Abu Dhabi has been making strides in highlighting and preserving its modern heritage sites. In February, the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi installed the first of more than 60 plaques planned for the emirate on the facade of the Cultural Foundation Abu Dhabi. Photo: Abu Dhabi Media Office
Abu Dhabi has been making strides in highlighting and preserving its modern heritage sites. In February, the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi installed the first of more than 60 plaques planned for the emirate on the facade of the Cultural Foundation Abu Dhabi. Photo: Abu Dhabi Media Office
Abu Dhabi has been making strides in highlighting and preserving its modern heritage sites. In February, the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi installed the first of more than 60 plaques p
Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak is chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, and a member of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council
April 18, 2024
Abu Dhabi stands at the forefront of modernity. As a cosmopolitan and innovative society, we embrace new ideas – from the incredible technologies embedded in Abu Dhabi’s new airport terminal to the world’s first graduate-level artificial intelligence university dedicated to research, and from cryptocurrencies to a growing space-exploration sector.
In some parts of the world, globalisation and technology are crowding out cultural identity. In Abu Dhabi, however, that very cultural identity is shaping the way we progress. Our vision for the future is grounded in our respect for the past.
We are like a sailor with his eyes on the stars and his hand on the rudder. We gaze both ahead and behind, looking to the past to inform us for the future. This gaze encompasses the recent past as well as the distant past, which is why Abu Dhabi has begun paying tribute to the work of our preceding generations through the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi’s Modern Heritage Conservation Initiative, which takes on even greater significance as we mark International Day of Monuments and Sites, also known as World Heritage Day, today.
Madinat Zayed Gold Souq. Courtesy: Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi's Cultural Foundation was established in 1981. Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi's Cultural Foundation was established in 1981. Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce & Industry. Courtesy: Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce & Industry Courtesy: Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi
The Al Ibrahimi Building (Saeed Al Kalili) was built in the metabolist style, a fusion of nature and technology found in many Japanese cities. Courtesy: Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi
The Al Ibrahimi Building (Saeed Al Kalili) was built in the metabolist style, a fusion of nature and technology found in many Japanese cities. Courtesy: Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi
The Iran Bank has also been protected to provide physical evidence of the city’s continued development. Courtesy: Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi
Fishermen’s Wharf at Mina Zayed. Courtesy: Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi
This global occasion is an opportunity for all of us to reflect on the importance of our respective nations’ ancient cultural monuments and sites, but I truly believe iconic modern structures are also monuments in their own right, serving as markers of our cultural vibrancy, diversity and evolution.
For both emirate and nation, the new appreciation of modern heritage dates to the early 2010s. In 2011, DCT Abu Dhabi launched the Modern Heritage Conservation Initiative to safeguard the collective memory of the emirate and preserve its evolution for posterity by establishing preservation guidelines and effective strategies.
Then in 2014, the UAE chose, as the theme of its pavilion at the Venice Architecture Biennale, to celebrate public and residential architecture of the 1960s and ’70s. The 2016 Venice pavilion continued in this new direction by describing the transformation of Emirati Sha’abi housing in the 1970s and ’80s. In that same year, Abu Dhabi’s Cultural Heritage Law of 2016 safeguarded all tangible and intangible heritage, irrespective of age.
Together we must guard modern heritage, because of the value it holds in our collective memory
In 2023, after years of painstaking research, DCT Abu Dhabi announced the registration of a large number of first-priority modern heritage sites across the emirate, in line with the Cultural Heritage Law. No demolition applications will be allowed for these buildings. Instead, priority will be given for them to be maintained and rehabilitated.
The modern heritage of Abu Dhabi serves as a reminder of our emirate, and our country, what we stand for, what we strive for, and for the legacy that we are creating for future generations. The Columbia University architecture professor Yasser Elsheshtawy has observed that the modern-heritage initiative sets Abu Dhabi apart from other regional cities. Abu Dhabi, he wrote, “represents a model for measured and sustainable development and urban growth that doesn’t merely seek to gain significance through spectacular architecture but also aims to preserve the past to serve the present”.
In terms of other benefits, the conservation of modern heritage contributes to Abu Dhabi’s sustainability goals by reducing the carbon footprint from demolition and redevelopment. The greenest building is one that is already built. Research shows that it takes 10 to 80 years to offset the carbon debt incurred when an existing building is replaced by a new one. Further, conservation of modern heritage diversifies the economy by stimulating alternative real estate investments into reuse and revitalisation of the existing built environment.
The first-priority sites designated for protection under the Modern Heritage Conservation Initiative represent diverse types of buildings – a hospital, a theatre, a school, mosques, parks, hotels, markets, and the Abu Dhabi Media Company building, which housed The National for the first decade of its life.
For instance, Al Manhal Palace was the first purpose-built presidential palace, where the flag of the state was raised after the UAE joined the UN in 1971. The Saeed Al Kalili Building, fondly known for Al Ibrahimi restaurant on its ground floor, is an award-winning structure and one of the capital’s architectural masterpieces designed by the prominent Egyptian architect Dr Farouk El Gohary.
Several of the sites honour the utilitarian aspects of daily life that make urbanity possible, such as the Abu Dhabi Bus Terminal and Taxi Stand and the Khalidiya water tank. The sites span the emirate, from the vegetable and fish market and the old gold souk in Al Ain to Al Hobbara Water Tank on Sir Bani Yas Island and the former Al Dhafra Region Municipality Building.
Looking ahead, as part of our modern-heritage initiative, DCT Abu Dhabi will continue to survey Abu Dhabi’s built environment to identify and inventory other modern heritage sites to be formally registered for protection and conservation.
Together we must guard modern heritage, because of the value it holds in our collective memory as residents of this emirate, and because of the historical testimony it conveys in telling Abu Dhabi’s story through architectural and urban identity.
BMW M5 specs
Engine: 4.4-litre twin-turbo V-8 petrol enging with additional electric motor
Developer: Treyarch, Raven Software Publisher: Activision Console: PlayStation 4 & 5, Windows, Xbox One & Series X/S Rating: 3.5/5
The specs
Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
Power: 640hp
Torque: 760nm
On sale: 2026
Price: Not announced yet
Infiniti QX80 specs
Engine: twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6
Power: 450hp
Torque: 700Nm
Price: From Dh450,000, Autograph model from Dh510,000
Available: Now
Royal Birkdale Golf Course
Location: Southport, Merseyside, England
Established: 1889
Type: Private
Total holes: 18
About Karol Nawrocki
• Supports military aid for Ukraine, unlike other eurosceptic leaders, but he will oppose its membership in western alliances.
• A nationalist, his campaign slogan was Poland First. "Let's help others, but let's take care of our own citizens first," he said on social media in April.
• Cultivates tough-guy image, posting videos of himself at shooting ranges and in boxing rings.
• Met Donald Trump at the White House and received his backing.
Why are asylum seekers being housed in hotels?
The number of asylum applications in the UK has reached a new record high, driven by those illegally entering the country in small boats crossing the English Channel.
A total of 111,084 people applied for asylum in the UK in the year to June 2025, the highest number for any 12-month period since current records began in 2001.
Asylum seekers and their families can be housed in temporary accommodation while their claim is assessed.
The Home Office provides the accommodation, meaning asylum seekers cannot choose where they live.
When there is not enough housing, the Home Office can move people to hotels or large sites like former military bases.
Red flags
Promises of high, fixed or 'guaranteed' returns.
Unregulated structured products or complex investments often used to bypass traditional safeguards.
Lack of clear information, vague language, no access to audited financials.
Overseas companies targeting investors in other jurisdictions - this can make legal recovery difficult.
- 5 wins in 22 months as pro
- Three wins in past 10 starts
- 45 pro starts worldwide: 5 wins, 17 top 5s
- Ranked 551th in world on debut, now No 4 (was No 2 earlier this year)
- 5th player in last 30 years to win 3 European Tour and 2 PGA Tour titles before age 24 (Woods, Garcia, McIlroy, Spieth)
Under ‘snapback’, measures imposed on Iran by the UN Security Council in six resolutions would be restored, including:
An arms embargo
A ban on uranium enrichment and reprocessing
A ban on launches and other activities with ballistic missiles capable of delivering nuclear weapons, as well as ballistic missile technology transfer and technical assistance
A targeted global asset freeze and travel ban on Iranian individuals and entities
Authorisation for countries to inspect Iran Air Cargo and Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines cargoes for banned goods
Chancellor Rachel Reeves set markets on edge as she appeared visibly distraught in parliament on Wednesday.
Legislative setbacks for the government have blown a new hole in the budgetary calculations at a time when the deficit is stubbornly large and the economy is struggling to grow.
She appeared with Keir Starmer on Thursday and the pair embraced, but he had failed to give her his backing as she cried a day earlier.
A spokesman said her upset demeanour was due to a personal matter.
Engine: 3.4-litre twin-turbo V6 plus supplementary electric motor
Power: 464hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 790Nm from 2,000-3,600rpm
Transmission: 10-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 11.7L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh590,000
The biog
Alwyn Stephen says much of his success is a result of taking an educated chance on business decisions.
His advice to anyone starting out in business is to have no fear as life is about taking on challenges.
“If you have the ambition and dream of something, follow that dream, be positive, determined and set goals.
"Nothing and no-one can stop you from succeeding with the right work application, and a little bit of luck along the way.”
Mr Stephen sells his luxury fragrances at selected perfumeries around the UAE, including the House of Niche Boutique in Al Seef.
He relaxes by spending time with his family at home, and enjoying his wife’s India cooking.
The studios taking part (so far)
Punch
Vogue Fitness
Sweat
Bodytree Studio
The Hot House
The Room
Inspire Sports (Ladies Only)
Cryo
Going grey? A stylist's advice
If you’re going to go grey, a great style, well-cared for hair (in a sleek, classy style, like a bob), and a young spirit and attitude go a long way, says Maria Dowling, founder of the Maria Dowling Salon in Dubai.
It’s easier to go grey from a lighter colour, so you may want to do that first. And this is the time to try a shorter style, she advises. Then a stylist can introduce highlights, start lightening up the roots, and let it fade out. Once it’s entirely grey, a purple shampoo will prevent yellowing.
“Get professional help – there’s no other way to go around it,” she says. “And don’t just let it grow out because that looks really bad. Put effort into it: properly condition, straighten, get regular trims, make sure it’s glossy.”
