The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has installed the first plaque on the façade of the Cultural Foundation Abu Dhabi, highlighting its status as one of the first 62 modern heritage site identified across Abu Dhabi. The announcement was made during a prominent ceremony held at the site, attended by dignitaries, owners of modern heritage buildings and members of the press.
A historic landmark and among the initial modern heritage sites registered on Abu Dhabi’s Historic Environment Record of Abu Dhabi, the Cultural Foundation will be the first structure to bear the plaque as a symbol of the site’s cultural significance.
His Excellency Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, said: “The iconic buildings recognised as modern heritage sites are integral to Abu Dhabi’s cultural fabric, reflecting our rich heritage and evolution. Therefore, it is our mission to safeguard and promote these landmarks and we commemorate the first step in our journey as we highlight and protect Abu Dhabi's modern heritage sites for future generations.”
Announced in 2023 as part of DCT Abu Dhabi’s mandate to safeguard the emirate’s archaeological sites and historic buildings, the Modern Heritage Conservation Initiative announced the first set of 62 modern heritage sites to fall under immediate and unconditional protection across the emirate.
Featuring various sites, the landmarks are recognised as part of the emirate’s cultural heritage and provided with a top priority for maintenance and rehabilitation, in line with the Cultural Heritage Law decreed in 2016 by 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.
