The Department of Culture and Tourism, DCT, in Abu Dhabi has awarded to Zublin Construction LLC the AED500 million contract for the refurbishment and conservation of the Cultural Foundation Building at Qasr Al Hosn, the symbolic birthplace of the capital of the UAE.

The Cultural Foundation Building at the site has come to symbolise Abu Dhabi's accelerated cultural progress in recent years, having been the home to the city’s first library, exhibition hall and theatre. It can claim to be the first modern era cultural building in Abu Dhabi and its opening in 1981 was marked a significant step in the creation of the city of today.

Now, with the award of this new contract, the 23,000 sqm building will undergo extensive refurbishment and upgrading, work that includes the reintroduction of a library, creation of exhibition spaces, the opening of a theatre designed to seat 900, as well as learning and workshops facilities, and food and beverage areas.

Work on the site has already commenced, with shoring, excavation and the installation of working piles for the car parks already complete.

Saif Saeed Ghobash, Director-General of DCT, said, "Because of its historical, social, architectural, symbolic and urban significance, the Cultural Foundation Building has taken its rightful place as one of the major achievements of the emerging nation of the UAE. It can rightly be seen as a central component of Abu Dhabi’s living memory, and as a key symbol of the continuation of Abu Dhabi’s cultural growth.

"The Cultural Foundation Building is a major marker on Abu Dhabi’s historic development, and the transition from the past into the present. Moreover, with the building being part of the refurbished Qasr Al Hosn site, this investment will positively impact the Emirate’s status as a cultural tourism destination."

Ghobash added, "Having more scope to demonstrate our rich culture and traditions to guests means visitor footfall to the UAE will rise, and this has a related and positive impact on our hospitality, travel and retail sectors. Awarding the contract to Zublin Construction LLC, that is to say partnering with the private sector on our culture sector projects, also consolidates our commitment to supporting the economic growth of the emirate.

The new contract is the final one needed to be awarded as part of the ongoing master project plan for the refurbishment of the entire Qasr Al Hosn site and brings the total investment in the project to more than AED700 million. The wider project takes in the Qasr Al Hosn Fort, which was the first permanent structure built in Abu Dhabi and housed the ruling Al Nahyan family for generations. As work on the cultural foundation begins, the restoration of the fort nears completion.

The total project plan was announced in March by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and sets out the schedule of works and enhancements that will encompass the Qasr Al Hosn fort, the National Consultative Council Building, and the Cultural Foundation Building. Upon completion, the Qasr al Hosn site will be transformed into a year-round destination that remains permanently open to visitors and residents, offering unique, cultural, educational and immersive experiences for all.