Zayed Treasure House proposed

A resident here has come up with the idea of a unique project highlighting the achievements of Abu Dhabi emirate under President His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

The project, which would also trace the progress of the emirate over the years, would be housed in a giant building resembling a traditional treasure box.

Yahya Mohammed Sultan Al Maskari, an employee of the Abu Dhabi Public Works Department, has come up with this idea to pay tribute to Sheikh Zayed on the anniversary of his 36th Accession Day as the Ruler of Abu Dhabi Emirate.

Al Maskari, who is a professional photographer and graphic designer, said he has always wanted to pay tribute to Sheikh Zayed in a unique way. So he has created a model of the project he would like to see implemented.

"The Holy Quran teaches us to thank and appreciate the good deeds of people. Allah Almighty will not accept man's thanks and prayers if he does not appreciate and thank people on earth for their good deeds. This project and model is a form of my appreciation and thanks to His Highness for what he has done for his people," Al Maskari explained.

His project, "The Zayed Treasure House", is a huge building resembling a traditional local treasure box which can be built in the capital to house and highlight and trace the progress and achievements of Abu Dhabi emirate under the leadership of Sheikh Zayed.

He has also made a miniature of the proposed building overlooking the capital's skyline from the Corniche, which he will present to Sheikh Zayed after his return from abroad.

When asked how he conceived the idea of The Zayed Treasure House, Al Maskari explained: "The idea clicked about four years ago. I thought of many ideas. Then suddenly I realised that we keep our most precious goods, such as pearls and diamonds, in traditional, decorated treasure boxes made of wood.

"So I thought why shouldn't we treasure the historical records of Sheikh Zayed's achievements, progress and the infrastructure development of the emirate in a similar giant box, as all these efforts of the President are worth more than diamonds and pearls."

After sketching a design and preparing a report on the project, he asked his father, who makes traditional treasure boxes and doors and windows for houses, to make him a model according to the design.

"First I asked my father if it was possible to construct a huge building in the shape of a treasure box. He said it was possible with modern technology and know-how. Then I spared no time in preparing a comprehensive report with the help of computer graphics and pictures,' he explained.

He completed the project a year ago and has been waiting for the right time to present it to the President's Office as a token of appreciation for Sheikh Zayed's achievements and support for his people.

According to the plan, the building will house replicas of historical landmarks of Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, such as Al Hosn Palace, Al Jahili Fort and Al Maqta Bridge.

The replica of Al Jahili Fort, where Sheikh Zayed lived as the Ruler's Representative in the Eastern Region, will be linked to a globe-shaped building by a replica of Maqta Bridge.

"The bridge link between the buildings will reflect Sheikh Zayed's march towards global recognition of his worldwide efforts for international peace and stability, and his charity work around the world," Al Maskari explained.

The Al Jahili replica will be a three-storey modern glass building housing a library and high-tech virtual museum, and will provide a window to the past as well as the development of the emirate and the country.

The building, according to the plan, will also include individual computerised library terminals for those who visit The Zayed Treasure House for research and reference.

"It could be a complete and sophisticated institute, where visitors will learn all about Sheikh Zayed and his life and achievements in a 30-minute visit. This is my dream for the people, to know all about Sheikh Zayed under one roof," he noted.

The other features of the project include the world's largest digital screen outside the building showing a documentary on the life of Sheikh Zayed.

It will have another smaller digital screen displaying the sayings and highlights of Sheikh Zayed's speeches.

There will also be three balconies in the shape of the drawers of a treasure box for visitors to view the city.

The boundary walls of Al Hosn will house a photo exhibition of Sheikh Zayed and the four interior corners of the Treasure House will be for private exhibitions and heritage villages which can be viewed from the bridge and other glass structures inside.

The entrance and exit of the building, according to the plan, will be hidden to make the structure look exactly like a real treasure box.

"As the visitors enter the building, they will arrive in a virtual world of past and present Abu Dhabi, with special lighting, laser work and sound effects. The exit will be at the rear of the building, taking the visitors on a journey through the infrastructure to the real skyline view of the capital," he explained.

Al Maskari has proposed the building be constructed on an artificial rocky hill surrounded by lush greenery, canals and fountains.

Being a practical man, he has also included in his master plan a huge underground parking lot and a mini souq for souvenirs.