Work is well under way on the first phase of Dh50 billion ($13.6 billion) mixed-use development that aims to maximise the waterfront potential of the Creek while preserving Dubai’s maritime roots.

Culture Village, located in Jadaf along the Dubai Creek next to Garhoud Bridge, will cover an area of 40 million sq ft and, according to the project manager Dubai Properties, it will be a unique development offering an elite lifestyle in an intellectually stimulating environment, with year-round world-class cultural events. It will have a residential, commercial and retail district.
Work on the first phase entails extension of Dubai Creek along which the project will extend and infrastructure works. About 80 per cent of the work on the extension of the creek is now complete. According to Belhasa Six Contract, which bagged the Dh133 million contract, work on the extension – which began in the third quarter of 2005 – is on schedule and will be completed shortly.
The Dh290 million infrastructure works leading to and around the Culture Village is also being undertaken by Belhasa Six Contract and is 30 per cent complete and is on target for completion by the fourth quarter of this year.
The development will feature wide open spaces, traditional wind towers, cobblestone walkways, unique sculptures, waterways topped with bridges, creekside suqs, restaurants and cafes, an amphitheatre for live performances and cultural festivals, a public library, an exhibition hall and museums, and a dockyard where traditional dhow building will be on display. A rustic traditional suq, offering Arabian craft, antiques, and spices and herbs, will be the focal point of the retail district.
According to the developer, Culture Village will be different from other master developments under way in Dubai and the launch of masterplan in 2006 was in line with its vision of conceiving unique communities that contribute to the growth of Dubai and add diversity to the market.
“Dubai’s culture evolved around the Creek with the discovery of pearls on the rich oyster beds. The area of Jadaf was a strong part of this culture as it is where the traditional dhows and abras have long been built. We have expanded our cultural horizons through Culture Village, which will be a melting pot of diverse cultures representing the 150 nationalities that call Dubai their home at the very place where it all began – the Creek,” says Mohamed Binbrek, CEO of Dubai Properties.
Culture Village will feature a unique mix of places to live, to work, to relax and to study, as well as places of cultural interest. It offers a mix of old-life recreation with the sophistication of a modern lifestyle.
“Sheikh Mohamed bin Rashid Al Maktoum understands the importance and benefits of culture for any city, and it is under his vision that Culture Village evolved. Cultural tourism has contributed to the overall harmony and economic development of some of the greatest cities in the world. Now, we are bringing it to Dubai and giving culture its rightful place in our social life,” says Binbrek.
The project will blend Middle Eastern history with the rich heritage of Dubai, offering an inspired mix of Arab and old Dubai architecture. Murals, sculptures and potteries will adorn the façade of the buildings and street corners. The master plan of Culture Village has been divided into residential, commercial, retail, hospital and entertainment zones.
The residences will comprise traditional low to medium-rise buildings offering one, two and three-bedroom apartments with contemporary interiors. For those who prefer to work from home, there will be custom-built apartments combining professional work area with residential amenities.
The commercial district will house cultural offices, schools, academies for art, music, dance, pottery and other crafts. The infrastructure requirements and appropriate facilities for each organisation will be readily available.
Culture Village will also feature exclusive hotels, designer boutique-style restaurants and coffee shops. The retail district will feature luxury hotels, designer boutique-style restaurants and coffee shops, as well as rare bookshops and art and craft galleries. A rustic traditional suq, offering Arabian crafts, antiques, and spices and herbs, will be the focal point of the retail district. It will also house an exhibition hall to display the works of famous painters, sculptors and other artists, as well as feature the works of art students from the neighbouring art academies. The amphitheatre will provide a suitable stage and acoustics for dance and music, as well as to showcase films from around the world.
“Culture Village will celebrate Dubai’s own heritage and culture alongside modern international culture,” Binbrek concludes.