Some businesses become so woven into the fabric of a city that they feel like landmarks in their own right. The cafeteria you’ve been visiting for years, the tailor trusted by generations, or the neighbourhood shop that’s always been there. Now, 15 more long-running Abu Dhabi establishments have officially been recognised as Urban Treasures.
The Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has announced the recipients of the fifth edition of its Urban Treasures initiative, which celebrates businesses that have played a significant role in shaping the emirate’s social, cultural and commercial identity for more than two decades. The awards were presented by His Excellency Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi, during a ceremony held at the Cultural Foundation in Abu Dhabi.
Launched to preserve and celebrate Abu Dhabi’s modern heritage, the initiative spotlights the longstanding establishments that continue to serve communities across the emirate. From cafeterias and restaurants to tailors, medical centres and family-run retailers, the winners represent the businesses that generations of residents have come to know and love.
The 2026 Urban Treasures
This year’s recipients are:
- Al Amal Medical Centre
- Shahbaz Traders
- Miss J Cafe
- Restaurant Dubai Special Kabab Grills LLC
- Kanaan Gents Saloon LLC
- Zubaid Tailors & Textile Exhibition
- Ghandour Cafeteria
- Al Bahri Dental & Orthodontic Center
- Husam Cafeteria
- Abid Trading Store
- Syria Cafeteria
- Al Qusoor Tailoring & Garments
- SeaShell Cafeterias
- ADCOOP Hypermarket
- Top Man Gents Garments
With the latest honours, a total of 75 businesses have now been recognised through the Urban Treasures programme since it launched five years ago. Each recipient was selected following a public nomination process and evaluation by a specialist committee, which considered factors such as community value, historical significance and contribution to Abu Dhabi’s urban identity.
Speaking at the ceremony, Al Mubarak said the initiative continues to recognise the businesses that have helped shape Abu Dhabi’s character over the decades and preserve the stories, traditions and experiences that make the emirate unique.
For long-time residents, many of these names will instantly spark memories. And for newcomers, they serve as a reminder that some of Abu Dhabi’s most treasured experiences aren’t always the newest—they’re the places that have stood the test of time.
