Coins of Islam

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His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, under the Patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak opened the exhibition on Tuesday 28th January at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre in Abu Dhabi

One of the world’s most significant collections of Arab and Islamic coinage ever assembled Over 300 coins in the exhibition which will run until 28th April 2020

HE Abdurrahman bin Mohammed Al Owais, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre, stated that “Islamic history and culture inspired this exhibition in line with the SZGMC’s vision.”

His Excellency continued: “Since its establishment, the Centre has become a leading cultural destination, serving as a beacon of intellect and reason through its various activities. By displaying historical artifacts, like these extraordinary coins, SZGMC aims to underline the rich history and cultural legacy of successive Islamic eras across centuries.”

Commenting on the inauguration of the Visitor Centre and Souq Al Jami’ his Excellency stated that “Ever since its establishment, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre has worked towards supporting the UAEs efforts to establish rapprochement between cultures. While also improving the quality standards of cultural tourism across the country and transform it into a leading global destination. Today as we witness another outstanding achievement at this grand edifice that is considered an important addition to the integrated system of services and facilities, SZGMC seeks to develop and provide millions of different religions and nationalities.

His Excellency considered such an achievement to be an opportunity to recall the founding father’s aspiration to create a spectacular masterpiece that serves as a platform to promote tolerance and coexistence. Sheikh Zayed laid down the foundations of the UAE’s moderate approach, making it a meeting point of cultures from all across the globe.”

1. Decadrachm - Alexander the Great (356-323 BC) 2. Roman Empire, Hadrian (r. 117-138 AD), gold aureus, 7.46g 3. Roman Empire, Hadrian (r. 117-138 AD), gold aureus, 7.46g 4. Umayyad Caliphate, Abd al-Malik bin Marwan (r. 685-705 AD), AV dinar, no mint (Damascus), c. 72-74 AH (c. 691-694 AD) 5. Set of post-reform Umayyad gold dinars dated AH 77-132 (AD 696_7-750). Damascus 6. Filali Sharifs of Morocco, Moulay Hasan I (1873-1894), AR 10, 5 and NI ½ and 1 dirham patterns, Paris AH 1298 (1880_1) 7. Ilkhans, Muhammad Khan (AD 1336-1338), AV dinar, al- Jazirah AH 737 (AD 1336_7) 8. Byzantine Empire, Leo VI (AD 886-912), AV solidus showing Virgin Mary, Constantinople, undated 9. Russian Empire, Catherine II (r. 1762-1796 CE), AV 10 roubles, St. Petersburg, 1766. 13.03 g., 29.5 mm 10. UAE, Abu Dhabi, Shaikh Zayed b. Sultan Al Nahyan (b. 1918, r. 1966-2004 CE), AV medal commemorating the Sheikh Zayed Great Mosque. 40.47 g., 40 mm

The Al Ain Music Festival 2020 made for a memorable weekend, as its talented performers delighted the Garden City fans of live performances. This year’s theme was ‘East meets West’. A series of concerts held outside in the picturesque setting of the Danat Al Ain Resort Hotel’s garden entertained lovers of live music, young and old alike. This year’s festival benefited from the Patronage of H.H. Sheikh Saeed Bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, who attended the Grand Finale with his son, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Saeed Al Nahyan, as well as His Excellency Fouad Chehab Dandan, Ambassador of Lebanon in the UAE, and several other VIP guests and prominent artists. Al Ain Music Festival was organized by La Dolce Vita – the Art Learning Center based in Al Ain. Students from UAE University also participated actively in the 3 days of events. They were involved in production, videography, organization, reception, registration, ticketing, art activities and more. Activities for families and children were also made available by the organizer (La Dolce Vita) such as family yoga, art workshops and more besides. The festival opened on Thursday, 30th January 2020 with the ‘Composers’ Night’, when brilliant young singer-songwriter, Ollie Chapman, performed original music while jamming away on his guitar. Ghaliaa, a multi-talented musician who plays 4 instruments and sings in 4 different languages performed Arabic and English songs while rocking the grand piano. She has been featured in ‘Vogue Arabia’ recently. And, the Brazilian singer and guitarist, Midian Almeida, performed bossa nova, samba, and her original music. On Friday, 31st January 2020 gifted students from Al Ain’s schools (Brighton College Al Ain, Al Ain Academy, Liwa International School for Girls , Liwa International School, The International School of Choueifat - Al Ain, and Al Ain English Speaking School) showcased their musical talents in the ‘Young Hands and Voices’ concert organized by Yaremi Alvarez. This concert was followed by a ‘Rock Bands Evening’ that included the first Emirati rock artist, Mohammed Bafoory, and Al Ain-based bands, Desert Groove and Night Shift. The following evening the Grand Finale began with a live performance of the UAE National Anthem, followed by several musical performances from different countries around the world, making it a cross cultural event that demonstrated the power of music to bridge cultural divides. The UAE Pioneer Musicians, Eman Al Hashimi - first Emirati Female Composer and Pianist, Mohammed Morshed - first Emirati Saxophonist, Elham Al Marzooqi - first Emirati Cellist and other exceptional locally based musicians were part of the Grand Finale last Saturday, 1st of February 2020. The string quartet - Mohamad Hamami, Sonja Stojiljkovic, Rebecca Saxby, and

Sebastian Bose impressively performed ‘Adagio for Strings’. An enthralling performance from Dana Obeid, Arabic Singer with Diyaa Al Safadi, oud player during the grand finale took the crowd on a journey into the middle eastern culture. Oboist Yulia Shkolnikova performed ‘Oboe Concerto in D Minor Allegro’ with Stephen Aston’s (piano) accompaniment. There was an amazing solo performance from oud player, Mohammed Alnaqbi. Kudos to Louise Ryan, soprano and opera performer who dedicated her time and effort in organizing the ‘Classical and Arabesque Evening’ and to her ravishing performances during the grand finale. She serenaded the crowd with her golden voice with the accompaniment of the UAE Pioneer Musicians. She also performed along with the duo Natalia Nechepurenko (pianist) and Ilya Netkach (violinist) that mesmerized everyone’s heart during that night. It was indeed an incredible event to remember! The festival’s organizers were very grateful for the vital sponsorship provided by Eastern Motors, Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting, and Golf Club, Bank of Sharjah, Mediclinic, Bounce, Al Sanawbar School, Ka’ aki w nos, Sarieddine Trading Est., and Mpi QR as well as to Marwa Abouelsaoud from Abu Dhabi Classic FM for being the Master of Ceremonies in the grand finale. They were also thankful for the Danat Al Ain Resort Hotel’s staff who extremely worked hard during the three-day event.