Imagine a room filled with over 2,000 unique artifacts showcasing the rich history of the UAE. Saeed Salem Al Heabsi, a passionate 51-year-old collector from Abu Dhabi, has created his own museum-like space at home.
His collection includes rare items such as Sheikh Zayed’s personal belongings and vintage military memorabilia, all reflecting the UAE’s legacy.
In a dedicated section of his collection, Al Heabsi honors Sheikh Zayed, the UAE’s founding father. This area features old logos, shields, and other rare artifacts. “I created this section out of love for the nation’s founder,” he shared. “These pieces are very rare, and I acquire them through auctions across the UAE.”
Unique and Precious Collectibles
Among Al Heabsi’s most notable possessions is a one-of-a-kind pen made during Sheikh Zayed’s era—the only one of its kind in the UAE. His collection also includes silver utensils, such as spoons, cups, and a cardholder, all engraved with the UAE’s first logo.
His passion extends to military history. He has old logos from various branches of the UAE’s forces, such as the police, Ministry of Interior, and customs. “These items are our country’s legacy and must be preserved,” he said.
Al Heabsi’s collection also features daggers, swords, coffee pots, and pens, many with significant historical ties. One coffee pot, for example, was used by Sheikh Zayed himself. “I saw a video of Sheikh Zayed drinking from this pot,” he recalled, emphasizing the cultural importance of coffee pots in Emirati tradition. He noted that a coffee pot also appears on the Emirati dirham.
Rare Sword and International Finds
Another remarkable piece is a sword model that belonged to the late Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed. “This sword was among Sheikh Zayed’s belongings. I was lucky to find it, and it closely resembles one worn by Sheikh Khalifa,” Al Heabsi explained.
His collection also includes a silver ring that once belonged to Libya’s Muammar Gaddafi Battalion. He discovered this rare piece at an auction, where its significance went unnoticed by the sellers. Additionally, he owns an ancient Roman sword with intricate engravings, which he chose not to sell despite receiving an offer of Dh35,000.
“I aim to keep my collection unique, avoiding duplicates. It’s not a museum; it’s a personal passion project with items that tell a story,” he said. His collection also includes weapons like a World War II knife used by French forces.
Dedication to Volunteering and Cultural Preservation
In addition to his passion for collecting, Al Heabsi is an active volunteer. He leads the Emirati Multiple Sclerosis Patients Friends Association and is a commissioner in the Emirates Scout Commission. A retired military officer, he has undertaken humanitarian missions to Kuwait, Egypt, and Jordan, covering all expenses himself. To mark the UAE National Day’s 40th anniversary, he distributed food to 40 families in need.
Al Heabsi also played a key role in reuniting the cast of a heritage television series, Ashhafan, after 47 years. He traveled to Bahrain and spent hours locating one actor’s house with only a name and number. “I wanted to preserve their contributions to our cultural history,” he explained.
