From paintings of the 1600s to the first dirham note, National Archives display tells of UAE’s rich past

From ancient documents to a virtual reality trip to Mars, the National Archives wing at Sheikh Zayed Heritage Festival takes visitors on a journey through the past and future. Antique collectibles and memorabilia, virtual experiences and games are intended to pique the interest of young people in our rich history. University students work as guides “to create a future generation of history,” said Farhan Al Marzooqi, director of community outreach at the National Archives. The exhibition has been divided into sections, detailing the rich history of each decade. It begins with the 1620s and displays documents such as treaties with the British troops. A painting of the Fortress of Bidiya in Fujairah, which was captured by the Portuguese in 1623 is an influential painting of all time. It was painted by Portuguese troops after they invaded the fortress in 1623. The exact date is not known. An important letter written by Sheikh Shakhbut bin Dhiyab Al Falahi in the early 1800s is also on display. The then ruler of Abu Dhabi wanted to move from his palace to a temporary one in Dubai, while his home was renovated. But his children refused to move with him, so he left them in Abu Dhabi and stayed with the ruler of Sharjah, said the exhibition’s guide. In the letter, he wrote that he travelled to stay with the ruler of Sharjah to avoid arguments. His children are believed to have followed him there eventually. Military medals and the first one dirham note are also on display. The dirham was introduced in 1973 and the first coin was minted in the 1980s. Cash notes called the “external rupees” or “Gulf rupees” printed in India were used in the UAE before the dirham. The Gulf rupee notes had the same design as the Indian currency but were a different colour. The visitors are finally taken to a section that exhibits the country’s modern-age achievements. Using VR goggles, the visitors are given a virtual tour of a rocket about to launch, “to replicate the experience of Hazza Al Mansouri”. Once virtually in space, they can see the Earth and the galaxy. The experience concludes with a trip to Mars, illustrating the Hope probe’s mission. “We tried to create suspense that leads to a passion for learning,” Mr Al Marzooqi said. The wing also has a games section, that includes activities for children and the Al Maseera board game. “It is similar to Monopoly. The players have money and a dice and they can buy property,” Mr Al Marzooqi said. “But in order to move forward, each player has to answer a question from the playing cards first.” The game simulates the events and life of the UAE’s Founding Father Sheikh Zayed. “All answers can be found in the National Archives’ publications. This is to encourage young people to read,” Mr Al Marzooqi said. The board game will be available in bookstores and on app stores in about a month. Sheikh Zayed Heritage Festival is a cultural event held every year in Al Wathba, a 40 minute drive from downtown Abu Dhabi. It celebrates the UAE’s culture, traditions and heritage. The festival will run until February 20.

From paintings of the 1600s to the first dirham note, National Archives display tells of UAE’s rich past

Sheikh Zayed Heritage Festival in Al Wathba hosts a collection from the archives until February 20