Ansel Adams said that “a photograph is usually looked at - seldom looked into”, but there is something about the level of detail in this undated and caption-less image that demands closer attention.
Tantalisingly, the inscription on this hand-painted celebration of industrial, economic and social development allows us to assign a specific day to the photograph but not a year.
A congratulation from the Al Ain Municipality to Sheikh Zayed on the anniversary of his accession as ruler of Abu Dhabi, the picture must date from at least 6 August 1967, the first anniversary of that event. The inclusion of a working harbour with large ships and tower cranes refines the date further, to some time after the beginning of construction at Mina Zayed in 1968.
In 1971, Sheikh Zayed delayed any official public celebrations because of the efforts required for the imminent unification but when the party finally started on 28 November it lasted three days. There was a military parade, horse and camel racing, feasting, music and poetry as well as two performances by the legendary Egyptian singer Umm Kulthum. More than just a celebration of the anniversary of Sheikh Zayed’s accession, the party was a fitting prelude to the birth of the UAE.
* Nick Leech
