The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre has launched the travelling photographic exhibition Boundless Plains, organised in collaboration with the Australian Embassy in the UAE and the Islamic Museum of Australia, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of UAE–Australia relations.
The opening was attended by Dr. Yousif Al Obaidli, Director-General of the Centre; Ridwaan 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. The exhibition will remain open for two months.
Boundless Plains traces the history of Muslims in Australia from its earliest beginnings, showcasing individuals and communities who have contributed to the country’s diverse cultural fabric. The narrative spans from the records of Indigenous communities in northern regions, particularly Arnhem Land, to inland towns where cameleers settled, continuing through the establishment of Australia’s first mosques and highlighting the economic and social contributions of Muslim migrants throughout the twentieth century.
On this occasion, Dr. Yousif Al Obaidli, Director General of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Centre, 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.”
Ridwaan Jadwat, Ambassador of Australia to the UAE, stated, “This exhibition marks fifty 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.”
Situated in the Dome of Peace, the exhibition features twenty photographs and a documentary film produced during a field expedition led by the Islamic Museum of Australia. It highlights the dimensions of civilisational exchange and the role of cultural diversity in shaping modern Australian identity.
Visitors can also explore the Light & Peace Museum, which offers a comprehensive overview of Islamic civilisation, its intellectual and artistic achievements, and rare artefacts, using interactive displays and advanced technology. Additionally, the Diya experience provides a 360-degree multisensory journey with light and sound, offering an inspiring and immersive cultural experience.
(Inputs from WAM)
