Sharjah's deputy ruler opens Islamic art exhibition in Oman
Cultural diplomacy through Islamic artistic heritage
The opening ceremony commenced with a speech by Jamal Al Moosawi, Secretary-General of the National Museum of Oman, who welcomed Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi and the attendees. He emphasised that the exhibition highlights the evolution and beauty of Islamic art and results from cooperation between the National Museum and the Sharjah Museums Authority.
Al Moosawi explained that the exhibition consists of three sections—Calligraphic Arts, Sciences and Innovations, and Harmony and Diversity—each featuring artefacts that illustrate the artistic richness and depth of Islamic civilisation over the centuries. He stressed that the exhibition aligns with the National Museum's commitment to cultural diplomacy, fostering awareness of Islamic heritage.
Strengthening UAE-Oman cultural ties through the arts
Aisha Rashid Deemas, Director-General of the Sharjah Museums Authority, expressed her delight at hosting the exhibition in one of Oman's leading cultural institutions, highlighting the strong fraternal ties and shared history between the UAE and Oman, strengthened by the leadership of both nations.
Deemas noted that the visit of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, to Oman was a key inspiration for organising this exhibition. It reflects his vision of using culture and the arts as a bridge to strengthen relationships and promote cultural exchange between the two nations. The exhibition further highlights the deep-rooted historical, cultural, and social connections that have flourished across generations.
Rare Islamic treasures displayed for the first time outside the UAE
She explained that the exhibition is not just a platform to display rare Islamic artefacts but also an opportunity to reflect on the shared historical legacy of the region. It highlights the exceptional craftsmanship and creativity that defined Islamic civilisation throughout the ages.
Among the significant pieces on display for the first time outside the UAE are a silver cup bearing the tughra (imperial signature) of Ottoman Sultan Abdul Hamid II, a six-sided dining chair crafted for Al-Nasir Muhammad ibn Qalawun, and the first Islamic dirham minted in Baghdad after the Mongol invasion. Other notable exhibits include an 11th or 12th-century feline-shaped incense burner and a gilded ceramic ewer from the 13th century, exemplifying the artistic diversity of Islamic heritage.
An immersive experience of Islamic artistic evolution
Following the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi toured the exhibition, receiving detailed explanations about the 82 rare artefacts on display. These include Islamic manuscripts, metalwork, ceramics, and historical coins, each illustrating the artistic evolution and cultural richness of successive Islamic civilisations.
The exhibition celebrates the strong ties between the UAE and Oman and embodies the vision of the Sharjah Ruler to enhance cultural cooperation and use the arts as a medium for dialogue and mutual understanding. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore the artistic and aesthetic dimensions of Islamic civilisation through a carefully curated selection of artefacts that narrate centuries of Islamic history.
Promoting knowledge exchange and international cultural collaboration The exhibition aims to highlight the artistic achievements of Islamic civilisation, strengthen collaboration with regional and international cultural institutions, and raise awareness of the rich heritage of the Islamic world. By fostering cultural appreciation and knowledge exchange, the event contributes to a deeper understanding of the enduring artistic traditions of the Islamic world.
Dignitaries and cultural leaders attend the grand opening
The opening ceremony was attended by His Excellency Salim bin Mohammed Al Mahrouqi, Minister of Heritage and Tourism and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the National Museum of Oman; His Excellency Mohammed bin Nakhira Al Dhaheri, UAE Ambassador to Oman; Hassan Yaqoub Al Mansouri, Secretary-General of the Sharjah Media Council; Aisha Rashid Deemas, Director-General of the Sharjah Museums Authority; Jamal Al Moosawi, Secretary-General of the National Museum of Oman; along with several senior officials and diplomats.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Al Etihad
3 hours ago
- Al Etihad
Attack on Iran violates international law: GCC Secretary-General
21 June 2025 20:07 ISTANBUL (WAM) Jassem Al Budaiwi, Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), has affirmed that Israel's attacks on Iran reflect the Israeli government's disregard for international law, condemning the strikes as a blatant violation of national his address at the 51st session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), which began today in Istanbul, Al Budaiwi reiterated the GCC's call for a return to stressed the importance of exercising restraint and maintaining open diplomatic channels, viewing them as the only viable path to avoid a wider regional Budaiwi praised Oman's positive mediation role in promoting US-Iran negotiations and urged all parties to prioritise wisdom and diplomacy, warning against the risks of a confrontation that could extend beyond regional developments in the occupied Palestinian territories, Al Budaiwi reaffirmed the GCC's unwavering support for the Palestinian people in Gaza and called for an end to their suffering. He emphasised the need to lift the blockade on the Gaza Strip, open all crossings to allow the entry of humanitarian aid and essential supplies, and ensure their continuous delivery to the also underscored the urgent need for international protection for the Palestinian people and called for an end to the targeting of civilians, urging full compliance with international law, international humanitarian law and relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions without another note, Al Budaiwi reiterated the GCC's support for joint Islamic action efforts led by the OIC since its founding. He noted that the Council's support is especially evident in key issues of priority for the Islamic highlighted the political support provided by the GCC during emergency Islamic summits and its contributions to reconstruction efforts in affected areas, as well as defending the rights of Muslim communities in international forums in line with the principle of Islamic Budaiwi added that the GCC has played a central role in combating Islamophobia and countering campaigns aimed at distorting the image of Islam, by backing the OIC's initiatives at the United Nations and adopting landmark resolutions that promote coexistence and mutual respect. He noted that GCC countries play an active role in political mediation and conflict resolution within the Islamic world, including support for dialogue between disputing parties and facilitating international consensus on sensitive issues through effective diplomatic channels.
Gulf Business
4 hours ago
- Gulf Business
Significant reforms: Changes announced in the UAE government
Image credit: Dubai Media Office/Website Following consultations and the approval of UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, announced today several changes to the UAE government. Read- Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid stated: 'Following consultations with my brother, the President, and with his approval, we announce today the following changes to the UAE government: the establishment of a Ministry of Foreign Trade and the appointment of Dr Thani Al Zeyoudi as Minister of Foreign Trade, as well as the renaming of the Ministry of Economy to the Ministry of Economy and Tourism, led by Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri.' He added: 'We also announce that the National Artificial Intelligence System will be adopted as an advisory member of the Council of Ministers, the Ministerial Development Council, and all boards of federal entities and government companies starting in January 2026. It will support decision-making, conduct real-time analyses, offer technical advice, and enhance the efficiency of government policies across all sectors.' Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid concluded: 'The world is undergoing a comprehensive transformation—scientifically, economically, and socially. Our goal is to prepare today for the coming decades. Our aim is to ensure continued prosperity and a dignified life for future generations.'
Al Etihad
5 hours ago
- Al Etihad
OIC Council of Foreign Ministers Meeting begins in Istanbul
21 June 2025 18:15 ISTANBUL (ALETIHAD) The 51st session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) member states began on Saturday in to Türkiye's Anadolu Agency, around 40 officials at the level of prime minister and foreign minister are participating in the two-day session, alongside representatives from the organisation's institutions, observer states and other international a speech during the opening, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said that Israel, with unconditional backing from Western powers, continues to push the region into said Israel had turned Gaza into massive rubble before the eyes of the world, bombing healthcare facilities, schools, mosques and churches, and killing people waiting in aid lines just to obtain a sack of flour, a bowl of soup or a piece of stale Erdoğan stressed that a two-state solution is more urgent than ever under current conditions. He added, 'We must continue to encourage more countries to recognise the State of Palestine and maintain coordinated efforts to impose coercive measures against Israel based on international law and the UN Charter.'He urged unity and the setting aside of divisions in matters of shared concern, saying, 'If we do not take ownership of our causes with common resolve and thought, we will end up serving the interests of others.'Erdoğan also highlighted the timing of Israel's attacks on Iran, coinciding with intensified negotiations over Iran's nuclear programme. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, who is chairing the meeting, said Israel is pushing the region to the brink of disaster through its assault on Iran. He added that under Türkiye's current presidency of the OIC, the country will continue to amplify the voice of the Islamic world, prioritise global justice and firmly oppose injustice.
