The Ministry of Culture and Youth in the UAE has revealed a fresh endeavour to conserve the country’s contemporary architecture. This initiative seeks to elevate the UAE’s standing on the global architectural stage, offering a more culturally enriched and design-centric tourist experience to visitors worldwide.
Dubbed the ‘Architectural Heritage of the UAE’ initiative, it is focused on safeguarding landmarks and communal spaces that emerged after the 1960s, according to Arabian Business.
The initiative would explore “various facets of urban heritage, and its centrality to the UAE’s national identity,” according to Salem Al Qassimi, Minister of Culture and Youth.
“From the notable landmarks to the daily communal spaces that emerged from the 1960s onwards, a significant portion of our history is intertwined, continually fuelling innovative thinking and inspiring unconventional ideas in the present day,” he added.
Furthermore, aligned with the Year of Sustainability, the project intends to unite diverse stakeholder groups for research, documentation, and conservation, all with the goal of preserving these architecture landmarks. A particular focus is the exploration of sustainable methods to adapt these buildings, ensuring they cater to both environmental and social requirements.
“We are rallying community members, encouraging them to foster a deep sense of pride in our nation’s unique architectural identity and actively participate in preservation endeavours,” Al Qassimi said.
In a video on Instagram, the authority listed the sites which would fall under this project.
- Abu Dhabi’s Bus Terminal and National Theatre
- Dubai’s Deira Clocktower (which is currently undergoing renovation) and Dubai World Trade Centre
- Al-Qasimiyah School and the Flying Saucer in Sharjah
- Fujairah Trade Centre and International Airport
- Ajman’s Independent Studios and Clock Square
- Khalifa Bin Zayed Stadium
- Saqr Hospital in Ras al Khaimah
- Umm Al Quwain’s Al Arabi Cultural Sports Club
Preserving National Identity for the Next 50 Years
Two distinct periods categorize modern architecture aesthetics and movements in the UAE. The first era, which emerged during the 1960s, experienced impressive economic growth and development, leading to substantial urban planning and infrastructure ventures. These early endeavours set the groundwork for the nation’s modernity and urban way of life. Following this, a second period emerged after the 1990s, marked by a transformative change in urban development. During this phase, there was a notable rise in monumental structures, embracing advanced construction methods and materials, prominently featuring glass and aluminium cladding.
The new project “comes at a time when we have just completed a significant milestone as a nation and are setting the tone for the next 50 years towards the centennial,” according to Al Qassimi. He further explained that the efforts by the Ministry of Culture and Youth and local governments aim to preserve the country’s built environment, which shows “innovative thinking and creativity at its best and defines our national ethos.”
