Discover Unique Artifacts at the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair
On September 17, 2026, the esteemed "Dar Iqtina'a for Rare Books and Manuscripts" is showcasing a remarkable collection at the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair. Among the highlights is a life-sized bronze statue of the beloved falcon of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, known as the hybrid falcon nicknamed number one. This exquisite piece of art is not just a statue; it represents a rare testament to the art of falconry in the Arab world, depicting an extraordinary artistic experience that was personally commissioned by Sheikh Zayed himself. In the year 2000, British sculptor David Kimmich was invited to Abu Dhabi, where he had the opportunity to study and sketch falcons, enabling him to capture these rare birds with utmost precision and attention to detail. The unique falcon number one left a lasting impression on Kimmich, thanks to its beauty and grace.
Upon returning to England, Kimmich crafted the falcon number one using French sculpting wax, meticulously capturing its majestic stance and characteristic movements on its traditional base. The statue was later transformed into a colorful sculpture in 2013, a process that took four years to complete. Taysir Khalaf Allah, a manuscript expert at Dar Iqtina'a, spoke to the Emirates News Agency about the pavilion, emphasizing that every year, the establishment aims to meet public demand by presenting rare collectibles and artifacts displayed at their booth for the first time, allowing visitors to appreciate their historical value and significance. This initiative also provides opportunities for interested collectors from cultural institutions, museums, and enthusiasts to acquire these rare items.
In addition to the falcon number one, the pavilion features a printed copy of the Quran from Hamburg, Germany, dated 1640, and the first three volumes of "Sahih Muslim," a reliable collection written in Fez, Morocco by calligrapher Abd al-Qadir ibn Ali ibn Yusuf al-Fassi between 1640 and 1642. Furthermore, the display includes announcements from the French campaign in Egypt and a scroll from one of five complete scrolls of "The Tale of Kun Sensho," a lost narrative from Japan, recognized as one of the most significant works remaining from this literary genre, adorned with beautifully intricate illustrations.
As reported by wam.ae.
