Louvre Abu Dhabi to mark its anniversary with Saudi treasures
abu dhabi — A new exhibition that explores the rich history of the Arabian Peninsula through rare archaeological and cultural artefacts will begin in Louvre Abu Dhabi from today.
Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and in the presence of Prince Sultan bin Salman bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud, president of the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage (SCTH), Louvre Abu Dhabi launched Roads of Arabia: Archaeological Treasures of Saudi
Arabia, the second international exhibition of the museum’s cultural season.
The exhibition, which lasts until February 16, explores five chapters in the history of the Arabian Peninsula.
The chapters span from early prehistoric settlements to the maritime exploration and the caravan-trading routes that linked the region with Asia.
Other chapters include the Mesopotamia and the Mediterranean routes; routes of holy pilgrimage emerging in the 7th century CE; and the social and economic developments between the 14th and 16th centuries, which set the stage for the modern day region.
Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCTA), said the exhibition is the centre piece of the latest cultural season at Louvre Abu Dhabi.
“With the museum located at one of Abu Dhabi’s gateways to the Arabian Peninsula, I can’t think of a more appropriate exhibition to present on the occasion of this institution’s first anniversary,” he added.
Manuel Rabaté, director of Louvre Abu Dhabi, said Louvre Abu Dhabi’s ambition is to celebrate cross-cultural connections and highlight bridges between civilisations.
“We launch the exhibition’s programme in our anniversary week with On the Roads of Arabia, a world first showcasing more than 80 talented musicians and their respective cultures from across the ancient trade routes of Arabia.”
The pieces found in the UAE will be displayed alongside significant artefacts from Saudi Arabia, including outstanding funerary Neolithic stela, a 3rd century BCE bronze statue head; a 1st century BCE gold funerary mask from Eastern Province; a door of the Kaaba dating back to 1355.