DUBAI (WAM)
The Ministry of Culture, in cooperation with the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority and Alserkal Consulting, has added “Dar Al Ittihad” to the National Register of Modern Architectural Heritage, during a visit by H.H. Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, and H.E. Sheikh Salem bin خالد القاسمي, Minister of Culture, to the building.
The visit also saw the unveiling of the official plaque marking the inclusion of “Dar Al Ittihad” in the National Register of Modern Architectural Heritage, launched by the Ministry of Culture to document and protect buildings and sites of architectural and historical significance in the UAE.
Site of a defining national moment
During the tour, H.H. Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and H.E. Sheikh Salem bin Khaled Al Qasimi explored the corridors of “Dar Al Ittihad” and reviewed key milestones in the founding of the Union, as well as the pivotal role the site played in the history of the UAE. The building hosted the meetings that paved the way for the announcement of the Union on December 2, 1971, and remains a national symbol embodying the values of unity, solidarity and the shared vision of the Founding Fathers.
The visit also included a dialogue session with H.E. Zaki Nusseibeh, Cultural Adviser to the UAE President, titled “Dar Al Ittihad: A Celebration of Modern Architectural Heritage”, attended by a number of national figures who lived through the Union’s founding era and witnessed its historic events.
Latifa bint Mohammed: a landmark in the nation’s memory
H.H. Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum said that “Dar Al Ittihad” represents a prominent national and cultural landmark and a witness to the nation’s memory and journey, as it was the place that brought the Founding Fathers together and witnessed the birth of the UAE, which made people the focus of development and ambition the path to achievement.
She said: “(Dar Al Ittihad) stands apart in our memory, as it is a bridge connecting the past and the present and an important national symbol linked to a historic moment created by the Founding Fathers, who laid the foundations of the Union to reflect the aspirations of our society for unity and excellence. Under this roof, a dream became reality, and from here began the journey of building a state that, thanks to the vision of its wise leadership, has presented the world with a unique model of development, leadership and anticipation of the future, so that the values of the Union on which our path was founded remain a source of inspiration guiding our present and shaping our future.”
She expressed her pride in the inclusion of “Dar Al Ittihad” as the first site in the National Register of Modern Architectural Heritage, in recognition of its historic standing and architectural importance, contributing to strengthening awareness of the value of national landmarks and preserving the UAE’s cultural legacy.
Commitment to preserving exceptional national sites
H.E. Sheikh Salem bin Khaled Al Qasimi said the inclusion of “Dar Al Ittihad” in the National Register of Modern Architectural Heritage reflects the standing of this exceptional national edifice, which is linked to one of the most important historic moments in the UAE’s journey.
He said that “Dar Al Ittihad” is an enduring symbol that embodies the story of the unity which laid the foundations of the UAE and strengthened its developmental and civilisational path. By adding it to the National Register of Modern Architectural Heritage, the country is affirming its commitment to protecting sites of exceptional national and cultural value, and ensuring their sustainability as sources of knowledge and inspiration, and living witnesses to the achievements made by the state since the Union was established.