retention often involves temporary works such as shoring and propping to stabilize walls during the construction phase.

• Detailed design and permit submissions, including material specifications, annotated elevation drawings, and monitoring plans.

Indicative timeframes range from 4–8 weeks for relatively straightforward façade retention on unlisted buildings within conservation zones, to 3–6 months for fully listed buildings requiring detailed conservation statements, materials approvals, and workshop sessions with heritage authorities. INTEGRA can lead early coordination meetings on behalf of clients, which consistently reduces rework and accelerates permit timelines. Facade upgrades ensure compliance with Dubai Building Code standards, and securing agreement on principles early prevents costly redesign.

Once approvals direction is clear, focus shifts to the detailed technical strategies for strengthening and temporary works that will make the project buildable.

Technical Strategies for Façade Retention in Old Dubai

This section addresses the core technical question: how is façade retention actually executed structurally when the existing façade is built from fragile, centuries-old coral stone and timber? Old Dubai’s historic building materials behave fundamentally differently from reinforced concrete or structural steel, so every strategy-from assessment through temporary works to permanent integration-must be tailored to the material reality of the original structure. Compatibility of materials is crucial in façade retention to avoid moisture trapping, and several methods exist to address the spectrum of conditions encountered across heritage districts.

Condition Assessment and Structural Survey

Before committing to façade retention, a thorough investigation establishes what can realistically be retained and where partial reconstruction will be required. Historic façade may undergo detailed documentation before any construction begins-this is not optional but a regulatory prerequisite.

The investigation typically includes:

• Historic documentation review: Archival photographs, pre-1970 cadastral maps from Dubai Municipality, old plan drawings, and sometimes British-era records or oral histories are used to reconstruct missing features and establish the building’s historical significance. Al Fahidi and Al Shindagha projects relied on historic photography to guide replication of decorative elements, doors, windows, and mashrabiya screens.

• On-site structural and condition survey: Wall plumbness measurement, crack mapping, settlement analysis, barjeel stability assessment, timber beam degradation evaluation, and moisture intrusion testing. Deteriorating traditional materials in Dubai’s historic buildings pose significant preservation challenges-salt crystallization, mortar erosion, and stone surface spalling are common decay patterns, as documented by the International Masonry Society’s study of historic masonry in Deira and Bur Dubai.

• Non-destructive and material testing: GPR scanning to detect hidden reinforced concrete alterations from the 1970s, endoscope inspections within thick walls, and compressive strength testing of mortar and stone samples to establish baseline mechanical properties.

The outcomes of this stage are engineering-grade decisions about which elements need full reconstruction versus repair, annotated elevation drawings mapping every crack and weak zone, and a risk register that directly informs temporary works design. Where ornamental or decorative elements (cornices, mashrabiya panels, carved plaster) cannot survive in situ during construction, they are carefully removed, numbered, and stored for later reinstallation-a meticulous part of the restoration process.

Temporary Works and Propping Systems

Temporary works play a crucial role in any façade retention project, often accounting for 10–20% of total project cost in complex heritage schemes. Their purpose is simple: keep the existing façade standing and stable while everything behind it is stripped, demolished, or rebuilt. Temporary façades may be necessary during rehabilitation to prevent structural instability.

Key elements of temporary works design include:

• Façade retention frames: Steel grillages, external or internal steel frameworks, and needle beams that support vertical wall elements while interior structure is removed. New structural frameworks are often built behind retained façades to support modern loads, and the temporary system must bridge the gap until permanent structure takes over.

• Narrow-street solutions for Old Dubai: In the tight alleys of Al Fahidi and the souqs, where crane access is severely limited, modular shoring systems and lightweight prefabricated steel frames are assembled on site with small plant or by hand. This is a major challenge that requires careful planning and specialist engineering.

• Sequenced demolition: Interior floors are stripped before roof removal; interior walls are removed in controlled zones. At no point is the façade left without bracing-structural stability is maintained continuously throughout the demolition work sequence.

• Monitoring systems: Crack gauges, survey benchmarks, plumb-bobs, and inclinometers are installed to ensure the retained façade does not move beyond acceptable tolerances-often millimetric for decorative plaster or carved stone. Documentation of existing facades is critical before demolition, and real-time monitoring continues throughout construction.

INTEGRA engineers both temporary works and permanent solutions in-house, ensuring continuity and single-point accountability from propping design through to final load transfer.

Integrating New Structural Systems Behind Historic Façades

Once the façade is temporarily supported, the new permanent structure must be built behind it-designed to carry modern loads while connecting to the old walls without damaging them. Several methods are used in Old Dubai renovations:

• New reinforced concrete or steel frame set back from the historic façade line, tied back through carefully designed connectors. The frame carries all gravity and lateral loads for the new construction, while the façade is progressively integrated as a supported element.

• Ring beams, concealed lintels, or steel channels redistribute loads from fragile masonry openings, preventing stress concentrations that would crack the old façade around doors and windows.

• New diaphragms (cast slabs or stiffened timber decks) provide lateral restraint to walls that are vulnerable to out-of-plane forces, without visually altering the building façade from the street.

Key design considerations include:

• Differential movement: New concrete frames shrink and creep; old coral stone walls respond to thermal and moisture cycles differently. Connections must accommodate these differences to maintain structural integrity over decades.

• Anchor minimization: Penetrations into heritage fabric are kept to a minimum, using reversible or low-impact fixings where visible. Corrosion-resistant connectors are essential in the saline Creek-side environment.

• Material compatibility: Lime-based mortars rather than Portland cement are used wherever possible for repairs to match the permeability of original walls-sealing walls too tightly traps moisture and accelerates salt damage. Non-compliant cladding must be replaced during refurbishment where it has been introduced in previous unsympathetic repairs.

The goal in every case is modern structural performance with minimal visible change to the historic street elevation. Refurbishment enhances fire safety with non-combustible materials where new elements are introduced, and facade upgrades can reduce HVAC loads by up to 30% when insulation is incorporated behind the retained façade without altering the original appearance. Modern cladding improves insulation and aesthetic appeal where it is applied to non-heritage rear or internal surfaces.

Implementing Façade Retention and Structural Modifications: Step-by-Step

Moving from design concepts to on-site implementation in constrained Old Dubai streets requires a carefully staged process aligned with safety requirements and heritage controls. The following sequence represents the practical workflow INTEGRA typically recommends for developers and contractors undertaking heritage renovations. Proper planning at each stage prevents costly surprises and protects irreplaceable historic fabric.

Typical Project Sequence for Old Dubai Heritage Renovations

1. Pre-feasibility and heritage constraints review: A desktop study assessing heritage designation, structural feasibility of façade retention versus partial reconstruction, and financial viability. This is where the project team determines whether retaining facades is realistic for the specific building.

2. Detailed survey and digital documentation: 3D laser scanning captures the existing façade geometry with millimeter accuracy. BIM and information modeling tools create digital twins integrating survey data, condition mapping, and heritage annotations-an increasingly standard practice in Dubai’s preservation efforts.

3. Concept structural and temporary works design: INTEGRA develops the structural strategy-showing where new frames sit, how the façade is supported, where foundations need strengthening-and coordinates initial discussions with Dubai Culture and DM. Advanced technology like photogrammetry supports these submissions.

4. Permit submissions and authority workshops: Formal applications with conservation statements, material specifications, structural drawings, and shoring methodologies. Workshop sessions agree on which façade elements are strictly preserved and where modifications are negotiable.

5. On-site installation of temporary shoring and monitoring: Propping frames, needle beams, and monitoring instruments are installed before any demolition work begins. Crack gauges and settlement markers establish baseline readings.

6. Interior strip-out and selective demolition: Carried out under the engineer’s sequence, with real-time adjustments based on observed wall behaviour. Preserving facades reduces waste from demolition activities compared to complete demolition, and Dubai’s heritage buildings require special demolition strategies to avoid damaging the retained façade.

7. Construction of new structural frame: Foundations upgrades (underpinning, micropiles, or raft foundations), new slabs, steel or reinforced concrete frames, and MEP rough-ins are coordinated so ties to the façade are integrated at each level.

8. Gradual load transfer: The temporarily supported façade is progressively connected to the permanent structure. After integration is verified through monitoring, temporary works are removed. Façade repairs-mortar repointing, plaster conservation, replacement of damaged stone-follow immediately.

9. Final inspections and handover: Heritage authorities inspect preserved elements and restored detailing, confirm material authenticity, and sign off on compliance. Structural safety certificates are issued by DM. Full documentation-including as-built drawings, conservation records, and monitoring data-is handed over to the building owner.

INTEGRA leads on structural design, temporary works engineering, monitoring regimes, and submission coordination throughout this sequence, working closely with contractors, architects, and heritage specialists at every stage.

Balancing Conservation, Safety, and Commercial Objectives

A persistent trade-off in façade retention projects is between retaining maximum original fabric and achieving commercially viable floor area ratios, vertical circulation, and modern fire egress standards. Restoration efforts strive to retain as much authentic historic fabric as possible while ensuring safety, but commercial realities-especially for hospitality and retail uses-demand usable space.

Ceiling heights in old structures may be constrained by original façade openings; services routing must be threaded behind walls without creating visible bulkheads on heritage elevations. Adaptive reuse projects in Old Dubai range from boutique hotels and galleries to F&B venues and cultural centres, and each program type demands different structural solutions. Community and museum functions typically receive more regulatory leniency on floor area yield than commercial or retail projects, which push structural modifications closer to the limits of what heritage authorities will accept.

Historic buildings may require modern services integration without damaging the façade-this involve updating MEP, fire safety, and accessibility systems in ways that are invisible from the street. Facade refurbishment can reduce HVAC loads by up to 30%, making the business case for sensitive energy efficiency upgrades behind a retained façade compelling. Early engagement with an integrated structural and architectural consultant like INTEGRA can often unlock more rentable area while satisfying heritage controls, because design decisions made at concept stage have outsized impact on both conservation outcomes and commercial returns.

Common Challenges in Old Dubai Façade Retention and How to Solve Them

Heritage renovations around the Creek present recurring patterns of technical and regulatory challenges. Identifying them early-and addressing them systematically through careful planning-turns potential project failures into manageable constraints.

Challenge 1: Fragile Masonry and Unexpected Deterioration

Salt-laden air from the Creek causes progressive stone and mortar decay; historic repairs with incompatible cement trap moisture and accelerate damage; thick walls often conceal internal voids invisible from the surface. Deteriorating traditional materials in Dubai’s historic buildings pose significant preservation challenges that only emerge once work begins.

Solutions:

• Allow for contingency in both design and budget-typically 15–20% above base estimates-for additional strengthening, crack stitching, and partial reconstruction of existing structures.

• Conduct mock-ups and trials of repair mortars, anchors, and stone replacements on non-critical wall sections before full deployment. Material testing establishes compressive strength baselines and compatibility.

• Maintain close structural supervision by engineers experienced in heritage building materials, with authority-approved conservation guidelines governing every intervention.

Challenge 2: Limited Site Access and Neighbouring Structures

Narrow alleys, limited crane reach, closely packed terraces, and active tourist footfall in Al Fahidi and souq areas make conventional construction logistics impractical. Neighbouring buildings may share party walls or be structurally interdependent.

Solutions:

• Design modular shoring and façade retention frames that can be assembled with small plant or manually, fitting the tight dimensions of Old Dubai’s streets.

• Use phased works and, where permitted, night shifts to minimise disruption to adjacent residents, businesses, and visitors.

• Coordinate with RTA and community stakeholders for temporary closures or diversions when structural lifts involving one building or more are required.

Challenge 3: Differential Settlement and Creek-Side Ground Conditions

Proximity to Dubai Creek means variable fill layers, high water tables, and old foundations sitting on shallow footings that were never designed for the loads of modern new construction.

Solutions:

• Commission geotechnical investigations-boreholes, bore-logs, groundwater monitoring-at the earliest project stage, before committing to any foundation strategy.

• Design underpinning, micro-piles, or raft foundations that can be introduced around or beneath retained walls without destabilizing the old façade.

• Deploy settlement markers and inclinometers during excavation and new foundation construction, with pre-defined trigger levels for intervention. Monitoring is not a luxury; it is a safety requirement.

Challenge 4: Regulatory Ambiguity and Changing Expectations

In heritage areas, interpretations of what is acceptable evolve as Dubai’s policies mature. What was approved on a neighbouring plot two years ago may not set a precedent for today’s submission.

Solutions:

• Engage in early “pre-application” discussions with Dubai Culture and DM to document agreed principles for each specific project. Written confirmation of scope prevents mid-project surprises.

• Maintain transparent design rationales and conservation statements explaining why specific structural interventions are necessary-authorities respond to evidence, not assumptions.

• Work closely with a consultancy like INTEGRA that has a proven DM and DDA submission track record, reducing rework and delays caused by incomplete or non-compliant documentation.

Proactive, engineering-led planning transforms many of these risks into routine project management tasks, protecting both the building and the budget.

Conclusion and Next Steps

Façade retention and structural modification in Old Dubai allows developers to unlock modern performance and commercial value while preserving historic streetscapes and complying with heritage obligations. It is neither cosmetic nor trivial-it demands the integration of heritage knowledge, structural engineering, modern techniques, and regulatory fluency across every project phase. When executed with proper planning and specialist expertise, façade retention gives new life to old structures, reducing demolition waste and the carbon footprint of urban development while safeguarding the unique character of these districts for future generations.

As urbanization continues around the Creek and Dubai’s heritage policies mature, the demand for skilled façade retention will only grow. The following next steps provide a practical starting point:

1. Commission an initial structural and heritage feasibility study for any Old Dubai property before committing to demolition or full rebuild.

2. Engage with INTEGRA Consulting Services to develop a concept-level façade retention and temporary works strategy aligned with your business objectives.

3. Arrange early coordination meetings with Dubai Culture and Dubai Municipality to clarify expectations and document agreed principles.

4. Plan budgets and programmes realistically, accounting for investigation, monitoring, conservation-grade repairs, and contingency for unexpected fabric conditions.

5. Invest in digital documentation-3D scanning, BIM, photogrammetry-to create a permanent record of the building’s condition and to support authority submissions.

Related topics readers may explore include seismic retrofitting of heritage masonry in the Middle East, value engineering for adaptive reuse projects, and temporary works design in dense urban fabric. Sustainable development in heritage zones increasingly requires that structural engineers, architects, and heritage specialists work closely as an integrated project team from the earliest feasibility stage.

Additional Resources

Practitioners undertaking façade retention and structural modifications in Old Dubai should reference:

• Dubai Building Code sections on existing buildings, heritage structures, and structural modifications-the primary regulatory framework for all facade renovation in the emirate.

• Dubai Culture conservation guidelines for Al Fahidi and Al Shindagha districts, which detail material authenticity requirements, acceptable intervention levels, and documentation standards for listed buildings.

• International charters and guidance, including the Venice Charter and ICOMOS guidelines, which provide conceptual background on conservation philosophy-useful for framing conservation statements even though they are not directly prescriptive in UAE law.

• The Al Shindagha Museum project documentation, covering approximately 8,760 m² of restored and reconstructed heritage pavilions, serves as a reference for phased heritage renovation at district scale. The municipality’s 15-year reconstruction effort using traditional techniques demonstrates both the ambition and the patience required.

INTEGRA Consulting Services can provide project-specific design briefs, checklists, and sample method statements for façade retention and structural retrofitting in Old Dubai. Developers, hotel operators, and contractors are invited to contact INTEGRA at Dubai Digital Park for:

• Third-party structural reviews of proposed heritage interventions, ensuring compliance with modern standards and heritage controls.

• Full design, detailing, and temporary works engineering for façade retention projects-from feasibility through to handover.

• Tekla-based shop drawings for complex shoring, retention frames, and retrofitted structures, delivering the precision that heritage renovation demands.

The preservation of Old Dubai’s architectural heritage is not only a regulatory obligation but an investment in the cultural identity and long-term value of the city’s most historically significant districts. Every building retained is a piece of local heritage saved-and a foundation for responsible urban development that respects where Dubai came from while building toward where it is going.