Abu Dhabi has been making strides in highlighting and preserving its modern heritage sites. In February, the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi installed the first of more than 60 plaques planned for the emirate on the facade of the Cultural Foundation Abu Dhabi. Photo: Abu Dhabi Media Office
Abu Dhabi has been making strides in highlighting and preserving its modern heritage sites. In February, the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi installed the first of more than 60 plaques planned for the emirate on the facade of the Cultural Foundation Abu Dhabi. Photo: Abu Dhabi Media Office
Abu Dhabi has been making strides in highlighting and preserving its modern heritage sites. In February, the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi installed the first of more than 60 plaques p
Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak is chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, and a member of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council
April 18, 2024
Abu Dhabi stands at the forefront of modernity. As a cosmopolitan and innovative society, we embrace new ideas – from the incredible technologies embedded in Abu Dhabi’s new airport terminal to the world’s first graduate-level artificial intelligence university dedicated to research, and from cryptocurrencies to a growing space-exploration sector.
In some parts of the world, globalisation and technology are crowding out cultural identity. In Abu Dhabi, however, that very cultural identity is shaping the way we progress. Our vision for the future is grounded in our respect for the past.
We are like a sailor with his eyes on the stars and his hand on the rudder. We gaze both ahead and behind, looking to the past to inform us for the future. This gaze encompasses the recent past as well as the distant past, which is why Abu Dhabi has begun paying tribute to the work of our preceding generations through the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi’s Modern Heritage Conservation Initiative, which takes on even greater significance as we mark International Day of Monuments and Sites, also known as World Heritage Day, today.
Madinat Zayed Gold Souq. Courtesy: Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi's Cultural Foundation was established in 1981. Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi's Cultural Foundation was established in 1981. Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce & Industry. Courtesy: Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce & Industry Courtesy: Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi
The Al Ibrahimi Building (Saeed Al Kalili) was built in the metabolist style, a fusion of nature and technology found in many Japanese cities. Courtesy: Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi
The Al Ibrahimi Building (Saeed Al Kalili) was built in the metabolist style, a fusion of nature and technology found in many Japanese cities. Courtesy: Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi
The Iran Bank has also been protected to provide physical evidence of the city’s continued development. Courtesy: Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi
Fishermen’s Wharf at Mina Zayed. Courtesy: Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi
This global occasion is an opportunity for all of us to reflect on the importance of our respective nations’ ancient cultural monuments and sites, but I truly believe iconic modern structures are also monuments in their own right, serving as markers of our cultural vibrancy, diversity and evolution.
For both emirate and nation, the new appreciation of modern heritage dates to the early 2010s. In 2011, DCT Abu Dhabi launched the Modern Heritage Conservation Initiative to safeguard the collective memory of the emirate and preserve its evolution for posterity by establishing preservation guidelines and effective strategies.
Then in 2014, the UAE chose, as the theme of its pavilion at the Venice Architecture Biennale, to celebrate public and residential architecture of the 1960s and ’70s. The 2016 Venice pavilion continued in this new direction by describing the transformation of Emirati Sha’abi housing in the 1970s and ’80s. In that same year, Abu Dhabi’s Cultural Heritage Law of 2016 safeguarded all tangible and intangible heritage, irrespective of age.
Together we must guard modern heritage, because of the value it holds in our collective memory
In 2023, after years of painstaking research, DCT Abu Dhabi announced the registration of a large number of first-priority modern heritage sites across the emirate, in line with the Cultural Heritage Law. No demolition applications will be allowed for these buildings. Instead, priority will be given for them to be maintained and rehabilitated.
The modern heritage of Abu Dhabi serves as a reminder of our emirate, and our country, what we stand for, what we strive for, and for the legacy that we are creating for future generations. The Columbia University architecture professor Yasser Elsheshtawy has observed that the modern-heritage initiative sets Abu Dhabi apart from other regional cities. Abu Dhabi, he wrote, “represents a model for measured and sustainable development and urban growth that doesn’t merely seek to gain significance through spectacular architecture but also aims to preserve the past to serve the present”.
In terms of other benefits, the conservation of modern heritage contributes to Abu Dhabi’s sustainability goals by reducing the carbon footprint from demolition and redevelopment. The greenest building is one that is already built. Research shows that it takes 10 to 80 years to offset the carbon debt incurred when an existing building is replaced by a new one. Further, conservation of modern heritage diversifies the economy by stimulating alternative real estate investments into reuse and revitalisation of the existing built environment.
The first-priority sites designated for protection under the Modern Heritage Conservation Initiative represent diverse types of buildings – a hospital, a theatre, a school, mosques, parks, hotels, markets, and the Abu Dhabi Media Company building, which housed The National for the first decade of its life.
For instance, Al Manhal Palace was the first purpose-built presidential palace, where the flag of the state was raised after the UAE joined the UN in 1971. The Saeed Al Kalili Building, fondly known for Al Ibrahimi restaurant on its ground floor, is an award-winning structure and one of the capital’s architectural masterpieces designed by the prominent Egyptian architect Dr Farouk El Gohary.
Several of the sites honour the utilitarian aspects of daily life that make urbanity possible, such as the Abu Dhabi Bus Terminal and Taxi Stand and the Khalidiya water tank. The sites span the emirate, from the vegetable and fish market and the old gold souk in Al Ain to Al Hobbara Water Tank on Sir Bani Yas Island and the former Al Dhafra Region Municipality Building.
Looking ahead, as part of our modern-heritage initiative, DCT Abu Dhabi will continue to survey Abu Dhabi’s built environment to identify and inventory other modern heritage sites to be formally registered for protection and conservation.
Together we must guard modern heritage, because of the value it holds in our collective memory as residents of this emirate, and because of the historical testimony it conveys in telling Abu Dhabi’s story through architectural and urban identity.
Tuesday's fixtures
Group A
Kyrgyzstan v Qatar, 5.45pm
Iran v Uzbekistan, 8pm
N Korea v UAE, 10.15pm
The specs
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Mercer, the investment consulting arm of US services company Marsh & McLennan, expects its wealth division to at least double its assets under management (AUM) in the Middle East as wealth in the region continues to grow despite economic headwinds, a company official said.
Mercer Wealth, which globally has $160 billion in AUM, plans to boost its AUM in the region to $2-$3bn in the next 2-3 years from the present $1bn, said Yasir AbuShaban, a Dubai-based principal with Mercer Wealth.
“Within the next two to three years, we are looking at reaching $2 to $3 billion as a conservative estimate and we do see an opportunity to do so,” said Mr AbuShaban.
Mercer does not directly make investments, but allocates clients’ money they have discretion to, to professional asset managers. They also provide advice to clients.
“We have buying power. We can negotiate on their (client’s) behalf with asset managers to provide them lower fees than they otherwise would have to get on their own,” he added.
Mercer Wealth’s clients include sovereign wealth funds, family offices, and insurance companies among others.
From its office in Dubai, Mercer also looks after Africa, India and Turkey, where they also see opportunity for growth.
Wealth creation in Middle East and Africa (MEA) grew 8.5 per cent to $8.1 trillion last year from $7.5tn in 2015, higher than last year’s global average of 6 per cent and the second-highest growth in a region after Asia-Pacific which grew 9.9 per cent, according to consultancy Boston Consulting Group (BCG). In the region, where wealth grew just 1.9 per cent in 2015 compared with 2014, a pickup in oil prices has helped in wealth generation.
BCG is forecasting MEA wealth will rise to $12tn by 2021, growing at an annual average of 8 per cent.
Drivers of wealth generation in the region will be split evenly between new wealth creation and growth of performance of existing assets, according to BCG.
Another general trend in the region is clients’ looking for a comprehensive approach to investing, according to Mr AbuShaban.
“Institutional investors or some of the families are seeing a slowdown in the available capital they have to invest and in that sense they are looking at optimizing the way they manage their portfolios and making sure they are not investing haphazardly and different parts of their investment are working together,” said Mr AbuShaban.
Some clients also have a higher appetite for risk, given the low interest-rate environment that does not provide enough yield for some institutional investors. These clients are keen to invest in illiquid assets, such as private equity and infrastructure.
“What we have seen is a desire for higher returns in what has been a low-return environment specifically in various fixed income or bonds,” he said.
“In this environment, we have seen a de facto increase in the risk that clients are taking in things like illiquid investments, private equity investments, infrastructure and private debt, those kind of investments were higher illiquidity results in incrementally higher returns.”
The Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, one of the largest sovereign wealth funds, said in its 2016 report that has gradually increased its exposure in direct private equity and private credit transactions, mainly in Asian markets and especially in China and India. The authority’s private equity department focused on structured equities owing to “their defensive characteristics.”
How to apply for a drone permit
Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
Submit their request
What are the regulations?
Fly it within visual line of sight
Never over populated areas
Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
Should have a live feed of the drone flight
Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
Stuck in a job without a pay rise? Here's what to do
Chris Greaves, the managing director of Hays Gulf Region, says those without a pay rise for an extended period must start asking questions – both of themselves and their employer.
“First, are they happy with that or do they want more?” he says. “Job-seeking is a time-consuming, frustrating and long-winded affair so are they prepared to put themselves through that rigmarole? Before they consider that, they must ask their employer what is happening.”
Most employees bring up pay rise queries at their annual performance appraisal and find out what the company has in store for them from a career perspective.
Those with no formal appraisal system, Mr Greaves says, should ask HR or their line manager for an assessment.
“You want to find out how they value your contribution and where your job could go,” he says. “You’ve got to be brave enough to ask some questions and if you don’t like the answers then you have to develop a strategy or change jobs if you are prepared to go through the job-seeking process.”
For those that do reach the salary negotiation with their current employer, Mr Greaves says there is no point in asking for less than 5 per cent.
“However, this can only really have any chance of success if you can identify where you add value to the business (preferably you can put a monetary value on it), or you can point to a sustained contribution above the call of duty or to other achievements you think your employer will value.”
Essentials The flights: You can fly from the UAE to Iceland with one stop in Europe with a variety of airlines. Return flights with Emirates from Dubai to Stockholm, then Icelandair to Reykjavik, cost from Dh4,153 return. The whole trip takes 11 hours. British Airways flies from Abu Dhabi and Dubai to Reykjavik, via London, with return flights taking 12 hours and costing from Dh2,490 return, including taxes. The activities: A half-day Silfra snorkelling trip costs 14,990 Icelandic kronur (Dh544) with Dive.is. Inside the Volcano also takes half a day and costs 42,000 kronur (Dh1,524). The Jokulsarlon small-boat cruise lasts about an hour and costs 9,800 kronur (Dh356). Into the Glacier costs 19,500 kronur (Dh708). It lasts three to four hours. The tours: It’s often better to book a tailor-made trip through a specialist operator. UK-based Discover the World offers seven nights, self-driving, across the island from £892 (Dh4,505) per person. This includes three nights’ accommodation at Hotel Husafell near Into the Glacier, two nights at Hotel Ranga and two nights at the Icelandair Hotel Klaustur. It includes car rental, plus an iPad with itinerary and tourist information pre-loaded onto it, while activities can be booked as optional extras. More information inspiredbyiceland.com
Starring: Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, Jonathan Bailey, Jeff Goldblum, Michelle Yeoh, Ethan Slater
Rating: 4/5
Day 1 results:
Open Men (bonus points in brackets)
New Zealand 125 (1) beat UAE 111 (3)
India 111 (4) beat Singapore 75 (0)
South Africa 66 (2) beat Sri Lanka 57 (2)
Australia 126 (4) beat Malaysia -16 (0)
Open Women
New Zealand 64 (2) beat South Africa 57 (2)
England 69 (3) beat UAE 63 (1)
Australia 124 (4) beat UAE 23 (0)
New Zealand 74 (2) beat England 55 (2)
Who's who in Yemen conflict
Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government
Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council
Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south
Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory
Starring: Raed Zeno, Hadi Awada, Dr Mohammad Abdalla
Director: Raed Zeno
Rating: 4/5
Specs
Engine: 51.5kW electric motor
Range: 400km
Power: 134bhp
Torque: 175Nm
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What vitamins do we know are beneficial for living in the UAE
Vitamin D: Highly relevant in the UAE due to limited sun exposure; supports bone health, immunity and mood. Vitamin B12: Important for nerve health and energy production, especially for vegetarians, vegans and individuals with absorption issues. Iron: Useful only when deficiency or anaemia is confirmed; helps reduce fatigue and support immunity. Omega-3 (EPA/DHA): Supports heart health and reduces inflammation, especially for those who consume little fish.
Ahmad El Sayed is Senior Associate at Charles Russell Speechlys, a law firm headquartered in London with offices in the UK, Europe, the Middle East and Hong Kong.
Experience: Commercial litigator who has assisted clients with overseas judgments before UAE courts. His specialties are cases related to banking, real estate, shareholder disputes, company liquidations and criminal matters as well as employment related litigation.
Education: Sagesse University, Beirut, Lebanon, in 2005.
