Exhibition on Trucial Scouts at Al Jahili Fort

ABU DHABI: An exhibition titled, “The Trucial Scouts: Life and Times”, organised by the Department of Culture and Tourism –Abu Dhabi in cooperation with the Armed Forces and Museum and Military History Centre, will be begin at Al Jahili Fort in Al Ain on November 1.

It will run until April 28, 2018 and is one of the events and activities included in the annual cultural programme in Al Ain.

The exhibition will celebrate the humanitarian and social role of the Scouts, a military unit created by the British Government in 1951 which, renamed the Union Defence Force, became the nucleus of the UAE Armed Forces upon the establishment of the federation in 1971.

The exhibition will include a total of 32 items from the regular life of the unit loaned by the Armed Forces Museum and Military History Centre in Abu Dhabi, including some of the weapons they carried, their uniforms and various utensils. The Al Jahili Fort, site of the exhibition, was itself used by a squadron of the Scouts from 1955 onwards, following permission being granted by the then-Ruler, Shaikh Shakhbout Bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Built by Shaikh Zayed the First in 1898, it had previously been a summer residence of the ruling family and later the seat of government for the Al Ain region.

With its new role as the base for the Scouts, a number of changes were made to Al Jahili Fort, which survive today. These changes included a new office block in addition to a kitchen and stores for weapons. A room was also set aside for wireless communications and radio equipment.

The Round Tower was used as living quarters for officers in 1957, until damaged during a sand storm while the main arched gate was also expanded to permit vehicles to enter into the courtyard, which was used as a parking area. In the 1960s, further renovations were made to the fort when a concrete driveway was installed through the main entrance, and the entire fort was painted white.

Commenting on the launch of the exhibition, Saif Saeed Gobash, Director-General of the Department of Culture and Tourism — Abu Dhabi, said: “The Trucial Scouts played an integral role in the protection and development of the emirate and of Al Ain in particular. The Department is proud to support this significant exhibition, which celebrates the efforts of the members of the armed forces before the Union of the Emirates, and highlights the sacrifices made by members of the military in the defence of our homeland and their contribution to the development of the community.”

Colonel Dr Saeed Hamad Saeed Al Kalbani, Director of the Museum and Military History Centre, said: “It is important for current and future generations to document and chronicle the battles and victories of the armies, but it is also important to highlight the humanitarian work undertaken by the members of the Trucial Scouts.”

He said the exhibition charts the Trucial Scouts’ key task of protection and defence despite difficult terrain, living conditions and modest equipment. It also highlights the contribution made by the first generation of armed forces to the field of social and cultural services.

“They also played a prominent role in the official celebrations of the Union which had royalty, presidents, and high-profile guests in attendance. The Trucial Scouts were also critical in the provision of medical aid provided to remote desert areas, as well as contributing to the drilling and maintenance of wells, and invaluable water sources,” he added.