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THERE’S an old saying that all roads lead to Rome although historians would argue that much earlier than the existence of that particular European empire many people set off on a well-beaten trek to Arabia.
Those living in Bahrain will be well aware of the kingdom’s history dating back to the Dilmun era, one of the most important ancient civilisations of the region and believed to date to the third millennium BC.
It was a hub on a major trading route between Mesopotamia – the world’s oldest civilisation – and the Indus Valley in South Asia. It is also believed that its people had commercial ties with ancient sites at Elam in Oman, Alba in Syria and Haittan in Turkey.
For lovers of ancient times, neighbouring Saudi Arabia has also been a haven for historic sites, although much of it has been hidden from the eyes of the world … until recently, thanks to an exhibition now being staged in an equally stunning venue in the United Arab Emirates.
Louvre Abu Dhabi recently opened Roads of Arabia: Archaeological Treasures of Saudi Arabia, the second international exhibition of the museum’s cultural season. The exhibition explores the rich history of the Arabian Peninsula through archaeological and cultural artefacts.
It explores five chapters in the history of the Arabian Peninsula, spanning early prehistoric settlements; maritime exploration; caravan trading routes that linked the region with Asia, Mesopotamia and the Mediterranean; routes of holy pilgrimage emerging in the 7th century CE; and the social and economic developments between the 14th and 16th centuries that set the stage for the modern day region.
Fourteen acclaimed editions of the show have toured throughout Europe, the US and Asia, before now coming back to the region at Louvre Abu Dhabi, where it is enriched by selected pieces from the UAE.
The exhibition was conceived through cooperation between the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage (SCTH) and the Musée du Louvre in Paris, where it was first presented in 2010. It is one of the most renowned Saudi exhibitions internationally, introducing Arabia’s cultural and historical heritage to more than five million visitors worldwide.
HRH Prince Sultan bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, President of SCTH, said the organisation of the exhibition in Louvre Abu Dhabi, within its tour to the most popular museums worldwide, takes place at an ‘important stage in the history of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’, led by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz.
“The exhibition is held in line with the approach adopted by the kingdom, which is based on giving due attention to history and heritage within the archaeological sector that was established more than 50 years ago, as well as on the concern for human communication among peoples and building bridges across cultures,” he added.
The expanded exhibition has been co-curated by Jamal S Omar, vice-president of the antiquities and museums department at STCH, Dr Souraya Noujaim, scientific, curatorial and collection management director at Louvre Abu Dhabi, and Noëmi Daucé, chief curator for archaeology at Louvre Abu Dhabi.
Manuel Rabaté, Director of Louvre Abu Dhabi, said: “Louvre Abu Dhabi’s ambition is to celebrate cross-cultural connections and highlight bridges between civilisations.”
Dr Souraya says that Roads of Arabia: Archaeological Treasures of Saudi Arabia tells the story of this region and offers a closer look at its interconnected history and heritage, across roads weaved throughout the peninsula.
Significant artefacts from Saudi Arabia include an outstanding funerary Neolithic stela, a 3rd-century BCE bronze statue head (loaned by the Department of Archaeology at King Saud University), a 1st-century BCE gold funerary mask from Eastern Province (loaned by the National Museum in Riyadh), 9th-century engraved steles (loaned by King Fahad National Library), 4th-millennium BCE Anthropomorphic stele (loaned by the National Museum in Riyadh), a door of the Kaaba dating to 1355 (loaned by the National Museum in Riyadh), and a key of the Kaaba (loaned by the Department of Islamic Art at the Musée du Louvre).
The archaeological pieces from the UAE, include a pearl found in Umm Al Quwain dating from 5500-5300 BCE (loaned by Umm Al Quwain Museum), a stone decorated with a wild camel from the late 3rd millennium BCE (loaned by Al Ain Museum), as well as objects from Julfar (loaned by the National Museum of Ras Al Khaimah).
As a part of the programme, Emirati artist Hind Mezaina has curated a series of film screenings, taking place each Saturday from Jaunuary 5 - 26, featuring documentaries and films relating to the Arabian world, past and present.
The Louvre Abu Dhabi is a stunning venue and this time of year, weather-wise, makes it an ideal time to visit on a weekend trip away from Bahrain.
Created by an exceptional agreement between the governments of Abu Dhabi and France, it was designed by Jean Nouvel and opened on Saadiyat Island in November 2017. The museum is inspired by traditional Islamic architecture and its monumental dome creates a rain of light effect and a unique social space that brings people together.
Louvre Abu Dhabi celebrates ‘the universal creativity of mankind’ and invites audiences to see humanity in a new light. Through its innovative curatorial approach, the museum focuses on building understanding across cultures: through stories of human creativity that transcend civilisations, geographies and times.
It is also gaining a growing reputation as a testing ground for new ideas in a globalised world and champions new generations of cultural leaders. Its international exhibitions, programming and Children’s Museum are inclusive platforms that connect communities and aim to offer enjoyment for all.
Entrance to the exhibition is free with the museum ticket. Through the multimedia guide, visitors can follow Noëmi Daucé, one of the exhibition’s curators, on a unique tour, as she shares insights into the masterpieces of the exhibition. The tour is available in English, Arabic and French as well as Louvre Abu Dhabi’s mobile application (Apple Store and Google Play).
Louvre Abu Dhabi hours are: Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, 10 am–8 pm; Thursday and Friday, 10 am–10 pm. The museum is closed on Mondays.
General admission tickets are 60 AED (excluding 5 per cent VAT). Tickets are 30 AED (excluding 5 per cent VAT) for visitors ages 13-22. Admission is free for members of the museum’s loyalty programme, children under the age of 13, ICOM or ICOMOS members, journalists and visitors with special needs and their companions.
Roads of Arabia: Archaeological Treasures of Saudi Arabia runs until February 16, 2019. For more information on the exhibition, visit www.louvreabudhabi.ae or call Louvre Abu Dhabi on +971 600 565566.
