HH Sheikh Mohammed inaugurates Saruq Al Hadid museum at Al Shindagha

WAM - Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum inaugurated this evening, in presence of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, the Saruq Al Hadid Museum at Al Shindagha in Bur Dubai.

The museum displays thousands of golden, bronze and iron pieces, discovered at the Saruq Al Hadid archaeological site in the Rub Al Khali desert, south of the emirate of Dubai. The museum also features fossil remains of animals and fish, in addition to ancient clay pots.

Sheikh Mohammed watched a show detailing discovery of Saruq Al Hadid site. The site was discovered by Sheikh Mohammed while flying in a helicopter over the area. he noticed sand dunes with darker colours than their surroundings.

Sheikh Mohammed returned to the area in 2002, with expert Emirati and international archaeologists, who established that it was inhabited by Arab tribes 5,000 years ago.

Sheikh Mohammed watched another show about the secrets of Saruq Al Hadid, which is located near Hajar mountains, famous for their copper deposits.

At the end of his tour, Sheikh Mohammed said he was pleased with this important finding and expressed pride at the UAE's rich history as a key link for different civilisations.

He praised the efforts of Dubai Municipality and the Emirati and international archaeologists exploring this important site. He also said he was delighted at the selection of the Sheikh Juma bin Maktoum Al Maktoum to hosts findings of Saruq Al Hadid.

"Museums reflect the culture of the nation. They symbolise ancient and modern civilisation of the country and a nation that has no history, has no identity," he added.

Present were H.H. Sheikh Mansour bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Mohammed Ahmed al Murr, Mohammad bin Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs and the Future, Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansouri, Minister of Economy, Dr. Abdul Rahman bin Mohammad bin Nasser Al Owais, Minister of Health and Prevention, Reem bint Ibrahim Al Hashemi, Minister of State for International Cooperation, as well as senior officials.

WAM/bashir