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Novel expo recreates Dubai’s history

Dubai, February 1, 2009

Dubai Customs opened a unique exhibition of old photos, stamps and documents on Dubai under the theme “Al Furdha” to highlight the historic legacy of the emirate's  progress.

Launched at the Carpets and Arts Oasis, which is organised by Dubai Customs as part of Dubai Shopping Festival 2009, the exhibition recreates the history of the emirate through these rare collections, shedding light on the way it shaped Dubai’s future to make it a global icon.

Mariam Al Shamsi, member of the Organising Committee of Carpets and Arts Oasis and co-ordinator of the Al Furdha exhibition said: "This event features a huge collection of rare historical photographs of the emirate of Dubai dating back to 1883, some of which are exhibited in public for the first time ever."

"Also on display are old stamps, rare and important documents and equipment used by Dubai Customs since its establishment," she noted.

The Arab word ‘Al Furdha’ is very significant for this exhibition and has a deep meaning. The word denotes ‘Harbour’ and ‘Main Sea Trade Port of a City,’ a term widely used by Arab historians to refer to the main sea trade port.

"Al Qasba is Al Furdha’s terrestrial equivalent that stands for ‘first main city – the main entrance to other cities.’ This term underlines the exhibition’s historic theme,” Ms. Al Shamsi explained.

"We have put enormous efforts into gathering the largest possible number of photos, tools and rare documents that highlight the emirate’s history. During the research, we discovered photos of important personalities, governmental and private buildings that are being displayed for the first time."

"Each item was labeled carefully with emphasis on details such as identifying the personalities in the pictures. The historical places in these photos were tracked to show changes that took place over the years," she said.

"Al Furdha is also considered one of the oldest governmental departments in Dubai’s organisational and administrative structure, thus claiming the title “Mother of Government Departments," she pointed out.

It was the key constituent to Dubai’s development as social life thrived in the trading city. Al Furdha developed along with Dubai’s establishment as an independent emirate in 1833 by the Late Sheikh Maktoum Bin Butti Al Maktoum (1833 - 1852), who laid the foundation of Dubai’s civic and administrative development.

Back at that time, Al Furdha was the main port of Dubai where shipping and handling of goods took place and fees payable to the governor were collected in return of shop rentals and storage facilities.

In the era of Late Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, the father of modern Dubai, the Al Furdha building was used by the Ruler of Dubai as his official headquarters, reflecting the critical role of Customs and its position in the administration.

"From that building, a number of government departments emerged such as the Department of Naturalisation & Residency, Dubai Police, Dubai Courts, Dubai Municipality, Department of Health and the Ruler’s Court, in addition to other departments," she explained.

Al Shamsi noted: “Through this exhibition we aim to acquaint the young generations with the history of Dubai and the stages of development the emirate underwent right up to modern days. It has already become a huge attraction to a large number of visitors who take their time to marvel at these valuable collections.”

 “To honour the people who served as Director Generals of Dubai Customs, we have also presented a brief account of their personal and career details along with their photos exhibited here,” Al Shamsi added.-TradeArabia News Service




Tags: Dubai Customs | history | highlight | Al Furdha expo | Dubai legacy |

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