Arab and Muslim science legacy on tour

According to Professor Hamid Al Naimiy, President of the Arab Union for Astronomy and Space Sciences, the conference, which was inaugurated by H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qassimi, Ruler of Sharjah and Member of the UAE Supreme Council not only recognises Muslims' scientific achievements but also sets an agenda for next steps for future advancements in science and technology from the region. Awareness of these achievements through interactive exhibitions like 'Sultans of Science' will be monitored and enhanced through further research.

The conference, held at the University of Sharjah also highlighted the efforts to restore historic manuscripts by the Juma Al Majid Heritage and Cultural Centre, one of MTE Studios key research collaborators for the travelling exhibition. 'Sultans of Science' was developed with the support of an extensive group of research affiliates and institutes such as the Juma Al Majid Heritage and Cultural Centre and the Research House for Islamic Studies & Heritage in Dubai.

Other than the global travelling exhibition, MTE Studios is also well-known in the UAE for the design and manufacture of the magnificent '1000 Years of Knowledge Rediscovered', a permanent exhibition on display within the Ibn Battuta Mall in Dubai, that celebrates the contribution of Arab and Muslim scholars to science and technology during the Golden Age of the Islamic World and the influence of their discoveries and inventions on contemporary society.

The exhibition covers the main fields of Arab and Muslim scientific endeavour including architecture, arts, astronomy, engineering, exploration, flight, mathematics, medicine, optics, fine and utilitarian technology, and water control.

Arab and Muslim discoveries and inventions are brought to life by more than 40 magnificent interactive exhibits and giant functional replicas that use cutting edge technology to recreate the ingenuity of a golden age. The functional replica of Al Jazari's eight metre high Elephant Water Clock in the India Court is one of the visitors favourite stops when visiting the UAE.
MTE Studios CEO, Ludo Verheyen said, "The exhibition was conceptualised with the aim of creating an awareness and appreciation of the Arab and Muslim contribution to modern society. It also sends a powerful message about the way we evaluate history and the need to embrace multi-cultural knowledge."

The exhibition's success prompted MTE Studios to develop the exhibition further into a global travelling exhibition for a five-year tour in North America. The exhibition opened at Liberty Science Centre, New Jersey in July 2007 and will continue its journey to various states in the USA and Canada.

"This exhibition's alignment with our mission and its timelines provides a broader context to current global happenings, especially within the United States and makes it a natural fit to be the first travelling exhibition in our newly renovated and expanded facility," said Dr Emlyn Koster, President and CEO of Liberty Science Centre.
Two additional versions of the travelling exhibition are currently being manufactured for permanent installation and for tours of the Asian and European continents respectively.

With a team that is focused on interactive learning experiences and has been fascinated by the heritage of Arab and Muslim scholars throughout history, MTE Studios has developed the expertise and reputation that will see no stone unturned to bring the important and valuable knowledge of the Arab and Muslim scholars of antiquity to the World.

"We continue to be surprised at the wealth of knowledge that exists in the works of the scholars of antiquity," said Verheyen. "The conference at University of Sharjah has brought useful information to light, and I have no doubt it will act as a platform for the research and development of new interactive exhibits that will be used to communicate the message of Muslim contribution to science and technology worldwide."