“It really reminded us of the old days”: Inside The RAGE 90s in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi has been transformed into a nostalgic journey through the 1990s at The RAGE 90s exhibition. Over the past month, from 5pm to midnight each evening, 20 retro retail brands and food stalls, classic arcade games, and a film screen in an open-air amphitheatre have recreated the essence of a bygone era.

For many visitors, the experience evokes a sense of stepping into a different time. Faryal Amin Butt, born and raised in Abu Dhabi, noted the disappearance of certain elements from the city, such as old taxis, Action Zone arcade, and Konica photo shops. Ammar AbdelHakim, whose family has been in the UAE for only three years, also felt a strong sense of nostalgia, emphasizing that people still cherish their roots.

The exhibition features classic cars, vintage motorcycles, and a variety of shopfronts bearing names from the 1990s, such as Ayub Ali Store, Shabab Al Wadi Recordings, and Doukan Abbas. Visitors can interact with old toys, photographs, and taste traditional snacks like RC Cola and Chips Oman served with yoghurt. The arcade games, particularly the Atari and PlayStation consoles, draw the largest crowds, while the aroma of traditional houses adds to the immersive experience.

Younger visitors, including 11-year-old Reem and her 8-year-old sister Mouza, enjoyed the food and juice, while their grandmother, Manar Abdullah Salem Al Jaafari, appreciated the atmosphere and the reminder of her childhood. The exhibition has successfully transported both young and old visitors back to the nostalgic days of the 1990s.