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Before Abu Dhabi became the busy metropolitan city it is today, it fostered a community of homegrown, family-owned businesses such as cafés, restaurants, bakeries, sweet shops, textile stores, that were engrained into the social and cultural fabric of the city.
In recognition of their contribution in the last 20 years, Abu Dhabi is honouring these establishments as Urban Treasures, which continue to serve the current and future generations of our modern city.
These longstanding establishments have played a valuable role in shaping the vibrant urban culture of Abu Dhabi and contributing to the city’s economy. Today, these hidden gems are considered historically significant in the collective memory of the local community.
Nominations for the Urban Treasures 2026 are open.
If you own or know of a business that has been operating in Abu Dhabi for more than 20 years and should be recognised as an Urban Treasure – whether it’s cafés, restaurants, bakeries, sweet shops, textile stores, tailors, perfumeries, jewellers, pharmacies, or photography studios – we want to hear from you!
Nominations are open until 30 November 2025, and the winners will be announced in 2026.
Click here to watch the docu-series on YouTube.
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