Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court, officially opened the 'Light and Peace' museum at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre in Abu Dhabi. Accompanied by several high-ranking officials, Sheikh Mansour explored the museum's diverse sections, examining its exhibits, activities, and the insights it provides about Islamic civilization, its arts, sciences, and its principles of tolerance and coexistence.
The museum is divided into five sections, each offering interactive experiences through advanced technologies and multimedia. It presents rare and unique collections that communicate the museum's core message and provide an engaging sensory journey, enabling visitors to connect with its cultural content and facilitate cultural dialogue among different civilizations.
Sheikh Mansour also experienced the immersive light display, a multimedia hall that amplifies the mosque's message of civilization, located within the 'Dome of Peace,' which houses various cultural amenities alongside the museum and the light experience.
Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed highlighted that the launch of the 'Light and Peace' museum aligns with the UAE's vision to champion culture, peace, and coexistence. He remarked that this initiative further solidifies the nation's role as a symbol of tolerance and a bridge for civilizational dialogue between cultures.
He emphasized, 'This museum serves as a portal for the world to discover the cultural wealth of Islamic civilization and marks a significant contribution to the UAE's mission in showcasing the universal human values that unite us. It transforms heritage, art, science, and literature into arenas for dialogue and reconciliation. We are dedicated to supporting projects that foster a future promoting values of understanding and peace.'
The museum blends a distinctive ambiance with innovative display techniques for artifacts and multimedia, crafting an enriching narrative experience across five sections: Values of Tolerance – The Abundance of Light; Sanctity and Worship – The Three Mosques; Beauty and Perfection – The Spirit of Creativity; Tolerance and Openness – The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque; and Unity and Coexistence, complemented by a dedicated space for family and children's experiences.
The museum showcases a meticulously curated collection of artifacts and exhibits from various Islamic periods, focusing on diverse themes. Notable items include a segment of the Kiswa (covering) of the Holy Kaaba (20th century), the first Islamic gold coin, gold-illuminated pages of the Blue Qur'an (9th–10th centuries CE), the Andalusian astrolabe (14th century CE), and personal collections of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
Additionally, the museum features antique and contemporary artworks, scientific and medical manuscripts, decorative and calligraphic pieces, metal, wood, and marble artworks, and textiles.
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre will soon announce the museum's opening to the public, allowing visitors from diverse cultures to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque to partake in a cultural experience within the museum.
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