Today's Edition
SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)
The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre has inaugurated the travelling photographic exhibition “Boundless Plains”, organised in collaboration with the Australian Embassy in the UAE and the Islamic Museum of Australia, in celebration of the 50th anniversary of UAE-Australia relations.
Running over two months, the exhibition traces the history of Muslims in Australia from its early years through 20 photographs and a documentary film produced during a field expedition led by the museum, hosted in the Dome of Peace.
The experience is enhanced by the Light & Peace Museum, showcasing Islamic civilisation through rare artefacts and interactive displays, as well as “Diya”, a 360-degree immersive light-and-sound journey.
The exhibition highlights the dimensions of civilisational exchange and the impact of cultural diversity in shaping contemporary Australian identity.
The narrative traces indigenous records in the far north, particularly Arnhem Land, then follows the cameleers’ inland settlements to the first mosques and the wider economic and social contributions of Muslim migrants throughout the 20th century.
The opening was attended by Dr Yousif Al Obaidli, Director General of the Centre; Ridwan Jadwat, Ambassador of Australia to the UAE; Azmeena Hussain, Chair of the Board of the Islamic Museum of Australia; and Moustafa Fahour, Founder of the Museum.
On this occasion, Dr Al Obaidli said: “This initiative reflects the Centre’s ongoing efforts to support the UAE’s vision of building bridges of cultural engagement among nations and strengthening its position as a global platform for cultural dialogue.
“By hosting this exhibition, the Centre continues its pioneering role in promoting the values of tolerance and openness, and in highlighting global cultural diversity, offering visitors a rich experience grounded in human interaction.”
Ambassador Jadwat stated: “This exhibition marks 50 years of relations between the UAE and Australia. Australia maintains deep historical and cultural ties with Muslim communities, and presenting this exhibition at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre reflects this connection. The stories displayed document interactions that span centuries, and showcase how more than one million Muslims in Australia contribute to the richness and prosperity of society.”
Speaking to Aletihad at the inauguration, Jadwat said: “I am very thrilled to be here at the opening of the Boundless Plains exhibition, a collaboration between the Islamic Museum of Australia and the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.
“For me, it is an important symbol of the wonderful collaboration and cooperation that we have had between our two countries, particularly significant that it’s being held in the 50th anniversary of the diplomatic relationship between Australia and the UAE.
“As a Muslim Australian, I feel particularly proud of the fact that the history of Muslims in Australia through the Boundless Plains exhibition is now going to be seen by hundreds of thousands of people.
“All of those people are now going to have an opportunity to understand the history of the Muslim community in Australia, going back to the 1600s with the Makassan fishermen from Indonesian archipelago who visited Australia to trade in trepang with the Yolngu people of Arnhem land. It is an extraordinary symbol of the ties between our two countries. I’m very proud and very humbled to be here to be part of this special occasion.”
Museum founder Fahour was one of the four members who went on the 20,000km expedition to reconnect and rediscover Australian Muslim history and document it.
“I am absolutely thrilled and honoured that this photography exhibition is now being hosted at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. The Islamic Museum of Australia was founded with a very clear purpose: to educate the Australian public about what Islam truly is, beyond what they may hear or see in the media,” he said.
“We built the Museum as an educational centre, and we chose art as our language because art unites people. It brings individuals from different cultures, backgrounds and beliefs together, and what connects them is the work itself. Through powerful photography and artwork, our aim has always been to create understanding. When people understand something, they no longer fear it.”
He continued: “The Boundless Plains exhibition is important for two main reasons: First, for Muslims who come to Australia, it is a reminder that part of our faith is contributing to the country we call home – and Muslims have been contributing to Australia for generations.
“Second, it offers the world a window into the lived experiences, history and impact of Australian Muslims. By showcasing this story internationally, we hope people from all cultures can recognise and appreciate those contributions.”
Museum director Hussain added: “For more than a decade, the Islamic Museum of Australia has been dedicated to celebrating the rich contributions of Australian Muslims and sharing the beauty of Islam with the wider community. To now bring this story to the UAE through the Boundless Plains exhibition is both iconic and deeply meaningful for our museum.”
“Our museum was founded to highlight the role Australian Muslims have played in shaping Australia’s history and culture. Through five permanent galleries – Exploring Faith, Australian Muslim History, Contributions to Global Civilisation, Islamic Art, and the Architecture of Mosques Around the World – we provide a safe and welcoming space for Australians to learn, reflect and connect. Bringing a part of that experience here to the Grand Mosque is a proud moment for us and a significant milestone for the museum.”
