Architecture is a fundamental aspect of culture that eloquently conveys the essence of a civilization and its journey through time, encompassing its rich history, present achievements, and future aspirations. The Modern Architectural Heritage of the UAE initiative explores the various facets of the country’s urban and architectural heritage and its significance in shaping our national identity. The built environment of the UAE plays an essential role in the nation’s cultural narrative, fostering the progress of its vibrant communities.
Modern Architectural Heritage of the UAE Initiative
H.E. Sheikh Salem bin Khalid Al Qassimi
UAE Minister of Culture
About the Initiative
In line with our leadership’s vision to strengthen Emirati identity and promote the cultural heritage of our country, the Ministry of Culture is launching an initiative entitled ‘the Modern Architectural Heritage of the UAE.’ The initiative is part of the Ministry’s efforts to preserve Emirati culture and enhance its value among members of the community. It aims to establish an integrated system and a comprehensive national vision based on modern architectural heritage in the country, from the 1960s until the present day.
The architectural assets from this period are significant elements of the nation’s tangible cultural heritage. They also embody the historical, architectural, social, economic, and environmental values of the UAE and help in consolidating and strengthening national cohesion and community solidarity.
Objectives
Modern Heritage Technical Committee
The Ministry of Culture established the Modern Heritage Technical Committee in 2020 to help achieve the goals of the initiative. The committee undertakes several tasks, most notably, identifying and classifying the modern heritage of the UAE, providing technical advice, preparing policies and national strategies for managing, preserving, and spreading awareness about Modern Heritage.
Adina Hempel
Zayed University
Dr. Alamira Reem Bani Al Hashimi
Urbanist, Architect and Historian
Amel Chabbi
Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi
Dr. Eman Assi
American University of Ras Al Khaimah
Fatima Alsuwaidi
Ministry of Culture
Ismail Alhammadi
Ministry of Culture
Kevin Mitchell
American University of Sharjah
Dr. Khalid Al Awadi
Khalifa University
Mona El Mousfy
SpaceContinuum Design Studio, Sharjah Art Foundation
Roberto Fabbri
Zayed University
Shatha Al Mulla
Ministry of Culture
Sultan Sooud Al Qassemi
Barjeel Art Foundation
What is the Modern Architectural Heritage of the UAE?
The classification of "Modern Architectural Heritage" encompasses interior spaces, buildings and the spaces between them, neighborhoods, iconic landmarks, designed landscapes, and the built environment as a whole. This classification celebrates the iconic urban and architectural structures and their cultural significance.
The architectural heritage of the UAE can be categorized into roughly two periods that reflect societal and economical transformations that occurred during the 1960s and after the 1990s.
Period
During the early 1960s, a period of accelerated growth triggered a radical change in UAE’s built environment. The establishment and growth of cities, new neighborhood configurations, and construction of buildings represented a break from the past resulting from nation-building processes that transformed society, politics, and the economy. It also highlighted institutional buildings and infrastructural projects across the UAE, such as civic buildings, schools, public housing and hospitals.
The architecture during this period shares many of the characteristics of work of the Modern Movement; however, the particular response to context, climate and culture meant these buildings and/or sites departed from the main considerations of Modernism, resulting in place-specific adaptations. These buildings were often designed by locally focused practices that incorporated both reinterpreted traditional/vernacular and/or regional elements as well as Modernist typologies. New materials and methods of construction were also incorporated in these large-scale urban planning and infrastructure projects embodied aspirations towards modernity.
Share your memories with us!
With the aim of enhancing community participation, we invite you to share names of a site, building, or structure and your personal connection to it by using the below form. We greatly appreciate hearing about the significance of the place and what it represents to you.