Abu Dhabi identifies 64 sites in need of 'unconditional protection'

The buildings and landmarks were named under the capital's Modern Heritage Conservation Initiative

Abu Dhabi Bus Terminal and Taxi Stand is one of 64 sites identified by DCT Abu Dhabi as requiring 'unconditional protection'. Victor Besa / The National

The Cultural Foundation. Khushnum Bhandari / The National

The National Theatre. Khushnum Bhandari / The National

Zayed Sports City. Delores Johnson / The National

Radisson Blu Resort Al Ain (formerly Hilton Al Ain). Photo: Radisson

Al Khalidiyah Park. Silvia Razgova / The National

Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry Tower. Victor Besa / The National

Al Bateen Mall. Khushnum Bhandari / The National

The Radisson Blu Hotel & Resort Abu Dhabi Corniche. Photo: Radisson

The headquarters of Abu Dhabi National Oil Company. Photo: Andrew Henderson / The National

Etisalat Headquarters in Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National

Abu Dhabi's Al Manhal Palace, where the UAE flag was raised after the country joined the UN in 1971, and Zayed Sports City are among 64 buildings and sites in the capital that have been identified as requiring "immediate and unconditional protection".

The list of buildings and heritage sites was compiled by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi to be added to its Modern Heritage Conservation Initiative. No demolition applications will be allowed for these buildings, the authority said. Instead, priority will be given for them to be maintained and rehabilitated in accordance with their designated grade.

"Part of DCT Abu Dhabi’s mission includes preserving Abu Dhabi’s culture and identity," said Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi. "Our architectural and urban heritage is an extremely important element of our recent history, which deserves to be recognised and protected.

“It is our civic responsibility to guard this modern heritage, not only because of the value it holds in our collective memory as residents of this emirate, but because of the historical testimony it has in telling Abu Dhabi’s story through architectural and urban identity between the traditional past and our aspirations for the future.”

The full list is below.

1. Cultural Foundation
2. Abu Dhabi Bus Terminal and Taxi Stand
3. Al Manhal Palace
4. Zayed bin Sultan The Second Mosque
5. The National Theatre
6. Former Al Jazeera Hospital
7. Zayed Sports City
8. Islamic Institute Complex (formerly UAEU)
9. Niqa Bin Ateej Water Tank and Park
10. Radisson Blu Al Ain (Hilton Al Ain)
11. Al Jahili Eid Prayer Grounds
12. Al Khalidiyah Park
13. Al Ain Old Central Market
14. Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry Tower
15. Al Bateen Mall
16. InterContinental Abu Dhabi
17. Radisson Blu Hotel & Resort, Abu Dhabi Corniche (Hilton Abu Dhabi)
18. Hili Old Market (Shaabi Market)
19. Zayed Al Awwal Secondary School – Oud Al Hassa
20. Former Adnoc Headquarters
21. Al Maqta Conservation Area
22. Former Vehicles & Drivers Licensing Directorate
23. Bida’ Zayed Central Souq
24. Arab Monetary Fund Building
25. Etisalat Headquarters – Abu Dhabi
26. Federal National Council
27. Saeed Al Kalili (Al Ibrahimi Building)
28. Heirs of Salem Khadem Al Qubaisi Building
29. HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Tower (Blue Tower – Union National Bank)
30. Hamed Centre
31. Hamdan Centre
32. Obaid Al Mazrouai
33. Butti Al Otaiba Building
34. Harib Tower
35. Sheraton Hotel
36. Le Meridien Hotel
37. Al Ghaf Tree Park
38. Airport Road Park
39. Armed Forces Officers Club & Conference Centre
40. Al Omeirah Building (Adidas)
41. Al Hobbara Water Tank (SBY Island)
42. Bida’ Zayed Pool
43. Liwa Rest House
44. Remah Rest House complex
45. Salman Khalifa Al Mazroei
46. Otaiba Building
47. Mesaied Khalid Al Mansoori
48. The Central Bank of the UAE
49. Al Ain Vegetable & Fish Market (Shibrat Al Ain)
50. City Terminal (Abu Dhabi International Airport)
51. Abu Dhabi City Municipality Building
52. Department of Economic Development
53. Department of Finance
54. Abu Dhabi Media Company
55. Abu Dhabi Oil Co. – Japan (ADOC)
56. Al Manhal Family Medicine Clinic
57. Al Zaab Old Fire Station
58. Khalifa Al Suweidi Building
59. Elenco Building
60. Former Al Dhafra Region Municipality Building
61. Madinat Zayed Vegetable, Meat & Fish Market – Abu Dhabi
62. Abu Yalee Mosque
63. Al Ain Old Gold Souk
64. Al Nyadat Eid Musalla