Preserving our tangible identity

Physical spaces help define who we are, and some should be maintained and celebrated

The Main Bus station in Abu Dhabi has a unique 1970s “futuristic” design. Fatima Al Marzooqi/ The National

The transformation of the UAE into a modern state has happened at an astonishing speed, which has meant the loss of some once-familiar structures. For example, many of us remember Abu Dhabi’s Volcano Fountain, which was once the favourite gathering point on the Corniche. Sadly, the fountain and many other structures have been razed to make way for new developments. And that makes those that remain even more precious.

As The National reported yesterday, Emirati and expatriate architecture enthusiasts have appealed to the authorities to reconsider demolishing Al Amal psychiatric hospital on Al Wasl Road, which was built in the 1980s but became redundant when patients were moved to a new building in Al Aweer. The group organised an exhibition of pictures documenting its long white corridors and date palm-lined courtyards.

Others have asked officials to spare the pavilion in Safa Park, which once housed cafes and a library. Its Arabesque style of architecture “is rooted to a Middle East identity in a more modern perspective”, as Emirati entrepreneur Rashid bin Shabib puts it.

There are other landmarks that may deserve preservation, including the carefully designed roundabouts that feature cultural symbols and animal motifs. Examples include Deira Clock Tower, Al Ain’s Coffee Pot Roundabout and Ras Al Khaimah’s Pearl Roundabout.

No matter how old-fashioned it may seem, every building tells part of the story of the UAE and its evolving architectural identity. The challenge is to identify those that we believe are worth keeping for future generations.

Perhaps we can follow the example of the United Kingdom’s blue plaque scheme. Founded in 1866 and run by English Heritage, the scheme signposts buildings and other structures with inscribed plaques explaining their cultural significance – be it the birthplace of an important person or the scene of an historical event. The time to act is now, before more buildings disappear.