The Union Museum, affiliated with the Culture and Arts Authority in Dubai, in cooperation with the National Gallery of Paintings in London, and with the support of the British Council, is organizing a joint national exhibition entitled “Pictures in Dialogue (UAE - 1971 - UK)”, from March 17 to December 12 Next, in the first international cooperation witnessed by the Union Museum in the framework of organizing exhibitions.

The exhibition comes within the framework of the strong cultural activity witnessed by the emirate as a new capital for world-class cultural activities, pursuant to the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, that Dubai has cultural and artistic assets that qualify it to be a global cultural destination, including This calls for it to strengthen cooperation at the international level, to provide high-level events that benefit from Dubai's unique and precious assets. "Pictures in Dialogue" reviews diplomatic relations between the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom during the 1960s and early 1970s, that is, the period before the establishment of the Emirates Federation in 1971.

The exhibition includes a set of photographs provided by the National Portrait Gallery in London, in addition to a set of pictures from the rich archives of the Emirates, the most prominent of which is a picture of Queen Elizabeth II taken by Cecil Beaton in 1968, and a rare series of pictures of the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum May God rest his soul, taken by Rex Coleman at the Baron Studios in 1961, in addition to many photos that documented the main moments in the period before the formation of the Emirates.

new dawn

The exhibition highlights the importance of historical relations between the UAE and the UK, and tells a set of historical stories of the most prominent leaders and officials in the two countries, who worked together to develop plans to end the official presence of the United Kingdom in the region, and the emergence of a new dawn for the UAE. The exhibition takes its visitors on a tour to introduce them to the process of making and collecting photographs before the digital age, the importance of these images in preserving history, and monitoring the most prominent situations and national stories.

"Pictures in Dialogue" is the first international cooperation for the Union Museum in the field of organizing exhibitions, and it is also the first cooperative project on national photographs in the Middle East region. The exhibition will open at the Dubai Union Museum on March 17 and run through December 12.

The exhibition is moderated by Dr. Michel Bumbling, visiting associate professor from New York University Abu Dhabi, Claire Freestone, photo supervisor at the British National Portrait Gallery, and Dr. Edward MacDonald-Tone, director of international partnerships at the British National Portrait Gallery.

The power of relationships

For her part, Director General of the Culture and Arts Authority in Dubai, Hala Badri, stressed the importance of this type of exhibition and its role in enriching the thought and culture of the audience, increasing their awareness of the most important milestones in the history of their countries, and deepening their sense of belonging to the homeland, noting that the joint cooperation in organizing the exhibition reflects the strength Common cultural relations between the UAE and the UK.

She said: “The Gallery (Pictures in Dialogue) is a platform for civilizations, history and culture to come together in one place, the Union Museum, the unique national edifice, so that all these factors constitute strengths that contribute to shaping the national culture of visitors, and enhancing the value of exploring history and its importance in moving towards the future. ».

Badri pointed out that the exhibition will contribute effectively to highlighting the luminous stations in the history of the UAE, and increase the awareness of generations about the most important achievements of the state represented in the union, stressing its role in delivering a set of inspiring messages in a creative and professional way.

Enrich the scene

For his part, Director of the British National Gallery, Dr. Nicholas Cullinan said: “While the paintings present a special picture of the relationship between history and people's stories, the exhibition provides a comprehensive view of the importance of the images as documents that reflect the prominent role of Emirati and British leaders who played a prominent role in Important stages in the history of the Emirates. We are pleased to work alongside the Union Museum, which is the first of its kind in the region, and we thank the British Council for its continued support to us. ”

For his part, Wassim Qutb, Director of Cultural and Sports Programs for the Gulf Region at the British Council, said that “the exhibition provides an opportunity for more closer relations between the UAE and the UK.” He added: “The British-Gulf exhibition program aims to enrich the artistic and cultural scene and develop awareness. The human being, through the distinguished and creative activities held in the two countries, in addition to strengthening the relations between them.

British Ambassador: An opportunity to explore our common history

The British Ambassador to the UAE, Patrick Modi, considered the exhibition "Pictures in Dialogue" a new example of the strong ties between the United Kingdom and the Emirates, noting the importance of the role played by the British Council in supporting the common cultural relations between the two countries. He expressed his pleasure with this new project between the National Gallery in London, which is one of the most famous museums in the United Kingdom, and the Union Museum, which represents a prominent cultural and historical platform in the UAE, adding: “I am sure that the two museums will bring a wonderful exhibition that shows the cultural face of the two countries in a better way. Picture, which gives us all the opportunity to get to know and explore our common history. ”

Mansour Abul-Hall: An initiative that reflects the depth of relationships

The Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to the United Kingdom, Mansour Abul-Hall, expressed his happiness with the cooperation that resulted in the exhibition "Pictures in Dialogue", pointing to the importance of its content and the depth of its content, stressing that the joint cultural initiatives reflect the strength of relations between the two countries, and embody their aspirations to enrich the artistic and cultural scene And developing human awareness, through distinguished and creative activities. He thanked the cultural and political institutions of the United Kingdom that had contributed to this historical exhibition.