See rare photos of Sheikh Zayed in India, Bangladesh and Somalia

A new Abu Dhabi photography exhibition charts the founding father's efforts to spread tolerance

Sheikh Zayed, the UAE's founding father, at a conference of the non-aligned countries in India on 6 March, 1983. Photo: National Archives

Sheikh Zayed during his visit to Bangladesh on 7 May, 1984. Photo: National Archives

Sheikh Zayed visiting Tokyo Primary School in Japan on 15 May, 1990. Photo: National Archives

Sheikh Zayed during his visit to Somalia in August 1976. Photo: National Archives

Sheikh Zayed during his tour of the Taj Mahal in Agra, India, on 4 January, 1975. Photo: National Archives

Sheikh Zayed during the inauguration of the historic Marib Dam project. Turkish President Turgut Ozal is seen in the picture too, which was taken on 20 December, 1986. Photo: National Archives

Visit Galleria Mall on Al Maryah Island this month to see a collection of photographs of Sheikh Zayed, the UAE's Founding Father, travelling around the globe.

The photography exhibition is fitting for the Year of Tolerance, as it shows Sheikh Zayed meeting people of different cultures and religions across South Asia, East Asia, Africa and the region.

Many of the tours photographed in the exhibition were about promoting education globally, and learning from different countries to enrich the education system in the UAE.

The photographs on show were taken between 1965 to 1990, and are all part of the National Archives.

“The participation of the National Archives in this exhibition opens the door to many historical pictures that showcase the efforts of our founding leader in shaping the UAE community and driving its ambitions and human values," explains Husniya Al Ali, acting Head of the Corporate and Community Outreach Department at the National Archives.

The exhibition is on show throughout the month of Ramadan and will be available to see during Galleria Mall's opening hours (noon to midnight Saturday to Wednesday, noon to 1am Thursday and Friday).