Louvre Abu Dhabi celebrates UAE National Day

Louvre Abu Dhabi will celebrate the 46th UAE National Day with a programme of cultural performances and educational workshops to celebrate Emirati heritage.

These include a Maalid performance, the art of recitation in celebration of the Prophet Mohammed’s (PBUH) birth (1 December at 5:30pm); Nahmat Al Bahar (sea chants) under the museum’s dome inspired by the museum on the sea and on dhows (2 December at 4pm); and Al Ayyala (3 December from 10:30am to 12pm). Emirati handcraft artisans will be demonstrating the art forms of Talli, Sadu- Khous and Barrag’a (2-3 December from 4pm to 7:30pm). These performances are part of the visitors’ general admission ticket and complimentary for Art Club members.

Each day, there will be a series of special workshops dedicated to the National Day celebrations. In ‘Create Your Own Jewellery’, participants will mould works from clay, inspired by the pendant with animal pairs dating back to 2000–1300 BCE on loan from National Museum of Ras Al Khaimah displayed in the museum. ‘Inspirations from the UAE’ focuses on objects from the region on display at Louvre Abu Dhabi, and invites participants to create their own artwork.

Guided tours will highlight the Emirati artworks and artefacts on display in the museum’s galleries, and the local influences which inspired the iconic architecture.

Saif Saeed Ghobash, Director General of the Department of Culture & Tourism – Abu Dhabi said: "National Day is a time for the nation and its residents to come together to celebrate the history and traditions that have united us. The UAE has become a modern and global society with a diverse population, and Emirati heritage is embedded within every element of our culture. Louvre Abu Dhabi reflects this vibrant cultural mix, and welcomes Emiratis and other UAE residents and visitors alike to celebrate this special weekend of national excitement."

Manuel Rabate, Director of Louvre Abu Dhabi said: "Louvre Abu Dhabi is a universal museum deeply rooted in its local cultural context within its narrative and architecture. Through the display of artefacts found here, such as the oldest ceramic vessel discovered in Marawah Island shown in the first chapter of the narrative, the history of the region is integrated within a wider human story about artistic creation. This series of events, performances and activities have been planned to highlight the vibrant culture of the UAE for all to enjoy."

Although the UAE celebrates its 46th anniversary this National Day, Abu Dhabi is steeped in history, with evidence of human settlement in the lands stretching back 7,000 years and UNESCO World Heritage sites of the Al Ain Oasis to explore. Visitors can learn more from the display of artefacts loaned from national museums to Louvre Abu Dhabi.

Louvre Abu Dhabi is a museum city (medina) which combines traditional Arabic inspiration with contemporary design and engineering. Waterfront promenades overlook the sea underneath the iconic dome, comprised of 7,850 unique metal stars set in a complex geometric pattern. When sunlight filters through, it creates a cinematic ‘rain of light’, reminiscent of the overlapping palm trees in the UAE’s oases.

Source: Wam