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Rare Zayed photos on display

ABU DHABI - A grand exhibition showcasing 87 rare and historical pictures of the President, His Highness Shaikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, was inaugurated on Saturday evening at the Abu Dhabi Cultural Foundation.

The three-day exhibition, true to the adage that a picture is worth thousand words is titled: ‘Zayed in telling pictures... an odyssey of a grandiose country’ showcases exquisite poses of Shaikh Zayed, that are not only alluring but captivating and bringing about the rich and fine characteristics of the man.

Opened by Shaikh Hamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Member of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council and Chairman of the Economic Department, the exhibition is organised by the Documentation and Research Centre, to observe the 38^th anniversary of Shaikh Zayed’s accession as the Ruler of Abu Dhabi.

The photographic exhibition is being held under the patronage of Shaikh Manosur bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Director General of the President’s Office.

Dr Fatima Suhail Al Muhairi, Deputy Director of the Documentation and Research Centre told .f+i.Khaleej Times: “Through the exhibition, we aim to focus on the historical epoch in the UAE when Shaikh Zayed became Ruler’s Representative in the Eastern Region in Al Ain city following a chronological sequence”.

Most of the pictures are also meant to mirror the efforts exerted by Shaikh Zayed as leader of the country, in chalking out developmental plans and strategies in various fields, mainly agriculture and construction projects, added Dr Al Muhairi.

Placed on expansive bright yellow boards and captioned with sayings of Shaikh Zayed written in dark brown fonts, the gloden framed pictures also carry historical notes and scripts by British travellers and scouts, who have been to the region in the early years keeping track of the developments under the leadership of Shaikh Zayed when he was the Ruler’s Representative for Al Ain city.

The exhibition also has some rare photos of Shaikh Zayed showcasing his favourite hobby and pastime of falconary.

One the pictures showing Shaikh Zayed with falcon perched on his hand with a comment that reflects his sense of finding wisdom in events that may give and provide adventure and sport to some, but for him as he puts it, “Hunting is not just a relaxation, but an exercise in patience and perseverance.”

Accolades, conferred on Shaikh Zayed by international, and regional organisations in recognition of his efforts in promoting Islam and providing succor to humanitarian development programmes, were also exhibited.