Emiratis in Al Qusais torn on need for amenities versus preservation

Most residents of the old Dubai neighbourhood would like to see the character of the area remain, while adding some more amenities for convenience, as FNC elections approach.

Residents of Al Qusais have seen their neighbourhood become the backdrop to the city’s transformation. Jeffrey E Biteng / The National

DUBAI // Rapid urbanisation should be tempered to make sure the character of an area does not lose its identity, said Emirati residents in Al Qusais.

Sandwiched between an industrial estate and Dubai International Airport, residents of the community have seen their neighbourhood become the backdrop to the city’s transformation into a global destination.

Al Qusais is one of the emirate’s oldest and largest communities, made up of villas interspersed with the occasional grocery store.

As polling day for the Federal National Council (FNC) elections draws closer, many Emiratis said they felt torn between the need for better local amenities while keeping the area’s quiet character.

› Ahead of the FNC election day on October 3, The National's reporters are travelling across the seven emirates to speak to Emiratis and find out the issues that affect them – and what they expect from members of a new Federal National Council. Read them here.

“You can see by the age of the villas that this isn’t the shiny, new Dubai,” said Mohammed Al Kassem, 45, as he was getting into his pick-up vehicle outside his villa in Al Qusais 3. “To be honest, I like it this way but that doesn’t mean it can’t do with some improvements.”

More paved footpaths, a few more shops and better landscaping were his main areas of concern.

“There aren’t many areas like this in Dubai any more and that is what makes it unique,” he said. “I like the fact that it’s villas and not huge, residential towers, but I also think it could do with some upgrades.

“This is a very family [oriented] area and although we have the pond park down the road, there isn’t really a green space where children can play near their homes.

“I would like to see some more trees and public gardens and I think that will brighten up the place a lot.

“We don’t need a huge new mall or a tower, just keep it as it is but make it more community orientated.”

Fareed Al Hassan, 29, agreed, saying maintaining the community feel was more important than major redevelopment of the area.

“I appreciate the amazing progress we have made as a country and Dubai as an emirate,” he said.

“Dubai is world famous and we have all our needs catered for. But at the same time I believe Al Qusais is a special place because it feels as though you are away from the hustle and bustle of the city when you’re here.”

The emphasis should be on building upon the community spirit in the area, he said.

“Things like more small parks or a small shopping centre within walking distance with a few restaurants are the type of things I would like to see added,” Mr Al Hassan said.

“Everyone has cars and if you need to go to a mall you have that option, but I would like it to be more pedestrian-friendly.

“If we had more pavements or places people could walk then I think it would be easier for people to get to meet other residents and build an even better community.”

For Ali Al Hamid, 37, the focus should also be on nurturing community organisations and improving infrastructure.

“I lived in Manchester, in the UK, for a few years as a student and one of the things I noticed was how there were community groups and organisations in different areas of the city,” he said.

“If something like that was introduced here I think it would be of huge benefit to residents.”