Latest news with #ZayedNationalMuseum
Khaleej Times
2 days ago
- General
- Khaleej Times
UAE: 15-year-old pilot among participants who joined workshop to preserve heirlooms
At a quiet table in Abu Dhabi, 15-year-old Fjord Enzo Bertrand-Helmgens gently brushed an old Chinese coin with a cotton swab — a small act of care that reflects a much larger mission. The young pilot, who is also an aspiring AI engineer, was one of many participants learning the delicate craft of preservation at the Zayed National Museum's 'Preserving Our Heritage Symposium.' Held on May 28–29 at Saadiyat Rotana Resort, the two-day event welcomed people from all walks of life — students, artists, museum professionals, and families — to learn how to care for personal heirlooms and, in doing so, help protect the cultural memory they carry. For Fjord, restoring coins — from dynasties in China to historical pieces from the UAE, Ukraine, and Czech Republic — sparked a new appreciation. 'I'm not into coins,' he said, 'but the restoration process lets you hold history in your hands.' His mother, anthropologist Marina Bertrand-Helmgens, joined him at the workshop. 'Fjord was born in the UAE and embraced the Emirati culture from a young age,' she said. 'The more rooted you are in your heritage, the further you can grow." Organised in partnership with UK-based West Dean College and Plowden & Smith, the symposium offered practical sessions on restoring everything from paper and photographs to textiles, metals, and ceramics. Shaima Al Ameri, a master's student in art history and museum studies at Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi was also at the workshop. She joined last year's pilot version of the programme and came back for the expanded edition. 'These types of workshops don't just train you, they connect you with people from different backgrounds who share the same love and passion for conservation,' said the 35-year-old Emirati. One session that stood out focused on the unexpected vulnerability of modern plastics. 'People assume plastic lasts forever. But there are many kinds, and depending on the material and environment, it can deteriorate just like anything else.' During the symposioum, one mother brought her two daughters to learn how to preserve a traditional wedding dress, while another participant attended with her two-year-old, who sat in on coloring sessions to better understand how conservationists match original pigments. Empowering everyday people Conservation experts from the UAE and abroad guided participants through the science and techniques of preservation — covering how to handle fragile items, understand environmental threats like humidity, heat, and light, and use modern tools like X-ray fluorescence scanners. While conservation training is often reserved for professionals, this symposium was designed to be different. It aimed to empower everyday people with the skills to protect the items that matter most to them. 'This kind of hands-on conservation training is the first of its kind in the UAE tailored to the general public,' said Fatima Mansoor Al Tamimi, Head of the Conservation Unit at Zayed National Museum. 'We want the public, artists, collectors, even students to understand how to preserve the things they care about." Tools like polarising microscopes and X-ray fluoresce scanners and 3D printers, were brought in to examine material composition. 'When I placed my necklace under the XRF scanner, I found out it was 88 percent 22-karat gold — but it also contained copper,' said Al Tamimi. 'Interestingly, some inks used in old manuscripts also contain copper, which explains why certain parchments deteriorate faster than others.' Textile conservation also proved particularly relevant to participants with traditional Emirati clothing. One demonstration involved carefully folding a thoub using 'snake rolls' of acid-free paper to prevent permanent creases. 'The way you fold, store, and box these items makes a huge difference,' the museum official explained. 'Humidity here is a major challenge — unlike Europe, we have to tailor our methods to this climate.' The museum plans to develop deeper, more specialised workshops in future editions of the symposium, as part of its broader mission to extend heritage preservation beyond institutional walls. 'As conservators, we're not trying to make old objects look new,' pointed Al Tamimi. 'We want people to see the effects of time, to understand the journey of a piece. It's like vintage jewels. The beauty is in its story.' For Marina, the experience was deeply personal. 'The entire symposium felt like a gift,' she said. 'It reminded us that tangible heritage is fragile. And that caring for it, whether it's a coin or a book or a dress, is a way of carrying our history forward.'
Al Etihad
3 days ago
- Business
- Al Etihad
Zayed National Museum hosts region's first ‘Preserving Our History Symposium'
30 May 2025 00:56 SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI) The Zayed National Museum hosted the 'Preserving our History Symposium' on May 28–29 at Saadiyat Island Rotana Hotel in Abu the course of the two-day event, local and international conservation professionals came together to engage in workshops and scientific in collaboration with West Dean College and Plowden & Smith, the event included paper, metal, textile and paintings conservation workshops for also featured workshops on 3D printing and digitisation; shedding light on UAE goals to preserve cultural heritage through innovation and to Aletihad, Fatima Mansoor Al Tamimi, Head of the Conservation Unit at the Zayed National Museum, said that this symposium is the first of its kind.'We organised it in partnership with West Dean College and Plowden & Smith, and it covers theory, practical work and scientific analysis,' she event featured a diverse series of workshops in paper and parchment conservation, metals, ceramics, painting, textile, 3D printing, replica making and digitisation.'Our goal at the Zayed National Museum is to preserve the history and culture of the UAE —continuing the vision of the UAE's Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who was deeply connected to his people,' she Tamimi explained that the symposium filled a major cultural void in the region.'We tailored this to address our needs in the UAE and the region. We are rich in heritage, but we lacked the programmes to educate the community on how to protect it.'She highlighted the importance of blending traditional conservation with modern tools: 'We are introducing 3D printing and replica-making as a way to safely display fragile items, especially when originals cannot always be shown. And in this digital era, we have also added digitisation and documentation into the programme.'The broader goal, she said, is about building a culture of preservation. 'We are creating a sustainable and aware community,' she added. Lizzie Neville, Head of the School of Conservation at West Dean College, told Aletihad: 'We wanted to show how conservation is a global, collaborative field.'She said the goal is to offer more specialist education: 'There is so much heritage here that needs to be preserved. We are now hoping to provide more specialist education to encourage people here to pursue conservation careers.'On 3D printing, Neville explained: 'If an object is too delicate to display or travel with, reproductions can be used instead — especially in schools or public exhibits.' Scientific analysis also comes into play.'We want to show what can be learned just by observing,' she said, noting examples like identifying materials and studying paper fibres under a materials were another focus.'Some modern plastics and papers are less stable than ancient ones,' she was a demonstration of proper textile handling too.'Our textile conservator showed participants the best ways to protect delicate garments.'Digitisation concluded the training.'Once records are safely preserved, they can be digitised and made accessible online,' said and founder of Al Majlis Abdulla Almansouri told Aletihad about his decades-long efforts to preserve Islamic and Emirati heritage.'I have major collections — Islamic, traditional Emirati, and one dedicated to the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan,' he said, listing items like swords and manuscripts, and pieces that hold real historical value for the UAE.'What started as a hobby over 30 years ago became a mission,' he the current symposium, Almansouri said: 'Last year, I asked Al Tamimi for access to training abroad. She replied, 'We will bring it here'. And they did.' The workshops, he added, taught him vital conservation skills: 'We learned how to store, transport, and restore different materials. It helped us a lot.'
Emirates Woman
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Emirates Woman
How Saadiyat Cultural District invites discovery and cultural exchange
Saadiyat Cultural District is home to Louvre Abu Dhabi, Manarat Al Saadiyat, teamLab Phenomena and the future home of soon-to-open cultural destinations Zayed National Museum, Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, and Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi that invite discovery and information exchange. Saadiyat Cultural District Abu Dhabi versity of the UAE's multi-cultural eco-system with renowned institutions that support preserving the region's heritage while embracing a forward-looking vision. 'Saadiyat Cultural District invites people from the UAE, the region, and the world to experience the transformational, uniting power of art and culture, and how these pillars of human expression unite us all. Collectively, these museums are repositories for education, innovation, imagination, and possibility. Our goal is that the District's impact will be felt for generations to come,' shares His Excellency Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT). Louvre Abu Dhabi Opened in 2017, the Louvre Abu Dhabi is the first universal museum of the Arab world. Recognised for its breathtaking architecture, the museum continues its legacy in the region through stories of cultural connections across cultures through a line-up of well-curated exhibitions and performances in its programmes that create a unique space that brings the community together. Zayed National Museum Abu Dhabi On track for completion this year, Zayed National Museum aims to celebrate the rich history, culture, and stories that highlight the narratives of its people from ancient times to modern day. Exploring over 300,000 years of history, landscapes, languages, and culture, it also tells the story of the UAE's Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, whose enduring example still guides the nation and its people today. Through its exhibitions, research and public programmes, Zayed National Museum explores the legacy and cornerstone values grounded in solidarity, tolerance, among others, that Sheikh Zayed embodied and their lasting influence on the country he founded. teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi If you haven't heard of teamLab Phenomena yet, the multi-sensory experience by a Japanese art collective that creates other-worldly immersive digital experiences with next-generation storytelling has opened in the capital's cultural district. Officially launched on April 18, 2025, it comprises mesmerising interactive exhibits within the 17,000 square-meter space that play with light, sounds, shape, video, and movement. teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi resides at the intersection of art, theatre, technology, and theme park. Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi The Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi aims to put a spotlight on the evolution of the universe through engaging site-specific installations and immersive displays that serve as educational resources. Not only does it aim to ignite the minds, but the museum is also thinking ahead with initiatives set in place before the opening to encourage women to pursue careers in the fields of science, archaeology, and conservation. 'We hope that through our programmes that highlight different characters and people from this region that we don't normally hear about, young girls and women will be encouraged to enter these fields. There is so much potential here and so many routes to go down, it is just a case of finding the area you are interested in and following that,' says Noora Abdulla Albalooshi, Assistant Curator at the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi. Guggenheim Abu Dhabi Set to be completed in 2025, Guggenheim Abu Dhabi will be the region's enigmatic destination for contemporary art, showcasing artworks from across the globe housed under a floor area of 80,000 square meters designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Frank Gehry. This collaboration between DCT and the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation will comprise 28 galleries with an international collection of artworks commissioned for the exceptional spaces within the museum. Guggenheim Abu Dhabi will also serve as a thought-provoking forum for research and cultural dialogue amongst artists, scholars, curators, and other like-minded creative thinkers through a dynamic programme that explores the careers of individual artists and the histories of art movements. – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram Images: Supplied
Al Etihad
20-05-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
Zayed National Museum opens applications for 2025 Research Fund
20 May 2025 20:47 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)Zayed National Museum, the national museum of the United Arab Emirates, invites researchers from around the world to apply to the 2025 Zayed National Museum Research Fund before 14 July 2025. The Research Fund, which amounts to a total of AED1 million, supports research projects contributing to the preservation, advancement of knowledge and understanding of the United Arab Emirates' heritage and culture, as well as that of the wider Research Fund is inspired by the values of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the Founding Father of the United Arab Emirates, through its commitment to ambitious and rigorous research that preserves and revives the UAE's deep heritage, while fostering knowledge, innovation, and resilience. The fund provides both large and small grants, targeting seasoned researchers as well as those at the beginning of their careers, whose work aims to deepen our collective understanding of the history and culture of the United Arab Emirates and wider Excellency Saood Abdulaziz Al Hosani, Undersecretary of the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi, said: "The nurturing of the generation of knowledge and creativity supports our commitment to preserve and promote the treasured cultural heritage of Abu Dhabi and the UAE, in line with the inspiring example set by our founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed. The UAE has long been a crossroads of cultures, ideas, and progress, and the Research Fund is a natural extension of that legacy, empowering researchers to push the boundaries of discovery which shape our understanding of the past and inform our collective future. These insights not only provide new knowledge, but inform the present, fostering pride and a stronger sense of cultural identity in our youth and all members of the community, and enabling us to further share our heritage with the world." Applications will be reviewed by a panel of representatives from Zayed National Museum and the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, as well as external subject matter experts. The research projects will be assessed against criteria such as research methodology, experience, outcomes, and alignment with the museum's Peter Magee, Director of Zayed National Museum, said: "Each year, the Zayed National Museum Research Fund enables researchers and academics to dig deeper into our past, revealing valuable insights into the history, heritage and traditions of the United Arab Emirates and the region. By supporting original scholarship, the Research Fund contributes to a growing body of knowledge that informs the present and preserves cultural continuity. Rooted in the legacy of Sheikh Zayed, whose vision championed education and heritage, these grants play a vital role in cultivating intellectual engagement and strengthening a shared sense of identity.'Dr Magee continues: 'As a research institution, I am immensely proud of the pivotal role Zayed National Museum plays in preserving the rich history and culture of the region for future generations and inspiring the next cohort of historians, archaeologists, and thinkers.'The key themes of the Research Fund include the life and achievements of the UAE's Founding Father Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the archaeological and intangible history of the UAE, the archaeology and history of the Arabian Peninsula and South Asia, and conferences and invited lectures that revolve around the themes in 2023, Zayed National Museum's Research Fund has now supported 18 projects from countries across the globe, including China, Egypt, India, Italy, France, Oman, Poland, UAE, UK and USA. The projects supported by the fund represent a wide variety of topics and fields – from the rock art of Southern and Eastern Arabia, to Sheikh Zayed's legacy, and its role and impact on UAE's society and culture. Previous recipients of the fund have gone on to research population history of the region through analysis of ancient DNA, historical trade routes between India and the Arabian Peninsula, and shifts in the cultural landscape among the Early Bronze Age inhabitants of the Al Ain by the legacy of the UAE's Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Zayed National Museum will be the most comprehensive source of information of the nation's history and culture, tracing the story of this land from ancient times to the present day. Through immersive exhibitions, active research, and engaging public programming, the museum builds on Sheikh Zayed's vision, upholding the values he stood for, including progress, collaboration and the preservation of heritage. Researchers can apply to Zayed National Museum's Research Fund before 14 July 2025 by visiting this link:
What's On
15-05-2025
- What's On
Here's a sneak peek into the Zayed National Museum in Abu Dhabi
It could open to you before the year is out… With the highly-anticipated opening of teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi making waves in the UAE capital only last month, we now have our sights set on Zayed National Museum, which is slated for another exciting launch – possibly before the year is out. To feed your enthusiasm, here are 5 interesting facts about Zayed National Museum in Abu Dhabi. How your tour begins teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi drew you in with dark, mysterious hues and incredible light shows that took some getting used to. At Zayed National Museum, you'll begin your tour at the 600-metre Masar Garden, which will introduce you to the nation's native plants. Much like teamLab, Masar Garden's exhibits will also be interactive, and you can expect to interact with and learn more about the Falaj irrigation system, which goes back almost 5000 years in time. There's also as many as 12 special animal-inspired sculptures that pay tribute to the fauna of the region. Journey back in time And their focus shall be the rich history of the UAE, with special emphasis on the vision of the Father of the Nation, His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. You'll also be educated on early human settlements that go back 300,000 years, and will have the chance to explore nature, trade, coastal life, language and traditions of the Emirates. These galleries will truly be a journey back in time. See a Magan Boat from the Bronze Age There's been much talk about this exhibit, and with good reason. A full-size reconstruction of a Magan Boat from the Bronze Age is one of Zayed National Museum's standout exhibits, and constructed with materials like reeds and palm-fibre rope, is undoubtedly going to be a major draw. The 18-metre Magan Boat comes to life following collaborative research conducted by Zayed University and NYU Abu Dhabi, and you'll be able to get a glimpse of early seafaring, a time-honoured occupation of the region. If you've wondered what the huge structures atop the building are… Wonder no more. There's no way you've driven past Saadiyat Island without spotting these massive structures above the Zayed National Museum's construction, and we're told they represent the wings of a true regional icon, the falcon. The five massive steel structures pay tribute to falconry in the UAE, and will also act as wind towers – underscoring sustainability as a core component of the UAE's, and Abu Dhabi's strides forward. Everyone's invited, and everyone's welcome In addition to being a global masterpiece, Zayed National Museum is also big on inclusivity. Its design makes the structure accessible for all including people of determination and elderly members of society, fostering the spirit of community for visitors of all backgrounds and abilities. Images: supplied > Sign up for FREE to get exclusive updates that you are interested in
