Sharjah: His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed AlQasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, has on Wednesday inaugurated the “Omani Civilisation: Origin & Development” exhibition hosted by Sharjah Museums Authority.

Held at the Sharjah Archaeology Museum between December 14th and June 7th next year, the special exhibition is a first collaboration between the authority and the National Museum in Oman where ancient treasures from the Sultanate are being showcased for the first time ever outside of their home.

A rare collection of 100 artefacts showcased in this exhibition highlight the deep-rooted ties between the UAE and Oman and the rich history of this region.

They also trace the social, and geographical developments witnessed by the Omani civilization throughout the Stone Age between 125000 BC and 4000BC, the Bronze Age between 3100BC and 1300BC and the Iron Age until the rise of Islam between 1200 BC and 600 AD.

Featured objects comprise fishing gear, weapons, clay and stone pots, ornaments, stamps, farming equipment, and jewellery such as a rare golden necklace that date back to the period between 300 B.C. and 400 A.D. 

Also displayed are a cuneiform tablet that dates back to 2100 to 2000 BC and lists materials needed to build a fleet of boats which could sail from ‘Ur’, a Sumerian city-state in Mesopotamia (Iraq) to Magan (Oman), a collection of daggers made of copper and silver, as well as a number of figurines, ceramics, and stamps including one with proto-literate signs that date back to 2200 BC. 

Present during the opening were H.E Salim Mohammed Al Mahrouqi, Minister of Heritage and Tourism in Oman, Ahmed bin Hilal bin Saud Al-Busaidi, Ambassador of Oman to the UAE, and  Khamis bin Salem Al Suwaidi the advisor in the Sharjah Ruler's Office. 

Also present were Ali Salem Al Midfa the Chairman of the Sharjah International Airport Authority, Dr. Saeed Musabeh AlKaabi the chairman of the Sharjah Education Council, Mohammed Obaid Al Zaabi, Head of the Protocol and Hospitality Department and Manal Ataya, the Director General of Sharjah Museums Authority.  

Following the opening, His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah received a number of books and souvenirs from the delegation of the Sultanate of Oman.

Commenting on the event, his excellency Jamal bin Hassan Al-Moosawi, Secretary- General of the National Museum said: “The National Museum, through its participation in the "Omani Civilisation: Origins and Evolution" exhibition took precedence as the first integrated museum exhibition from the Sultanate of Oman to be held in the United Arab Emirates, which reflects the qualitative level of cultural and museum cooperation between the National Museum and the Sharjah Museums Authority.”

He added: “The exhibition comes within the framework of the cultural diplomacy pursued by the National Museum with the aim of promoting knowledge, and an affirmation of the strong ties that link the Sultanate of Oman and the United Arab Emirates, through the exchange of artefacts and exhibitions, and providing access to the National Museum’s collections to a wider segment of visitors from around the world, citizens and residents of the United Arab Emirates.”

Driven by its commitment to social responsibility and keenness to disseminate knowledge, Sharjah Museums Authority will be rolling out a number of educational activities that will teach children the arts of paper folding, clay-making and ancient writing as well as workshops such as “Design Your Own Dagger” targeting youngsters between 7-12 years. 

Targeting youth aged between 13-17, the “Cuneiform Writing Simulation” activity will introduce young participants to the ancient Omani civilisation in Magan.

More workshops for youth aged 18 and above will include pictograph, dot art, jewellery and dagger making among others, while other activities will be specifically designed for disabled individuals.