What’s On has learned Dubai must provide more information on the architecture, boats and the market in the area before UNESCO makes a decision.

 

Dubai Creek’s initial attempt to attain UNESCO world heritage status has been unsuccessful.

UNESCO wants more information on the architecture, the boats and the markets in the area before it makes a decision.

A team from the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) is also expected to visit Dubai Creek later in the year as part of the in-depth assessment.

Rashad Bukhash, director of architectural heritage at Dubai Municipality, led the creek’s bid. He explained that preliminary approval has been granted, but the authority wants more details before awarding world heritage status.

“There were some comments on the reconstruction of sites,” he told The National.

“Some of these were reconstructed in 1991 and we built them as it was before. We have to prove that it was rebuilt in the same way.”

Mr Bukhash said the team behind the bid remained positive.

“We are not disappointed. It is very difficult to show a site is of outstanding value. Many regulations have to be met,” he said.

The news emerged from the 38th session of the World Heritage Committee, currently underway in Doha.

Steps to gain world heritage status for Dubai Creek began in 2011. Many sites take years to win the approval of the committee.

The Erbil Citadel in Iraq and China’s Grand Canal are among the sites to be inscribed on the world heritage list so far this year.

There are now 1,001 sites on the list, which is divided into natural, cultural and mixed areas of importance.

The UAE’s only entry is the cultural sites of Al Ain, incorporating Hafit, Hili, Bidaa Bint Saud and Oases Areas.