15 long-running stores named Abu Dhabi’s ‘Urban Treasures’

“By recognizing and rewarding our economic, social and cultural ‘treasures’, DCT Abu Dhabi is ensuring the emirate’s sustainable development for present and future generations. It is only through these meaningful investments in our communities that long-term prosperity and social advancement can be achieved Convergence. Urban Treasures 2021 comes from a variety of industries and showcases the best qualities and attributes of our historically important business, demonstrating the values ​​and ambitions we seek to instill throughout the emirate,” said Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman, DCT Abu Dhabi.

The 2021 winners include a variety of stores, from department stores to restaurants, from fabric stores to bakeries. They include Al Aqssa Sweets, Al Ibrahimi Restaurant, Al Raiqa Date and Fruit Trading, Al Safa Carpet, Al Sultan Markets and Bakeries, All Prints, Corniche Automatic Bakeries and Markets, Jashanmal National Company, Bu Ta’fish Restaurant, Tripoli Sweets, Lebanon Flower Bakery, India Palace Restaurant, Al Dhafra Restaurant, Malik and Shaheed Shops and Zahrat Lebnan Cafeteria and Restaurant.

Each store is accompanied by a brass plaque that can be displayed outside the store identifying it as an urban treasure.

“For many of us who have lived here for a long time, these are well-known places to go. But society in Abu Dhabi is changing rapidly, so the award spreads awareness among newcomers, where institutions are ingrained. In a post-pandemic situation where the very existence of many shops is at stake, this award helps long-running shops maintain their thriving businesses in the community,” explains Yasmeen Al Rashidi, Head of Modern and Urban Heritage at DCT Abu zabi.

She added that the first edition of the awards only selected stores that have been in business for more than 20 years, while newer stores can apply for the award after meeting the criteria in the next few years.

At the awards ceremony in the capital, each winner was greeted with thunderous applause as they received the City Treasure plaque from Mubarak and the Chairman of the Department of Community Development, Dr.

The oldest winner – the Jashanmal National Company – has been running a department store in the capital since 1964. Mohan Jashanmal, a shareholder of the Jashanmal Group of Companies, told Gulf News that he remembers a time when there was not even a dirt road between the emirates.

“My dad first opened our store in 1992, and we’ve been serving the community ever since. It’s truly an honor to be recognized in this way,” said Malik and Shaheed Shops Manager Nadeem Baloushi. This store is a well-known fabric store located in the Madinat Zayed area of ​​the capital.

Wissal Ahmad, CEO of Al Ibrahimi Group, received the award for Al Ibrahimi Restaurant, a beloved Pakistani eatery that currently has nine outlets in the UAE.

“When our first restaurant opened, Abu Dhabi was still a ‘two-street city’ with the majority of commercial outlets located on one of the two streets. Since then, we have grown to include nine large restaurants and a resort, but still honored to share the stage with so many beloved venues,” said Ahmed.

For Mahmoud Hanoun, founder of Al Aqssa Sweets, the award is a high appreciation from the government. Specializing in Arabic snacks such as knafeh, warbat and basboosa, this dessert shop has been serving customers since 1980.

“When we first opened, we had about five people coming to the store. Now, we see more than 45 customers a day. It’s a totally special feeling to have the Abu Dhabi government recognize our location,” Hanon said. Say.

Another winner – the Palace of India – has also grown tremendously over the years. Founder K Muralee Dharan said the restaurant’s goal remains to provide customers with an authentic Maharaja-style dining experience.

“This award just inspires us to strive to do more for the UAE,” said Muralee Dharan.

Jashanmal National Company opened its first department store in Abu Dhabi in 1964.

In 1968, All Prints opened its first bookstore in Abu Dhabi.

Bu Ta’fish opened its first seafood restaurant in Abu Dhabi in 1968.

Lebanese Flowers opened its first bakery in Abu Dhabi in 1972.

In 1980, Al Aqssa Sweets opened its first candy store in Abu Dhabi.

In 1987, Tripoli Sweets opened its first candy store in Abu Dhabi.

Corniche Automatic Bakeries and Markets opened its first bakery and supermarket in Abu Dhabi in 1988.

Al Sultan Markets and Bakeries opened its first bakery and supermarket in Abu Dhabi in 1990.

Malik and Shaheed opened their first fabric store in Abu Dhabi in 1992.

In 1993, Al Ibrahimi restaurant opened its first branch in Abu Dhabi.

Al Dhafra Restaurant opened its first Arabic seafood restaurant in Abu Dhabi in 1993.

Safa Carpet opened its first stop in Abu Dhabi’s Mina area in 1996.

Palace of India opened its first restaurant in Abu Dhabi in 1997.

Zahrat Lebnan is a well-loved restaurant chain serving Lebanese cuisine, while Al Raiqa Date and Fruit Trading is a supermarket and date shop in the capital’s Al Mina area.