If you haven’t already bought your tickets to the incredible line up of Abu Dhabi Festival performances, there’s a good chance you’re not going to – most shows have long since sold out, and only standby seating is left – but there’s one show you really shouldn’t miss, the exquisite Path of Roses exhibition.

The vision of Algerian artist Rachid Koraïchi, the walk-through display features a series of sculptures inspired by Rumi, the 13th century Persian Muslim poet, jurist, theologian and Sufi mystic. We absolutely loved the delicately painted ceramic bowls arranged at knee level down the middle of the space – the fantastically intricate blue-on-white designs create similar yet unique patterns on top of which float three rose petals per bowl, resting on a shallow scoop of clear water.

Though the eye is instantly drawn to the oversized ceramic bowls and flat script-style pedestal sculptures arranged at shoulder level, be sure to take your time and turn around – lining the walls opposite the centre display are alcoves of embroidered tapestries adorned with Persian script. Event organisers wisely allow only ten people to examine the exhibit at any one time, but don’t feel compelled to rush through. These finely stitched tapestries deserve your full attention.

While these alcoves are shadowed behind sheer hanging drapes, you won’t miss the symmetrical array of sculptures mounted to the wall at the turn of the path – the play of shadow created by artistically placed lights is as much a part of the presentation as the sculptures themselves.

The Path of Roses exhibit is open to the public at Emirates Palace every day from now until 4th April from 10am to 6pm – after 6pm, you’ll need a ticket to the evening’s performance to see it. For more information, call the festival hotline at 050 907 6158 or visit www.abudhabifestival.ae.

Laura Fulton