Tourism & Hospitality | Sunday 6 November, 2016 3:37 am |

His Highness Sheikh Rashid bin Saud bin Rashid Al Mualla, Crown Prince of Umm Al-Quwain, has contributed a number of historical items that belonged to his great-grandfather  the late Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Mualla, Ruler of Umm Al-Quwain at the time of the UAE’s Union. The contribution consists of the late Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid’s passport, pocket watch, dagger, official seal, and rare gold and silver coins issued by the Government of Umm Al-Quwain in 1970.

 

The contribution by His Highness Sheikh Rashid bin Saud bin Rashid Al Mualla comes in response to the invitation to support the ‘Lets Preserve the Legacy’ campaign by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, inviting the community to contribute items to the Etihad Museum’s collections.

 

“We would like to praise His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s launch of the ‘Let’s Preserve the Legacy’ campaign to support the Etihad Museum's collection. This important initiative stems from our belief in the important role of a museum in preserving the nation's history and documenting historical and national documents, pictures, private collections and ultimately our heritage for future generations," His Highness Sheikh Rashid bin Saud bin Rashid Al Mualla said.

 

“The creation of the Union was of great significance to our country, and the Etihad Museum shall be an icon of our national advancement, of the legacy of our Founding Fathers headed by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum and the founding rulers who signed the Union agreement to build the nation, and of the great achievements that followed. The unity of the Emirates today is a source of pride for us all, and demonstrates the wisdom and will of our leadership that has mobilized us to our full potential while preserving the UAE’s authentic heritage and national identity,” His Highness added.

His Highness also applauded Dubai Culture’s efforts in managing and supervising the ‘Let’s Preserve the Legacy’ campaign. He further called on all members of the community, including citizens and residents, to contribute to this national initiative and to support the Etihad Museum’s mission in conserving historical collections and displaying them to citizens, residents and tourists.

The ‘Let's Preserve the Legacy’ initiative is open to all members of the community. The initiative will accept contributions in the form of historical photos and other artefacts related to the Union of the United Arab Emirates in 1971. Individuals and institutions can contribute their related collections by contacting Dubai Culture on (Etihad.museum@dubaiculture.ae) or by calling the following number (04-5155159).    

Through a unique visitor journey, the Etihad Museum presents experience-driven exhibitions, interactive programmes and education initiatives that explore the chronology of events that culminated in the formation of the Union of the Emirates in 1971, with a key emphasis on the period between 1968 and 1974. Through interactive exhibits and learning programmes, the museum tells the story of the Union’s creation from the perspective of the country’s leaders. The experience also aims to educate visitors about the nation’s constitution, in particular the rights, privileges and responsibilities that it bestows upon the people of the UAE.

Dubai Culture’s responsibilities include managing and supervising Dubai’s museum and heritage sites, as well as preserving their historical and cultural significance. Furthermore, the Authority oversees the museums’ daily operations, in addition to the development of educational initiatives to enhance the learning experience. For this flagship UAE project, the Authority is responsible for the day-to-day management of the museum, development of educational programmes, and curation of permanent and temporary exhibitions.