Many great civilizations began with small events, and Abu Dhabi was no exception. It all started with the moment when a deer drank from an oasis, which had remained in the desert. This history of the civilization developed over many centuries and transformed into a modern metropolis, becoming a center of culture and art in the Middle East and around the world. The history of Abu Dhabi is narrated by the exhibition "History of Abu Dhabi Island", which can be seen at Al-Hosn Palace during the Al-Hosn Festival.
The exhibition reveals various aspects of the island's history through stories, legends, cultural symbols, and poetry, demonstrating how a small settlement with a unique landscape grew into a modern generation, rich in life and movement, which we know today. The exhibition features an old map from 1965, aerial photographs of Abu Dhabi, containing names of natural and geographical features of the island, as well as historical names of old settlements.
The exhibition also illuminates important moments that shaped the identity of Abu Dhabi, including the origins and meanings of the names of the settlement associated with the presence of deer on the island. Old postal stamps, postcards, coins, and artistic sculptures are presented, reflecting the symbolic significance of the deer as an integral part of the natural and cultural heritage.
The exhibition draws attention to the strategic location of Abu Dhabi Island, which served as a natural gathering point thanks to its location in the Persian Gulf and the sea channels around it, ensuring the protection of its inhabitants from external threats. It also emphasizes the role of water and pearl fishing in the region's economic development.
Abu Dhabi was a center of pearl fishing, considered the main economic activity of the region's residents, including Abu Dhabi itself. Thousands of men undertook underwater dives in search of pearls, though this profession was extremely dangerous and difficult. The exhibition highlights the rigorous history of underwater pearl diving, which has remained a key part of the cultural and economic legacy of Abu Dhabi for many years.
