Abu Dhabi, Oct 07th, 2007 (WAM): The visit of the Mother of Nation, H.H.Sheikha Fatima to the 'Walk into Islamic History' exhibition yesterday at the Cultural Foundation has encouraged people to understand the importance and the value of the rare event.

The 'Walk into Islamic history' exhibition is held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammad bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Deputy Supreme Commander of UAE Armed Forces, and is organised by the Abu Dhabi Music and Arts Foundation (ADMAF) in cooperation with the Abu Dhabi Culture Authority for Culture and Heritage (ADACH).

The unique exhibition comprises a comprehensive selection from Dr. Abdul Latif Kanoo's renowned international collection of Islamic art that spans Islam's boundaries and history. The "Al Muntakhab" collection documents the progress of Islamic civilization and comprises more than 5000 pieces of art that reflect the diversity and glory of Islamic civilization, and prominently features the creative abilities of its artists.

Hoda Kanoo, founder of ADMAF, gave a tour of the 'Walk into Islamic history' exhibition to her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak al Nahyan, Sheikha Alyazia, wife of Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, and Sheikha Shamsa, wife of Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Hoda Kanoo spoke about the importance and history of the pieces.

Director General of ADACH, Mohammad Khalaf Al Mazrouei said that Sheikha Fatima's visit to the rare exhibition will hold a torch to the development of awareness about Islamic art in the community, especially within schools, institutes and universities, in order for them to be informed about the heritage of their ancestors, that was built on forgiveness, fairness, and community life.

The Holy Quran forms the nucleus of the collection of Islamic documents showcased at the exhibition, but also includes manuscripts in science, medicine, chemistry, architecture, history, geography and literature. The exhibition includes many artifacts such as pottery, metal and glass objects, textiles, garments, carpets, jewellery, astronomical and scientific pieces as well as unique gold and silver coins.

Sheikha Fatima was also presented with a number of mementoes which included paintings of Quranic verses,a Halya describing and praising the Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) about Imam Ali bin Abi Taleb, the fourth caliph in Islamic history and an Omawi Dinar from the era of the Umayyad Caliph Abdel Malak bin Marwan. The coin was minted in year 79 Hijri.