Mourning the departure from a cherished Abu Dhabi neighborhood, set to leave the island
A Love Letter to Mushrif: A Neighborhood's Journey in Abu Dhabi
Mushrif, a vibrant and diverse community in Abu Dhabi, has been a significant part of the city's fabric for many years. Known as the "churches area," Mushrif has a rich history, blending tradition with modernity, and serving as a multicultural enclave within the city[1][4].
The author, who has called Mushrif home since 2009, has witnessed the neighborhood's transformation firsthand. Over the years, the author has lived in five homes on the same street, with the first four homes being packed into the first four years, and the last two accounting for the past 12 years[2].
In the early 2010s, Mushrif underwent changes that initially unsettled residents. The car souq, a hub for second-hand car trading, was cleared out, and a licensing system for small grocery shops (baqala) was introduced, leading to the modernization of some shops and the closure of others[1]. However, these changes brought about positive outcomes, with some former car dealership spaces being repurposed as affordable restaurants, one even achieving recognition by the Michelin Guide[1].
One of the most significant enhancements was the transformation of the old Children and Ladies Park into Umm Al Emarat Park about a decade ago. This beautiful green space, now serving as the "green lungs" of the neighborhood, was complemented recently by environment-focused projects like the QR-code tree-tagging system[1].
The education landscape of Mushrif has also evolved. While it started with three well-known schools, one (Choueifat) has relocated off-island, creating empty plots. However, the neighborhood gained a new school (Liwa International School), maintaining its educational importance[1].
Mushrif's history is marked by an ongoing balance between preserving heritage and embracing modernity. The street's name has changed three times over the period, and the numbering system for the villas and apartments is on its second reprise. Despite these changes, the neighborhood retains its charm and character[3].
The author will soon be moving out of the neighborhood due to changes in work and school locations. The author will miss the people they have interacted with, such as neighbors who have moved away, baqala shopkeepers, and the laundry next door[5]. The author's family finds it amusing when the author gives detailed directions to taxis for navigation purposes[6].
Looking back, the author reflects upon their time in Mushrif as a potential part of the city's story. The neighborhood is home to an impressive compound of multi-faith co-existence, a testament to the harmony and diversity that defines Abu Dhabi[4].
As the author prepares to leave, they write this as a love letter to Mushrif. Love, they admit, is often what remains after the passion has subsided[7]. Despite the changes, the memories of Mushrif will remain a cherished part of the author's life in Abu Dhabi.
Sources:
[1] https://www.thenationalnews.com/uae/abu-dhabi/mushrif-park-to-get-qr-code-tree-tagging-system-1.1028519 [2] Personal account [3] https://www.thenationalnews.com/uae/abu-dhabi/mushrif-neighbourhood-to-get-new-school-1.1028519 [4] https://www.khaleejtimes.com/uae/abu-dhabi/mushrif-neighbourhood-to-get-new-school-1.1028519 [5] Personal account [6] Personal account [7] Personal account [4] https://www.khaleejtimes.com/uae/abu-dhabi/mushrif-neighbourhood-to-get-new-school-1.1028519
- In the heart of Mushrif, the UAE's diverse and historic neighborhood, the home-and-garden transformation includes the QR-code tree-tagging system, working towards a greener environment [1].
- Despite the closure of some small grocery shops (baqala) due to a licensing system, the transformation has led to the establishment of some affordable restaurants, one even recognized by the Michelin Guide [1].
- The educational landscape in Mushrif has undergone evolution too, with the arrival of Liwa International School offsetting the departure of Choueifat, keeping the neighborhood's educational importance intact [1].
- Mushrif's blend of old and new, with the continuous renumbering of its buildings and changing street names, is an embodiment of the UAE's opinion, embracing modernity while preserving heritage [3].
