Sheikh Zayed’s Al Ain origins inspired his love for UAE landscape, panel hears

AL AIN // Historians have shed light on Sheikh Zayed’s achievements as Founder of the UAE by exploring the expansion and economic development of Al Ain under his rule.

A panel discussion at Al Ain Palace Museum on Thursday evening, held as part of the Multaqa Zayed National Museum lecture series, examined the transformation Sheikh Zayed achieved in the region.

The discussion focused on Sheikh Zayed’s early years in Al Ain and their influence on him as a youth, such as helping to foster his love for the landscape and environment of the UAE.

Ghaya Al Dhaheri, a researcher and historian at the Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority (TCA), and Dr Saif Al Bedwawi, a senior researcher at the Ajman Cultural and Information Department, led the discussion, which was moderated by Jumaa Al Darmaki, the head of museums and collections at the Zayed Centre for Studies and Research.

Mr Al Darmaki gave examples of Sheikh Zayed’s foresight, mentioning that the first artefact excavation in the UAE took place in 1959, carried out by Danish archaeologists.

“Sheikh Zayed understood the importance of preserving history more than anyone else,” he said. “He had plans to create a museum even before the unification of the emirates.”

The Multaqa Zayed National Museum series is presented by the TCA and is intended to introduce the museum to the public, and tell the story of the UAE through the life and achievements of Sheikh Zayed.

The series takes place across locations including Manarat Al Saadiyat and Qasr Al Hosn in Abu Dhabi, as well as Al Ain Palace Museum.

The Zayed National Museum will celebrate the unification of the emirates and their transformation into a modern nation under the leadership of Sheikh Zayed, within the context of the Middle East and wider world.

The museum will allow visitors to see an unparalleled collection of art and artefacts from the ancient and modern cultures of the UAE and wider region.

The lecture series will hold its fifth and final panel discussion, titled The Five-Year Plan, on May 20.