Abu Dhabi awards ‘Urban Treasures’ to 15 iconic buildings

Abu Dhabi: The Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT Abu Dhabi) has honored this year’s Urban Gems Award winners.

Now in its second edition, the initiative pays tribute to institutions that have left an indelible mark on Abu Dhabi’s cultural landscape.

Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi, presented awards to 15 outstanding businesses selected from across the emirate at an awards ceremony held at the Cultural Foundation on Thursday.

Winners include Abu Al Afwal Cafeteria, The Green Branch, Al Masaood Jewelery, Chhappan Bhog, Badie Optical, Cairo Textile Showroom, Al Almain Restaurant, Al Arab Restaurant, Abu Kaabi Kabab Restaurant & Grills, Lebanese Roaster, Al Sultan Restaurant & Grill , Sunshine Electronics, Gulf Bridal Salon, Cool Flowers, Ethnic Tailor Shop.

The Urban Treasures initiative, which recognizes businesses that have prospered for two decades or more, highlights the city’s iconic small businesses, including cafes, restaurants, bakeries, tailors, draperies, perfumers, Jewelry stores, photography studios and similar businesses.

By raising the profile of these precious ‘treasures’ and ensuring their preservation for future generations, the award aligns with the Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism’s Modern Heritage Program, which seeks to preserve the emirate’s recent history.

Al Mubarak said: “We are very pleased to celebrate this esteemed and distinguished group of local hotels in Abu Dhabi. These historic institutions are not just businesses, they are an integral part of the story of Abu Dhabi. Cities have grown and contributed to the character and vibrancy of our communities. They hold a special place in the memory of citizens and long-term residents. Through the Urban Treasures honor, we acknowledge their significant social impact and invite Residents and visitors continue to work with these businesses to ensure their continued prosperity.”

Nominations for the 2023 Urban Treasures opened to the public last October and received an overwhelming response of 460 nominations. A committee scrutinized each institution against a range of criteria to select this year’s outstanding recipients.