Abu Dhabi announces protection of 64 cultural sites

64 sites will be protected from demolition and will be given priority for maintenance and rehabilitation.

“Part of DCT Abu Dhabi’s mission includes preserving Abu Dhabi’s culture and identity. Our architectural and urban heritage is an extremely important element of our recent history, which deserves to be recognised and protected,” said Mohammed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi.

“It is our civic responsibility to guard this modern heritage, not only because of the value it holds in our collective memory as residents of this emirate, but because of the historical testimony it has in telling Abu Dhabi’s story through architectural and urban identity between the traditional past and our aspirations for the future,” he added.

Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa Al Hammadi, Chairman of the Department of Municipalities and Transport, said: “The Modern Heritage Conservation initiative plays a crucial role in maintaining the city’s public appearance, identity, and its urban cultural heritage. The partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi reflects DMT’s commitment to developing smart and sustainable cities, while preserving the city’s identity, thereby enriching the quality of life and visitors’ experience in Abu Dhabi.”

Al Shorafa added: “DMT’s involvement in this ambitious initiative aligns with its mission to foster urban development and infrastructure management to raise the quality of life for Abu Dhabi’s community. DMT recognises the importance of this initiative in safeguarding the city’s landmarks and structures that bear witness to its growth and development. The initiative also reflects the efforts to preserve the beautiful harmony between heritage and modernity, making it an invaluable undertaking.”

Protected sites are marked as an important part of the capital’s history and includes a school, a theater, mosques, parks, hotels, markets and other commercial buildings.

For instance, Al Manhal Palace, the first purpose-built presidential palace where the flag was raised when the country joined the UN in 1971.

Abu Dhabi pinpoints 64 sites

1. Cultural Foundation
2. Abu Dhabi Bus Terminal and Taxi Stand
3. Al Manhal Palace
4. Zayed bin Sultan The Second Mosque 
5. The National Theatre 
6. Former Al Jazeera Hospital 
7. Sheikh Zayed Sports City 
8. Islamic Institute Complex (Former UAEU)
9. Niqa Bin Ateej Water Tank and Park 
10. Radisson Blu Al Ain (Hilton Al Ain)
11. Al Jahili Eid Prayer Grounds 
12. Al Khalidiyah Park 
13. Al Ain Old Central Market
14. Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry Tower 
15. Al Bateen Mall
16. Intercontinental Hotel – Abu Dhabi
17. Radisson Blu – Abu Dhabi (Hilton Abu Dhabi)
18. Hili Old Market (Shaabi Market) 
19. Zayed Al Awwal Secondary School – Oud Al Hassa
20. Former ADNOC Headquarters 
21. Al Maqta Conservation Area 
22. Former Vehicles & Drivers Licensing Directorate
23. Bida’ Zayed Central Souq 
24. Arab Monetary Fund Building
25. Etisalat Headquarter – Abu Dhabi
26. Federal National Council 
27. Saeed Al Kalili (Al Ibrahimi Building)
28. Heirs of Salem Khadem Al Qubaisi Building 
29. HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Tower (Blue Tower – Union National Bank) 
30. Hamed Center 
31. Hamdan Centre
32. Obaid Al Mazrouai 
33. Butti Al Otaiba Building 
34. Harib Tower 
35. Sheraton Hotel 
36. Le Méridien Hotel 
37. Al Ghaf Tree Park 
38. Airport Road Park 
39. Armed Forces Officers Club & Conference Centre 
40. Al Omeirah Building (Adidas) 
41. Al Hobbara Water Tank (SBY Island) 
42. Bida’ Zayed Pool 
43. Liwa Rest House
44. Remah Rest House complex 
45. Salman Khalifa Al Mazroei 
46. Otaiba Building 
47. Mesaied Khalid Al Mansoori 
48. The Central Bank of the UAE 
49. Al Ain Vegetable & Fish Market (Shibrat Al Ain) 
50. City Terminal (Abu Dhabi International Airport)
51. Abu Dhabi City Municipality Building
52. Department of Economic Development 
53. Department of Finance 
54. Abu Dhabi Media Company 
55. Abu Dhabi Oil Co. – Japan (ADOC) 
56. Al Manhal Family Medicine Clinic 
57. Al Zaab Old Fire Station 
58. Khalifa Al Suweidi Building 
59. Elenco Building 
60. Former Al Dhafra Region Municipality Building
61. Madinat Zayed Vegetable, Meat & Fish Market – Abu Dhabi
62. Abu Yalee Mosque
63. Al Ain Old Gold Souk
64. Al Nyadat Eid Musalla