Ajman University Researcher Receives Support Under the First Cycle of the Modern Heritage Research Grants Program
The research project of Dr. Dalia Hafiz, Assistant Professor at the College of Architecture, Art and Design at Ajman University, has received support under the first cycle of the Modern Heritage Research Grants Program.
The Program is organized by the UAE Ministry of Culture and Zayed University and implemented in partnership with the National CSR Fund “Majra”. It aims to support academic, research, and creative projects that contribute to documenting the UAE’s modern architectural heritage and reinterpreting it in ways that highlight its cultural and historical value.
Dr. Hafiz’s research project is titled “Humanizing Urban Heritage: Revitalizing Al-Satwa through Human-Centered Design (Streets of Memory)” and is conducted in collaboration with a Co-Principal Investigator from the University of Bahrain. The project aims to document and analyze the urban and architectural heritage of the Al-Satwa neighborhood in Dubai, one of the neighborhoods that reflects important stages in the evolution of the UAE’s urban landscape.
The research also seeks to examine the spatial and architectural characteristics of the neighborhood and explore strategies for its revitalization through a design approach that places human needs at the center of urban planning. It focuses on understanding how everyday urban spaces, buildings, and community practices contribute to shaping the neighborhood’s cultural identity.
The project further highlights neighborhoods developed in the UAE between the 1960s and 1990s, which represent a significant phase in the country’s modern architectural and urban history. In light of the urban transformations affecting many of these areas, the research aims to emphasize their heritage value by documenting their spatial characteristics and community life, while proposing design strategies that balance heritage preservation with future urban development.
The project is expected to produce comprehensive documentation of the urban heritage of Al-Satwa, including spatial analysis, community insights, and design guidelines that support the revitalization of urban neighborhoods while preserving their heritage value. The findings are also expected to contribute to academic and professional discussions on preserving modern urban heritage in the UAE, while supporting more inclusive, livable, and culturally sensitive urban development.
This achievement reflects Ajman University’s commitment to advancing research and encouraging academic initiatives that contribute to community development and knowledge creation in the fields of architecture and urban heritage. It also highlights the University’s dedication to empowering its faculty members to produce impactful research that supports the preservation of the UAE’s architectural and cultural heritage and strengthens its presence in local and international academic and professional discussions.
