The Municipality and Planning Department – Ajman (MPDA) organized the “Living Heritage” session at Al Daghaya House in the Heritage Trail, to discuss the integration of efforts and the combination of tasks for the success of the Ajman Heritage Project, which embodies an umbrella that brings together all current and future projects related to the ancient history, deep-rooted heritage and authentic past, and maintains the national identity of the Emirate of Ajman and its unique imprint in the city of Ajman and the two cities of Masfout and Manama.
Dr. Eng. Mohammed Ahmed bin Omair Al Muhairi, the MPDA’s Executive Director of the Infrastructure Development, welcomed the attendees from the Ministry of Culture, the Government Media Office, the Tourism Development Department, the Furjan Ajman Initiative, Ajman University, influencers, Emirati artists, and Mr. Saleh Al Muhairi, who hosted the session at his house, explaining that each entity plays big part in reviving the spirit and authenticity of Ajman’s heritage while integrating the present and moving towards a sustainable future.
Dr. Eng. Bin Omair said that the legacy is in line with the heritage projects in the State and the wise visions to preserve history and ancient heritage, as the MPDA’s qualified competencies seek to develop the heritage area while preserving the existing origin to provide an open museum that passes through the old areas and reaches the Ajman Sea, speaking about the successive historical eras and the life lived by the ancestors.
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Current and Future Projects
Dr. Eng. Bin Omair noted that the legacy, which was approved by His Highness Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Crown Prince of Ajman and Chairman of the Executive Council, will include all five present and future heritage projects under its umbrella; Souq Saleh, the Heritage District, the Heritage Trail, the restoration of old houses and the Dar Al Amara project in addition to 3 initiatives: Naat, Skeek, and the Living Heritage. The legacy project provides a holistic and clear roadmap for lovers of heritage and ancient history, promotes tourism and creates a heritage heart that embraces legacies, archaeological contents and historical molds, he noted.
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Development and Preservation of Existing Origin
For her part, Eng. Afra Al Balushi, an urban planning engineer, gave a detailed explanation of the initiatives that included under its umbrella the Beban Awal initiative, the naming of Al Furjan, the Poet Skeek, and the Poetess Skeek, reviewing the sculptures and artworks that the MPDA has made, including: Al Buraqah Square, Liwara Square, Al Hisn Square, the Symbol Sculpture, the Scale Sculpture, and the Ambition Sculpture.
Eng. Al Balushi noted that the competencies working on the project were keen to meet senior citizens and residents of the old area and listen to the stories about their lives and the past, aiming to launch the Ajman Heritage Booklet, which will represent an archive of architectural heritage, design manuals and guides in architectural construction and urban planning in old areas, and the national identity of the Emirate of Ajman.
Discussion and Suggestions
On the other hand, the attendees appreciated the MPDA’s keenness to deepen joint cooperation with the authorities and initiatives concerned with preserving heritage, and presented a number of developmental suggestions and recommendations.
