Qasr Al Muwaiji offers window into President Sheikh Khalifa’s past

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AL AIN // Sheikhs, ministers and other dignitaries attended the official opening of Qasr Al Muwaiji Museum on Sunday night, at the site of President Sheikh Khalifa’s birth place.

The museum features permanent exhibitions and a programme exploring the life and achievements of Sheikh Khalifa.

It opened under the patronage of Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces.

Sheikh Mohammed also wrote a traditional poem in honour of his brother, the President, which is inscribed on one of the walls.

The exhibitions are housed in a glass-walled space within the courtyard of the historic fort.

Ricardo Benn, director of projects at Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority, said the museum had been designed to make full use of the fort’s spaces.

“We used a raft foundation, which allows the building to float above the site. It’s important that we don’t disturb any of the archaeological findings and work being done here,” Mr Benn said.

“The museum was designed so that no matter which part of the exhibits you’re viewing, you never lose sight of the fort walls and towers. It’s a very high-tech way to approach design.”

The exhibition is divided into two parts. The first, the Sheikhs’ Palace, tells the story of the Rulers who lived at the fort.

A glass floor looks down to a well used by residents, and interactive displays give in-depth information on the site’s archaeological, social and political history.

The second part of the exhibit celebrates Sheikh Khalifa’s rise to leadership and his achievements as President. Each stop features a quote, historical photos or footage and text explaining a significant event or period.

Qasr al Muwaiji was built in the early 1900s by Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed bin Khalifa, and several generations of the Al Nahyan family have called it home.

Sheikh Zayed, the founding President, made the fort his family home and official diwan when appointed Ruler’s Representative in the Eastern Region.

Visitors to the fort can explore inside the north-west Tower, where Sheikh Khalifa was raised. He learnt to hunt at Qasr Al Muwaiji, and some of his falconry equipment is displayed there.

The rooms’ walls and ceilings have been kept as close to their original state as possible. Videos and quotes by Sheikh Khalifa are featured in some of them.

“We use the wall as the actual projection space, so as to be minimally invasive,” Mr Benn said.

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