There’s a new drive to preserve Abu Dhabi’s modern heritage.
The campaign is part of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi’s initiative to identify, protect and maintain sites that tell a story about the recent history of the UAE.
Sites such as the Cultural Foundation and the Abu Dhabi Bus Station have been protected to provide physical evidence of the city’s continued development. The Cultural Foundation is the first registered modern heritage site to have been rehabilitated according to international best practices.
“As we approach 2021 and look to celebrate 50 years since the founding of the UAE, it is crucial that we, as a nation, reflect on how far we have progressed. Through the modern heritage initiative, we have the opportunity to tell the unique story of where we came come from and where we are today,” said Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of DCT.
He added: “Modern heritage is not only about sizeable architectural icons; it also includes informal and more modest sites that embody historical, social or cultural values, which are equally significant to the story of the UAE.”
He also pointed out that many of these buildings have been deteriorating due to a lack of “maintenance and neglect, inappropriate renovations and repairs, lack of awareness and interest, shifts in trends and fashion” among other reasons, hence the importance of the modern heritage campaign.
Back in 2016, Abu Dhabi introduced the Cultural Heritage Law, which established modern heritage to be on a par with archaeological sites and historic buildings. Since then, the DCT has led the way in identifying and protecting the capital’s modern heritage sites with the new campaign being their latest efforts.
Expect to see more places in Abu Dhabi get the preservation treatment soon.
