Public Policy Document

The National Policy for the Preservation of Modern Architectural Heritage of the United Arab Emirates was issued in 2024 in response to the visionary leadership's efforts to enhance elements of the UAE's national identity and intensify efforts to preserve its cultural heritage. This policy aims to establish a comprehensive national vision and directives focused on modern architectural heritage in the country, which is considered a key element of Emirati cultural heritage.
Architectural landmarks are of significant cultural importance as they form part of the national identity and the tangible cultural heritage of the UAE. They embody diverse cultural values, including historical, architectural, social, economic, and environmental values, which, in turn, contribute to strengthening and reinforcing national cohesion and societal solidarity.
 

1. Protection and Preservation of Modern Architectural Heritage:
   • Safeguarding modern architectural heritage is a collective responsibility to ensure the preservation of the UAE's history as reflected in its built environment during its rise as an independent country. Modern architectural heritage bridges the gap in urban development and urban planning between the past and the present.
2. Raising Awareness and Fostering National Pride and Identity:
   • Modern architectural heritage is an integral part of the nation’s cultural and historical identity. Documenting and preserving it enhances national pride, reinforces the principles of national identity, and deepens the sense of belonging and appreciation for the past and the nation’s achievements.
3. Alignment and Collaboration Among Stakeholders:
   • This policy fosters a unified understanding of modern architectural heritage and its cultural values at the national level. It enhances collaboration among relevant entities, public welfare associations, and private sector organizations by integrating historical and cultural elements into urban planning. It promotes sustainable practices, such as adaptive reuse and preservation of culturally significant buildings and sites, while mitigating negative environmental impacts.
4. Promoting Education and Research:
   • Establishing mechanisms and initiatives to support and empower efforts in research, documentation, and preservation of modern architectural heritage. It also aims to enhance local partnerships and collaboration to build capacity and share relevant information and data in this field.
5. Enhancing Cultural Tourism and Supporting Economic Growth:
   • Culturally significant buildings and sites serve as a major attraction for local and international tourists interested in culture and history. This supports the local economy and expands tourism and economic growth, particularly in areas surrounding these cultural and historical sites.
6. Legacy and Global Standing of the Nation:
   • Strengthening the UAE’s global reputation and competitiveness as a leader in protecting modern architectural heritage through the development and implementation of a comprehensive national policy. This policy aligns with international best practices and develops solutions that contribute to achieving national goals and Sustainable Development Goals. It bolsters the UAE’s cultural presence on the global stage and supports national efforts to register heritage files on world heritage lists while enhancing the country’s soft power index.
7. Promoting and Supporting Innovation:
   • Promoting modern architectural heritage contributes to supporting and increasing innovation in this field by highlighting its value and inspiring the next generation of artists and architects to incorporate and develop its essence in their works.
      

1. Legislative and Regulatory Framework for Modern Architectural Heritage:
   • Develop a comprehensive legislative framework to safeguard modern architectural heritage at the federal and local levels.
   • Document and register modern architectural heritage sites and buildings at both the national and local levels (a unified national registry and local registries).
   • Establish governance structures and coordinate national efforts for the preservation of modern architectural heritage.
2. Community Knowledge and Awareness of Modern Architectural Heritage and Its Significance:
   • Strengthen initiatives to raise public awareness and appreciation of modern architectural heritage.
   • Incorporate modern architectural heritage into educational curricula.
   • Enhance the availability and accessibility of information and data related to modern architectural heritage.
3. Research and Capacity Building in the Field of Modern Architectural Heritage:
   • Increase support for academic and specialized research activities focused on modern architectural heritage.
   • Focus on developing specialized skills and expertise in the preservation and management of modern architectural heritage.
4. International Presence and Collaboration in Modern Architectural Heritage:
   • Enhance the UAE’s international presence, participation, and representation in the field of modern architectural heritage.
   • Host international and regional conferences and summits related to modern architectural heritage.
   • Promote and register modern architectural heritage sites of national significance on the global stage.
      

1. Improving the management and preservation of modern heritage sites.
2. Enhancing the UAE’s efforts to increase the number of cultural sites on global heritage lists.
3. Encouraging financially and environmentally sustainable construction and real estate development methodologies.
4. Contributing to the UAE’s efforts to achieve Sustainable Development Goals.
5. Raising public awareness and education on the importance of modern architectural heritage landmarks.
    

1. Government entities (regulatory and supervisory authorities).
2. Engineers/architectural designers and urban planners.
3. Developers and property owners.