Wave of nostalgia greets decision to demolish Abu Dhabi’s historic Zaab souq
An Abu Dhabi landmark that dates back to the days before modern shopping malls is to be demolished, prompting an outpouring of nostalgia among long-time residents.
Zaab souq in Khalidiya – dating from the late 1970s or early 1980s – closed about two months ago.
Abu Dhabi Municipality could not be reached for comment but workers in nearby shops confirmed news of the souq’s impending demolition.
The building was in disrepair and its handful of shops was shut. Staff at its popular KFC branch have moved to the adjacent Khalidiyah Mall, while its laundry has moved to another neighbourhood. It is still not clear what – if anything – will be built in its place.
Scores of people took to social media to share their memories of the souq. Most lamented the loss of an Abu Dhabi landmark, yet many felt these changes were inevitable.
But all agreed Zaab souq represented a simpler time when community life did not revolve around air-conditioned malls or high-rise glass towers.
“Abu Dhabi didn’t have the massive malls then,” said Tim Pick, 46, who lived in an apartment beside the souq from 1997 to 2000. “You had to engage with local shops. These days it is high-end.”
Several of these strip malls were built in the city during a time when Abu Dhabi was expanding rapidly. Few survive.
“I’m quite nostalgic for those days,” said Mr Pick, a British lawyer. “That strip mall is a classic example of the 1980s expansion – it is a bit old and shabby and tired but it is a shame they are being lost. It is inevitable but it is sad.”
Having stood for about 40 years, the building is now in a poor condition, but its architecture is typical of the era and blends in with its environment.
Built of concrete – a material well suited to Abu Dhabi’s harsh summers because it absorbs heat – the design incorporates local motifs such as arches and crenellations. A riwaq, or arcade, offers welcome shade from the sun.
“I was born and raised in Abu Dhabi and my memories of the strip start from my childhood in the late nineties,” said Yasmin Hamad, 25, an urban designer who is originally from Sudan.
“But my most vivid memories revolve around picking or dropping off laundry at New Al Zaab Laundry. They would recognise and chat with everyone who dropped by,” Ms Hamad said.
In the days before Yas Island’s theme parks, children played under the concrete arches and neighbours met for a cup of steaming karak chai in one of the souq’s cafes.
The area around the souq is known as Al Zaab. Emirati Fahad Al Zaabi grew up there and remembers it as the only place to meet friends after school.
“We had no mall or shopping centre so we went there,” said Mr Al Zaabi, 33. “It is part of my childhood but they needed to change it. It was very old and they need modern buildings.”
Today, many of these older buildings that survived from the first wave of construction in the late 1970s are either being torn down or replaced.
In neighbourhoods such as Khalidiya and Tourist Club, the buildings that allowed the city’s army of workers to build the growing Abu Dhabi are disappearing. Some wonder if it is possible to preserve them.
“These types of small strips of shops are a part of the history of the construction and development of Abu Dhabi,” said Mary Morgan, a Briton, who lived near by in the 2000s.
“I would prefer to see it preserved or refurbished so it could continue to be shops for local residents.”
But Zaab souq today stands empty. Birds have nested under the concrete canopy where children once played, an old public telephone stands forlornly by one pillar, while the tables of a small cafe no longer have any customers.
“Whatever its fate, it seems the old Zaab souq has served its purpose,” Ms Hamad said.
“It will be remembered fondly by everyone who frequented it throughout its lifetime.”
Abu Dhabi didn’t have the massive malls then. You had to engage with local shops. These days it is high-end TIM PICK Resident