Plan to save historic UAE buildings will enrich future generations, experts say

Cabinet's approval of project to preserve modern architecture will 'strengthen our collective sense of identity and respect for the UAE's achievement'

Dubai World Trade Centre in the late 1970s or early 1980s. It is an example of the UAE's modernist architecture. Alamy

A new programme to preserve the UAE’s modern architecture will enrich future generations' understanding of history, support economic growth and enhance community identity, experts have said.

The Cabinet last Wednesday approved the countrywide heritage drive that encompasses 130 sites and buildings.

It is being seen as a crucial development that can only enhance recognition of how far the country has come since its unification in 1971.

And while the initial list has not yet been revealed, there are plans to name 1,000 in the coming years under the “National Policy for Preserving the UAE’s Modern Architectural Heritage”, which was first launched in 2023 by the Ministry of Culture and Youth.

It is important that these buildings are repurposed so people can use them, experts told The National.

Abu Dhabi heritage buildings

“[The policy] is a crucial initiative that will safeguard modern architectural heritage for the coming generations who may only know the UAE through a glittering skyline and ultra-modern structures,” said Sultan Sooud Al Qassemi, founder of Barjeel Art Foundation.

“An appreciation of where we started from will only strengthen our collective sense of identity and respect for the UAE's achievements,” said Mr Al Qassemi, also a writer and researcher, who edited Building Sharjah, a work that highlighted the emirate’s architecture.

He said it was notable that the criteria extends beyond the aesthetic value of modern heritage and “considered the historic and cultural significance of lesser-known buildings”.

“It is also empowering the individual emirates to select and propose what they consider to be important modern heritage,” he said.

Abu Dhabi, for example, has its own modern heritage programme. Major buildings such as Al Manhal Palace, the headquarters of Adnoc, Zayed Sports City and Abu Dhabi’s Main Bus Terminal are included. But it also encompasses less-known sites including parks and even a water tank.

“These structures usually have urban presence full of memories and narratives,” said George Katodrytis, professor of architecture at American University of Sharjah. “A walk in Dubai’s Karama, is a reminder of the 1959 John Harris master plan of the urban grid," he added, referring to the British architect.

"A walk in downtown Abu Dhabi is a reminder of John Elliot's master plan, from 1961, of superblocks and urban squares," he said, recalling the planner who played a role in the capital's early development. "A drive through Sharjah’s industrial zone is a reminder of Halcrow’s [UK engineering company] industrial zone master plan of the same period.”

The new Gulf cities rose from the 1950s on. Abu Dhabi for example, transformed from mostly barasti huts around a stone fort to a modern city, while Dubai expanded from around Dubai Creek.

“While in the West, post-war 1950s and 1960s, architecture was dramatically erasing and transforming the urban landscape, in the Gulf modernity contributed to the creation of the new nation on empty land,” said Prof Katodrytis. “In most cases these buildings would stand isolated in the desert. They were true monuments and destinations.”

While we yet don’t know what buildings are on the UAE-wide list, the Dubai World Trade Centre is a promiment landmark. It towered over the landscape, acted a visual reference point and pointed to the city’s future development south away from the traditional Creek area. It was designed by Mr Harris and was officially opened in 1979 by Sheikh Rashid and the late Queen Elizabeth of Britain.

But what makes a building special and worth saving?

Prof Katodrytis said he would categorise the main two criteria and values in selecting these buildings to be their social (public and interactive urban buildings) and aesthetic impact.

“Modernity in the UAE is unique,” he said. “It is a hybrid of western modernist ideas but fused with local attributes such as formal traditional details, response to climate and large building mass. Preserving physicality of this recent history and preserving its architecture, points to ways we can project to the future.”

The question now remains about what the buildings are used for. Abu Dhabi’s Cultural Foundation, for example, went through a painstaking renovation before reopening in 2019. More recently, it was announced parts of the Abu Dhabi bus station would be revamped as a cafe, gallery and film screening area.

Apostolos Kyriazis, associate professor of architecture and urbanism at Abu Dhabi University, said these buildings from the early 60s to early 80s mark the foundation of contemporary cities in the UAE and it is “very important” to keep those that remain.

"The memory of a city or place revolves around buildings and memory and such initiatives keep identity alive,” he said. “All emirates went through the same story – this is very special.”

Prof Katodrytis said he would support the idea that any building in the UAE built prior to 1980s should be preserved and repurposed rather than being demolished.

Mr Al Qassemi said this move to safeguard heritage was “just the beginning”.

“The next step should be repurposing these buildings in an adequate manner in order for them to be living structures, to be used and frequented by citizens, residents and visitors alike," he said.