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Zabeel — As Good as Gold

The city has added yet another delightful dimension to its landscape.

Eight glittering domes that can be seen from a fair distance retain the magnificence and grandeur of the twin royal palaces at Zabeel. Fourteen flower bowls line the entrance to the royal gardens where tourists throng in the hope of catching a glimpse of the ruling family and also to watch the strut and preen of a muster of peacocks.

The intricately designed pieces, which were completed in six months, are covered with 24-carat pure gold and are said to be the second such external gold gilded site in the world, after St Catherine’s Church in St Petersburg, Russia.

“It is a unique synthesis of Eastern traditional and modern concepts in architecture,” said Mohammed Iqbal Warakhwala, who was part of the gilding team and is a member of the International Society of Gilders, USA.

“We were asked to create something that has not been made before and will not be made ever again,” he explains, adding that final touches are being given to the project.

Over the centuries, in many civilizations around the world palaces, royal mansions, mosques and churches have been gilded in pure gold, says the master gilder. His company Yasmeen Arts and Antiques has also carried out the restoration project at St Petersburg and gilded Lady Diana’s memorial site in France among other projects.

Gilding is the adornment of a surface with pure gold leaf. “It adds distinction to what may otherwise be overlooked. It creates an exciting, sensuous and elegant environment,” says Warakhwala. There is good reason for its longevity. “Gold does not combine with other elements and thus will not tarnish or corrode. Gilding also has a high environmental tolerance against abrasive sandstorms and humidity,” he says.

The masterpieces will, however, require frequent and careful maintenance by a professional conservator to ensure age does not wither them nor custom stale their variety.

asma@khaleejtimes.com

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