The National Archives emphasizes that the journey is a realization of Zayed's aspiration:

Memory of the Nation displays to its visitors aspects of the UAE’s journey into space.



At its “Memory of the Nation” pavilion at Sheikh Zayed Festival, the National Archives provided visitors with a description of the UAE space flight, pointing out that this flight was a fruit of Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan’s efforts and it embodied his aspiration as he made use of all resources to serve his homeland and people. Since the early years of the Union, Sheikh Zayed had the aspiration of the United Arab Emirates reaching space. Having Hazza Al Mansouri, the first Emirati astronaut, reaching the International Space Station, Sheikh Zayed’s aspiration was fulfilled.  This event had a great impact on the UAE, as there has been a quantum leap in the society culture. Space and its sciences have received considerable interest by all society segments.

The photos of Sheikh Zayed receiving the NASA delegation, which were exhibited at the “Memory of the Nation” pavilion, emphasized that the UAE's achievements in term of space sciences was not decided on the spur of the moment, but they reflect Sheikh Zayed’s aspiration. He believed that with science and knowledge humanity can reach the highest levels of development. As part of his interest in learning about and following up the achievements made anywhere in the world, the Founding Leader received in 1976 the American space delegation (NASA), who were part of the Apollo mission to the moon. The delegation visited Abu Dhabi at the invitation of the UAE government, and in that historic meeting, Sheikh Zayed listened to the explanation of their space flight and its fruitful outcome, and praised the achievements of the agency.

Given its role in documenting major events, which the UAE is proud of and preserving for future generations, the National Archives enriched its pavilion with photos of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed receiving Hazza Al Mansouri, the Emirati astronaut. The photos attracted the attention of visitors who were impressed with the UAE’s success story, which has been added to its achievements.

The photos of the Emirati astronaut upon his return, displayed on large screens at the “Memory of the Nation” pavilion or decorating its walls, highlighted the importance of this flight, which constitutes a recent historical achievement and a new beginning for the homeland of leadership, excellence and achievement.

The photos confirmed the pride and great confidence of the wise leadership in the homeland youth whom it considers the real wealth for its future and development.

In the Memory of the Nation’s Pavilion at Sheikh Zayed Festival:

The National Archives Displays a Large Number of Coins and Commemorative Stamps that Document Important Chapters of the Memory of the UAE.

The National Archives showed great interest in coins and old commemorative stamps, for which it provided a large space in its pavilion “Memory of the Nation” at Sheikh Zayed Festival, as coins have historical importance; they document important national events and historical achievements. Many coins and stamps have historical, artistic and cultural information and present important facts that reflect transformations and developments in the UAE.

The displayed coins were originally produced by government bodies in the UAE to document important events, or were given as gifts to official entities in the UAE, or to internal or external parties. Commemorative coins are not money, but they are materially and morally precious items.

Most prominent of these is the National Archives’ coin, issued on the 40th anniversary of its establishment under the guidance of the Founding Leader Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, to preserve the memory of the Emirates for future generations. In addition, there are dozens of old and commemorative coins, such as the coins of: Ras Al Khaimah Chamber of Industry, 2019 Asian Cup, Al Ain National Museum, For the Children of the World, the commemorative 100 and 50 AED coins and some of the coins which were used in the past, in addition to those issued on national occasions and some official metal emblems.

The “Memory of the Nation” pavilion also displays the three stamps of the National Archives, which were issued on its 40th anniversary, as it was established in 1968. The main stamp bears five images of: Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed, the President of the UAE, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid, the Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces,. The second stamp bears a historical picture documenting the hoisting of the UAE flag for the first time. The third stamp bears a picture of the National Archives headquarters in Abu Dhabi.  Also on display, a large number of old stamps of Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah.

The National Archives enlightens the visitors of (Memory of the Nation) about the International Council on Archives (ICA) Abu Dhabi 2020 Congress

At its (Memory of the Nation) pavilion, the National Archives informed the visitors of Sheikh Zayed Heritage Festival of the ICA Abu Dhabi 2020 Congress, to be hosted by the UAE in Abu Dhabi (November 16 -20), 2020, under the theme: “Empowering Knowledge Societies”, to promote the exploration of new and emerging technologies and strategies in all heritage disciplines.

(Memory of the Nation) platform data indicates that the National Archives of the UAE will host this Quadrennial Congress, to be held in the Middle East for the first time, which will discuss various topics and issues related to the future of archives and heritage preservation.

A large screen in the pavilion displayed a welcome message to publicize the upcoming big event in which Abu Dhabi hosts thousands of archivists from around the world to discuss important future issues such as artificial intelligence and the extent of its support for archival efforts, and its ability to devise new ways to link documentary heritage with various multimedia.

The ICA Abu Dhabi 2020 Congress will also discuss sustainable knowledge, as it is a fundamental component of sustainable development and the defining policy through which our societies shape, preserve, make available, and use our documentary heritage.

(Memory of the Nation) platform provides pamphlets highlighting the international stature of ICA, and its role in encouraging the archiving of documents and records, and its efforts for over 70 years to promote international cooperation in the fields of research, standard setting, training, and permanent preservation of archives in addition to making them available to the public.

On the sidelines of the ICA Abu Dhabi 2020 Congress, which will review the vital contribution of the archive services to the society of the twenty-first century, the National Archives of the UAE will grant participants the opportunity to visit the top-rated attractions in Abu Dhabi such as Capital Gate Tower, Emirates Palace, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Ferrari World Theme Park, Yas Waterworld, etc. Moreover, participants will get the chance to attend the extraordinary events of Expo 2020 Dubai, which is not too far away from the venue of ICA Abu Dhabi 2020 Congress.  

In a symposium on the role of the National Archives in preserving the Memory of the Nation:



Alraisi: The UAE ranks as one of the top five countries in the world in documenting its national history



Dubai, January 13, 2020. The Cultural Majlis of Hanif Hassan Al Qassim organized a symposium entitled: “The National Archives, A Pioneering March in Preserving the Memory of the Nation”, during which His Excellency Dr. Abdulla Mohammed Alraisi, Director General of the National Archives, reviewed the efforts of the UAE in preserving its national heritage and history in line with the leadership’s ambitions, while preparing the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the UAE. 



The symposium was attended by retired Major General Abdul Rahman Rafee, Dr. Ahmed Saif Belhassa, Abdulla Al Mazroui, Awad Bin Meqren, and others who are interested in cultural and national affairs.

His Excellency Hanif Al Qassim, member of the United Nations Research Institute for Social Development (UNRISD), praised the achievements of the National Archives in documenting and preserving the Nation's history in accordance with international specifications under the direct supervision and follow-up of His Highness Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs. Al-Qassim added: “The efforts of the National Archives to preserve the history of the UAE in various political, economic and social fields have undoubtedly contributed to creating a national memory that holds over 2.5 million documents containing events that took place hundreds of years ago on this good land”.



Alraisi highlighted our wise leadership’s genuine interest in preserving the history of the Nation, as the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan established Documents and Research Bureau in1968. Since then, efforts are incessantly exerted to document national history. As a result, the National Archives holds today the top five global ranks in professionalism and institutional excellence. Therefore, the UAE is fully prepared for the future to preserve the Nation’s march during the next fifty years.

Alraisi indicated that states usually preserve only 5% of their history, which requires great efforts in sorting and selecting. The National Archives responsibility has now increased as it is mandated to review and approve the publishing of any material related to ancient and modern history of the Emirates. Additionally, it works with more than 260 Local and federal government bodies regarding the preservation, or safe destruction, of millions of their documents.



In a visual presentation, Alraisi reviewed the most important initiatives launched by the National Archives, such as the launch of the Arabian Gulf Digital Archive, which includes hundreds of thousands of documents related to the history of our region, in addition to dozens of various forms of publications to document the history of the UAE.  HE pointed out that the UAE is preparing to host the International Council on Archives (ICA) Abu Dhabi 2020 Congress, which is considered the largest event of its kind, where more than four thousand experts from all over the world discuss the future of the archival sector. It is noteworthy that this Congress will coincide with Expo 2020 Dubai.



Alraisi stressed the importance of the role of Emirati talents in this national mission, as they now make about 82% of the National Archives’ total workforce. He pointed out that undergraduate and postgraduate academic programs were created in the field of archival studies and information systems in cooperation with the French Sorbonne University in Abu Dhabi and other institutions to prepare a new generation of specialized national competencies.



Finally, Alraisi pointed out the challenges that the National Archives faced in documenting the history of the UAE since its establishment in 1971, as copies of documents related to the period prior to the establishment of the Union were obtained from British archives and others. However, the post-Union period depends heavily on media archive, oral heritage and a few documents that require efforts in preserving and archiving according to international standards and modern technology. Despite its importance, digital transformation in archiving entails other precautions to face the challenges of maintaining its electronic security against viral attacks or piracy.



Photos: Dr. Hanif, Dr. Abdulla Araisi, Al-Mazroui, Ahmed belhassa, Bin Maqren, and other attendees.  

Reviewing the details of the 11th  Edition of the “Young Historian Award” and “Our Inspiring Tales” initiative

The National Archives participates in the Teachers’ Curriculum Forum and urges the participants to benefit from its services and role in preserving the memory of the nation

The National Archives participates for the third time in the Teachers’ Curriculum Forum. Its participation comes with different titles that support the social and historical studies, and also supports the teachers of Kindergarten and Cycle one. The National Archives’ participation in the current forum covers Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Ajman and Sharjah. The National Archives’ contributions included the illustration of its national tasks, services, and role in preserving historical records that document the memory of the nation. 

At the Teacher Training Institute in Ajman, the National Archives held an extensive workshop on the 11th Young Historian Award, and on the initiative of Our Inspiring Tales, which is the theme of the new edition of the Student Historians’ Club project and the Young Historian Award, both were launched by the National Archives in collaboration with the Care and Activities Sector at the Ministry of Education within the framework of the national upbringing and enhancement of belonging to homeland and loyalty to its wise leadership. This also aims at reinforcing the national identity of the students, fostering their historical awareness, urging them to think, express and innovate in the field of historical scientific research, and encouraging them to focus on the UAE’s ancient heritage and history.

Since the National Archives is rich in documented historical materials about the past of the UAE and the Gulf states and makes them available to researchers, academics, teachers and students, and since it is keen on conveying the details of its activities, competitions, awards and initiatives in the field of education, it acquainted the teachers participating in the forum with the details of the new edition of the 2020 “Young Historian Award” and “Our Inspiring Tales” initiative. In fact, it aims at introducing students to sources and references of documented historical and scientific documents.

In addition to the “Young Historian Award” and “Our Inspiring Tales” initiative, the workshops organized by the National Archives have promoted its most prominent services in the educational sector, such as the student-targeted competitions and activities, the new programs for teachers, and entertaining and educational competitions such as the March Game for students which will be activated in various educational institutes.

The workshops included a review by Dr. Aisha Bilkhair, the Research Advisor at the National Archives, about the goals of the new edition of the Young Historian Award 2020, its themes and categories, the targeted educational stages which are Cycles Two and Three, the method of participation, the terms and conditions for accepting written research papers and oral interviews, and the award criteria and its procedures.

Mrs. Husniya Al Ali, the Head of Educational Programs Section at the National Archives, reviewed “Our Inspiring Tales” initiative. She confirmed that the initiative aims to guide students toward carefully planned and oriented historical national programs that contribute to developing the society and building student character, moral values and principles. She said that the award sheds light on the humanitarian and social projects and initiatives that the educational sector provides by assisting people, spreading hope, instilling the values of goodness and giving, promoting positivity and optimism, and improving the quality of life in the UAE society.

The head of the Educational Programs Section focused on the values of the initiative, its establishment, procedures, advantages, and the selection of winners. When she pointed out the award projects, activities and initiatives, the audience interacted and made many suggestions such as giving special attention to Arabic language, the elderly and people of determination and committing to the principles of good citizenship, etc. She also urged the participating students and teachers to take advantage the facilities of the National Archives and to benefit from its educational programs and services.

Mrs. Ayesha Al Zaabi, Educational Programs Specialist at the National Archives, elucidated the tools of implementing “Our Inspiring Tales” initiative, the registration and participation procedures.

It is noteworthy that Dr. Aisha Bilkhair shed light on the topics of the 11th edition of the Young Historian Award for Cycle Two, which includes writing a report on national identity, UAE Ethical Code (Al Sanaie), social cohesion (extended family), customs and traditions, personal impression on celebrating the National Day, the UAE women, Commemoration Day, volunteer work, etc.

She also highlighted the award topics of Cycle Three which deal with stories and narratives about the founding fathers, tolerance, folklore, heritage topics related to the UAE, architecture in the UAE, and “A Story of a Document” in addition to the Emirati Explorer, which is intended for visiting archaeological sites with rare information. Among Cycle Three other topics are documenting narratives that present new or rare information, writing about lesser-known personalities or elucidating the orally transmitted knowledge of astronomy, travels, marine sciences, Duroor astronomical calculation, historical and archaeological sites, traditional architecture, UAE civilizations, the different ways through which the UAE’s society honors Martyrs of Duty and their families, studies on the role and empowerment of the UAE women, UAE influential Personalities such as the Mother of the Nation (Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak) and Celebrating the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the UAE .

She urged the participants to encourage students to benefit from the historical documents about the history of the UAE and the Arabian Gulf provided in the website of the Arabian Gulf Digital Archive “AGDA”.

His Excellency inspects the Center for Preservation and Restoration and assess its performance in the field of preserving the history of the UAE

Al Midfa praises the role of the National Archives’ Center for Preservation and Restoration in keeping the memory of the nation



His Excellency Hamad Abdul Rahman Al Midfa, Secretary-General of the Federal Supreme Council Affairs and Chairman of the National Archives’ Board of Directors, accompanied by His Excellency Dr. Abdulla Mohammed Alraisi, Director General of the National Archives, paid an inspection visit to the Center for Preservation and Restoration, where he acquainted himself with the well-equipped spacious stores and the world’s best practices in the preservation of historical documents which the government archives in the UAE transferred to the National Archives. HE also inspected the restoration laboratory which deals with the restoration and conservation of important historical documents vulnerable to damage in accordance with the latest international practices as such documents contain historical facts. 

HE emphatically attributed the National Archives’ astounding achievements, of which the Center for Preservation and Restoration stands out, to the continuous support and guidance of His Highness Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Presidential Affairs and to his constant interest in the history of the United Arab Emirates. Additionally, HE attributed the National Archives success to the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan and to the efforts and achievements of the wise leadership in the development and prosperity of the nation. HE praised the role of the Center for Preservation and Restoration in preserving the documentary assets of the UAE and the role of the National Archives in general in preserving the history and heritage of the United Arab Emirates and the Arabian Gulf region.

The Chairman of the National Archives Board of Directors toured the Center for Preservation and Restoration, which was established with the aim of organizing the process of keeping governmental and official historical records in accordance with Federal Law No. (7) of 2008 concerning the National Center for Documentation and Research, modified by Federal Law No. (1) of 2014 concerning the National Archives and its Executive Regulations. This Center provides secure storages to the historical documents, which are preserved in original file structures to facilitate the timely access to them.

HE also acquainted himself with the main tasks of the Center and its units, where governmental and official historical records are received, sorted, indexed and preserved. In addition to learning about the capacity of the building, the area of which is 40,000 square meters, HE learned about the state-of-the-art technologies used for document digitization, microfilm and microfiche preservation, and high-resolution digital photography in order to disseminate cultural and historical awareness and to provide research fields to those wishing to benefit from the information materials which the National Archives holds to document the history of the UAE.

His Excellency inspected the restoration laboratory as restoration plays an essential role in prolonging the life of damaged documents. The laboratory has the necessary equipment for restoring and conserving documents after being sterilized and cleaned. The restoration process can be partial or complete depending on the size of the affected part and the extent of damage, and it involves filling holes, patching and completing the missing parts and strengthening the document papers.

HE the Chairman of the National Archives Board expressed his happiness with this visit and directed the National Archives to do more in developing the Center for Preservation and Restoration given its great role, in order to be ranked first in the Middle East and to be on par with the world’s top centers in this field.

<p >In celebration of the "2016... Year of Reading" initiative<br />
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The National Archives distributes its publications to the embassies of the country and foreign embassies in the country through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs<br />
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In response to the initiative of His Highness, the President of the State, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan - may God protect him - to make 2016 the year of reading, the National Archives of the United Arab Emirates, within the framework of its "A Nation Reads" project, presented a large number of its publications, foremost of which is the book (Zayed is a man built nation) to the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs in order to distribute it to the country's embassies abroad and to foreign embassies in the country; Being a wide cultural window through which the reader learns about aspects of the history and heritage of the UAE.<br />
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Regarding this approach, His Excellency Majid Sultan Al Muhairi, Executive Director of the National Archives, said: The National Archives took the initiative to present its publications, foremost of which is the book (Zayed, A Man Who Built a Nation), to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in order to distribute them to the country's embassies abroad and to foreign embassies in the country in response to the "2016... The Year of Reading" in the context of distributing it to the largest possible number of official agencies and institutions; With the aim of spreading national knowledge and presenting a true and documented picture of the history and heritage of the United Arab Emirates and the Gulf region, and of the founding leader, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan - may God rest his soul in peace - and his brothers, the founding fathers and the great leaders of the Emirates. Providing reliable and reliable information, and in response to the growing demand for the National Archives publications that enhance the cultural field with honest and documented research on the history and heritage of the United Arab Emirates and the Gulf region.<br />
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His Excellency added: Distributing the National Archives' publications to the country's embassies abroad and to foreign embassies in the country is an expression of its respect for reading, which is the secret to enriching knowledge, and its belief in the importance of exporting knowledge to the world, and this is a civilized act that only self-confident nations can do. itself is a major humanitarian mission.<br />
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The National Archives is keen to distribute the book (Zayed, A Man Who Built a Nation), published in both Arabic and English, at the forefront of its publications, due to its national and cultural value. As it documented the great deeds and virtues of the monuments that the life of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan - may his soul rest in peace - was full of in terms of events and events, and the book sheds light in its forty-three chapters on the various stages of the exceptional life of the late - God willing - Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, And for his great achievements, starting from his birth in 1918 through his efforts in the establishment of the United Arab Emirates on the second of December 1971, and his pioneering role in achieving the achievements of the Union and building a prosperous nation comparable to the most developed countries. Where he invested - may God rest his soul in peace - Abu Dhabi's oil revenues to start a remarkable stage of the blessed renaissance, and to alleviate the suffering that the people of the Emirates experienced in the past, and this was only due to his honesty and sincerity to his countrymen, so the Emirates became one of the most advanced and advanced countries in the world.<br />
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The book stands on the most prominent historical milestones in the life of Sheikh Zayed, including his keenness - may God have mercy on him - to develop the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and its prosperity during his reign before the establishment of the United Arab Emirates, as he was known for his keen follow-up of every small and large in the emirate, and his constant enthusiasm for improving the lives of citizens and developing various Aspects of their lives, and the book presents the diplomacy of the Emirates, whose main features were set by Sheikh Zayed, who adopted a policy of neutrality in many international problems, without ignoring Arab and Islamic rights, foremost of which was the Palestinian issue, which was at the forefront of the state's concerns in international forums, leading to his outstanding efforts in unifying Gulf and Arab ranks in the face of external challenges. In the most difficult ordeals, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, emerged as a leader and a peace advocate whose political influence extends to all parts of the earth. Therefore, over the course of thirty-three years of his presidency, he continued to play political and humanitarian roles at the global level, mediating to stop wars, and putting pressure on society with his usual wisdom. to act at decisive junctures in our history.<br />
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It is worth noting that the National Archives is working to provide academic and cultural circles and those interested this year with about seven new publications that deal with national and historical issues that contribute to supporting useful reading that enhances national values among members of society. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

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The National Archives organizes the Week of Tolerance, believing in the importance of establishing tolerance and openness to others

In conjunction with the Year of Tolerance, the National Archives organized the Tolerance Week, which included a number of events that enhance the spirit of tolerance and motivate respect for cultural pluralism. The opportunity for communication between the staff of the National Archives and participants in the cultural, social and humanitarian aspects. All the activities of the Week of Tolerance come to enrich the civilized and cultural movement, and contribute to creating an enlightening and intellectual climate based on the culture of pluralism and openness to the other.

The Week of Tolerance, which was held at the National Archives, included cultural activities and artistic performances by male and female students from Hamdan Bin Zayed School in Abu Dhabi, and a lecture entitled: “Models of Tolerance in UAE Society.”

The lecture confirmed that the United Arab Emirates has offered since its establishment a unique experience in tolerance and coexistence, and the virtue of tolerance is an inherent value in the depth of Emirati society, and it is an expression of cultural richness, human development and civilized interaction.

The lecture presented by Shereena Al Qubaisi, Head of the Oral History Unit at the National Archives, began with an introduction to the national program “Tolerance in the UAE”, then presented a speech by the founding leader, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan – may God rest his soul – on tolerance as a community force that contributes to the development of society. and make it more cohesive.

Then, scenes from an interview with His Excellency Saqr Saif Al Muhairbi, who spoke about the virtue of tolerance as he learned it from Sheikh Zayed during his closeness to him – may God have mercy on him – were also presented. She also presented a model of tolerance among the people of righteousness represented by part of an interview conducted by the lecturer with the narrator Rabie Saadoun bin Zuwaid Al Nuaimi, as well as She presented part of an interview with the narrator, Rashid Khalifa Saeed Al Matroushi Al Falasi, in which he talked about tolerance between individuals. Tolerance in the history of the UAE is one of the most prominent values and virtues, and today it has become a people’s culture and way of life in the UAE, which was and will remain an icon of tolerance and civilized human values.

In the same context, the National Archives hosted the activities of the Hamdan Bin Zayed School in Abu Dhabi. Some Emirati students at the school, which teaches the Chinese language, held a short meeting on the platform of Sheikh Khalifa Hall, in which they talked about their love for China and their passion for its language. This was followed by some Chinese artistic performances by the children.

The student Maryam Issa Ahmed from Hamdan Bin Zayed School in Abu Dhabi – the audience, enchanted the audience with sweet melodies that she played on the parallel strings of the Gujang instrument, which is one of the stringed instruments that is considered one of the oldest Chinese musical instruments.

Some of the students also introduced the Chinese tea making and drinking traditions; As they prepared four types of Chinese tea: Wolong tea, green tea, white tea, and Xianhao tea, the participants expressed their admiration for the methods of preparing and drinking tea, and its ancient history in China.

The National Archives follows the activities of Tolerance Week, believing that it is the bridge that connects the people of the UAE with the world, and is a basic and necessary value for building societies and strengthening the bases of stability in the world.

The National Archives Celebrates Flag Day and raises the flag high

To express loyalty to the nation and our wise leadership and to represent national cohesion

In line with the directives of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, the National Archives organized a Flag Day celebration, on November 3, 2019, at 11:00 AM.

In the midst of feelings of pride and loyalty to the homeland and to our wise leadership, the UAE flag was hoisted by H.E. Dr. Abdullah Alraisi, Director General of the National Archives, accompanied by directors of departments.  All National Archives’ employees attended the ceremony, during which the national anthem was also played.

Flag Day has special importance as it marks the accession of H.H. Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who is leading the comprehensive and sustainable development of the UAE.

In celebrating Flag Day, the National Archives embodies the national values of cohesion and unity among the various segments of the Emirati society that is utterly loyal to the homeland and its wise leadership, who works to achieve the people’s goals and aspirations.

The National Archives organizes a book signing ceremony for Zayed Ruler of Al Ain at Sharjah International Book Fair 2019

At the book Signing Corner of the Sharjah International Book Fair, the National Archives celebrated the launch of the English version of Zayed Bin Sultan Al Neyan, Ruler of Al Ain, 1946-1966, which it recently published.  The book-signing ceremony attracted many VIPs, members of the media and visitors of the book fair.

The National Archives is interested in organizing the book-signing ceremony of its recently published book Zayed Bin Sultan Al Neyan, Ruler of Al Ain, because of its rich content and the fact that it sheds light on Sheikh Zayed’s biography and his emergence as a national leader who enjoyed the support of his people.  The National Archives is also keen to deliver the rich content of the book to non-Arab communities in the UAE, where more than two hundred nationalities live and coexist. In fact, the English edition with its documented information is relevantly launched in the Year of Tolerance to enlighten readers about the Founding Leader, who planted the seeds of tolerance in Emirati society long time ago.

The book refers to the large number of castles and fortifications at Al Ain and to the secrets behind the attention the region dedicated to this type of buildings. Furthermore, it lists the villages of Al Ain region, namely Al Ain, Al Muwaiji, Al Muatarid, Al Jimi, Al Qattara, Al Jahili, Al Hili, Mrajib, and Al Masoudi. The book sheds light on Al Ain Museum, which contains displays from the various historical periods through which the city and its villages went in ancient history. It also confirms the boom Al Ain experienced under the Islamic civilization, and its wide trade relations with neighboring areas. Furthermore, it deals with Al Ain area in modern history, all the way to the era of Sheikh Zayed Bin Khalifa, who adopted a special strategy for Al Ain counting on its tribes when administering it.

The book introduces ample information about Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan. His father is Sheikh Sultan Bin Zayed Bin Khalifa who ruled Abu Dhabi between 1922 and 1926, and restored peace. His mother is Sheikha Salama Bint Butti Bin Khadim Bin Neheiman of Alqubaisat, which was a member of the Bani Yas tribal Coalition. The most prominent section of this tribe is Al-Neheiman, to which Sheikh Sheikha Salama belongs. She had played a key role in bridging the gaps and achieving tribal understanding in that early era of the history of Abu Dhabi.

The book depicts some features of Zayed’s childhood and youth, and his voracious appetite for knowledge, which motivated his engagement in self-learning and. Additionally, it states that Zayed benefited from his Mutawaa (local tutor), from debates and discussions at Majlis (social gatherings) and from his family members, and it monitors his relationship with his parents and siblings as all of this had a great impact in shaping his leadership and his patriarchal personality. Perhaps the long years Sheikh Zayed spent in Al Ain had so enriched his experience in the affairs of Abu Dhabi and Al Ain with smallest details of life that his advice and guidance became essential and indispensable when it came to all matters relating to the region.

The book consists of three chapters. The first chapter is about Sheikh Zayed’s administration of Al Ain, which began in 1946. He was well aware of the region’s affairs and circumstances. The fact that he grew up among the tribes enabled him to understand profoundly their policy and qualified him to follow a new route when administering Al Ain region as he adopted a decentralization style designating its people to take part in its administration. Realizing the agricultural importance of Al Ain, he strived to develop the agricultural sector adopting three priorities, namely digging new Aflaj (water channels) and restoring the old Aflaj, expanding the agricultural area and fixing the irrigation system.  Sheikh Zayed was interested in afforesting Al Ain area, and he devised an integrated agricultural plan that embodies his vision. He paid great attention the sector of education as he understood its significance to the development of the region; thus, it witnessed huge progress. Other areas in which he was interested included health, trade, and the construction of roads and transport networks.

The second chapter is about Sheikh Zayed’s policy concerning Al Ain Tribes. He sought to bridge the gaps in the tribes’ points of view so that Al Ain region could enjoy stability and security. He had his own ways in containment of tribes and he was interested in addressing the several issues and conflicts that erupted between them. He followed varied methods to contain the tribes and extend his influence. It was noticeable that he preferred to use the carrot rather than the stick when dealing with the tribes sometimes. He followed a fatherly approach, spent money to achieve justice and equality, and dealt in a balanced manner with all the tribal forces in the region. He was able to have close relations with tribal leaders because of his humility, simplicity and informality.

The last chapter deals with Sheikh Zayed’s relations with Al Ain neighbors. It sheds light on his relations with the neighboring emirates, which were known then as Trucial States, and it demonstrated his wisdom in solving the borders conflicts.

The book addresses the geography of Al Ain and identifies its inhabiting Arab tribes such as the Bani Yas tribe, which is a tribal coalition made up from sixteen clans or sub-tribes led by Al Nahyan of the Al Bu Falah. These clans are: Al Bu Falah, Al Bufalasah, Al Bumheir, Alsudan, Alremeithat, Alqubeisat , Alhuwaml, Almjalbh, Almaharbah, Almurar, Almizarea, Alqemzan, Al Buamim, which  include Almshagain, Al Bouhmir. The branches of Bani Yas also include Al Boualkheil, Alsbays, and Alkhmara.

There were also other tribes that allied with Bani Yas such as Alahbab, Alawamer, and Almanaseer, which is divided into three branches: Al Bumndhir, Alburhama, and Al Buchar. Some of its allies are Al Dawaher, which has branches including Aldramkah, Al Ali Bin Said, Al Shabib, Alsharashera, Alnawaser, Alhazzazemh, Eyal Saad, Ahal Annan, Al khamaseen, Alknud, Alarar, Almutaweah, and Almashalah, Alhawadeth, Aljbahnah, Alkwytat, Albrawma, Allahahim, Aldlamkah, Ahl Alkakhakha, Alshrayna, Almatarish, Alneyadat.

Some of the tribes of the region are Bani Qatb, Bani Kaab and Al Naeem.

The book contained several historical documents relevant to the book chapters in addition to maps, charts and pictures that document the late sheikh Zayed’s interest in Al Ain Region and its development.

Book title: Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Ruler of Al Ain (1946-1966)

Author: Youssef Abdul Rahman Mohamed Al Harmoudi

Publisher: The National Archives, 2019, First English Edition, 137 pages