An exhibition at the Etihad Museum documenting relations between the UAE and Britain

"Pictures in Dialogue" .. Shots narrating historical moments in the Etihad Museum

• Abdullah Al Falasi: "The photos of the exhibition were taken by a group of the most famous photographers."

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The exhibition "Pictures in Dialogue", which was launched recently at the Etihad Museum in Dubai, presents a collection of rare photographs that shed light on historical milestones that highlight features of the relations between the UAE and the United Kingdom, especially during the 1960s and early 1970s.

The exhibition, which will last until March 25th, tells a group of historical stories of the most prominent leaders and officials in the two countries, who worked on drawing up plans to end the official presence of the United Kingdom in the region and the beginning of a bright era for the UAE.

The exhibition visitor travels through many historical stations;

In the beginning, the start was made by getting acquainted with the diplomatic relations and the exchanged documents in 1968, in addition to the official exchanged visits between the two countries, then moving to the stage of union.

The exhibition does not only present photos, but also displays a set of documents exchanged between the two countries, which highlight the close relations that have long brought them together, in addition to some possessions, cameras and others.

Special story

For his part, Director of the Etihad Museum, Abdullah Al Falasi, said of «Pictures in Dialogue», to «Emirates Today», that «the exhibition includes a group of pictures that reflect the UAE - British relations, starting from 1968 until after the union, and in addition to the pictures There are many documents that highlight the agreements between the two countries, some of which were signed before the union.

He pointed out that «the Etihad Museum is one of the most prominent political historical museums that tells the story of the UAE, and this exhibition addresses the historical story that brings together our country and Britain.

Regarding the agreement with the National Portrait Gallery in Britain, he explained that it was "done with the support of the British Council, as there is a large group of pictures in the National Gallery, which narrate the historical relations between the two countries, and is considered the first (pictures in dialogue), and it can be a starting point for a group of Other events ».

The selection of images - according to Al Falasi - was based first on the chronology of events related to the pre- and post-union story, in addition to the very influential figures of that era, headed by the late founder Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may God rest his soul, and the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, may God rest his soul, and the footage was chosen in coordination between the Etihad Museum and the exhibition.

Global center

Al Falasi asserted that the vision of the Culture and Arts Authority in Dubai (Dubai Culture) is for the emirate to be a global cultural center, and for this, cooperation has taken place at the international level between the Union Museum and the National Gallery in Britain, with the support of the British Council, to present this exhibition, the first of its kind in the Emirates.

He noted that in addition to the photos borrowed from the National Gallery in Britain, a group of photos belonging to the National Archives of the United Arab Emirates are displayed, explaining that the photos were taken by a group of the most famous photographers of that era, including Cecil Beaton, Joseph Cash and Rax Coleman, as well as rare photos of the late His Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, which was taken by Rax Coleman at Baron Studios in London in 1961, and there is also a rare picture of Queen Elizabeth II, taken by Cecil Beaton in 1968.

Regarding the exhibition stations, he mentioned that there is a time series that highlights different stages, and prominent representatives from the two countries, including the heads of the British government, and through this timeline it is possible to look at the moments documented by the photographers, which were preserved due to their importance.

Important collectibles

Alongside the photographs, the exhibition includes collections that are no less important than historical shots.

The Union stage is the last stage highlighted by the exhibition, as it is discussed with the official reciprocal visits, which illustrate how the relationship between Britain and the Emirates, which is based on friendship and cooperation.

As for the most prominent rare pictures in the exhibition, Al Falasi drew two pictures, the first of which is the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, which is shown for the first time in Dubai, and was taken in 1961, by Rax Coleman.

In front of her, he displays a book that includes the dates for the filming sessions, and highlights when the photos were taken.

He pointed out that the second photo is of Cecil Beaton, which he took of Queen Elizabeth wearing what symbolizes navy, noting that all the photographers whose works the exhibition displays were distinguished by rare pictures, including Youf Cash and Nur Ali Rashid.

Precautionary measures

Regarding receiving visitors under the current circumstances, the Director of the Etihad Museum, Abdullah Al Falasi, confirmed that the museum offers two types of shows, temporary and permanent, stressing that all precautionary measures have been taken, and social distancing, in addition to receiving a specific number of visitors, provided that it does not exceed 50 % Of the museum’s capacity, in addition to a set of requirements that have been set for visitors to limit the spread of the Coronavirus.

Al Falasi pointed out that the museum designed a set of virtual tours, and for students who were learning remotely, it launched a platform to visit the museum while they were at home, considering that what distinguishes these virtual tours from others is the presence of a cultural guide accompanied by visitors, as they are not pre-recorded tours. It depends on live broadcasts.

Regarding the schedule for temporary exhibitions, he mentioned that it is related to cooperation between local and foreign authorities and the museum.

The exhibition does not only present photos, but also documents exchanged between the two countries, highlighting the close relations that have long brought them together, in addition to collections, cameras and others.

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