Fond farewell to a cherished Abu Dhabi district, as the resident prepares to leave the island
In the heart of Abu Dhabi lies the Mushrif neighbourhood, a vibrant area that has undergone significant transformation over the past 15 years. Known as the 'churches area', Mushrif is located between Karamah, Airport Road, Shakhbout bin Sultan Street, and Mohammed bin Khalifa Street.
The journey of change for Mushrif began in late 2012, when the car souq, a hub for second-hand car dealers, was cleared. This marked the beginning of a new era for the neighbourhood, as small grocery shops, known as baqalas, were required to modernize under a new licensing system. Some shops closed, while others thrived or evolved into affordable restaurants. This shift culminated with one of the restaurants on Airport Road earning a Michelin guide listing, symbolizing how imposed changes yielded positive cultural and economic outcomes.
The neighbourhood's green spaces also saw renewal with the refurbishment of the old Children and Ladies Park into Umm Al Emarat Park nearly a decade ago. The environment agency introduced QR-coded tree tagging to preserve the neighbourhood’s leafy identity for future generations.
Education institutions in Mushrif also evolved. The number of schools remained steady, but there was a reshuffling: the Choueifat school closed and relocated off-island, new schools such as Liwa International School were added, complementing the established British School Al Khubairat and St Joseph’s. This educational shift also affected local businesses like coffee shops and restaurants once popular with school parents, some of which have recently closed.
Mushrif is also known for its multi-faith coexistence, as Abu Dhabi broadly embraces diverse religious communities. The neighbourhood's mix of schools, community spaces, and cultural evolution suggests a social fabric where diverse groups interact, supported by the area's inclusive urban development.
The author, who has lived in Mushrif since 2009, has witnessed these changes firsthand. They have lived in five homes on the same street during their time in Abu Dhabi, and the street's name has changed three times over the period, with the numbering system for the villas and apartments on its second reprise. The author's feelings for the neighbourhood are reminiscent of the quote from Captain Corelli's Mandolin, "love is what is left over when being in love has burned away."
As the author prepares to move out due to changes in work and school locations, they reflect on their time in Mushrif with a sense of admiration, loyalty, and sentimentality. The neighbourhood will always hold a special place in their heart, a testament to the transformative power of urban renewal and the enduring spirit of a diverse community.
[1] Sources: Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority, Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge.
- In the news, Umm Al Emarat Park in Mushrif is lauded for its QR-coded tree tagging initiative, aiming to preserve the park's greenery for future generations.
- The UAE lifestyle is showcased in Mushrif, as one of the restaurants on Airport Road earned a Michelin guide listing, a first for the neighbourhood.
- Education in Mushrif is undergoing change with the addition of schools like Liwa International School, complementing existing institutions such as the British School Al Khubairat and St Joseph’s.
- Relationships within Mushrif's diverse community are strong, as depicted by the author's sentimental feelings towards the neighbourhood after living there for more than a decade.
