curatorial framework
The E11 is the UAE’s longest continuous monument, tracing unification across the landscape and reflecting the shared vision of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, and the founding rulers of the seven emirates, whose leadership shaped the nation’s formation.
Different stretches of the E11 bear the names of individual rulers, while the section from Deira in Dubai to the borders of Umm Al Quwain and Ras Al Khaimah is known as Al Ittihad Road—meaning “unity”—a key term used by the founding leaders, anticipating the formation of the Mutawahhida, the Union.
Off-Road Diplomacy invites visitors to retrace Sheikh Zayed’s domestic tours from 1966-1976, which laid the groundwork for the E11, now the nation’s main artery. His vision extended beyond infrastructure to include social well-being, access to resources, and environmental stewardship. The project also reflects on the diplomatic ties that shaped the nation, tracing gestures of shared leadership that preceded and sustained the Union’s formation.
programming
As part of the research process, a panel discussion took place at Etihad Museum exploring the formative role of E11 in Sheikh Zayed’s early state-building efforts. Annissa was joined by Alison Ruth Kelly (Senior Curator, Zayed National Museum) and Dr. Saif Albedwawi (Assistant Professor, University of Sharjah).
The panel discussion was covered by John Dennehey at The National. Read the full article here.
Museum Intervention
ABOUT THE ANNISSA GULTOM
Annissa M Gultom is an Indonesian museologist and archaeologist whose work in the museum field spans nearly two decades. Her practice centres on research-based content development for public use and the broader scope of institutional development within museums. As a researcher, she has explored Southeast Asian and UAE archaeology, colonial-period maritime heritage, the Islamic Golden Age, post-colonial history, tribal-sourced intangible heritage, pre-masterplan museology feasibility studies, museum audience studies, and museum operations evaluation.
Based in the UAE since 2018, she is in her sixth year as Director of the National Museum of Ras Al Khaimah, where she leads a revitalisation of the permanent exhibition galleries, which had remained static for over 30 years. Her research approach is grounded in the belief that any area of inquiry can extend beyond individual curiosity to become something meaningful for a wider audience, through various media and channels. She enjoys graphic novels, video games, and ’90s playlists.
Social Media:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annissamgultom/
Instagram: @annissagultom
Related Projects
Building audiences for Etihad Museum
Dialogue, exchange and experimentation at the Etihad Museum
