These include the Cultural Foundation, Hamdan Centre, Al Maqta Conservation Area, and more
Abu Dhabi is well on its way to becoming the cultural capital of the UAE, now christening a host of buildings as modern heritage sites.
The Department of Culture and Tourism has revealed the first set of 64 modern heritage protected sites under Abu Dhabi’s Cultural Heritage Law. This affords the buildings immediate and unconditional protection, which essentially means they cannot be demolished.
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The list is a welcome step towards protecting the UAE capital’s cultural identity and protecting buildings that lend themselves to the essence of the emirate.
Modern heritage buildings may be significant for their aesthetics, technological values; while modern urban heritage sites are markers of rapidly evolving urban character in response to social and cultural changes.
The list includes a range of buildings, including mosques, a hospital, parks and hotels, each chosen as they “contribute to Abu Dhabi’s cultural identity through their architectural, historical, societal or scientific significance”.
Additionally, the Modern Heritage list will also contribute to Abu Dhabi’s sustainability goals by reducing the carbon footprint resulting from demolition and redevelopment. The initiative can diversify the economy by stimulating alternative real estate investments into reuse and revitalization of the existing built environment.
The full list includes –
- Cultural Foundation
- Abu Dhabi Bus Terminal and Taxi Stand
- Al Manhal Palace
- Zayed bin Sultan The Second Mosque
- The National Theatre
- Former Al Jazeera Hospital
- Sheikh Zayed Sports City
- Islamic Institute Complex (Former UAEU)
- Niqa Bin Ateej Water Tank and Park
- Radisson Blu Al Ain (Hilton Al Ain)
- Al Jahili Eid Prayer Grounds
- Al Khalidiyah Park
- Al Ain Old Central Market
- Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry Tower
- Al Bateen Mall
- Intercontinental Hotel – Abu Dhabi
- Radisson Blu – Abu Dhabi (Hilton Abu Dhabi)
- Hili Old Market (Shaabi Market)
- Zayed Al Awwal Secondary School – Oud Al Hassa
- Former ADNOC Headquarters
- Al Maqta Conservation Area
- Former Vehicles & Drivers Licensing Directorate
- Bida’ Zayed Central Souq
- Arab Monetary Fund Building
- Etisalat Headquarter – Abu Dhabi
- Federal National Council
- Saeed Al Kalili (Al Ibrahimi Building)
- Heirs of Salem Khadem Al Qubaisi Building
- HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Tower (Blue Tower – Union National Bank)
- Hamed Center
- Hamdan Centre
- Obaid Al Mazrouai
- Butti Al Otaiba Building
- Harib Tower
- Sheraton Hotel
- Le Méridien Hotel
- Al Ghaf Tree Park
- Airport Road Park
- Armed Forces Officers Club & Conference Centre
- Al Omeirah Building (Adidas)
- Al Hobbara Water Tank (SBY Island)
- Bida’ Zayed Pool
- Liwa Rest House
- Remah Rest House complex
- Salman Khalifa Al Mazroei
- Otaiba Building
- Mesaied Khalid Al Mansoori
- The Central Bank of the UAE
- Al Ain Vegetable & Fish Market (Shibrat Al Ain)
- City Terminal (Abu Dhabi International Airport)
- Abu Dhabi City Municipality Building
- Department of Economic Development
- Department of Finance
- Abu Dhabi Media Company
- Abu Dhabi Oil Co. – Japan (ADOC)
- Al Manhal Family Medicine Clinic
- Al Zaab Old Fire Station
- Khalifa Al Suweidi Building
- Elenco Building
- Former Al Dhafra Region Municipality Building
- Madinat Zayed Vegetable, Meat & Fish Market – Abu Dhabi
- Abu Yalee Mosque
- Al Ain Old Gold Souk
- Al Nyadat Eid Musalla
For more information, visit abudhabiculture.ae
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