The Comparative Analysis for the New Approach to Three Tourism-Oriented Heritage Districts in the United Arab Emirates

Abstract

This study investigates the tourism-oriented heritage districts in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and explores a new approach to fostering heritage tourism. This is envisaged through conducting a post-occupancy evaluation (POE) to detect the characteristics of the tourism-oriented heritage districts from the residents and tourists. The systematic evaluation of opinions is based on indicators developed by UNESCO and ICOMOS international principles. According to the survey results, it is found that Dubai’s approach was successful at reuniting people with their history via modern materials in the restoration works. This has preserved the heritage value and increased their culture and national identity. The social goal to reconnect residents to their cultural history has been realized despite the inconsistencies compared to the specification of the World Heritage Convention, which requires technical authenticity and integrity. People perceived the identities of tourism-oriented heritage districts in Dubai, Sharjah, and Ajman differently. Based on the POE survey, the Shindagha area and Al Fahidi Historical Area in Dubai were perceived as traditional destinations for tourist attractions. The Heart of Sharjah area was perceived as cultural and educational tourism, and the Ajman Heritage District area was perceived as community tourism.

Envisioning the Future of Heritage Tourism in the Creative Industries in Dubai: An Exploratory Study of Post COVID-19 Strategies for Sustainable Recovery

“…This strategic move by the government presents an exemplary case study on survival strategies, as explained by [20]. Furthermore, the discussion on heritage tourism sites and the overlapping of their services correlates with the selection of the three tourism-oriented heritage districts in the UAE as specified by [39].…”

“…To strengthen heritage tourism in Dubai, it is more suitable to focus on tangible heritage where archaeological places in Dubai are endorsed as authentic by different overseeing groups [25,36,38]. Based on the post-occupancy evaluation (POE) used to identify characteristics of the tourism-oriented heritage districts from locals and tourists, they discovered that Dubai's Shindagha Area and Al Fahidi Historical Area were considered cultural and heritage places that attracted tourists [35,38,39]. Authors argued in their research that UNESCO-certified heritage sites attracted more global tourists "because the inscription guarantees the value of heritage" [36].…”