30 Feature CULTURAL TRAVEL


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MORE TO COME


The region’s cultural offering is set to become even more enticing with an exciting roster of upcoming attractions


SHEIKH MOHAMMED BIN RASHID LIBRARY UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, recently revealed plans to build a giant book-shaped library housing more than one million books, set to open in Dubai this year. The 66,000-square- metre Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Library will be shaped like an open book and located in the Al Jaddaf area of the city.


NATIONAL MUSEUM OF QATAR This upcoming museum is being designed by Pritzker- Prize winning architect Jean Nouvel with the structure built using several interlocking discs, inspired by Qatar’s unique desert rose sand formations. Beyond its galleries, the National Museum of Qatar will feature a grand 220-seat auditorium.


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The once sleepy district of Jebel Weibdeh has in recent years become a magnet for visitors keen to explore the historic character of the place with its tumbling houses and leafy back- roads. This is also the art capital of Amman with the likes of Makan Art Space, Dar Al Anda Gallery and the Jordan National Gallery of Fine Arts located within easy walking distance of one another, while a slew of cafés and boutique guesthouses have added to the area’s charm. For those looking to gain a deeper under-


standing of Islam and some of its history, Qatar boasts the Museum of Islamic Art Doha. A stun- ning example of modern architecture in its own right and nestled on its own island jutting out into the city’s corniche, the museum is home to


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one of the most impressive collections of Islamic art and history in the region. There’s a mix of ancient artefacts, public art installations, paint- ings, photography, sculpture and film. Another amazing heritage centre in the city is Katara Cultural Village. Designed to reflect the region’s architectural influences, the charming area is very much a centre for the arts in Doha and hosts everything from musical performances and poetry recitals, to art exhibitions and work- shops. Making for an eclectic arts venue, there’s an opera house, lush green gardens and a strik- ing amphitheatre in the classical Greek style. The UAE is also home to a host of cultural gems. Aside from the stunning natural desert landscape and futuristic architecture to be found


in its main cities, there are also a number of important heritage sites waiting to be explored. Dubai’s Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood is one such site, where visitors step back in time meandering along the winding pathways that connect traditional Arabian courtyard-style buildings. Located a few minutes from the historic Dubai Creek, and originally the city quarter where pearl merchants lived, the area is steeped in character. It has also become some- thing of a centre for the arts in recent years and is peppered with art galleries and quirky cafés. In the capital, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque


is of course the main attraction, combining the chance to take in spectacular architec- ture and design from the region, as well as


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LOUVRE ABU DHABI Due to open this year, Louvre Abu Dhabi, part of the Saadiyat Cultural District, will make its mark as the first universal museum in the Arab world, displaying art, manuscripts and objects of historical, cultural and sociological significance from all over the world. This dome-shaped icon, built over the water, has also been designed by Jean Nouvel.


to explore the ornate interior and learn more about Islam. Or for a voyage into the past, Abu Dhabi Pearl Journey is a truly unique way to experience some of the city’s herit- age. The tour, conducted on a traditional Arabian dhow boat, is designed around the Gulf’s ancient pearl diving industry. Cruis- ing along the quiet channel lying between Abu Dhabi and Hodariyat islands, and seated on traditional Arabian floor cushions, guests enjoy locally-made Arabic coffee and dates as an Emirati guide explains how the country’s forefathers dedicated their lives to diving for pearls. Local Arabic snacks are served, while a crew member sings traditional Emirati sea- faring songs in an unforgettable experience.


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12 to 14Museum of Islamic Art, Doha 15Artist rendering of Louvre Abu Dhabi 16Dubai Creek 17Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, Dubai 18 & 20Abu Dhabi Pearl Journey 19Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque


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