Let me reveal 90s Abu Dhabi something that has taken TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook by storm. 😱

You’ve seen the hashtags. The grainy, breathtaking home videos. The jaw-dropping before-and-after photos. The emotional captions from people who grew up in a completely different Abu Dhabi.

#HowWereYouIn90sAbuDhabi is going viral—and for good reason. 🌍✨

The Abu Dhabi of the 1990s was a smaller, quieter, more intimate city. Before Yas Island. Before Saadiyat. Before the skyscrapers and the 12-lane highways. It was a place where everyone knew everyone, where four hotels were the center of social life, and where the white-and-gold taxis ruled the roads. 🚕

In this exclusive, complete guide, I’m going to reveal everything about Abu Dhabi in the 1990s—the buildings, schools, bridges, transportation, and hidden gems that made the capital what it was. Whether you lived through it or you’re just discovering it, this is your ultimate time capsule. 🎞️

🎬 The Viral Video That Started It All

It all began with a home-made film shot by Michael Oakes, a teenager from the UK who lived in Abu Dhabi from 1978 to 1991 and returned for summer holidays. In 1993, while riding in his father’s car along the old Corniche road, he captured footage that would make the entire UAE emotional 30 years later.

The jaw-dropping scene: Large trees sway in the central median. Far fewer cars pass down the road than today. The Clock Tower (now demolished) stands proud. The Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce building looks almost the same. The Hilton Abu Dhabi (now Radisson Blu) appears in all its vintage glory.

When Mr. Oakes posted the video to the popular Facebook group "Abu Dhabi – The Good Old Days", it generated a warm-hearted and nostalgia-filled conversation that has since spilled across every social media platform.

"What really strikes me is that we are a much bigger community than we thought. I just didn’t realize there were so many of us." – Michael Oakes 

🏙️ Buildings & Landmarks: The Abu Dhabi Skyline in the 90s Abu Dhabi

Let me take you on a sneak peek tour of the city that was.

🏛️ Iconic Buildings That Defined the Era

Building/Landmark	Status in 90s Abu Dhabi	Today
Clock Tower	Standing proudly on the Corniche	Demolished for land reclamation
Hilton Abu Dhabi (now Radisson Blu)	The top hotel on the Corniche	Still standing, but transformed
Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce	A distinctive glass-fronted landmark	Looks practically the same
Union National Bank building	One of the UAE capital’s most distinctive landmarks	Still standing
Adnoc Headquarters (old)	The old headquarters on the Corniche	Replaced by modern towers
Zaabi Tower (1994)	18-story residential building on Khalifa Street	Still standing
Al Ibrahimi building	Circular tower with protruding balconies	A brutalist gem from the era
Hamed Centre	Diamond-motif facade on Electra Road	Still a landmark

The essential insight: The Abu Dhabi of the 90s Abu Dhabi was a city of low-rise buildings, brutalist architecture, and Arabic design touches. Glass facades were just beginning to appear. The skyline was recognizable—but nothing like today. 🏢

🏨 The Social Hub: Four Hotels Ruled Everything

According to Mr. Oakes, social life in 90s Abu Dhabi revolved around four hotels:

1. Le Meridien – A cornerstone of expat social life
2. Hilton Abu Dhabi (now Radisson Blu) – The place to be seen
3. Sheraton Abu Dhabi – Elegant and central
4. Intercontinental – Overlooking the Corniche roundabout

The hidden gem: The Tourist Club—a now-demolished entertainment center beside Le Meridien—was described as similar to British seaside holiday camps like Butlins. 🎪

🏪 Shopping & Hangouts: Where Everyone Went

Social media memories have revealed the ultimate 90s Abu Dhabi shopping and hangout spots :

Destination	What It Was
Hamdan Centre	The place to shop and be seen
Toys "R" Us	Every kid’s dream destination
Lebanese Flower Restaurant	Iconic dining spot
Marina Mall	Under construction—watched it being built!
Electra Games	Video game heaven
Dadabhai Toy Store	Another childhood favorite
Shaheen Supermarket	Neighborhood grocery staple
Al Masa Cinema & Dorado Cinema	Movie nights before multiplexes
Allprints Bookstore	For book lovers
Foodlands & India Crown Restaurant	Iconic eateries

The essential takeaway: Before the mega-malls (Marina Mall opened later, Abu Dhabi Mall wasn't what it is today), Abu Dhabi was a city of smaller, more personal shopping destinations. 🛍️

🏫 Schools & Education: Learning in the 90s

Let me reveal what school was like for kids growing up in 1990s Abu Dhabi.

🏫 The School Landscape

The 1990s were a transitional period for education in the UAE. The Ministry of Education submitted a National Report on the Development of Education covering 1991–1994 to the International Conference on Education in Geneva.

What was happening:

• Public schools used a curriculum that relied heavily on rote memorization 
• The primary language of instruction in public schools was Arabic
• Many Emirati parents were turning to private schools due to concerns about English instruction 
• Expatriate children attended schools like Our Own English High School (which had a "little villa campus" at the time) 

📚 Nostalgic School Memories (from social media) 

Memory	Why It Was Iconic
KT Young World Magazine	Weekly children's supplement in Khaleej Times
PlayStation at McDonald's	Gaming after happy meals
Cricket near the Municipality	Weekend matches with friends
Collection of Etisalat pre-paid cards	Different artworks on each card
Channel 33 and ejunior on evision	Kids' TV before streaming
E-entertainment magazine every Friday	Gulf News weekend insert

The essential insight: Growing up in 90s Abu Dhabi meant analogue entertainment—VHS tapes, magazines, trading cards, and outdoor play. No smartphones. No TikTok. Just pure, unfiltered childhood. 📺

🌉 Bridges & Infrastructure: Connecting the Capital

The 1990s were a massive decade for infrastructure development in Abu Dhabi.

🏗️ Major Bridge Projects (1990–1999)

According to verified construction records, the Chinese Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) executed multiple landmark bridge projects throughout the 1990s:

Project Name	Year Completed	Significance
Abu Dhabi-Dubai Highway SAMHA Interchange	1992	First self-operated project by CCECC in UAE
Abu Dhabi-Al Ain Highway Interchanges (1-11)	1999	11 bridges, 11 pedestrian underpasses, camel crossings!
Abu Dhabi No. 049 Interchange	1995	1.3km-long prestressed concrete box girder bridge

The essential insight: These projects were critical because, at the time, "bridge construction technology was still in need of improvement" in the UAE market. The successful execution of these projects demonstrated advanced engineering capabilities and laid the groundwork for today's massive infrastructure network.

🌉 The Sheikh Zayed Bridge: A 90s Vision

Here's a hidden fact: The iconic Sheikh Zayed Bridge—with its stunning Zaha Hadid design—was conceived in the late 1990s .

• Initial inception: Late 1990s
• Design concept: Developed with world-renowned architect Zaha Hadid
• Opened to traffic: November 25, 2010

The essential takeaway: The vision for modern Abu Dhabi's infrastructure was already being imagined and planned in the 1990s—even if the construction took another decade to complete. 🌉

🚌 Transportation: Getting Around in the 90s

Let me reveal what it was like to travel in Abu Dhabi before Uber, before the metro, before modern highways.

🚕 The White-and-Gold Taxis

The iconic sight: The famed white-and-gold Abu Dhabi taxis make an appearance in Mr. Oakes' 1993 video. They were everywhere—and for many residents, they were the primary mode of transport.

📖 What the 1990 British Airways Guide Said

A British Airways brochure from 1990 described Abu Dhabi's transportation this way:

"There was a limited bus service in the emirate, but taxis were plentiful. There was a surcharge on taxis with air conditioning and town cars were metered. Elsewhere, fares should be agreed in advance."

The essential insight: The bus network was limited. Taxis were the king of Abu Dhabi roads. And air conditioning was a premium feature worth paying extra for! 🚕❄️

🛣️ The Roads

• Corniche Road was much closer to the water before major land reclamation pushed it outward 
• Driving to Dubai meant passing the Hard Rock Cafe building standing "all lonely" in the desert 
• The Salem Bridge (connecting Abu Dhabi Island to the mainland) was a critical artery

✈️ The Airport

The old Abu Dhabi airport terminal had an iconic ceiling that many residents remember fondly. Before the modern terminals, travel had a different charm—and a lot less walking! 🛫

🎉 Entertainment & Nightlife: Where the Fun Was

🎬 Cinemas

Cinema	Location	Vibe
Eldorado Cinema	Downtown	"Smoke-filled restrooms" – a different era!
Al Masa Cinema	Near Hamdan	Classic movie nights
Dorado Cinema	Central	Before multiplexes, this was it

🏖️ Beaches & Outdoor Fun

Spot	What It Was
Hilton Beach Club	Hammocks, beach days, pure relaxation
Ras Al Akhdar Beach	"Playing frisbee and half the beach would join"
KFC Park	Picnics and play areas
The Volcano Fountain	An iconic landmark on the breakwater ("Kasir")
Cactus Park	Models and the famous crocodile slide
The Pineapple Slide	In Airport Road Park—still there today!

🎤 Concerts & Events

The 1990s and early 2000s brought major international acts to Abu Dhabi :

• Metallica concert
• Guns N' Roses concert
• Paris Hilton's visit (massive hype!)
• George Bush's visit (accompanied by lashing rains)

🏢 Entertainment Complexes

The Tourist Club (now demolished) was described as a "Butlins-style" holiday camp—full of games, food, and family fun.

📞 Technology & Communication: Analogue Abu Dhabi

☎️ Etisalat & Phone Cards

Before smartphones, before WhatsApp, before unlimited data—there were Etisalat pre-paid phone cards. And collecting them was a legit hobby!

"Collection Etisalat pre-paid cards with different Artworks" – Reddit user memory 

📡 TV & Radio

Channel/Station	What It Was
100.5 Radio One	The soundtrack of 90s Abu Dhabi
Channel 33	Go-to TV channel
eJunior on evision	Kids' programming

💻 Internet

• Al-Shamil broadband connection – The early days of internet in the UAE 
• Nokia XpressMusic phones – Playing music on loudspeaker was a cultural moment 

📼 Video Recording

As Mr. Oakes noted, this was an era before smartphones. Videos had to be shot on clunky hand-held cameras, and you had to hope the tape didn’t get damaged. People brought over taped versions of British TV staples like Top of the Pops—watched weeks after they were broadcast.

The essential insight: Patience was a virtue. Anticipation was part of the experience. And physical media was king. 📼👑

📅 The Working Week & Calendar

🗓️ The Weekend

Here's a shocking fact for younger readers: The 1990 British Airways guide lists business hours from Saturday to Wednesday – the old working week. Residents enjoyed Thursday and Friday as the weekend!

The essential takeaway: The Friday-Saturday weekend is relatively recent in UAE history. Before that, the weekend was Thursday-Friday (or Saturday-Wednesday for business). 📅

🇦🇪 A Nation in Mourning (2004)

Though technically after the 90s, one memory that defines the era for many is the passing of H.H. Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al-Nahyan in 2004.

"One gloomy morning in 2004, I was walking to my bus stop and it was empty. I looked around and saw that the shops were closed too... The weeks that followed were gloomy for the entire city with no school, radio, TV or outdoor entertainment. Everyone we met spoke about his highness with great regard and it was the first time I saw the entire city shut down." – Reddit user memory 

The essential insight: Sheikh Zayed wasn't just a leader. He was the father of the nation. And his passing marked the end of an era. 🕊️🇦🇪

🍽️ Food & Dining: What Everyone Ate

Restaurant/Dish	Why It Was Iconic
Mongolian BBQ	A 90s culinary adventure
KFC Popcorn Chicken	Came with a flavor sachet and shaker
Shakey's Pizza	"Best breadsticks"
Caesars Bakery	Date night snack spot
Lebanese Flower	Iconic Lebanese restaurant
Caesars Bakery	Before fancy patisseries, this was the spot

🕊️ The Community Spirit: What Made 90s Abu Dhabi Special

Here's the essential truth that every viral post emphasizes:

"A lot of people look back with such fond nostalgia... I love the feeling of community. Abu Dhabi really had that." – Michael Oakes 

The Abu Dhabi of the 1990s was a smaller city. Saadiyat Island was undeveloped. Yas Island was desert. Khalifa City wasn't the suburb we know today. Life was very much centered on the main island.

What that meant:

• Everyone knew everyone – The expat community was tight-knit
• Slower pace – "It had a slower [and] conservative... growth strategy. It was totally different to Dubai" 
• Simplicity – Before mega-malls, before traffic, before 12-lane highways

The essential takeaway: People don't just miss the buildings or the cars or the clothes. They miss the community. The connection. The feeling of being part of something small and intimate. 💛

🎯 The Ultimate How-To: Join the Viral Trend

Ready to ignite your own #HowWereYouIn90sAbuDhabi post? Follow this complete, easy guide:

✅ Step 1: Find Your Photos

Dig through old albums, family archives, or ask parents for their 90s Abu Dhabi photos.

✅ Step 2: Share Your Memory

• Post a then-and-now photo of a location
• Share a memory of a place that no longer exists
• Tag friends who were there with you

✅ Step 3: Use the Hashtags

text

#HowWereYouIn90sAbuDhabi

#AbuDhabiGoodOldDays

#90sAbuDhabi

#UAEHeritage

✅ Step 4: Join the Community

Join the Facebook group "Abu Dhabi – The Good Old Days" to connect with thousands of others sharing memories.

🏆 Your Moment of Nostalgia

Here's the essential truth:

The 1990s Abu Dhabi wasn't just a place. It was a feeling. A slower, smaller, more connected version of the capital we know today. And for those who lived it, those memories are priceless.

Whether you were:

• Building sandcastles at Hilton Beach Club
• Buying comics at All prints Bookstore
• Watching movies at Eldorado Cinema
• Eating Lebanese Flower with family
• Collecting Etisalat phone cards as a hobby
• Listening to Metallica at your first concert

You were part of something special. 🕰️✨

👇 Share your memories in the comments below! 👇

Let's keep the conversation going. How were YOU in 90s, Abu Dhabi? 🏆

Disclaimer: This article is based on verified historical records, contemporary news reports, and social media memories shared by residents of 1990s Abu Dhabi. Individual experiences may vary. Share your own memories to contribute to this living history.