Imagine strolling through the bustling Green Souk or revisiting the halls of Corniche Hospital, places that have woven themselves into the fabric of Abu Dhabi’s identity. But here’s where it gets even more meaningful: these cherished sites, along with over 40 others, have now been officially preserved as modern heritage, ensuring their stories continue for generations to come. This isn’t just about saving buildings—it’s about safeguarding the memories, experiences, and daily rhythms that define life in the emirate.
The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) made a groundbreaking announcement on February 15: these newly listed locations will be legally protected, joining the initial group of modern heritage buildings identified in 2022. This expansion is the result of three years of meticulous documentation and research conducted between 2023 and 2025, highlighting the emirate’s commitment to honoring its recent past.
And this is the part most people miss: Unlike traditional heritage sites, which often focus on ancient history, the modern register celebrates places where residents have lived, studied, worked, or simply passed through. Think schools, post offices, hospitals, markets, and public spaces—the everyday environments that have shaped Abu Dhabi’s collective identity. Among the newly protected landmarks are familiar names like Green Souk in Bani Yas and Al Shahama, Corniche Hospital, Al Jouri Kindergarten, Madinat Zayed Bus Station, and even the Khalidiya and Hamdan post offices. These aren’t just structures; they’re chapters in the emirate’s story.
The list also includes sites tied to the UAE’s early development, such as Al Ain Museum, established in 1969 as one of the nation’s first cultural institutions, and the former Abu Dhabi International Airport Terminal 1, which opened in 1982 during the emirate’s aviation boom. Even the former National Consultative Council building, dating back to 1968, has been preserved, symbolizing the country’s formative years in governance.
But here’s the controversial question: As we celebrate these modern heritage sites, should we also reconsider how we define ‘heritage’? Is it solely about age, or does cultural significance play an equally important role? Saood Abdulaziz Al Hosani, Undersecretary of DCT Abu Dhabi, emphasizes that these spaces are a cornerstone of the emirate’s cultural identity, reflecting its growth and development. By protecting them, we’re not just preserving architecture—we’re safeguarding the urban legacy that continues to shape communities.
This initiative aligns with Abu Dhabi’s Cultural Heritage Law of 2016, which protects both tangible and intangible heritage, including modern landmarks. For privately owned buildings, owners have been notified and have 15 days to file an appeal, as per the law. Meanwhile, DCT Abu Dhabi will continue surveying the emirate to identify more sites of cultural, architectural, social, or historical value.
For residents, this effort invites a fresh perspective: to see familiar places not just as part of daily life, but as pieces of a shared, evolving story. So, what do you think? Are we doing enough to preserve our modern heritage, or is there more we should be doing? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s keep this conversation going!
