The National Archives delivers a lecture on national identity and the values or measures that must be adopted in crisis time 

The National Archives continues delivering its national lectures remotely. In this context, about 130 students from ADNOC Technical Academy followed a national lecture entitled “The National Identity: Values and Duties in Times of Disasters and Crisis”. The lecture comes in line with the national role assumed by the National Archives, as it strives to enhance the values of  belonging to the homeland and loyalty to its wise leadership and to instill national identity in students and disseminate civic education among them.

The lecture, delivered by Mohammed Ismail Abdulla, Educational Programs Specialist from the Educational Programs Section at the National Archives, through employing remote communication technology, encouraged the wise response that serves and supports supreme national objectives and the constant efforts to maintain achieved  accomplishments in line with the wise UAE leadership directives for future generations' national upbringing and empowerment through education and knowledge to enable them to carry on the UAE sustainable building and development.

The lecture also stressed the importance of displaying wise national sense in dealing with emergencies, crises and disasters at this critical stage and of compliance with the UAE community safety, security and stability policies and precautionary measures to curb the spread of COVID-19 , this mainly depends on well informed and knowledgeable people to achieve targeted objectives.

The lecture tackled the definition of the values of loyalty, belonging and national identity and explained in detail the elements and characteristics of national identity. It also highlighted various types of identities and emphasized the close relationship between the three main national pillars; namely: identity, loyalty and belonging.

The lecture stressed the great importance of the wise leadership's role in instilling national identity in community members and explained in detail the various ways that support sustaining national identity. The lecture quoted words of their Highnesses the Sheikhs at this stage which constitutes part of the nation’s history. Their Highnesses words, serve as a roadmap to this stage, stress the importance of accountability and assuming responsibility in different circumstances and of the values of loyalty and belonging to the homeland, of serving its citizens and seeking to ensure the community security and stability.

National Identity Project Collaboration between the National Archives and Emirates National Schools 

In collaboration with Emirates National Schools (ENS), the National Archives remotely continues the final stage evaluation of student research papers for the 7th edition of the National Identity Project under the motto of “Our Emirates 2071: Towards a Safe, Developed and Happy Community”. At this stage, the National Archives' keen interest in pursuing that project stems from its belief in the important role it assumes in the civic education of UAE generations and in instilling and enhancing loyalty and belonging among youth.

Many of the participating research papers of students were of great scientific value due to students adopting scientific approach and their conducting careful investigation of their research-topics, which indicated their high sense of responsibility, recognition of national principles, ability to Perceive the future and their high national sense.

What distinguishes the National Identity Project this year is that its stages and events were conducted remotely as they coincided with the precautionary measures adopted to curb the spread of Coronavirus. Nevertheless, more than 565 Grade 9 students participated In this edition. After launching the project, and prior to the global outbreak of the novel coronavirus, more than 40 training workshops, school visits and meetings with school coordinators were conducted. The National Archives opened its doors to welcome students to benefit from all the Emirates Library sources and references. Moreover, it advised participating students to employ and utilize the Arabian Gulf Digital Archive (AGDA) references in their research. The research papers evaluating committee received students papers and projects and shortlisted 128 research papers and community activities under the motto of this edition of the project. On one hand, the male students’ topics were: Earth in Danger, How to Please Someone, My Family is My Umbrella, Relief or Help Call, Tolerance in the UAE, Emirati San’ (local term for ‘etiquettes’), Addiction to Smart Phones, No for E-Bullying, Plastic Consumption Damages, Exams Challenges, Parents Obedience, Space: Zayed’s Ambition, Solar Energy and Artificial Intelligence.

On the other hand, the female students’ topics included: Playing in Another World, We are all Ambassadors, Children of the Future, Happiness, Danger of Grapevine Gossip, Our UAE is the World Forum, I Accepted the Challenge and Succeeded, Zayed’s Dream Embraces the Sky, Climate Revival, A Teacher’s Imprint, Environmental Pollution, A drop of blood Saves life, Health Innovation, Youth Empowerment, and Limitless Mercy.

35 papers and projects by 157 students reached the semi-finals, where project evaluators were to select the first three winning papers of students (boys and girls) respectively.   

Ten branches of ENS from Abu Dhabi and other Emirates has participated in this edition of the project. Following receiving the project papers, the qualification process started at the branches level and the competition began at a school level.

The National Archives appreciated the high academic level and the national and humanitarian values sensed through students’ papers and the efforts exerted by students and their supervisors according to the newly imposed precautionary procedures in response to the novel coronavirus, mainly the distance learning and remote communication.

The National Archives showed keen interest in evaluating student papers remotely in line with the current situation necessary measures. We have received a large number of papers, which indicated students’ ambition and their belief in this national project. All project participants are deemed winners because these contributions indicate the future generations will power and challenging spirit.

The National Archives thanked the ENS for their cooperation since launching this academic and research initiative, namely the National Identity Project. It expressed its hopes and aspirations for this project to continue to enrich future generations' knowledge and experience.

The awarding ceremony date shall be set later according to the current situation developments.

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The National Archives and Family Development discuss cooperation and partnership in the activities scheduled for the Year of Tolerance

The National Archives discussed with the Family Development Foundation in Abu Dhabi the possibility of enhancing cooperation in programs, events and activities scheduled for the Year of Tolerance, exchanging experiences and benefiting from experiences in areas that serve their goals and embody their visions and missions. For children and young adults, in a way that consolidates their national identity, and strengthens their belonging to the homeland and loyalty to its wise leadership.

The women coordinators of programs and events from the Family Development Foundation, Abu Dhabi Gate City Center, upon their visit to the headquarters of the National Archives and their meeting with Ms. Husnia Al-Ali, Head of the Educational Programs Department, emphasized the importance of cooperation in the field of programs organized by the Foundation in the Year of Tolerance, whether for families, or the programs it organizes during the semester school holidays and leave summer, benefiting from the services of the National Archives in terms of training and qualification, and educating the generation on cultivating moral values, foremost of which is the virtue of tolerance, national principles and the immortal exploits of the founding leader, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan - may God rest his soul in peace - which the wise leadership is keen on, and urges to adopt them for what It has an importance in building a person.

The women coordinators of programs and events discussed the National Archives' pioneering experience in the "Zayed 100 Stories" initiative and the "Our Inspiring Stories" initiative, and the role it plays through such initiatives in enhancing awareness of the history of the UAE and the immortal national values that contribute to creating a generation whose members enjoy cohesion and good citizenship. Keen on the homeland's gains and capabilities.

Program and event coordinators followed a reading workshop at the National Archives headquarters - presented by Ms. Aisha Al Zaabi, Senior Educational Programs Officer - in the book (Khalifa: A Journey to the Future) with the aim of introducing them to the method followed by specialists in the National Archives in the reading workshops it organizes throughout the UAE. It met with remarkable success and turnout, and the coordinators of programs and events from the Family Development Foundation praised the method used in the reading workshops, and the richness of the workshop that they followed with information, which was known about aspects of the life of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the State - may God protect him - such as: the birth of His Highness, and education Growing up, His Highness’s efforts in development, empowerment and construction, and the brightness of His Highness’s star as a modern leader who, since the beginning of his accession – may God protect him – managed to move forward in the field of development in all parts of the country. A distinguished diplomat who seeks to achieve consensus and peace.

Inspirational Stories initiative, national art workshops, and games that enrich knowledge

The National Archives participates in "Sharjah Reading for Children" with national and ethical initiatives and activities.

The National Archives participates in the Sharjah Children's Reading Festival, organized by the Sharjah Book Authority in its eleventh edition, under the slogan "Explore Knowledge". School groups from kindergarten until the second semester.

The National Archives takes advantage of its participation in the Sharjah Children's Reading Festival to present the "Inspirational Stories" initiative to students and parents to encourage them to participate because of its usefulness in consolidating the values of goodness and human giving and promoting positivity.

Within the framework of the participation of the National Archives in the festival, a number of specialists are presenting artistic workshops under the slogan "Landmarks of my Country" dealing with national topics such as: the Emirates flag, the Emirates map, the state emblem, the personal civil card, the country's ancient castles and forts, the Emirati currencies, and the tree of values. Moral.

The National Archives targets these national art workshops that encourage children to access information through colors or cutting and pasting.

The National Archives supports its participation in the Sharjah Children's Reading Festival with a number of educational games that are specially designed to inculcate national and moral values among students. The most prominent of these games is the national and moral values game "Bowling", in which two teams compete; One represents national values, and the second represents moral values. Questions come to each team in its field. National values are about good citizenship and loyalty to the homeland, etc., and moral values about right and wrong in individual and collective behavior. The game ends with the victory of one of the two teams, but it makes the information stick in the minds of the participants and followers.

And the march game, which focuses on pictures of the founding leader, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan - may God rest his soul - and in the publications of the National Archives, in the Al Bu Falah family tree, and in some historical documentaries. 

His participation includes a number of technical workshops and educational games that are designed to provide children with knowledge and information with fun and play.

The National Archives presents the "Inspiring Stories" initiative, which it launched in cooperation with the Ministry of Education, to the festival's audience.  During the festival days and amidst the wide participation of school students in the Emirate of Sharjah and its environs, students from schools in the public and private sectors wishing to participate would be briefed on this initiative and its importance in promoting optional reading for students on useful topics that aim to enhance patriotism and contribute to the development of society, and build a personality based on tolerance and giving. It also contributes to deepening the sense of national identity, and consolidates the knowledge of the participants about the cultural and cultural heritage of the Emirates and the importance of the moral value of tolerance that opens windows to the cultures of peoples and their civilizations.

The National Archives informs the festival participants of the goals of the "Inspiring Stories" initiative, the conditions of participation, evaluation mechanisms, prizes for the winners, and ways to participate by submitting forms or via e-mail.

Within the framework of strengthening the partnership between the National Archives and the Ministry of Education, and education from illiteracy to artificial intelligence

The National Archives concludes its participation in the Fifth Arab Gulf Forum for Teachers



The National Archives concluded its participation in the fifth edition of the Fifth Arab Gulf Forum for Teachers, which was organized by the Ministry of Education under the slogan “Positive Education: A Way of Life.” This participation in the forum came out of the National Archives’ keenness to support the agenda of the United Arab Emirates in the field of education. And his efforts, with the participation of the Ministry of Education, to achieve the UAE Vision 2021

 This participation in the forum was embodied in two working papers, the first entitled: Positive Partnership between Government Institutions and the Education Sector, and the second entitled: The History of Education ... from Illiteracy to Artificial Intelligence. With the aim of developing it and reaching ideas that keep pace with the most important modern trends in the field of education.

In the midst of a large audience of Gulf educational cadres from the GCC countries, a large number of educational leaders, administrators in educational areas, and teachers, Mrs. Husnia Al-Ali, Head of the Educational Programs Department at the National Archives, presented her paper entitled: Positive Partnership between Government Institutions and the Education Sector, in which she reviewed an agenda The UAE government, which was projected onto state institutions, then emphasized the common lines between the National Archives and the Ministry of Education, which focused in their entirety on strengthening national identity, strengthening the bonds of union, and an integrated educational system. Proving that all the educational programs of the National Archives within its educational system “For a Promising Generation” are within the framework of strengthening the national identity, strengthening the bonds of union, and creating an advanced educational system.

The Head of the Educational Programs Department at the National Archives also reviewed the strategic objectives of the National Archives and its role in the national upbringing of generations, stressing the importance of sharing knowledge with students away from traditional methods so that they become knowledge producers. In this regard, the National Archives opens its doors to generations to provide them with lectures and workshops on topics. Patriotism enhances their spirit of loyalty and belonging to the homeland, and for them to participate in its projects, awards and competitions that open wide horizons for creativity and innovation for students under the umbrella of the values of tolerance, work and achievement for the sake of the nation’s elevation.

Dr. Aisha Belkhair, Research Consultant at the National Archives, chaired the round table activity, which provided specialized participants with the opportunity to sit together in a friendly, collaborative, dialogical manner to scrutinize leadership issues and practices related to the context of work, mechanisms and ways to develop it by exchanging information and experiences, and presenting ideas in accordance with the most important recent trends.

Dr. Aisha Belkhair also presented her paper entitled: History of Education... From Illiteracy to Artificial Intelligence, in which she reviewed the great development witnessed by the UAE in the field of education, since the founding leader Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan - may God rest his soul in peace - assumed the reins of government and gave education The greatest interest in his belief that education is the basis of every renaissance and development, and the research advisor at the National Archives indicated that the UAE, which keeps pace with the pace of technical development in the world, is interested today in artificial intelligence, and has become a beacon for smart education thanks to the wise leadership that attaches great importance to technological development and dirties. ;   So that the educational environment is not just indoctrination, but rather knowledge-friendly, stimulating innovation.

Concurrently with the Month of Reading, and in its pursuit to meet the needs of document and archival science interested scholars

The National Archives provided the Emirates Library with 1,500 books purchased from Muscat International Book Fair 

Concurrently with the month of reading, the National Archives provided its Emirates Library with about 1500 new books purchased from Muscat International Book Fair 2020, as part of the plan to develop and enrich the library, with the purpose of providing more references and sources specialized in the history and heritage of the UAE and the Gulf region. The specialized Emirates Library, as part of the National Archives scientific and research program, allows its users to take advantage of its specialized collections in paper and electronic forms which cover the various Archives' fields of interest.



The book selection task has been entrusted to some experts and specialists whom the National Archives has sent to the Muscat International Book Fair to obtain a wide range of books on the history of the United Arab Emirates, the Sultanate of Oman and the Gulf region in general with the aim of enriching the Emirates Library with various forms of information items to meet the needs of its users, whether researchers, academics or scholars.

In terms of expanding its distinguished services, the Emirates Library of the National Archives attaches great importance to books specialized in document management and archival sciences; thus, it acquires them to serve the undergraduate students of the program jointly launched by the National Archives and Sorbonne University in Abu Dhabi. The National Archives aims at preparing a generation of qualified youth who are able to contribute to preserving the nation's documentary asset and managing it in accordance with best practices and standards.



The newly acquired collection included the Encyclopedia of Oman’s History through Time, which consists of five parts that constitute a comprehensive scientific and technical document recording the history of Oman from the earliest human and prehistoric era to the present one.

The National Archives also acquired a large number of important books that include Document and Electronic Content Management in e-Government Projects, the Biography of Ahmed Ibn Majid, Lion of the Sea, History of the Great Maghreb, Organization and Management of the Aflaj, and Kharidat Al Qasr wa Jaridat Al 'Asr (The Maiden of the Palace and The Newspaper of the Times), in addition to many other various books which focus on collecting and preserving the memory of the nation.

It is worth mentioning that the National Archives keenly seeks to provide its Emirates Library with various resources and references from international book fairs whether in the UAE or abroad, among which is: Abu Dhabi Book Fair, Sharjah Book Fair and Muscat Book Fair.

70 Research Papers on the Image of the UAE in the cultures, literatures and World Intellectual Heritage,

The National Library and Archives Continues its Preparations for the 2nd International Translation Conference

As part of its continuous preparation for the 2nd International Translation Conference, the National Library and Archives “NLA” accepted 70 research papers for participation in the conference, which will be held virtually on March 9-13, 2022, under the slogan of “Translation and Preservation of the Memory of the Nation: The Image of the UAE in the cultures, literatures and World Intellectual Heritage”.

In this regard, Mr. Hamad Slayem Al Hamiri, Director of the Research and Knowledge Services Department at the NLA, said: “Following the success of the 1st International Translation Conference, we noticed a great turnout of researchers, translators, experts and specialists for participation in the 2nd International Translation Conference. Soon as we had announced the date for submitting papers, we received a large number of serious papers that will enrich the conference with innovative topics in living languages worldwide. Among the received research papers, the organizing committee selected 70 papers on the ten topics of the conference agenda to be announced soon.”

“Upon the shortlisting of the appropriate research papers for the 2nd International Translation Conference, we bear in mind the importance of the linguistic, cultural, historical and epistemological interconnections that require accuracy in transfer between different languages, especially that we are dealing with a topic of significant national dimensions related to the image of the UAE in the cultures, literatures and world intellectual heritage. That is why the conference agenda has included research papers discussing the image of the UAE in the eyes of the European travelers, historical and political narratives and contemporary Emirati civilizational achievements in European and Asian writings.”, he added.

He confirmed that the research papers to be included in the conference agenda study the role of translation in enhancing the image and cultural heritage of the UAE in the 21st century.

Following the success of the 1st International Translation Conference, the Director of the Research and Knowledge Services Department revealed the offer received by the NLA from Globethics, which expressed its admiration for the topics of the 2nd International Translation Conference. The Globethics offer was a request to publish all the research papers of the next conference. Discussions are still taking place between the NLA and Globethics to publish these papers in a way that preserves the NLA’s rights in its capacity of the organizer of the conference.

It is worth mentioning that Globethics is a Cambridge-based publishing house. It is a major world company concerned with publishing historical and philosophical research papers as well as papers in the field of humanities and social sciences.

The participants in the conference include a number of professional specialists and experts, American, Canadian and European professors, a number of researchers from major universities in Asia, Latin America and Australia and an elite of academic staff members from Arab, African and GCC universities as well as specialists from the UAE University.

The National Library and Archives enriches its cultural season entitled " Archivng is Life", with distinguished lectures and topics.

The National Library and Archives launched the agenda of its 2022 cultural season entitled “Archiving is Life”. Its monthly seminars deal with the various aspects of the UAE glorious history and prosperous present through which it seeks to enrich and document its topics and provide accurate and important information and knowledge. Through its cultural season, the National Library and Archives aims at presenting UAE related historical topics in a facilitated informative way for the public’s interest, since promoting this culture contributes to enhancing and preserving future generations’ historical memory, national identity and culture.

The current cultural season’s agenda includes poetic and artistic evenings and seminars,  beginning with “Architecture as an Introduction to Documentation and History” on February 28th, followed by various other seminars on topics including industries, traditional crafts, arts, translation and preserving the memory of the nation which tackle recounted oral history based on UAE Senior figures and citizens’ memory, and literary history, with a particular focus on artificial intelligence, corporate governance, and talent management, while shedding light on leaders who shaped the UAE history, and initiated the motto “Al-Bait Mitwahid”.

His Excellency Abdullah Majid Al Ali, the National Library and Archives’ Acting Director General said: “the current cultural season comes this year under the metaphoric title: “Archiving is Life,” indicating the importance of Archives and its role in the lives of various people, the general public, as well as individuals, institutions and states. Archives are highly important in preserving title to different rights, being a historical scientific research source and reference as well as a  national identity essential pillar contributing to objectively presenting historic facts to aid decision-makers in taking the right decisions.

The archives, in its role as the memory of the nation, represents the nation’s civilization and values, and is an important information source on which researchers rely to perceive the future, and through its treasures and holdings, generations pass on experiences, draw knowledge, and benefit from ancestors’ various successful experiences, which will inevitably result in a general development in all aspects of life.

HE added: The seminars’ topics and diverse artistic or poetry evenings and events enrich the Emirati cultural scene and movement. The cultural season’s planned seminars include a large number of leading, successful and creative experts, specialists and speakers with greaat expertise to recount, and enrich the presented lecture topics’ useful content with recent updates. His Excellency added that the National Library and Archives virtually presented the activities of its cultural season entitled " Archiving is Life" via interactive social media platforms, in line with its mission to disseminate knowledge and its parallel commitment and adherence to Precautionary measures to counter and contain the spread of COVID-19.

HE pointed out that the seminars’ lecture topics shall be published and made available by National Library and Archives to benefit Knowledge seekers and interested parties to help disseminate knowledge, exchange expertise, and enrich Arab Libraries with leading Emirati experiences of which we are immensely proud.

The National Archives briefed universities and secondary school students in “Education Interface" on the themes of the ICA Congress Abu Dhabi 2020 and its participation terms.

The National Archives invites Participants in “Education Interface" to participate in the Congress.

The National Archives participated in the 6th edition of the "Education Interface" exhibition, which brings together a large number of secondary schools and 50 government and private universities from Europe, America and the Middle East in order to promote the National Archives' hosting of the ICA Congress Abu Dhabi 2020. The Congress will be held in Abu Dhabi (16-20 November 2020) under the theme of "Empowering Knowledge Societies", to show students how to participate in the Congress events and papers after the deadline for receiving papers has been extended to 29 February. 

The National Archives stand interacted with other student and academic stands and gave students a clear and detailed explanation about the ICA Congress Abu Dhabi 2020 which will witness the participation of thousands of Archivists from around the world. It invites them to participate in the student workshops and professional vocational discussions organized by the Congress. Furthermore, the stand has urged university students in scientific majors relevant to the congress topics and  themes to participate with their papers. Special focus was given to archiving and documentation, IT and social studies and sciences students. The National Archives provided participants with a clear explanation of the Congress topics and themes, first of which is the artificial intelligence in support of archival efforts to facilitate historical manuscripts search process, and swift management of big amount of digital images, records and various multimedia. The second topic is: Sustainable knowledge as the foundation for sustainable development. It is essential for archives and libraries to keep abreast of latest trends, expectations, techniques and policies for building, preserving, and using documentary heritage and making it accessible. The third topic is confronting challenges in preserving archives through social media and countering piracy, the formal use of electronic systems in line with United Nations objective to provide accurate and reliable records as basis for planning, implementation and assessment.

It is noteworthy that the two-day exhibition, which was held at the Emirates Palace, has attracted thousands of students whom the National Archives provided with introductory brochures on the International Council on Archives. 

The participation of a number of embassies in the exhibition - such as the embassies of the US, Canada, Egypt and Jordan - contributed to spreading awareness about the ICA Congress Abu Dhabi 2020, which is considered an important global event to be hosted by Abu Dhabi. It is important that all members of the society become aware of this event and know they can participate in it.

Alraisi Praises the Wise Leadership’s Support for the Event and Considers Its Success as a Quantum Leap for the National Archives Locally and Internationally.

The National Archives Organizes the ICA Congress Abu Dhabi 2020… The Next Challenge

The National Archives held in its headquarters in Abu Dhabi “Congress Forum Abu Dhabi 2020 - The Next Challenge”, in preparation for ICA Congress, to be hosted by the National Archives in Abu Dhabi (16-20 November 2020) under the theme: “Empowering Knowledge Societies”.

The forum started with a speech by His Excellency Dr. Abdulla Mohammed Alraisi, Director General of the National Archives about the importance of this event at the local and international arenas. He pointed out that the success of the ICA Congress 2020 is a great challenge, which the National Archives should win, as the most beautiful element at work is the challenge, and those who do not have the ability to overcome challenges would never be able to renew themselves and innovate. We are all proud to take up such a great challenge that will bring excellence to this great Archival event and place the National Archives of the UAE among the elite international archives.

His Excellency thanked the wise leadership for supporting the National Archives’ achievements and successes. He emphasized that the unlimited support from His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces in hosting this event, and the guidance and daily follow-up of His Highness Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs in the preparation for hosting the Congress - has a great impact on the success of this event, which represents a challenge to the National Archives.

The Director General of the National Archives added that the ICA Congress Abu Dhabi 2020 is the largest archive conference in the world, and that its success will be a qualitative and global shift in archives due to the big number of participants and the topics they will present. The National Archives’ success in hosting this event will be the best welcome to the 50th anniversary of the UAE and the UAE Vision 2021.

The Director General of the National Archives urged all staff members to exert efforts, because hopes are great and aspirations are higher. Works succeed through team's efforts and responsibility rests with all. He stressed that every responsibility the leadership entrusted to the National Archives means the great confidence in it and its staff members.

He praised the high readiness of the National Archives to receive the ICA Congress. Registration is still ongoing, the number of received working papers has reached 140, and the concerned committee will continue receiving more working papers until the end of February.

He pointed out that the ICA Congress had concluded a memorandum of understanding with Dubai Expo 2020, and that the National Archives will present the complete historical content of Al Wasl Area of Expo.

The Director General of the National Archives entrusted each of the National Archives’ staff member with the mission of promoting the archival culture and spreading the news of the ICA Congress among citizens, as it is important for everyone to know that an international archival event will take place in the UAE.

The project manager, Azza Al Kaabi, presented a long presentation that showed important details and data on the preparations for the ICA Congress 2020.

The meeting started with a film documenting the visit of the National Archives’ team to Adelaide, capital of South Australia to promote the ICA Congress Abu Dhabi.

Students visit “Memory of the Nation” to enhance their national and moral values:

The National Archives receives more than 6,000 students at the “Memory of the Nation”

More than six thousand students have visited the NA’s “Memory of the Nation” pavilion during the current edition of Sheikh Zayed Festival. Students aim to visit this pavilion on educational and entertainment field trips because of its great impact in enhancing their national and moral values, enriching their knowledge with documented heritage and historical information about the UAE and reinforcing school curricula of history and civic education.

The National Archives assigned a team of specialists and experts from the Educational Programs Section to accompany students at the “Memory of the Nation” pavilion and provide them with information according to their age and academic levels.

At the pavilion, students learn about the efforts of late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan in founding the UAE and the story of the Union of the seven Emirates, thanks to the efforts of Sheikh Zayed and the Founding Fathers. At a section named “In the Footsteps of Zayed”, students learn about the Founding Leader’s approach in various fields such as his interest in people, human resources development, diplomacy, agriculture, health, education and other important fields.

During their tour of the “Memory of the Nation” pavilion, students explore the value of “tolerance”, a genuine feature of the Emirati people, and its importance in the legacy of UAE society, as the UAE embraces more than 200 nationalities. The wise leadership paved the way for success and innovation, thus the UAE has become the homeland of possibilities.

Students are acquainted with the process of restoring historical documents, and the tools used in restoring documents that are susceptible to damage due to many factors, most importantly time and inappropriate storage.

At the education section, students attend a lecture on the UAE’s most important traditions and customs, known as (Sana’), which govern the behavior of individuals, such as respect for elders, courage, magnanimity, sincerity, civility, honesty, hospitality, etiquettes, etc. , with a focus  on instilling these values among students by using some technical programs developed in tablets and robots that are widely used at the Education Section.

Students and their companions view some books published by the National Archives to provide them with information and knowledge related to the history and heritage of the UAE.

The Biggest Archival Event in the World Hosted by the National Archives in Abu Dhabi Next November:

The National Archives Unveils the ICA Congress 2020 to the Participants

in the “Reading Challenge” in Ajman.

The National Archives briefed the participants in “Reading Challenge” forums -organized by the Ministry of Education and the coordinators of public and private schools at Ajman Teachers' Training Institute - about the details of the Congress 2020 of International Council on Archives (ICA), to be hosted by the National Archives in Abu Dhabi (16-20 November 2020), under the theme: “Empowering Knowledge Societies”.

 With this big archival event, where thousands of archivists from all over the world will meet, the National Archives looks forward to reinforce the UAE's message of tolerance, which the UAE people believe in, and the UAE's role in preserving the Memory of the Nation and its contributions to the preservation of human heritage.

Mrs. Aisha Al Zaabi, a specialist in  the Educational Programs in the National Archives, presented at these meetings a briefing about this Congress, which will review the vital role of National Archives in the 21st century, and discuss important future issues such as: Artificial intelligence and its support to archival efforts, sustainable knowledge and its role in sustainable development, the importance of having archives and libraries at the forefront of the emerging trends in public expectations and techniques, and the policy that determine the style of our societies in the formation of our documentary heritage.

Al Zaabi clarified that the Congress will also discuss the challenges of social media and their effect on archives, and the methods of strengthening archives and preserving the digital heritage in the long run.

She urged public and private schools to benefit from this Congress; as this is the first time that the Middle East will witness such a great archival event, which represents an opportunity for the educational field to benefit from its data and information.

She highlighted the importance of preserving archives in the Internet and open space era, and showed the keenness of the Ministry of Education, education districts and schools to preserve their archives for the generations to come.

The briefing presented by the National Archives received a great attention from the participants who interacted with the event, showed interest and raised many questions about the ICA Congress 2020, which is considered a global event being hosted by the United Arab Emirates.