SHEIKH ZAYED GRAND MOSQUE CENTRE

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre Unveils Light & Peace Museum at the 'Dome of Peace' – A New Cultural Destination for the Emirate and the UAE

Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Deputy Prime Minister, Chairman of Presidential Affairs, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre has announced the opening of the Light & Peace Museum to the public on Wednesday, 18 December 2024.

Aligning with the Nation's Cultural Movement

On this occasion, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre held a press conference in which His Excellency Dr. Yousef Abdullah Al Obaidli shared the vision behind the Light & Peace Museum. He remarked:"The Light & Peace Museum is inspired by the UAE’s vision and the leadership's commitment to enriching the cultural landscape of the country. It aims to revive the treasures of Islamic civilization, showcasing its diversity and richness, reflecting epochs of profound intellectual depth in sciences, craftsmanship, and creativity in arts and literature."

Dr. Yousef Al Obaidli further emphasized that the Light & Peace Museum not only reflects the UAE's dedication to promoting the sciences and arts but also serves as a vital expression of the nation’s values in intercultural communication. He noted that the museum’s mission aligns with the UAE’s efforts to foster peace, mutual respect, and tolerance. It embodies the essence of Islamic culture through its focus on unity, rapprochement, and moderation.

The museum's design strategically blends an exceptional atmosphere with innovative display techniques to create a unique visitor experience. By offering a curated selection of artifacts and exhibits, the museum spans five distinct cultural fields, encompassing historical, artistic, scientific, and literary treasures. This immersive approach engages visitors through narratives that reflect the rich heritage of Islamic civilization and beyond.

The objective is to transform each visit into a journey of discovery and dialogue, enriching the cultural experience for people from all over the world. This initiative aligns with the Centre’s mission to position the mosque as a hub for cultural exchange and understanding. Additionally, it supports the UAE's longstanding commitment to fostering cultural awareness, heritage preservation, and cross-generational dialogue.

Cultural Content and Messages for Diverse Audiences and Cultures

The Light & Peace Museum targets a broad range of audiences through its diverse cultural content, aiming to engage various cultures and groups, including researchers, specialists, and those passionate about culture, heritage, science, and the arts. Its messages are delivered through interactive and sensory experiences, including a dedicated section for children designed to introduce them to the museum's civilizational message in an engaging and approachable way.

To ensure the museum’s message reaches a wide audience, the museum content is presented in seven languages: Arabic, English, Mandarin, Spanish, French, Russian, and Urdu. This multilingual approach is supported by technology that allows visitors to activate the language of their choice on the digital screens accompanying the cultural exhibits. The selection of these languages was based on a study conducted by the Centre, which identified the most frequent nationalities visiting the mosque.

Five Sections Offering Captivating Narratives and Diverse Experiences

During the press conference, the museum's sections were highlighted, each presenting unique narratives and experiences. The first section, Tolerance – A Guiding Light, communicates messages of tolerance and coexistence in the UAE, deeply rooted in the land since humans first inhabited it thousands of years ago. This tradition was further solidified by the vision and wisdom of the late founding father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan .

The second section, "Sanctity and Worship –The Three Grand Mosques", provides visitors with an in-depth understanding of the three most sacred mosques in the Islamic world: the Masjid al-Haram, the Prophet's Mosque, and Al-Aqsa Mosque. It also explores the spiritual and architectural inspirations drawn from these mosques that are reflected in the design of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.

The third section, "Precision and Beauty – The Spirit of Invention", focuses on the rich scientific and cultural contributions of Islamic civilization throughout the ages. It highlights the artistic and intellectual accomplishments that shaped the Islamic world, emphasizing the continuous pursuit of knowledge and beauty.

These sections, along with the museum's overall design, promise an immersive and enriching experience for visitors, encouraging reflection on the values of peace, creativity, and cultural exchange.

Before reaching the fourth section, visitors pass through the Family Section, which offers a unique opportunity for families to explore stories together in an engaging and interactive atmosphere designed to captivate children. Through sensory experiences, this section covers topics such as the construction of the mosque, geometric shapes, and the use of the astrolabe, among others.

The fourth section, "Tolerance and Openness – Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque", features a model of the mosque at the heart of the museum, symbolizing the values of peace, tolerance, and diversity that Islam advocates. Above the model, a chandelier inspired by the mosque’s own chandelier – one of its most iconic aesthetic features – adds to the exhibit’s allure. This section includes several interactive stations that allow visitors to explore the mosque's details, its story of inception, its architectural beauty, and the exquisite Islamic architectural artistry evident in every corner. Additionally, this section provides insights into the Centre's team and their roles in bringing the mosque's mission and cultural vision to life.

The Family Section of the museum serves as a vibrant space for families to discover the museum's stories together in an interactive and child-friendly environment. It provides engaging sensory experiences that delve into topics like the mosque's construction, geometric shapes, and the use of the astrolabe, offering an enriching learning opportunity for all ages.

The final section of the museum is titled "Universal Coexistence". This section draws inspiration from the aesthetic elements of the mosque, particularly the intricate floral designs derived from various parts of the world, which symbolize unity and coexistence. The section offers an engaging and interactive experience that allows visitors to connect their geographical region with the values and artistry of the mosque. This immersive experience emphasizes the universal themes of peace and cultural harmony reflected in the mosque's design.

Cultural and Historical Content Reflecting Depth and Richness

The Light & Peace Museum showcases a remarkable collection of carefully selected artifacts, each representing significant milestones in Islamic history and culture. Among the highlights are a piece of the Holy Kaaba’s belt from the 20th century, the Dinar of Abd al-Malik ibn Marwan, which is the first Islamic gold coin dating back to 77 AH, and Kitab al-Tamhid by Ibn Abd al-Barr, a 1296 CE work on the exegesis of Imam Malik's Al-Muwatta. Other significant pieces include gold-illuminated manuscript pages from the Blue Quran, dating back to the 9th-10th century CE, Akhbar Makkah wa Ma Jaa Fiha Min al-Athar from the 14th century, and an Andalusian astrolabe from the same period. The museum also features personal items of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, alongside a diverse range of artistic and scientific works, such as medical manuscripts, decorative arts, calligraphy, and textiles. These treasures span centuries and offer a profound insight into the depth and richness of Islamic heritage, blending historical legacies with contemporary artistic expressions.

The "Dome of Peace" is a new cultural destination enriching the cultural landscape of the emirate and the UAE.

The "Dome of Peace" serves as a cultural beacon, enhancing the vibrant heritage landscape of the emirate and the UAE. This distinguished venue hosts a range of cultural and educational experiences aimed at deepening the understanding of Islamic civilization and its artistic, scientific, and literary contributions. The Dome features Al Jami' Library, dedicated to the study of Islamic heritage, and a theatre that accommodates religious, national, and community events. The Noor & Salam Museum highlights the essence of Islamic culture, promoting messages of peace and coexistence. Additionally, the immersive Diya – A Universe of Light experience offers a captivating, 360-degree sensory journey for visitors.

The Dome of Peace also showcases temporary exhibitions that reflect its commitment to cultural dialogue and heritage preservation. These exhibitions have explored themes such as the historical evolution of the Hajj pilgrimage, the history of Islamic coinage, and the rich legacy of Andalusian civilization, including its literature, key figures, and artistic achievements. Through these offerings, the Dome of Peace reinforces the role of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre as a platform for tolerance, cultural awareness, and intellectual exchange, enriching the experience of visitors from around the world.

The Immersive “Diya – A Universe of Light” experience: Unique Addition to the Centre's Cultural Experiences

The immersive "Diya – A Universe of Light" experience at the Centre is designed using over 1.5 billion light units. It guides visitors through a captivating journey across lush oases, towering mountains, serene coastlines, and golden deserts—reflecting the rich identity of the UAE. The experience culminates at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, showcasing the architectural beauty, towering minarets, and grand domes, which are symbolic of the nation's core values of tolerance and cultural unity. This experience brings to life the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, embodying peace and coexistence at the heart of the UAE's identity.Bottom of Form

Fruitful Collaboration and Integrated Efforts

The Centre’s commitment to enriching the museum's cultural content has been significantly supported by fruitful collaborations with prominent figures and institutions. Key contributions have come from His Excellency Abdul Rahman bin Mohammed Al Owais, His Excellency Mohammed Al Mar, and the Al Sabah Archaeological Group - Dar Al-Athar in Kuwait. These collaborations have been instrumental in providing valuable loans and donations of artifacts with both historical and cultural importance.

Additionally, the Centre has received assistance from several esteemed institutions, such as the National Archive and Library in Abu Dhabi, the Department of Culture and Tourism in Abu Dhabi, the Ibrahim Family House, the Union Museum, and the Saruq Al-Hadid Archaeological Museum. Such collaborations have helped further develop the museum’s cultural narrative.

The Centre has also partnered with notable local and international artists, including Abdel Qader Al-Rais, Idris Khan, and Osman Khunji who created contemporary pieces inspired by Islamic arts. Other distinguished artists, such as Najat Makki, Layla Juma, and Abdulrahim Sharif, contributed their expertise in Islamic art, enriching the museum’s cultural scope and significance.

New Cultural Publication on Islamic Cultural Heritage

In line with enriching the museum's content and enhancing its cultural collection, the Centre has released the "Light and Peace: A Journey of Faith, Inspiration, and Coexistence" Catalog in both Arabic and English. The book will soon be available for purchase at the "Light and Peace" shop and the Mosque's Library, located next to the museum at the "Dome of Peace" at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre.

Notably, the name of the museum, "Light and Peace," is inspired by its mission to revive the Islamic cultural heritage of science and art, which has illuminated humanity through successive ages. It also reflects the exhibition's goal of building bridges of understanding between cultures based on peace and tolerance.

For more information about the museum or the "Diya" experience, you can visit the museum's official website at www.szgmc.gov.ae or contact the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre at +971 2 4191919. The museum is open daily from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM, and entry is free for a limited period until the implementation of admission fees.

Exploring Cultural Experiences at the 'Dome of Peace': Sultan Al Neyadi Visits the 'Light & Peace Museum' and the Diya Immersive Experience at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre in Abu Dhabi

His Excellency Dr. Sultan bin Saif Al Neyadi, Minister of State for Youth Affairs, visited the “Light & Peace Museum” at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre in Abu Dhabi, where he was welcomed by His Excellency Dr. Yousef Al Obaidli, Director General of the Centre.

His Excellency toured the five sections of the museum, which feature interactive experiences utilizing the latest technologies. The exhibits showcase rare and unique collections that reflect the museum's message, offering an engaging sensory narrative that allows visitors to interact with its cultural content, promoting a dialogue between cultures.

His Excellency was introduced to the museum’s contents and activities, gaining insights into Islamic civilization and its contributions to the arts and sciences throughout the ages. He also learned about the culture of tolerance and coexistence that has facilitated the mutual influence between it and other world civilizations. Additionally, His Excellency explored the “Immersive Diya – A Universe of Light Experience,” which includes a 360-degree interactive light show enhanced by sound effects and winds.

At the end of the visit, His Excellency was presented with the “Light and Peace” catalog showcasing the museum's collections, which highlight the unique artworks and exhibits reflecting the values of tolerance, peace, and Islamic arts. The catalog provides a detailed description of each piece and emphasizes its cultural and historical significance. He was also presented with a copy of the "Andalusia: History and Civilization" exhibition catalog.

Both the "Light & Peace Museum" and the “Immersive Diya – A Universe of Light Experience” represent a significant addition to the cultural experiences at the Centre, located in the newly established “Dome of Peace,” a cultural destination in Abu Dhabi at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre. The dome encompasses many cultural facilities, including the Al Jami’ library, which specializes in Islamic civilization and its arts, an auditorium that hosts religious, national, cultural, and community events, and temporary exhibitions. These exhibitions, such as the "Andalusia: History and Civilization" and "Coins of Islam: History Revealed," reflect the cultural values and messages that enhance the role of the mosque in presenting its diverse cultural and human content in an interactive and knowledge-rich framework.

UK Prime Minister Visits Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi

His Excellency Keir Starmer, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, visited the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, accompanied by His Excellency Mansour Belhoul Al-Falasi, UAE Ambassador to the United Kingdom, His Excellency Edward Hobart, UK Ambassador to the UAE, and the accompanying delegation.

The Prime Minister and his delegation were accompanied by His Excellency Dr. Yousef Al-Obaidli, Director General of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre, during their tour of the mosque’s halls and exterior corridors . They were introduced to the mosque’s cultural message of coexistence, tolerance, and openness, inspired by the legacy and values of the founding father. They also learned about the significant role of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre in promoting Islamic culture and enhancing cross-cultural communication worldwide. The delegation was briefed on the mosque’s history, its architectural beauty, and the distinctive Islamic art that adorns its every corner. They were also introduced to the mosque’s unique collections and the finest examples of Islamic civilization, where diverse artistic and architectural designs have converged in harmony, creating a masterpiece that reflects the beauty of cultural unity.

On the sidelines of the visit, Prime Minister Keir Starmer commented: “The UAE and the UK share a long history and a deep relationship that spans centuries. It has been an honor to visit Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, where I have seen the impactful efforts to promote shared human values across religions and cultures, which strengthen the ties between all. People from around the world gather in peace around its beauty, and I have also seen the continued cooperation between the UAE and the UK in this area.”

At the end of the visit, the mosque presented the guest with a gift reflecting the mosque’s beauty, a compass inspired by its chandeliers, along with a copy of the book Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque: A Lights of Peace, the latest publication from the Center. The book highlights the mosque’s unique architectural style and takes readers on a visual journey to discover its architectural and artistic grandeur, featuring award-winning images from the “Spaces of Light” Award.