Exhibition celebrates Sheikh Zayed's legacy

ABU DHABI // An exhibition of rare photographs and paintings was held at the Emirates Palace hotel last night to commemorate the death four years ago of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan, the founder of the nation. The Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority compiled the series of rare photos and paintings dedicated to the late leader for Zayed: Memories and Horizon. One previously unseen picture showed Sheikh Zayed seated with a young Queen Elizabeth II. As well as private photography and a collection belonging to the Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage, the exhibition featured paintings by local artists. One, an unfinished seascape, was on display at the foot of the steps to the palace. Mohammed al Astad, an artist who also has a career in graphic design, said rather than a portrait of the late Sheikh Zayed, he thought it would be more meaningful to paint something symbolic. "The seascape is spiritual; Sheikh Zayed's body may have passed, but his soul is still here," he said, explaining that he would add the skyline of Abu Dhabi, behind the waves, in the background of the painting. "Sheikh Zayed brought us modernisation, a city, reality. I've done this painting to say thank you." In Cairo, Hosni Mubarak, the Egyptian president, marked the anniversary by saying that the Arab nation had lost a wise leader in the passing of the UAE's first president and praising his sincerity to Egypt. "We so much miss a dear brother and wise leader who led the UAE on the path of comprehensive development and gave his life to his Arab nation and Arab causes." David Gao, who owns a company in Dubai, brought his family to the Emirates Palace to visit the exhibition. Events like these, he said, will help to carry on the legacy of the late president. "Ten years ago no one in China knew about the UAE or Sheikh Zayed," he said. "Now, many of us do." [e-mail]