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HE Sheikh Sultan bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan said “ADACH has adopted a comprehensive vision aimed at safeguarding both the tangible and intangible heritage of the emirate. We are undertaking targeted archaeological work, and are developing procedures that are necessary for the survey, exploration, documentation and conservation of archaeological sites in and around Abu Dhabi. This research is conducted to the highest scientific international standards. We are using immense resources to strengthen, safeguard, manage and promote cultural heritage, and cooperate with our national and international counter parts to review planning policies for the protection of our heritage”.
H.E. recalled how the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan (May his soul rest in peace), directed the Danish archaeologists to the Hili Grand Tomb in 1962. Much before the trowel of the archaeologist revealed the secrets of this remarkable ancient culture, Sheikh Zayed had known how significant these remains were and that they warranted scientific study and investigation. The site of Hili Grand Tomb is almost 4,500 years old.
This monument has become an icon of Gulf pre-history and a symbol of Abu Dhabi’s archaeological heritage.
“Our aim is to introduce the heritage and history of the UAE, and strengthen our awareness and appreciation of our national history by carrying out such work” he added “This exhibition is being held next to Al Jahili Fort in Al Ain City, a historic structure, which was rehabilitated by the Authority in 2008 and which, since then, has become a cultural beacon for the city”.
The Moesgård Museum will open, in 2014, a new exhibition building in Århus, Denmark, to display the early history and traditional culture of the UAE and the Gulf.
According to Jan Skamby Madsen, Director of Moesgård Museum, the museum began large-scale investigations in the Prehistory and traditional culture of the countries along the Arabian Gulf in 1953. At that time only a few people in Europe had heard about this part of the world.
“Today, the Arabian Gulf is globally known for its oil and for its tremendous modern development, but in fact, the Arabian Gulf countries have a fascinating history going back thousands of years, and a unique variety of traditional cultures rooted in the desert, the sea and the palm groves” he said.
“For more than half a century, it has been the aim of Moesgaard Museum to study this rich human diversity, past and present, and to disseminate the results to the international public, as part of our wider goal of promoting understanding between different societies and cultures. We are proud to present the exhibition The Dawn of History: Revealing the Ancient Past of Abu Dhabi and are grateful to the Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture & Heritage for giving us this opportunity” he concluded.
The inauguration ceremony included a folk dance performance of Ayalla and Takht Al Emarat, a traditional Arabic music band.
The three-month exhibition includes extensive educational activities for students, families and visitors. Students aged between 10- 13 year-old will learn and apply excavation techniques in a ‘mock’ dig located near the exhibition hall. Two specialized workshops on pottery- making and pottery decoration will be organised also for families, there will also be special guided tours by young archaeologists from the UAE in Arabic and English. |