Alex Untola
Saadiyat Island Abu Dhabi is being developed as a stunning centre of culture that among other facilities will include the world's most spectacular museums. The displays of art and artefacts here are expected to highlight the connections between different cultures.
This branch of the famous New York museum that commenced construction in 2011 is designed by renowned architect Frank Gehry and is expected to cover an area of 320,000 sq ft, out of which 130,000 sq ft will be exhibition space. Abu Dhabi's Tourism Development and Investment Company will own it while its programme will be established and managed by the Guggenheim Foundation. The museum is to have its own collection of modern contemporary art focusing on the Middle East.
The branch of the iconic French museum started construction in 2009 and is to occupy 24,000 sq meters out of which 6,000 sq meters will be exhibition space. The building is being designed to resemble a floating dome with a web patterned roof allowing sunlight to filter in. The museum is expecting to display pieces from its own collection in Paris and from other renowned museums there as well as focus on Middle Eastern Art.
Designed by UK's Foster & Partners the museum is a monument to and a memorial for the late Sheik Zayed, the founding president of the UAE. The structure is to resemble a flight of feathers, the tallest of which will rise 125 meters. Seven galleries will house permanent exhibitions linked to the life and values of the late Sheik Zayed. There will also be spaces for special exhibitions. It will receive assistance from other international museums to launch its collections.
The palace built for the ruling family in the late 18th century as a residence and seat of government is the oldest surviving building in Abu Dhabi. It is noted for its courtyard and magnificent tile work above its northern entrance.
Among the interesting archaeological finds on the eastern side of the island are, Stone Age lithic scatters and cairns, ruins of a Nestorian monastery and church dated to the 6th or 7th centuries identified by stucco decorations including Nestorian crosses and fragments of plaster panels with vine and leaf patterns. Other finds include pre Islamic remains of courtyard houses and pottery shards. Archaeological remains unearthed on the north coast of the island are of early Islamic origin and comprise of foundations of a mosque, evidence of settlements that include a well, pottery shards, a cemetery and piles of stones that are remains of other structures. Stay at Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Al Sahel Villa Resort a luxurious Sir Bani Yas Island resort to enjoy a unique environment and to view some of the most important archaeological remains in Abu Dhabi.
