Mohammed visits Union Museum; Canvas Festival

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, on Saturday inspected the progress of the construction of the 25,000 square-meter Union Museum, adjacent to the Union House -  which witnessed the signing of the treaty establishing the United Arab Emirates federation in 1971.

The unique and iconic museum in Jumeirah, being built at a cost of Dh600 million, is dedicated to exhibiting the holistic story of the nation’s development from pre-union throughout the entire time span of unity.

The project will also add a new waterfront that simulates the coastline during that phase and a new 123 metre flag pole to substitute the old one. Dubai's Road and Transport Authority will supervise the project and the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority will operate the museum once it is completed.

Sheikh Mohammed, who was accompanied by Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, watched a presentation on various phases of the promising civilizational and cultural project and the final outlet of the museum, which will be ready by September and be officially opened during the next National Day celebrations. He also viewed and approved the design of the corporate identity of the museum which was inspired from the colours of the national flag, federal identity and the seven emirates. The entrance of the new pavilion is designed in the shape of a manuscript with seven columns that simulate the pen used to sign the declaration. The museum includes permanent and temporary halls, a theatre, educational and recreational areas and administration offices.

While touring galleries and pavilions of the museum, Sheikh Mohammed expressed satisfaction at the progress of the project's implementation. Sheikh Mohammed described the project as a distinct national civilizational and cultural as well as tourism project.

''The museum will serve as an iconic incubator for historic, national information, manuscripts, photos and heritage collections that will benefit our future generations of our sons and daughters in their academic, practical and social life and provide a reliable source of information for researchers and historians whom Sheikh Mohammed described as men of history who have great dreams unlike politicians who have great interests. History is an art of what is possible, and no one can manipulate its facts and course of events. We are proud of our tolerant Islam and Arab identity and culture and adhere to these generation after generation. Our presence as people is deep rooted in history like an ever-growing date palm tree,'' he added.

Union Museum's emphasis is on the historic value of the museum’s location and it further aims to establish a cultural beacon to educate the citizens, residents and visitors about UAE's modern history, the comprehensive development taking place in the UAE and the nation’s achievements.

The museum’s location includes restored historic buildings, and the entrance of the new pavilion is designed in the shape of a manuscript with seven columns that simulate the pen used to sign the declaration.

The museum includes permanent and temporary halls, a theatre, an educational area, a recreational area and the administration offices. The project also includes restoring the Union House to its original state, restoring Dar Al Dheafa to its original state and refurbishing its furniture and rebuilding the Ministry House at its original location. The building will be dedicated for state visitors.

The museum will be constructed underground and connected with the Dar Al Dheafa. The Union Museum comprises eight permanent pavilions in addition to one temporary pavilion to exhibit items from international museums. The first pavilion is dedicated to a documentary movie about the history of UAE. The second pavilion illustrates a panoramic interactive map highlighting the era before the formation of the federation. The third pavilion is an interactive timeline that demonstrates key historical events before the union phase through photos and exhibits. The fourth pavilion includes a visual presentation for the main events and the meeting between late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, starting from Al Samha discussions to the day the declaration was signed.

The fifth pavilion utilises advanced technologies to stimulate imagination and offer visitors a visual tour to understand the background of the formation of the union. The sixth pavilion highlights the leadership's political approach and includes the formal and informal meetings and the important moments and challenges that confronted the founding fathers before 1971. The seventh pavilion is dedicated to the UAE Constitution and includes the declaration that turned the dream into reality in addition to a digital copy of the Constitution. The eighth pavilion is an open gallery that offers an insight into the new-born nation after the formation of the federation and the important events during that phase.

Sheikh Mohammed  was accompanied by Mohamed Ahmed Al Mur, Chairman of the Museum's Advisory Committee; Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Gargawi, Minister for Cabinet Affairs and Future; Abdul Rahman bin Mohammed Al Owais, Minister of Health and Prevention and Chairman of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority; Dr. Anwar bin Mohammed Gargash, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs;  Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Board and Executive Director of the Roads and Trans Authority (RTA), which is implementing the project, Khalifa Saeed Sulieman, Director-General of Protocol and Hospitality Department in Dubai, and Hilal Saeed Al Marri, CEO of Dubai World Trade Centre.

Mohammed at Dubai Canvas Festival

(Wam)

Innovation reflects progress and development, says Mohammed

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, said the country's attention to encourage innovation in all its forms and manifestations as an important engine has a clear impact in the development of people's lives and to make them happy.

Sheikh Mohammed said artistic creativity is deemed the main pillar of the intellectual and cultural components of people and a mirror that reflects their progress and development as well as an effective way to achieve convergence and harmony among its members to spread beauty, goodness and understanding values to overcome the barriers of language and different cultures.

The remarks were made when Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, along with Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai; Khalifa Saeed Suleiman, Director-General of the Department of Protocol and Hospitality in Dubai; and Mona Al Marri, Director-General of the Government of Dubai Media Office, visited the headquarters of The Dubai Canvas Festival 2016.

The festival’s second edition is being held by Brand Dubai, the creative arm of the Government of Dubai Media Office, in partnership with Dubai Properties (DP). It will continue till March 14, 2016.

Sheikh Mohammed pointed out that the UAE's approach to encourage innovation made it a hub for innovators who are keen on visiting the country to meet, and exchange ideas and visions, as well as discuss their experiences in the UAE's intellectual environment that allows them to unleash innovative ideas and capabilities.

He added that the country spares no efforts to enhance the innovative atmosphere which contributes to further developing and enhancing the country's pioneering role in supporting creativity at local, regional, and global levels to achieve people's happiness.

During the visit, Sheikh Mohammed was briefed by Al Marri on the objectives of the annual art festival in its 2nd edition. The 2015 Dubai Canvas Festival kicked off last March 2015 with the participation of with renowned international 3D art artists, who returned to Dubai to participate in this year's edition.

Sheikh Mohammed toured the festival and attended part of the 3D display. He also welcomed the participants to the festival, wishing them luck and further success and excellent contributions. During the tour, Sheikh Mohammed met with a number of artists who came from across the world.

The 2016 festival will feature over 60 works by 30 carefully selected artists from 14 countries. The works of these artists will be exhibited in an area stretching over two kilometres within JBR in a way that encourages active public participation, engagement and interaction.

Mohammed visits Dubai International Boat Show

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, on Saturday visited the Dubai International Boat Show 2016.

(Wam)

The 24th Dubai International Boat Show is organised by the Dubai World Trade Centre, in cooperation with the Dubai International Marine Club, at Mina Seyahi, Jumeirah. It began on March 1 and runs until March 5.

During his tour of the show, Sheikh Mohammed was accompanied by Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Khalifa Saeed Sulieman, Director-General of Protocol and Hospitality Department in Dubai,

Hilal Saeed Al Marri, CEO of Dubai World Trade Centre, Saeed Hareb, board member of  the Dubai International Marine Club. He was briefed about yachts and special equipment for marine sports and fishing.

Sheikh Mohammed expressed his satisfaction about the annual increment in number of exhibitors and seafarers who seek safety while on board their yachts. He also inspected locally manufactured boats and acquainted himself with the high-tech equipment used by the local yacht companies, which compete with international companies in this respect.

He welcomed the international exhibitors who look for new markets and customers in the GCC, whose sea is part of its heritage and culture.

Sheikh Mohammed described the show as "an important tourist event that attracts many exhibitors and visitors from the region and the world to learn about the culture, heritage and historic landmarks of our country."

Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.