Special raw materials and tools used to reconstruct ancient models 

DUBAI, 17th January 2017:  The Hamdan Bin Mohammed Heritage Center (HHC) has been attracting hundreds of visitors from around the world for the third year since the opening of the 21st season of Global Village in Dubai.

Every evening, the Heritage Village comes alive in an exhibition of traditional Emirati hospitality in a quaint atmosphere where handcrafters making pottery and weaving Sadu (defined by the UNESCO as a traditional form of weaving practised by Bedouin women in rural communities of the United Arab Emirates to produce soft furnishings and decorative accessories)  – showcase their age old skills.

Old housing models and traditional designs reflect the ancient culture and heritage of the country. Bedouin tents, homes made of palm leaves, stone houses that were built on the coast and abodes that were used in mountainous areas, have been reconstructed providing a stark contrast to architecture in the modern era. It is a throwback to the simplicity of life in a nomadic age and portrays the foundations of the origins of summer and winter homes in the UAE. 

Housing
Mr. Mohammed bin Huraiz, CEO’s Office Manager at HHC, said that the Heritage Village represents an open museum.
He said: 'HHC is keen to preserve the local culture and display them to the public. Museums around the world play a pivotal role in raising awareness about the culture of countries, history and attracts visitors of all ages. The Center has organized the Heritage Village without compromising details that reflects the same atmosphere as in the past.'

He explained that the materials and tools used to recreate traditional houses was the same as used in the past, it was constructed in cooperation with specialized companies in the industry.

Visitors were indeed awe struck and amazed by the intelligent lifestyle of people who tailored their housing needs in accordance with the climatic changes in the sometimes harsh desert terrain.

“We can see really how the people have lived years ago. We can experience the real atmosphere. Traditions of how people lived, how they built houses and especially how they lived in tents and life with the camels,” said Moeen Ali, a Sri Lankan banker visiting Dubai for the first time. 

A Dubai resident Zahid Khan from Pakistan was a keen observer of the construction materials used in the past. 

“This home is built of stones not blocks. This is original stone,” he said pointing to one of the houses while noting that cooking was done in the open using wood.

David Leach, a British national, was impressed by the overall setting of the Heritage Village as he experienced life in ancient era.

“We walked by and saw what looked like a traditional area. We are impressed by how you (HHC) brought it back to the old days,” he said surveying the local heritage and community with more than a passing interest.

“Coming along here and walking through here, gives us an idea of what the dwellings was like and how the locals lived which was obviously different to what we are used to. It’s a nice little circuit from seeing dwellings to animals and enjoying local tradition,” he added.

Old Emirates 
On a tour of the Heritage Village, the visitor finds:

Al Hathira
This building is named as such because it is built from stone and has a hollow interior. This architecture allows the natural air circulation, making these kinds of homes ideal during summer. They were typically built near mountainous areas. As stone does not absorb heat like other buildings materials, the interior stayed naturally cooler. Walls had multiple small opening to allow for ventilation and the roof was made of 'Asbak' tree branches.

Kirin Tents
These homes are located closer to coast and were used during winter seasons. Cone-shaped, these structures are built from palm fronds, and resemble tents. Tall poles referred to in the Emirati dialect as 'yadu', that are dug into the soil to support the fronds, forming the kirin tent walls. The supporting poles came from precious palm tree trunks and the tent could only accessed from the front, with the entrance also fashioned from palm leaves, known as 'arish'.

Bait Al Sha'ar
Is the house of the Bedouin, made from sheep's wool. It is a shelter, where the Bedouin relaxes from the harsh life. The size of the house and its content of tools reflect the status of the owner in the Bedouin community.

Steam: Is the store or warehouse used to store luggage in the house is also used for the needs of the inhabitants.

The official sponsors of Hamdan Bin Mohammed Heritage Center are: Al Tayer Motors, Land Rover, Dubai Airports, AW Rostamani (Arabian Automobiles), Dubai World Trade Centre, Global Village and Al Oula radio station.