Multaqa Zayed National Museum
Spring 2015
Manarat Al Saadiyat
Saadiyat Island
United Arab Emirates
www.saadiyatculturaldistrict.ae
Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi) has begun its public programme—Multaqa Zayed National Museum—a new series of talks around the narrative of Zayed National Museum that charts the exciting journey of the museum in the lead up to its opening. Running from January until May 2015, the programme introduces Zayed National Museum to the public, telling the story of the UAE through the life and achievements of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founder of the UAE.
The series began in January with a talk titled “National Museum, National Identity,” featuring H.E. Zaki Nusseibeh, Cultural Advisor to the Ministry of Presidential Affairs and Neil MacGregor, Director of the British Museum, and was followed by the lecture “Unearthing a Rich History” in February, presented by archaeology experts Dr. Walid Al Tikriti, Head of Archaeology Section at the Historic Environment Department, Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority, and Eisa Yousif, Archaeology Department, Media and Culture Authority, Sharjah.
Presenting Zayed National Museum to the public, Multaqa Zayed National Museum will hold three more panel discussions: on 18 March, “Al Nahyan Sheikhs: Governance, Politics and Diplomacy”; 16 April, “The Emergence of a Great Leader”; and 20 May, “The Five Year Plan.” The series will take place across various locations in Abu Dhabi such as Manarat Al Saadiyat, Qasr Al Hosn and Al Ain Palace Museum.
Zayed National Museum will celebrate the unification of the Emirates and their transformation into a modern nation under Sheikh Zayed (1918–2004)—within the context of the Middle East and the world. Designed for the public, the museum will enable visitors to encounter an unparalleled collection of art and artefacts from ancient and living cultures of the UAE and the wider Middle East.
Widely recognised as the “Father of the Nation,” Sheikh Zayed became the Ruler’s Representative in the Eastern Region of Abu Dhabi in 1946 before becoming Ruler of Abu Dhabi in 1966. In his time as Ruler, Sheikh Zayed transformed the lives of his people; oil revenues were channelled into a construction programme for schools, housing, hospitals and roads. On 2 December 1971, the flag of the newly formed United Arab Emirates was raised and Sheikh Zayed was elected by his fellow rulers as the first President of the UAE, a post to which he was successively re-elected.
Sheikh Zayed passed away on 2 November 2004. His vision for the future success of the UAE continues to be developed by his son His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who was elected to succeed his father as President of the United Arab Emirates.
There are limited seats available for each talk, so please book in advance at www.saadiyatculturaldistrict.ae or call T +971 (0) 2 657 5800.
About Zayed National Museum: The Home Of Emirati Identity
Located in a dramatic new building at the centre of the Saadiyat Cultural District, and commanding views of Abu Dhabi and the Gulf beyond, Zayed National Museum will be the pre-eminent national museum in the UAE and will tell the story of the nation through the life and achievements of His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan (1918–2004)—the “Father of the Nation”; his unification of the UAE, the deep history of the region, and its cultural connection and significance across the globe. It will also be a place for the Emirati people to honour their cultural heritage and explore and affirm their identity and the connections they have shared with the wider world for thousands of years. Designed for the public, this international centre of teaching and learning will enable visitors to encounter an unparalleled collection of art and artefacts from ancient and living cultures of the UAE, Arabia and the wider Middle East. It will also importantly reflect the Emirati tradition of storytelling, with a significant part of the museum’s narrative delivered through oral narratives alongside objects from the museum’s permanent collection.
As the centrepiece of a district devoted to culture, Zayed National Museum will be a civic space open equally to Emirati nationals, UAE residents and international visitors, regardless of cultural background or level of existing knowledge. Zayed National Museum will sit alongside Louvre Abu Dhabi, Guggenheim Abu Dhabi and a growing number of arts institutions to form a cultural hub of international significance.
About Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi)
Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority conserves and promotes the heritage and culture of Abu Dhabi emirate and leverages them in the development of a world-class, sustainable destination of distinction, which enriches the lives of visitors and residents alike. The authority manages the emirate’s tourism sector and markets the destination internationally through a wide range of activities aimed at attracting visitors and investment. Its policies, plans and programmes relate to the preservation of heritage and culture, including protecting archaeological and historical sites and to developing museums, including the Louvre Abu Dhabi, Zayed National Museum and Guggenheim Abu Dhabi. TCA Abu Dhabi supports intellectual and artistic activities and cultural events to nurture a rich cultural environment and honour the emirate’s heritage. A key authority role is to create synergy in the destination’s development through close co-ordination with its wide-ranging stakeholder base.
