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.
Urban Treasures 2025 – Open Call
Nominations for the Urban Treasures 2025 are open.
If you own or know of a business that should be recognised as an Urban Treasure– whether it’s cafes, bookstores, restaurants, bakeries, grocers, tailors, perfumeries, jewellers, etc. – we want to hear from you!
Nominations are open until 10 November, and the winners to be announced in 2025.
Read more about the winners below:
