Modern Heritage

The modern heritage of Abu Dhabi refers to cultural significant examples of architecture and urbanism that narrate the significant historical, socio-cultural, and economic changes that took place in the Emirate since the distribution of wealth generated from the export of oil.

Modern heritage may be architectural or urban places and encompasses structures, single or groups of buildings, districts, sites, areas, landscapes and urban spaces that are important due to their aesthetic, architectural, historical, scientific, social or technological values to past, present or future generations. 

Modern heritage is considered an intrinsic part of Abu Dhabi’s tangible heritage and cultural identity. The cultural significance of modern heritage is embodied in the place itself and in its character-defining elements such as material fabric, forms, location and setting, spatial configurations, uses and cultural associations or meanings

A SHARED RESPONSIBILITY

Safeguarding modern heritage is now required by Abu Dhabi's Cultural Heritage Law (4/2016), which considers all tangible and intangible heritage, irrespective of its age. It is a civic responsibility towards present and future generations.

Modern heritage provides a sense of permanence and continuity. These sites contribute to the live ability of the Emirate and the well-being of its residents by fostering a sense of community through place making and collective memory.

Modern Heritage will 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.

Protecting and leveraging Abu Dhabi’s modern heritage will contribute to nurturing Abu Dhabi’s aspiration to become a cultural capital.

What are the criteria for registering modern heritage?

A modern heritage site shall be listed on the Register of Modern Heritage of Abu Dhabi if it is culturally significant and satisfies one or more of the following criteria:

• The site is important in demonstrating the evolution or pattern of Abu Dhabi’s history.

• The site is unique, rare, uncommon or contains endangered aspects of Abu Dhabi’s cultural heritage.

• It has the potential to contribute to an understanding of Abu Dhabi’s history.

• It is important in demonstrating the principal characteristics of a particular type or period.

• The site is important because of its aesthetic value.

• It demonstrates a high degree of creative or technical achievement during a particular period.

• It has strong or special association with a particular community, locality or cultural group for social or cultural reasons.

• It has special association with the life or works of a person, or group of persons, of importance.

• It exhibits developments in architecture or technology, monumental arts, town-planning or landscape design.

How can we safeguard modern heritage?

The first step is to acknowledge, document and celebrate the importance of Abu Dhabi’s architectural and urban heritage.

Investing in regular preventive maintenance and cyclical remedial repairs will prolong the physical fabric of these sites in a more cost-effective way. Rehabilitation or compatible adaptations, sensitive upgrades and additions can ensure the continued use of these sites.

Accepting these sites as assets that add value to new developments and drive revitalization programs is key to guiding sustainable development.

The full list of 60+ modern heritage sites 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 Hotel & Resort, 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 Hotel & Resort, Abu Dhabi Corniche

• 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 Abu Dhabi Hotel & Resort 

• Le Méridien Abu Dhabi 

• 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