The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has recognised modern heritage sites in Abu Dhabi with honorary plaques to recognise their cultural and historical significance.

Announced in 2023 as part of DCT Abu Dhabi’s mandate to safeguard the emirate’s urban heritage, Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi, registered the first set of modern heritage sites to fall under immediate and unconditional protection across the emirate. The launch of the Modern Heritage Building Plaque programme underscores the significance of these landmarks to the community and the shared responsibility in ensuring their preservation for future generations. DCT Abu Dhabi’s strategy to safeguard the emirate’s historic sites and buildings includes the Modern Heritage Conservation Initiative, under which this first set of more than 60 modern heritage sites across the emirate has been identified.

Held at the iconic Cultural Foundation, the ceremony was attended by Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak and Saood Abdulaziz Al Hosani, Under-Secretary of DCT Abu Dhabi, in addition to dignitaries from the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT), Awqaf, Ministry of Presidential Affairs, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince’s Court, Abu Dhabi Media Company, Abu Dhabi National Hotels Company, and owners of private and public modern heritage sites across the emirate.

Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi, said, “The iconic buildings we have recognised as modern heritage sites are integral to Abu Dhabi’s cultural fabric and urban identity, reflecting our rich heritage and evolution. It is our collective responsibility to safeguard and promote these landmarks as we preserve Abu Dhabi's modern heritage sites for our future generations. The recognition ceremony reiterates the shared responsibility that we have with the community to preserve these sites.”

Al Hosani added, “DCT Abu Dhabi’s Modern Heritage Conservation Initiative will continue to identify and protect the emirate’s urban heritage institutions, celebrating landmarks that are unique and historically significant. As part of the Initiative, the plaque programme will drive community engagement and education while contributing to Abu Dhabi’s growth as a cultural capital. Each plaque reminds residents and visitors to take notice of their urban environment and appreciate the places that make Abu Dhabi noteworthy.”

A historical landmark and among the initial modern heritage sites registered in the emirate of Abu Dhabi’s Public Register, the Cultural Foundation is the first structure to bear the plaque as a symbol of cultural significance to all.

Featuring various buildings – a hospital, a theatre, a school, mosques, parks, hotels, markets and commercial buildings, among many others – these landmarks are recognised as part of the emirate’s cultural heritage and given top priority for maintenance and rehabilitation, in line with the Cultural Heritage Law decreed in 2016 by the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

Following the initial announcement, DCT Abu Dhabi continues to survey Abu Dhabi’s built environment to identify other modern heritage sites for formal registration, protection and conservation.

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