Step Back to 1990s Abu Dhabi: Cultural Foundation Event Revives Nostalgic Era with Vintage Taxis, Old Shops, and Arcade Games

Long-time residents of the UAE capital can now journey back to 1990s Abu Dhabi, immersing themselves in the sights and sounds of a city that has transformed significantly over the past three decades. The RAGE 90s, an event running at the Cultural Foundation until this Sunday, meticulously recreates elements of daily life from that decade. Through nostalgic shopfronts, classic arcade games, and a variety of food and entertainment options, the free event offers older visitors a profound trip down memory lane while providing younger generations with a unique glimpse into the capital's past.

A particularly striking feature is the recreation of a traditional Abu Dhabi commercial street, complete with a toy shop, a photography studio, and a cassette shop. These shopfronts are adorned with vibrant signs, evoking an era when neighbourhood businesses played a central role in community life. The presence of a gold-and-white vintage taxi further harks back to the capital's history, recalling the distinctive vehicles that were a common sight before the advent of Abu Dhabi's modern taxi fleet.

Adding to the nostalgic atmosphere is a faithful recreation of El Dorado Cinema, complete with its iconic colourful neon sign. Originally opened on Electra Street in November 1970, El Dorado was Abu Dhabi's first indoor cinema and a beloved destination. It was renowned for screening English, Arabic, and Indian films, and became particularly associated with Bollywood and South Indian cinema before its closure in 2017.

Beyond the recreated streetscape, visitors can engage with classic arcade machines, including an Atari-branded cabinet, alongside fairground-style attractions, games offering prizes, and a hopscotch area. Food and shopping are also integral to the programme, featuring 20 retail brands and 20 food-and-drink concepts. Contemporary businesses operate from stalls in the Cultural Foundation's outdoor areas, with some adopting retro-inspired designs to harmonize with the event's theme. An amphitheatre hosts themed film screenings, performances, and entertainment inspired by the 1990s.

The event is hosted at a venue deeply connected to Abu Dhabi's cultural heritage. The Cultural Foundation, established in 1981 under the directives of the UAE Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, was the nation's first multipurpose community cultural centre, situated near Qasr Al Hosn. It housed the country's first national library, along with a theatre and exhibition spaces. Following extensive conservation work, the building reopened in December 2018 and continues to serve as a vital hub for exhibitions, performances, and community activities.

The RAGE 90s runs daily from 5pm to midnight until November 8 at the Cultural Foundation in Abu Dhabi. Entry is free.