BBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBB ... · Photos clockwise from top right: regional map; Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, Muscat; East-West/West-East by Richard

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Alluring Arabia Featuring the Louvre Abu Dhabi & the National Museum of Qatar with Courtney Ann Stewart Senior Research Assistant, Department of Islamic Art

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March 14–28, 2020

Dear Members and Friends of The Metropolitan Museum of Art,

As a historian of Islamic art, I was honored to lead The Met’s tour of the Arabian Peninsula’s booming urban centers in February 2019. On that journey, we explored the region’s museums and alternative art spaces that have opened to great acclaim in recent years. We’ve refined this itinerary for 2020, and I hope you’ll join me next March to experience the fascinating art, architecture, and history in the burgeoning cultural hubs of Muscat, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Doha.

The centerpiece of our trip will be the Louvre Abu Dhabi, the landmark collaboration between France and the UAE that embodies this region’s well-funded global aspirations. The Jean Nouvel-designed building is itself a work of art, with a 7,000-ton latticed dome roof that floods the interiors with natural light. But its contents are even more remarkable, offering Monet and Van Gogh masterpieces as well as Asian, African, and Middle Eastern collections.

The contrast between Arabia’s forward-looking economy and ages-old traditions is particularly stark in Dubai, where we’ll ascend the world’s tallest skyscraper, Burj Khalifa, on an architecture tour. The following night, on the city’s desert outskirts, we’ll witness Bedouin falconry, a spectacular hunting practice these nomadic tribes have perfected over hundreds of years. Across our trip, we’ll roam impressive mosques and vibrant souqs (street markets), as well as visit trailblazing museums designed by Nouvel and I.M. Pei. We’ll savor a customary Emirati meal with locals in the UAE and behold monumental public sculptures from Damien Hirst and Richard Serra in Qatar.

Please join me on a dazzling adventure into the past, present, and future of this cosmopolitan corner of the Middle East. Sincerely,Courtney Ann StewartSenior Research Assistant, Department of Islamic ArtThe Metropolitan Museum of Art

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Trip Highlights— Marvel at the Louvre Abu Dhabi and the recently opened National Museum of Qatar in Doha, both designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Jean Nouvel, on exclusive curator-led tours

— Delight in a director-led tour of the I.M. Pei-designed Museum of Islamic Art in Doha, Qatar, with lunch in its Alain Ducasse restaurant IDAM, exquisitely decorated by Philippe Starck with Baccarat crystal and rugs printed with Arabic calligraphy

— Enjoy a private tour of Muscat’s spectacular Royal Opera House, which blends contemporary Omani and 16th-century Italian styles, and meet with its director over refreshments

— Explore Muscat, capital of the Sultanate of Oman, and its Old World-style forts, extravagant mosques, golden minarets, and colorful souqs filled with spices and local goods

— Experience Art Dubai, the region’s most important art fair, which brings together numerous galleries from the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia

— Rise to the top of Dubai’s Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building at more than 2,700 feet in height, with an architecture guide

— Immerse yourself in the local culture by sharing a meal with Emiratis in Dubai, and learn about falconry and ancient nomadic culture at a Bedouin camp outside of the city

Alluring Arabia Featuring the Louvre Abu Dhabi & the National Museum of Qatar

Traveling with YouCourtney Ann Stewart

Courtney Ann Stewart joined The Met in 2010 and serves as Senior Research Assistant in the Department of Islamic Art. She has contributed to the reinstallation of the new galleries of the Arab Lands, Turkey, Iran, Central Asia, and Later South Asia (2011), as well as the exhibitions and publications Treasures from India: Jewels from the Al-Thani Collection (2014) and Sultans of Deccan India, 1500-1700: Opulence and Fantasy (2015). Courtney has taught courses on Islamic art history at the University of Toronto, and she continues to lecture in the School of Continuing Studies at New York University. Courtney, who holds graduate degrees from the University of Toronto and the Bard Graduate Center, is currently pursuing research on the history of Islamic jewelry.

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Photos clockwise from top right: regional map; Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, Muscat; East-West/West-East by Richard Serra, Qatari desert; National Museum of Qatar, Doha; Souq Waqif; Katara. Front cover: Louvre Abu Dhabi. Back cover: Traditional “dhow” boats in Doha’s harbor (top); National Museum of Qatar, Doha (bottom).

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Departure Saturday, March 14 Depart on an overnight flight for Muscat, Oman.

Muscat, OmanSunday, March 15Arrive in Oman’s capital city of Muscat, situated between the dramatic Al Hajar Mountains and the Arabian Sea. Transfer to the luxurious Kempinski Hotel for lunch followed by check-in. Spend a relaxing afternoon at the hotel. L

Muscat Monday, March 16 After a morning lecture, visit the National Museum. Opened in 2016 by royal decree, it is the Sultanate’s premier cultural institution, highlighting the nation’s heritage and local settlements dating back thousands of years. After lunch, stop at Al Alam Palace, the official residence of the Sultan Qaboos, which is flanked by the twin 16th-century Portuguese forts of Al Mirani and Al Jalali. Return to the hotel and later gather for a welcome dinner this evening. B, L, D

Muscat Tuesday, March 17This morning, drive along the Corniche to the extravagant Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque to admire its colorful mosaics and massive chandelier adorned with 600,000 gold-trimmed Swarovski crystals. Following lunch, revel in a private tour of the ornately decorated Royal Opera House, which was built on the orders of Sultan Qaboos of Oman, a well-known fan of classical music. Visit the historic marketplace Muttrah Souq with its covered alleys and vendors selling spices and other local specialties. Return to the hotel, and enjoy an evening and dinner at leisure. B, L

Muscat / Dubai, UAE Wednesday, March 18Fly to Dubai and upon arrival, enjoy lunch followed by check-in at the Taj Hotel. Later, delight in an architecture tour of the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa. From a height of more than 2,700 feet, marvel at the spectacular city and the fountain below. Revel in an evening and dinner at leisure. B, L

Dubai / Sharjah, UAE Thursday, March 19 In the nearby Emirate of Sharjah, visit the Sharjah Art Museum to admire works by the Middle East’s most celebrated modern and contemporary artists. Next, journey back in time at the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization, which houses thousands of rare ancient Islamic artifacts. Enjoy lunch at the fascinating Mleiha Archaeological Center before viewing an exhibition focused on the history of the region dating back to the Paleolithic era. Next, visit the Maraya Art Center, a non-profit institution that offers innovative programs supporting emerging artists and designers. B, L, D

Dubai Friday, March 20 Spend the day touring Art Dubai, the city’s famous international art fair, with lunch at leisure. Later enjoy cocktails at Burj Al-Arab, the iconic sail-shaped hotel. B, R

Dubai Saturday, March 21 This morning, head to Alserkal Avenue, a former warehouse district that is now home to a community of contemporary art galleries and alternative art spaces. Savor a traditional Emirati meal at a heritage house at the Sheikh Mohammed Cultural Center. After lunch, explore innovative contemporary work at the Jameel Arts Center, an important new site showcasing the depth and diversity of Arab art. Later, drive to the desert to see a falconry demonstration at a Bedouin camp, and enjoy traditional Bedouin music and dinner under the stars. B, L, D

Dubai / Abu Dhabi, UAE Sunday, March 22 Drive to Abu Dhabi with lunch en route. Upon arrival, check into the Ritz-Carlton Hotel. Spend the afternoon exploring the

Louvre Abu Dhabi, a groundbreaking collaboration between France and the United Arab Emirates. B, L

Abu Dhabi Monday, March 23Explore the magnificent Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the largest mosque outside of Mecca, which was completed in 2007. After lunch at the impressive Emirates Palace, tour the NYU Abu Dhabi campus led by student ambassadors. Take in a behind-the-scenes visit of the NYU Abu Dhabi Art Gallery, a multimedia exhibition space housing both traditional and experimental installations. Enjoy dinner at a beach club before returning to the hotel. B, L, D

Abu Dhabi / Doha, QatarTuesday, March 24Transfer to the airport for a flight to Doha via Muscat. Upon arrival, transfer to the Mandarin Oriental Hotel for check-in, or opt to visit the nearby Bin Jelmood House. Part of the Msheireb museum complex, this remarkable new museum shines a rare light on the centuries-old Indian Ocean slave trade. Enjoy dinner tonight at the hotel. B, D

Doha Wednesday, March 25Spend a morning at the I.M. Pei-designed Museum of Islamic Art, featuring ceramics, textiles, glass, royal metalwork, and other treasures dating from the seventh century to the present. Enjoy lunch at IDAM, the Alain Ducasse restaurant at the museum. Next, visit the Fire Station Museum, a creative space housed in a former firehouse that allows emerging talent to practice, research, and work supported by a residency program. B, L

Doha Thursday, March 26This morning, drive to see Damien Hirst's series of sculptures The Miraculous Journey at the Sidra Medical and Research Center. Continue for a visit to the Qatar Faculty of Islamic Studies, an award-winning architectural marvel that incorporates teaching and faculty space, a campus mosque, and two minarets stretching to nearly 300 feet in height. The building’s main design

Alluring Arabia Featuring the Louvre Abu Dhabiand the National Museum of QatarMarch 14–28, 2020

Mosaics, Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, Muscat

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Program Rate$12,599 per person, double rate $14,599 single rate

Rate Includes — Thirteen nights’ accommodations as per itinerary— Meals as indicated in the itinerary (B=Breakfast,

L=Lunch, R=Reception, D=Dinner); bottled water and coffee/tea with all meals, house wine at some meals and the welcome and farewell dinners

— Airport/hotel/airport group transfers for all participants on suggested flights— Internal economy-class flights (Muscat–Dubai / Abu Dhabi–Doha via Muscat) — Escorted sightseeing by private motor coach;

entrance fees for included visits — Enrichment program of lectures and special events — Taxes, service, and porterage charges; gratuities to local guides and drivers Not included in rate International airfare; passport/visa fees; meals not specified; alcoholic beverages other than as noted in inclusions; personal items and expenses; luggage in excess of one suitcase; airport transfers other than for those on suggested flights; trip insurance; any other items not specifically mentioned as included

To secure your reservation, please call Arrangements Abroad at 844-TRVLMET (844-878-5638); or complete this form and return it with your deposit of $1,000 per person (of which $500 is non-refundable for administrative fees), to be paid by debit card, credit card, wire transfer, or check payable to Arrangements Abroad. Mail to: Arrangements Abroad, 1040 Avenue of the Americas, 23rd Floor, New York, NY 10018-3721.

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Alluring Arabia: March 14–28, 2020 Reservation Form

For additional information, please call 844-TRVLMET (844-878-5638)or to opt out from receiving mail, email [email protected]

This itinerary is subject to change at the discretion of TheMetropolitan Museum of Art and Arrangements Abroad.For complete details, please carefully read the terms andconditions at www.arrangementsabroad.com/terms.

Accommodations Kempinski Hotel Muscat The five-star, beachside Kempinski Hotel Muscat offers 310 rooms and suites, two swimming pools, and ten restaurants and bars serving a selection of European and local cuisine.

Taj Hotel Dubai This hotel blends decorative elements of rich Indian artistry, traditional influences, and contemporary style alongside fine eateries.

Ritz-Carlton Hotel Abu DhabiSurrounded by sumptuous gardens and sparkling pools, this Venetian-inspired hotel combines the contemporary and the traditional.

Mandarin Oriental Hotel Doha Overlooking the Barahat Msheireb town square, this charming hotel is just steps away from Souq Waqif and the Museum of Islamic Art.

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inspiration is the infinite spiral suggesting the idea that knowledge and faith are interwoven. Before lunch, visit the National Library designed by Rem Koolhaas. Explore the galleries, cobbled alleys, and Greco-Roman amphitheater of the Katara Cultural Village, the center of Doha’s arts scene, followed by lunch at one of its highly acclaimed restaurants. B, L

Doha Friday, March 27Travel across the peninsula to the Brouq Nature Reserve. There, discover Richard Serra’s East-West/West-East sculpture, a vast public artwork consisting of four massive steel plates installed and spread out within a kilometer of desert space. Return to the city, and after lunch visit the National Museum of Qatar, designed by Jean Nouvel in the shape of a unique geological formation called the “desert rose.” Return to the hotel or opt to visit Souq Waqif, the renovated Arab market where people from across the region come

to purchase traditional goods such as wool, jewelry, and perfumes. Return to the hotel and attend a farewell dinner this evening. B, L, D

Doha / Return Saturday, March 28This morning, transfer to the airport for flights home. B

Zayed Grand Mosque, Abu Dhabi, photo by Rod Waddington

Kempinski Hotel Muscat

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Alluring Arabia Featuring the

Louvre Abu Dhabi & the National Museum of Qatar

March 14–28, 2020

Documents

BBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBB ... · Photos clockwise from top right: regional map; Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, Muscat; East-West/West-East by Richard