ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)

In celebration of Eid Al Etihad, Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, Abu Dhabi, in collaboration with  film and TV studio Image Nation, has unveiled a captivating holographic installation beneath its iconic Grand Dome. 

The multi-sensory activation offers guests a journey through time and technology - where the UAE’s story of unity, innovation and identity comes vividly to life.

Viewing the installation is free and open to the public from December 1 to 3, between 12pm and 8pm, inviting residents and visitors alike to witness this mesmerising digital tribute to the UAE’s remarkable journey. No bookings are required; entry is on a first-come, first-served basis.

Titled “Living Artifacts”, the hologram draws inspiration from the acclaimed “History of the Emirates” docuseries produced by Image Nation, a five-part exploration of the UAE’s foundations, spanning 125,000 years of civilisation to the union in 1971.

Through cutting-edge holographic technology, archaeological discoveries from the region’s most ancient sites are reimagined in breathtaking dimensions. Guests are immersed in a fusion of sight, sound and interaction that bridges millennia, revealing how early communities evolved through craftsmanship, trade and resilience into the modern-day UAE.

Each holographic scene celebrates a distinct chapter of Emirati heritage: from the Marawah Houses, dating back 8,000 years, symbolising early community and artistry; to the Shasha Boat, an ingenious expression of maritime innovation; the Marawah Vessel, one of the oldest decorated ceramics in the region, representing early trade; and The Abu Dhabi Pearl, the world’s oldest known natural pearl, reflecting enduring prosperity and beauty.

Guests will also encounter the Temple of Shamash at Ed-Dur, evoking ancient belief systems, and the UAE flag, an emblem of unity, pride and progress. Together, these projections create a living narrative - a poetic convergence of past and future.