Abu Dhabi: The Shaikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre (SZGMC) will host an exhibition starting September 20 to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the centre.
The exhibition titled Haj: Memories of A Journey, being organised in collaboration with Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi) on the grounds of the grand mosque.
Telling the story and history of Makkah and the rituals of Haj, as one of the five fundamental pillars and practices in Islam, the exhibition brings to life the significance of the sacred practices, while also underlining the evident attributes of tolerance, equality and the vast diversity to be found in Islam.
The exhibition highlights the experience of Emirati pilgrims over the years, using oral histories and some of the earliest photographs and archival material, illustrating the old routes and paths taken by pilgrims to Makkah from the UAE and the rest of the world, as well as the many challenges they faced during their travel.
Major collections
Objects from major public and private collections, both from the UAE and other countries around the world, are on show. It also offers a number of public programmes and educational workshops inspired by the exhibition’s concept and message.
Ahmad Juma Al Za’abi, Deputy Minister of Presidential Affairs and Board Chairman of the SZGMC, said, “The exhibition arose from the centre’s vision. It was also inspired by the doctrines of our Islamic faith and the humanitarian and cultural virtues established by the nation’s founder, Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan.”
