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Rare Islamic art pieces on display at Abu Dhabi show

ABU DHABI – Some 500 pieces of Islamic art went on display for the public at the Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi yesterday.

Titled the ‘Art of Islam’, the exhibition is being held under the patronage of General Shaikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.

The exhibition, inaugurated by General Shaikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on Tuesday night, is being organised by the Tourism Development and Investment Company.

Dubbed ‘The Treasure’ from Nasir Al Khalili ’s collection, the exhibition covers not only all facets of Islam, but also most of its regions, spanning over 50 countries.

The Art of Islam exhibition has two major sections — religious and secular — starting as early as the 7^th century, and continuing with the inspiring periods of Muslim art, the Safavids and Abbasids, the Mogul and European influences, right up to the 20^th century.

Rare scriptures and a panoramic view of the holy city of Makkah drawn in 1843 is also on show along with an original illustration from Firdausi’s ‘Shahnamah’ (Book of Kings), one of the world’s greatest epic poems.