Abu Dhabi hosts 'Walk into Islamic History' exhibition

Under the Patronage of General His Highness Sheikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Deputy Supreme Commander of UAE Armed Forces, Abu Dhabi Music and Arts Foundation (ADMAF) in cooperation with Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage (ADACH), are proudly hosting an exhibition entitled "A Walk into Islamic History" a selection from the "Al Muntakhab" collection of Islamic Art of Dr. Abdul Latif Kanoo, that will be on display at the Abu Dhabi Cultural Foundation from Tuesday 25th September and continues through Thursday 4th October 2007.

H.E. Mrs. Hoda Kanoo, Board Member of the Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage and the Founder of Abu Dhabi Music and Arts Foundation, stressed the importance of the exhibition as Islamic art is considered by many to be one of the world's most prominent, vibrant cultures.

Mrs. Kanoo noted that the exhibition comprises a comprehensive selection from Dr. Kanoo's renowned international collection of Islamic art that covers Islam's boundaries and history. The "Al Muntakhab" collection documents the progress of Islamic civilization and comprises more than 5000 pieces of art that reflects the diversity and glory of Islamic civilization wich prominently features the creative abilities of its artists.

The Holy Quran forms the nucleus of the collection of Islamic documents, but also includes manuscripts in science, medicine, chemistry, architecture, history, geography and literature. The exhibition includes many artifacts such as pottery, metal and glass objects, textiles, garments, carpets, jewelry, astronomical and scientific pieces as well as unique gold and silver coins.

Dr. Kanoo is a scholar of Islamic heritage and founder of " Beit Al Quran" - House of Quran- in the Kingdom of Bahrain, which is a leading centre in the Gulf region and Islamic world. Dr. Kanoo has enjoyed a successful governmental, economic and academic career in Bahrain, and has launched many cultural and educational initiatives. He has also authored many books, articles and research papers on the Qur'an and the history of Islam. He participates in local, regional and international conferences, seminars and forums, and has been honored by many countries for his contributions to culture and public service.

This is the first time that the collection will be seen outside of Bahrain. The ten-day exhibition is expected to attract many Islamic scholars, art lovers, historians and all those who are interested in culture and is an important element of the special Ramadan program at the Cultural Foundation.