Fifteen businesses that have shaped Abu Dhabi's cultural and social landscape honoured as ‘Urban Treasures'

28 May 2025 23:38
AMEINAH ALZEYOUDI (ABU DHABI)The Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has announced the recipients of the fourth edition of the Urban Treasures Initiative, an annual celebration of long-running businesses that have shaped Abu Dhabi's cultural and social landscape.These businesses have contributed to cementing Abu Dhabi's position as one of the leading cities in the world for living and working.This award forms part of the department's ongoing efforts to preserve the emirate's modern heritage and celebrate its rich history.The ceremony was held at the Cultural Foundation, during which 15 establishments from across the emirate were honoured for their longstanding presence and exceptional contributions to the local landscape.Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi, presented the awards to the winning institutions, which included: Khulood Club, Gulf Pastry, Zahrat Al Khaleej Nablusia Sweets, Orchid Tailoring & Embroidery Shop, Mohammed Farooq Perfumes, Al Jumaira Studio and Stores, Al Yahar Modern Restaurant and Kitchen, Three Star Watches Shop, Shawarma Ala Alragef Cafeteria, Happy Yemen Restaurant, Ahmed Sultan Al Salami Trading and Importing, Al Ain International Medical Polyclinic, Nauras, Baqala Cheese & Pickles Centre, and Al Sidr Natural Honey.Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak said: 'The Urban Treasures initiative continues to shine a light on the longstanding businesses that have added to Abu Dhabi's character over the decades. These establishments are enduring community pillars that reflect the spirit of our emirate, and by celebrating them, we honour these human stories and traditions. With each successive edition, we celebrate businesses that are recognised for having a lasting impact within our community and inspire future generations to cherish their legacy.'Speaking at the event, Saood Al Hosani, Undersecretary at the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, said: 'Our celebration today marks the fourth edition of the Urban Treasures initiative. It aligns with the principles of the Year of the Community in the UAE, fostering social cohesion and solidarity. Through this initiative, we honour places that have brought people together and upheld the values of cooperation, coexistence and shared trade.'He continued: 'Today, we recognise 15 commercial establishments chosen by the local community. So far, we have honoured 60 such institutions - a major milestone in our mission to safeguard the living heritage of Abu Dhabi. These businesses have flourished for more than 20 years and helped shape the cultural identity of the UAE.'Among this year's honourees was Elie Reaidy, representing the historic Nauras Shop, founded in 1969. He said: 'I would like to thank the Department of Culture and Tourism for this wonderful initiative. Our logo features a bird - the migratory bird - which symbolises freedom. The bird carries wheat, representing generosity and prosperity. So, our symbol is love - love that lies between freedom and giving. We hope that Abu Dhabi continues to embody these values.'Mohammed Younis, originally from Jordan and owner of a honey factory in Abu Dhabi, shared his journey: 'I've been working with bees and honey for 40 years. My love for bees and the medicinal value of honey inspired me to establish a specialised institution at a time when none existed in this field. Honey isn't just a food, but also a medicine - and our goal was to share its health benefits with society.'The Urban Treasures Initiative was launched with the aim of recognising the city's landmark homegrown businesses - including restaurants, bakeries, tailors, fabric stores, perfumeries, jewellers, pharmacies, photography studios and similar establishments - which have thrived in Abu Dhabi for 20 years or more.Seeking to further raise the profiles of these 'treasures' and preserve them for future generations, the award aligns with DCT Abu Dhabi's Modern Heritage Initiative, which celebrates and safeguards the emirate's more recent past.
Nominations for Urban Treasures 2025 were opened to the public. Candidates were then evaluated by a specialised committee based on a set of criteria, including key elements such as place-making, urban history, community value, and physical authenticity.

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

Zawya

2 hours ago

• Zawya

FAB becomes MENA's first lender to join CIPS as direct participant

Abu Dhabi: First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) has become the first lender in the MENA region to join the cross-border Interbank Payment System (CIPS) as a direct participant (DP), according to a press release. FAB's direct participation in CIPS, the official cross-border payment infrastructure for Renminbi (RMB), improves its ability to provide clients with faster, more secure, and efficient cross-border RMB payment solutions. The announcement also reinforces the ADX-listed bank's position in cash management and clearing across the MENA region. Meanwhile, FAB is the only UAE bank operating a fully licensed branch in Mainland China and is committed to meeting the needs of clients and partners in both markets. This aligns with FAB's leadership in digital transformation and its commitment to anchoring the UAE's position as a regional financial hub. Hana Al Rostamani, Group CEO at FAB, said: "Our direct participation in CIPS significantly enhances our ability to provide faster, more secure and efficient RMB payment solutions and deliver real-time settlement capabilities.' 'This development reinforces our leadership in regional cash management and clearing. It also strengthens FAB's role as a trusted financial infrastructure partner for clients transacting between China, the UAE and the broader MENA region," Al Rostamani highlighted. FAB is also the first bank in the MENA region to deploy Oracle and Mastercard's solution to revolutionize business-to-business (B2B) finance and payments transactions. In the first quarter (Q1) of 2025, the UAE-based lender logged net profits valued at AED 5.12 billion, higher by 23% year-on-year (YoY) than AED 4.15 billion.

Zawya

2 hours ago

• Zawya

Aldar registers $953mln in Fahid Island sales during launch week

Abu Dhabi: Aldar Properties generated more than AED 3.50 billion in sales at Fahid Beach Residences and The Beach House, according to a press release. The Fahid Island homes attracted several buyers due to their position as Abu Dhabi's first coastal wellness destination, the waterfront lifestyle, and proximity to super-premium education at King's College School Wimbledon. Expatriate residents and overseas buyers equaled 67% of total sales, with buyers from the UAE, Russia, the UK, and China making up the top nationalities by sales volume In response to the increasing demand for Fahid Beach Residences, Aldar accelerated the launch of Fahid Island's second residential offering, Jonathan Emery, CEO at Aldar Development, said: 'The success reflects Abu Dhabi's position as one of the world's most desirable investment and lifestyle destinations and we are expecting continued interest in Fahid Island as Abu Dhabi's first wellness island builds its profile on the global stage.' Aldar recently teamed up with King's College School Wimbledon to launch its first regional campus on Abu Dhabi's Fahid Island.

Zawya

3 hours ago

• Zawya

Union Insurance reduces capital by 30.5% to offset accumulated losses

Abu Dhabi: Union Insurance Company reduced its capital by 30.50% from AED 330.93 million to AED 230 million to offset accumulated losses amounting to AED 142.74 million. The transaction will be executed by utilizing AED 41.80 million from reserves, including AED 21.85 million from the statutory reserve and AED 19.95 million from the legal reserve, to partially offset the losses. Meanwhile, the remaining AED 100.93 million will be written off by cancelling a corresponding number of shares. The last trading day before the capital adjustment is scheduled for 24 June 2025, with trading suspended on 25 and 26 June. The capital cut will take effect before trading hours on 30 June 2025, which will also mark the first trading day following the reduction.