An empire of art, intrigue and bling has landed in the UAE!
If you thought history was all dusty scrolls and stiff portraits, think again. Louvre Abu Dhabi has just unveiled ‘Mamluks: Legacy of an Empire‘ and it’s dazzling, dramatic and a little bit cheeky. Running until 25 January 2026, this blockbuster is the first exhibition in the GCC dedicated to the Mamluk Sultanate, the dynasty that ruled the Islamic world’s power hubs for more than 250 years (1250–1517).
What’s on show?
We’re looking at more than 270 treasures from 34 museums across 13 countries. We’re talking engraved metal basins, glittering glass lamps, silken carpets, rare Qurans, coins, ceramics, and even a key to the Kaaba. It’s a treasure chest of masterpieces that proves the Mamluks weren’t just powerful warriors, they were tastemakers.
And it’s not all borrowed glory. Six standout pieces from Louvre Abu Dhabi’s own collection are taking centre stage, including a jewel-toned 15th-century Egyptian carpet and a rare Quran dating back to the 13th century.
The Paris connection
This isn’t just any show. It first wowed audiences at the Musée du Louvre in Paris earlier this year, but Abu Dhabi’s edition comes with extra sparkle: exclusive regional loans you won’t find anywhere else. Cue bragging rights.
Manuel Rabaté, Director of Louvre Abu Dhabi, said:
“We are proud to present Mamluks: Legacy of an Empire, which celebrates the cultural and artistic achievements of one of the Islamic world’s most influential dynasties… revealing how interconnected the world was at that time, and how remarkably aligned in spirit it was with the cosmopolitan nature of contemporary Abu Dhabi.”
What not to miss
- The Baptistery of Saint Louis (c.1330–1340) — an engraved basin that became a French royal icon, showing in the region for the first time.
- A helmet belonging to Sultan Barsbay (15th century).
- A Venetian painting of diplomats in Damascus (1511).
- A pilgrimage certificate from the British Library (1433).
Add to that interactive screens, immersive soundscapes, and storytelling courtesy of LG Electronics Gulf, and you’ve got an exhibition that’s anything but static.
There’s a whole cultural line-up too: curator talks, lectures, family workshops, film screenings and even a podcast. Whether you’re a history nerd, a casual museum stroller, or someone chasing Instagram-worthy content, the Mamluks have something to offer.
Why you should care
Because this isn’t just art on a wall. It’s about a time when Cairo and Damascus were global capitals of power, trade and culture, and the objects here prove just how sophisticated (and surprisingly modern) the Mamluks were.
Laurence des Cars, President-Director of the Musée du Louvre, summed it up:
“The dialogues established between these works will, I hope, allow Louvre Abu Dhabi’s visitors to fully appreciate the richness of this culture’s artistic and intellectual diversity, which shaped the Near East from the mid-13th to the early 16th century.”
Much more than an exhibition, Mamluks: Legacy of an Empire is a power play, reminding us that Abu Dhabi isn’t just keeping pace with global culture, it’s setting the stage.
So swap your Netflix binge for a history binge instead. The Mamluks are waiting, and trust us, they knew how to make an entrance.
