The National Archives participates with a documentary exhibition in the the Saudi Embassy's celebrations marking the 88th National Day of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The exhibition included a number of historical photographs and documents


The National Archives of the United Arab Emirates participated in the celebrations of the 88th National Day of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. NA’s participation came in the form of a documentary exhibition including historical photos and important press documents that showed the strength of brotherly relations between the UAE and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia through the official meetings between the leaders of the two countries.


The participation of the National Archives stems from deep historical relations, strategic partnership and brotherly solidarity between the two countries.

The Exhibition photos documented a large number of meetings held between the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, HH Sheikh Mohamed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai and HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, with KSA Kings and princes with the aim of enhancing brotherly cooperation in various fields.

The exhibition has seen a strong turnout from visitors and participants in the celebration ceremony. His Excellency Saud Bin Fahad Al-Suwailem, Charge d'Affaires of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the UAE, showed great interest in the exhibition and praised the National Archives’ participation and the photographs and historical documents displayed in the exhibition pointing out that they reflect the deep fraternal relations between the two countries and the development of these relations in various fields. HE added that these are perfect specimen of fraternity, amity, friendship, solidarity, and economic and cultural integration. Indeed, these relations continue to evolve and develop under the guidance of the wise leaders of both countries.

In the year of Zayed

The National Archives Focuses on reinforcing its purposeful national educational programs with more than twenty programs.


The National Archives has prepared more than twenty educational programs to promote knowledge of the history of the UAE and its leaders. More than 18,000 recipients benefited from these programs in 2018, the year of Zayed. The National Archives presents this package of diverse educational and cultural programs in cooperation with its strategic partners from official educational entities, local councils, academic circles, rehabilitation centers, hospitals, schools and students’ summer activities. This NA package is inspired by the biography of the founding leader Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the exceptional leader and national symbol of the United Arab Emirates, and by the achievements accomplished because of his unique vision.

Educational programs of the National Archives - whether reading or artistic workshops, lectures, competitions or educational and cultural activities at the community and educational levels and in youth circles - promote hard work to preserve the national accomplishments. The themes of these educational programs firmly establish the value of work for a sustainable and secure future for the homeland and its people.

In its educational programs, the National Archive adopts the innovative educational method, thus supporting the knowledge society objectives, promoting investment in an educational system that is based on innovation and creativity, and further diversifying the sources of individual education with an aim to build a good citizen who realizes the importance of UAE history and heritage and seeks to preserve its environment. The NA educational programs aim at developing national and human thought, promoting a sense of positive citizenship, and supporting and complementing the educational process.

National education programs with their various themes and topics support and enhance national upbringing of society members in general and students in particular. It also strengthen a sense of belonging to the nation and loyalty to its wise leadership, contributing to building a national character that is quite capable of taking responsibility, and establishing cohesion among citizens, taking the founding leader as a national symbol for society members to follow his footsteps, and as a beacon to guide the future generations, while taking his values, personal qualities, and his leadership in building and development process as an example and a role model for UAE citizens and residents to follow.

Educational programs include aspects of the founding leader's life and career, and his efforts to achieve development and prosperity. The most prominent of these topics- among others- are: Sheikh Zayed the Union founder and leader, Sheikh Zayed's doctrine and approach in politics and government, the UAE Federation from Zayed's glories to Khalifa's achievements, and the Founding Fathers and their role in establishing the Union.

The educational programs covered national symbols, political, national and social issues of concern to the UAE Founder. The most eminent titles of the educational programs are: Heritage and national identity, belonging, loyalty and identity as a high national values, values and customs in UAE society, unification of UAE society, UAE women's day, the UAE established title to the three Emirati Islands, the flag and its importance in promoting national loyalty, youth and nation, and the UAE: A civilization of people and a history of a homeland.

The National Archive has established specific mechanisms for delivering its educational programs, by announcing them to official entities during official meetings or in the course of strategic participations, continuous cooperation, e-mail registration, telephone communication with the Corporate and Community Outreach Department, or through the electronic portal of the National Archives.

The second phase involves receiving the request of the official entity indicating the need for a specific program on a fixed date as agreed between both parties in accordance with their agendas. Coordination through one of the mentioned communication methods continues relating to the program type and the various related data: lecture, reading or art workshop, or "Educational Games" competitions. Then the venue of the event is agreed upon, either at the National Archives, where in this case the participants will be received after an integrated plan is set up for the visit and an intensive educational program will be prepared for the visitors, or at the headquarters of the applicant in Abu Dhabi or elsewhere, where the two sides agree on the program procedures and steps, and set its desired goals and objectives.

The National Archives contributes through the various educational programs it offers to promoting national upbringing of UAE generations, and aims at establishing the value of love and devotion for the UAE in daily life in a tangible practical way by preserving the cultural and developmental accomplishments that were achieved through the UAE's march towards establishing the Union, which had a great impact in developing solidarity between citizens and their wise leadership .

The package covers important aspects of late Sheikh Zayed's strategy and vision, which were solid proof of his wisdom. The most important of these programs are:

- The UAE Federation From Zayed's Glories to Khalifa's Achievements:

The program highlights the achievements the UAE accomplished under the federation during the reign of both: the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan the founding father, and His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE.

- Zayed: A Union Founder and a Leader:

This program highlights the charismatic personality of the founding leader as a Union advocate and leader, compared to other contemporary world leaders.

Sheikh Zayed's Doctrine and Approach in Politics and Government:

The program offers glimpses of this great Arab leader's line of thought and philosophy in building the state and establishing the Union, and highlights his ambitions and aspirations and his genius in the face of challenges.

The Founding Fathers and their Role in Establishing the Union:

The program depicts Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid's invitation of the Rulers of the other Emirates to join the Union, and their acceptance of such a blessed call. The Founding Fathers gave generously and offered the most.

 - The Flag and its Importance in Promoting National Loyalty:

The flag is the symbol of the state, the sign of its independence and existence, and the identity with which it presents itself to the international community. The National Archive has accordingly devoted a special program to the UAE Flag.

- The UAE's Established Title to the Three Islands:

In this program, the National Archives sheds light on the issue of the three Islands in the Arabian Gulf: Abu Musa, Greater and Lesser Tunbs, and educates the generations through providing trusted facts and honest information supported by historical documents.

- UAE Women's Day "28 August":

The UAE celebrates Women's Day on August 28th of every year. The National Archives, in honor of UAE women and their journey, dedicates this program, which presents the stages of Emirati Women's development from the beginning to the empowerment stage.

- The United Arab Emirates: A Civilization of People and a History of a Homeland:

This program emphasizes that the history of the UAE was not exclusively associated with oil exploration, but was rather the product of a cultural interaction extending over more than seven thousand years, mutually influencing and influenced by neighboring civilizations.

- Youth and Nation Building:

This program highlights the importance of establishing, developing and refining the youth's personality, and directing its energies and enriching its knowledge to be the main pillar in the Nation's progress and advancement.

- Scientific Research Methods:

This program emphasizes the National Archives' interest in scientific research that enriches the history and heritage of the UAE and the Gulf region.

- The United Arab Emirates Federation Form:

This program aims at disseminating legal awareness of the Union and its form, characteristics, advantages and the difference between it and other federation or union forms adopted elsewhere in the world.

- Heritage and National Identity:

The National Archives designed this program to promote national values among all members of society, to create an incentive among the youth to take interest in the heritage and culture's legacy which  promotes their sense of loyalty and belonging to the homeland.

- Loyalty, Belonging and National Identity are High National Values:

This program focuses on the three high National values, namely: loyalty, belonging and National Identity. It aims at emphasizing the importance of these high national values in achieving good citizenship, protecting the state's achievements and enhancing solidarity among its people.

- Values and Customs in the UAE Community:

This program contributes to promoting values. The UAE has a long and ancient heritage reflected in the customs and traditions inherited from ancestors and passed on from one generation another with keenness and pride.

-The Homeland is United (United UAE Homeland):

This program highlights the UAE public and social solidarity and unity, and its effective role in maintaining the security and stability of the nation. It focuses on the people's support and loyalty to their wise leadership, accordingly resulting in a united UAE homeland with strong and firm pillars under an umbrella of happiness, satisfaction and security.

The Book: “How to Prepare and Apply the Modern System of Documents and Archives”


Publisher: The National Archives, 2017, 1st Edition, 258 pages of large size

Prepared by: Dr. Al Munsif Al Fakhfakh

This book, which was published recently by the National Archives of the United Arab Emirates, sheds light on the modern archive system entailed by the information, knowledge, and electronic environment's age, and its principles, basis and Archives' management methods in its different stages, namely: current, intermediate and historical. It provides examples of archive management adopted tools and forms. The book aims to identify the primary principles of this specialty and to disseminate benefits among all the archives field stakeholders.

The UAE National Archives’ interest in this book stems from the large volume of documents created by the public entities, their diversity, rapid flow and need for their disposal. It has become necessary to control this huge amount of documents and information for the benefit of their issuing entities at the first stage and for that of the society and future generations at the second stage. This applies to traditional documents: paper, audiovisual and electronic documents as well. Many difficulties and problems resulted from the documents creation momentum, most important of which is document accessibility or retrieval in due time, to assess its importance for research and studies at the time when its issuer no longer needs it, and to determine its final destination. The National Archives realized that in the information and knowledge age there is an urgent need for documents control and management in accordance with audited policies and programs.

The archivist's work environment has witnessed a remarkable development in terms of use of modern information and communication technologies and their resulting media. And in view of the continuous growth in information volume, the complexity of its issuing institutions structures and the diversity of its utilization methods- it became essential for all those dealing with documents to adopt an archiving system that responds to the modern era’s needs. This system must be based on scientific rules and basis. Archiving practice expedited the emergence of several work methods and systems that were affected by the political and administrative environment in which they were established and by archive’s role in the society and its associated concepts. However, the current era imposes several needs and trends in the documents and information field which entailed the archivist to seek appropriate solutions and to improve his archiving work methods.

The archivist profession developed meagerly in most of the Arab countries due to the prevailing concept that archives are of no benefit to the society; since their documents were used in official or private bodies to perform their associated work. Accordingly, they think they are currently of no use, whereas the Modern concept of archives is based on the link between the time when documents were issued in official, private bodies or by individuals for the performance of a particular function on the one hand, and the following period, where documents pass through various merged stages through which they should be well preserved and managed. The term archive applies to all these stages.

The book “How to Prepare and Apply Modern System of Documents and Archives” bridges a gap in the Arab professional library and meets the needs of the Arab Departments. Hopefully it will contribute in developing the archiving profession under the electronic environment, and in response to the globalization imposed requirements, the spread of modern information and communication technologies and the international specifications of this field.

The book consists of six chapters: Basics of Archive System, Preparation and implementation of the Archive System, Management of Current and Intermediate Archives, Management and archiving of Electronic Archives, Management of Permanent Archives and Document Maintenance. These chapters are followed by 27 appendices and a number of archival terms, endnotes and an epilogue.

Chapter I of the book focuses on the basics of the archive system and reviews the archival concepts, the need for a modern Archiving system, and the traditional concept as opposed to the modern concept of document management. It defines the Archive as: the total documents created or obtained by each natural or legal person and each public Facility or public or private entity during the performance of its work activity, no matter of which date, form and media these documents are.

Chapter I lists the theoretical basics of the archive, namely: the principle of adhering to origin and archive holdings, the theory of the three stages documents go through, the concept of initial value and the secondary value of documents. These principles have evolved gradually since the 1950s and are still debatable as the field witnesses changes due to the advent of electronic environment and the establishment of information and knowledge society.

Chapter II focuses on the development of the archive system. Its meaning and significance has changed according to its prevailing modern concept and the adoption of current and intermediate documents management.

The book lists the documents' types and characteristics; as they vary according to their media and functions as follows: common documents found in all institutions, exclusive documents of each entity and the basic and confidential documents. This chapter depicts the general organization of a governmental institution, and addresses the classification, its objectives and types, the form of preservation tables and the creation of structures for the current and intermediate documents.

Chapter III deals with the management of current and intermediate archives, which are defined as the total documents no longer used in the current time in the offices for the purposes for which they were originally established. Some documents may be destroyed or disposed of after their current periods expires.

In this chapter, the book identifies the objectives of intermediate archive's management and the achievements it accomplished in human and financial resources and others.

Chapter IV sheds light on the management and archiving of electronic documents, it explains the elements of electronic document management and includes a comparative table comparing between electronic document management system and electronic archiving system.

Chapter IV also deals with permanent archive management, this archive includes important documents that have been selected for permanent preservation after being deemed no longer needed by the party who had created them or had acquired them to perform a certain work activity. It is considered a small part of the documents that have been created. The permanent archive is the part known most to the archival profession society. It is mainly associated with paper documents, but currently includes several other documents types, such as audiovisual documents, photographs, maps and electronic media.

Chapter V explains that private archive documents are collected in both public and private institutions and the foreign archive of concern to the country. Then it explains how the transformation to the final archive is done, how the archival description is laid down in accordance with the International Council on Archives’ standard and how indexing is carried out in archiving. It indicates that indexing technology is used as an aide in archival description to facilitate documents retrieval.

Chapter VI of the book “How to Prepare and Apply Modern System of Documents and Archives” deals with the archive maintenance which aims to prolong the life of documents and save them from damage. This chapter reviews documents media: paper, parchment and the materials associated with some documents media and informs about audiovisual and electronic documents. It lists the damage factors such as temperature, humidity, light, air pollution and the biological factors such as insects, germs and microbes. It also deals with the documents restoration and the serious damage to archives and their holdings caused by disasters of various types.

In conclusion, the book “How to Prepare and Apply the Modern System of Documents and Archives” urges on keep abreast of the great development in the field of archives, which requires documents management from inception, through all stages they undergo, and the rapid transformation that leads to the establishment of digital society; as human production of information, knowledge and science is largely digital now in addition to the abundance of information and the relatively easy access to them. Moreover, the fate of human memory is at stake; since long term preservation of electronic documents is still facing difficulty.

National Archives' cartoon characters welcome students in Abu Dhabi schools

During the first week of the new academic year, the National Archives participated with its cartoon characters in welcoming the kindergarten and early education graders, to cheer them up and break down barriers between students and school.

NA efforts to welcome new young children in schools come in line with its role as a partner in national education, and its interest in getting generations acquainted with its role in preserving the memory of the nation and making it accessible. Cartoon characters, which spread fun and pleasure among children, are the link between NA and those beloved children.

During the first week of the new academic year 2018-2019, NA’s cartoon characters welcomed new students; Hamad, Hessa and the Grandfather figures, accompanied by educational specialists from the Educational Programs Section at NA. The cartoon characters created an atmosphere of fun and pleasure for those young children who are just joining school.

NA’s colorful and funny characters attracted children and helped them enjoy school, especially when they presented gifts to children.

The cartoon characters managed to indirectly convey to young children a meaningful message that they would spend useful and fun time at school. The characters were able to attract not only new young children, but also other students of various academic grades as well.

It is worth mentioning that NA has selected its cartoon characters, Hamad, Hessa and the Grandfather figures based on a precise study and surveys, in order to learn about children's preferences. NA strives to attract children through these characters with the aim of providing them with invaluable information about civics, since characters as such are more acceptable by children than any other direct means of communication and awareness.

Sheikh Zayed's biography, values and exploits are the most important themes of the forum

The National Archives concludes the Fifth Annual Forum for Teachers

The National Archives of the United Arab Emirates concluded the fifth annual forum for Arab and foreign teachers in public and private education, which it organized from August 16 to August 30, 2018, and received hundreds of teachers with the aim of enriching their knowledge with pages of the history and heritage of the Emirates, and enhancing their experiences with the values of Emirati society and the best ways to reach students. Through their long-standing customs and traditions that are characterized by tolerance and coexistence among the various nationalities on the land of the Emirates.
And the celebration of the fifth annual meeting for teachers organized by the National Archives - at its headquarters and outside its premises - as it usually does annually before the start of the new academic year - with abundant information about the history and heritage of the Emirates, and about the life of its great leaders, led by Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and the achievements made during his reign. It exceeded expectations, and the decent life enjoyed by the people of the UAE and residents on its land.

This forum, which was organized by the National Archives in cooperation with its strategic partners: the Department of Education and Knowledge in Abu Dhabi, the Ministry of Education, and the Emirates National Schools, urged the educational system in state schools to consolidate national identity, enhance loyalty and belonging, and enrich awareness of the ancient history of the UAE society, its heritage, customs, and traditions.

A large number of Emirati and Arab teachers participated in the fifth annual forum for Arab and foreign teachers in public and private education. The forum, which was organized by the National Archives, focused on Emirati heritage. He presented some popular food to the participants, and gave a full explanation of the Emirati dress, incense and perfumes, and the most important customs and traditions known to the Emirati community.

The fifth annual meeting for teachers opened pages of the history, heritage and civilization of the Emirates in a rich lecture that consisted of several axes. General, and this is confirmed by the saying of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai: “We are not a nation that has an accident on history.”

Then the lecture recounted a historical sequence of the Emirates in the Islamic eras. From the era of the messages of the Messenger (PBUH), to the Islamic era and Islamic civilization, passing through the era of Portuguese presence, navigation and trade movements, up to the British presence.

The lecture focused on the biography of the founding leader, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and the impact of his wise leadership on the cohesion of Emirati society, and his role - may God have mercy on him - in building people, establishing union, unifying identity and promoting loyalty and belonging.

The lecture touched on the role of Sheikh Zayed - may God rest his soul - and Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak - may God protect her - in educating women and advancing them, and supporting them in the fields of work.

The days of the forum witnessed the reception of the National Archives at its headquarters, hundreds of Emirati, Arab and foreign teachers in public and private education participating in this forum, and nominated by the Department of Education in Abu Dhabi, the Ministry of Education, or by schools such as Emirates National Schools in its various branches, Al Dar Academy Group, ADNOC Schools, The fifth forum for teachers witnessed an increase in the number of participants. As it provided an opportunity for teachers who wish to participate without the need to nominate any party, and thus the National Archives attracted large numbers of male and female teachers. Following up on his success, which he proved in the past seasons; The National Archives, through the Department of Educational Programs, seeks to spread the authentic Emirati values through its “Promising Generation” project, which includes seven educational programs related to curricula, history, the tasks of the National Archives, the promotion of national identity, moral education, and the values of good citizenship, and harnesses many important channels to deliver the national message. Aiming.

The program of the Fifth Annual Forum for Teachers - organized by the National Archives - included a tour for the participants in the Customer Happiness Hall, where they learned about its role in receiving researchers in the heritage and history of the UAE and the Gulf region in the historical documents and records held by the National Archives. They continued their tour in the Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Hall. Nahyan, which includes samples of written documents, photographs, maps, and electronic albums of the leaders of the Emirates, and tells the biography of the establishment of the union, the formation of the first cabinet, and the selection of the flag of the union. Participants in the Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Hall for Virtual Reality watched a 3D documentary film about the past and present of the UAE, and among the most important stations that influenced the tour in the National Archives: The Emirates Library, which is specialized in the history and heritage of the Emirates.    

The National Archives hosts the 5th Teachers Forum

The National Archives participates with lectures on (Zayed and Women’s Progress) on the occasion of the Emirati Women’s Day

The National Archives prepares for the celebration of the Emirati Women’s Day through a number of lectures on “Sheikh Zayed and Women’s Progress” which focus mainly on women’s achievements, thanks to the vision of the founding leader Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan and the support of the wise leadership. In fact, women managed to achieve significant progress, make quantum leaps and transformations through their contribution in all fields due to the trust and empowerment vested in them.

The lectures on Sheikh Zayed’s interest in women and their achievements in line with his vision, were delivered by researchers and specialists from the NA at a large number of UAE official entities.

In performing its role, the NA strives to support Emirati women empowerment, develop their potential and overcome any obstacles hindering their contribution in all fields so they could hold their rightful status and set an honorable example for women leadership at all forums. The NA supports enhancing Emirati women potential for facing challenges and promoting the national identity values that instill the culture of tolerance and open dialogue.

The lectures discuss the role of both the founding leader Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan and Her Highness Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, Mother of the UAE in supporting, developing and empowering Emirati women and how this significant interest had led women to reach a distinguished position and be a source of pride and admiration for turning challenges into accomplishments.

The lectures reflect the wise leadership's support for women which helped to turn their challenges into achievements as they made their way through the local level and exceeded that to invade the global level with their high competencies.

The NA’s lectures come in line with Women’s Day celebration which coincides with the inception of the Women's Union on 28/8/1975. They also highlight the importance of Emirati women’s role, contribution and efforts in various social and economic fields, as a result of the efforts of Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the initiator of Emirati women development, who shared their concerns and was their prime supporter who helped them to overcome any obstacle hindering their progress and contribution in their nation's affairs.

The lectures " Zayed and Women's progress" tackle Sheikh Zayed’s vision for UAE women situation during his auspicious reign and his interest in all their affairs whether as mothers, wives or sisters who have their own aspirations, rights and duties. The Emirati women development journey stands as an exceptional achievement in the UAE and Arab World because they managed to achieve academic and career advancements and reach great status during Sheikh Zayed’s reign.

Furthermore, Sheikh Zayed placed great importance on women’s education, which he considered one of the key factors for development and increasing female education rates among school students, as well as university and college graduates. He regarded education as an essential requirement for women who strive to support their fellow-men through the journey towards advancement and development.  

presenting the historical writing of Dr. Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi and the flying boats in the Trucial Coast

A most recent National Archives' publication is the book entitled " A Trip in the Indian Ocean", an interesting sea journey made around the Arabian Peninsula  

The Book A Trip in the Indian Ocean, issued by the UAE’s National Archives, documents the journey of a Portuguese state official from Europe to India via the Cape of Good Hope at the turn of the sixteenth century. During this trip, he toured the east coast of the African continent as well as the periphery of the Arabian Peninsula, from Suez and the west coast through the Strait of Bab el Mandab to southern Yemen, Hadramout, Dhofar and Oman. He then crossed the Arabian Gulf and mentioned the lands of the current United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and the Island of Hormuz before continuing on his way towards India. 

The book thus provides a documented historical record depicting some of the UAE sites as they were during the Portuguese fleet invasion of the region led by Afonso de Albuquerque in 1507, leaving a clear eyewitness impression about this part of the Arabian Peninsula.

The traveler stated that after he had left the Omani territories, he continued on his way until he reached a wide region, called Khor Fakkan with a large number of inhabitants. This region and the adjacent areas were surrounded by a large number of elegant houses of Hormuz Muslim dignitaries who were coming to Khor Fakkan during specific months of the year for rest and recreation and to bring essential needs and foodstuffs and enjoy the fruits. Located fifteen leagues from there, is another coastal region called Dhadna, and at the same distance towards the southwest is another region called Dibba.

The traveler continues his description stating that: after moving along the coast towards the southwest and turning 85 leagues to the west there is another very big city, called Julfar where a large group of very respectful and distinguished noble people lived along with many merchants and seamen. There they dive for pearls and small pearls (shathar) and merchants of Hormuz came to this place to purchase pearls to sell them later in India and other regions. Furthermore, many commercial activities were made there yielding great financial returns to the king of Hormuz. The journey continues ahead along the Arabian Gulf shore where three other regions belonging to the king of Hormuz are located. These regions are: Ras Al Khaimah, which is a distinctive city 24 leagues far, after which comes Um Al Quwain then six leagues further comes Kalba Fort, which is maintained by the king to protect his country against those waging war against cities governed by the king of Hormuz. The book presents interesting and significant uncommon incidents that took place at the backstage of the Kingdom of Hormuz's court, and shows how the Portuguese commander stood firm in support of king of Hormuz until he regained his full control of the country away from the governors and their likes’ hold. In appreciation of this favor and support, the king of Hormuz who resided in the Portuguese fort, never took any action without consulting the fort commander so he and his kingdom and subjects remained in tutelage of the King of Portugal. It is worth noting that the manuscript of this book dates back to the beginning of 1500 and includes many significant historical details such as information relating to the conquest and seizure of Hormuz, the establishment of the Portuguese fort in Kalikot, the Portuguese mugging of Indian vessels and trade with Suez and Shah Ismail's revolution as well as others events which took place in 1514 approximately.

In the Portuguese edition, the author states that he has spent much of his time during his youth touring the islands of India. He points out his efforts to describe the cities and kingdoms, which he reached or obtained reliable information on. These were countries of Muslims or pagans about whose customs and traditions he wrote without neglecting their activities, movements, goods and their production places and areas to which these goods are transferred.

In introducing the author Duarte Barbosa, the book points out that he served sixteen years from 1500 to 1516 as a state official in India, then, he returned to Portugal and finalized the manuscript of his well-known book entitled the Book of Duarte Barbosa or A Description of the Coasts of East Africa and Malabar. In this book, Barbosa gives a description of the foreign countries’ topography, civil and commercial status and the customs of their peoples.

Hormuz as a model

The book reviews the island and city of Hormuz. After leaving the sea behind, he sailed through the Arabian Gulf Strait to reach a small island where the small and very astonishing and beautiful city of Hormuz lies. There were elegant white-painted houses made of stones and clay and had many balconies. Hormuz was a well-planned and organized city with streets and squares, and from one of its mountain large salt chunks are extracted. The salt is bright white and good; it is called Indian salt. Vessels come from all over the world to carry this salt because it costs a lot of money in other regions and except for the salt, there is nothing else on the island that can be utilized or benefited from. 

The book mentions that the inhabitants of Hormuz island were Arabs and Persians. It also lists the goods that were exported to Hormuz and upon which commercial activity depended including water. It even states that merchants were importing big and small pearls from Julfar and horses from the Arabian Peninsula to Hormuz.

The book reports that Muslims in Hormuz wore very elegant and beautiful costumes that were mostly in bright white color. It also sheds light on the most prominent customs and traditions of the island. Furthermore, it is mentioned that the king’s house was within the fort where he kept his treasures and where he had his royal court and private Majlis. The king’s advisors were responsible for carrying out all duties since he did not interfere in any affairs and even if he was willing to get involved and take decisions, it was beyond his real domain and control. Matters continued on this pattern till they were changed by the Portuguese who gave the king back his immunity and ability to govern his people.

China, the final destination

After his long journey during which he had visited a large number of islands, Barbosa had arrived in China. It is said to be very huge extending along the seashore and having many islands. The king of China maintained his governors and a number of leaders whom he appointed. He also lived there always.

The book describes the appearance and features of the Chinese people then as well as their food, costumes and trade. It stops at Licious islands opposite to China.

At the end of the book, there are old maps, inscriptions and drawings of some cities and countries such as Mombasa inscription in East Africa, etc. Moreover, the beginning of the book contains drawings such as those of Vasco Da Gama, the captain, Viceroy of Portuguese India in 1524, Francisco de Almeida (governor of Portuguese India (1505-1509), the Portuguese commander Tristao da Cunha and Afonso de Albuquerque (governor of Portuguese India), among others.

Book: A Trip in the Indian Ocean

Publisher: National Archives, 2017, 289 pages.

Author: Duarte Barbosa.

Translation: Dr. Ahmed Ibish

The National Archives launches a promotional program to promote the memory of nation in tourism circles including big hotels, official airline companies, commercial stores and shopping malls

The National Archives of the Ministry of Presidential Affairs has launched a promotional program entitled “The Memory of the Nation: A History of a nation and a journey of a Homeland”, aiming at promoting the documented history of the UAE among tourism bodies and circles. The program covers three main phases: 1) main big hotels, 2), local official airline companies and 3) commercial stores and shopping malls in the UAE.  This program aims at acquainting the society with the homeland’s history, achievements, glories and high values in conformity with the NA’s vision, mission and objectives.

The material presented by the NA to hotels, airline companies, commercial stores and shopping malls, relating to the UAE history and heritage are charged with memories and future vision formulated by Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan since his accession to power in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

The NA proves- through this program- its full commitment to and readiness for participation in all innovative and fruitful events that promote awareness and access to the history and heritage of the UAE and to the biographies of its great leaders to all society categories, including residents, visitors and tourists who come to the UAE from all over the world.

The NA offers these recreational and touristic venues various historical multimedia and documents to showcase to the public heritage related materials in the form of historical photographs reflecting significant achievements that turned the UAE into a modern country taking pride in its modernity and advancement. The photographs also present bilateral relations with the brotherly and friendly countries, the UAE’s heritage and historical landmarks, customs and traditions, the wooden boats that were used in the Emirates region, the establishment and development of educational system, pearl diving, fishing and the Emirati cuisine.

The program is concerned in its first phase with cooperating with the main hotels with the aim of educating visitors and guests- whether from the UAE or abroad- and briefing them on the history and heritage of the UAE and acquainting them with the role of the NA in preserving the memory of the Nation. Consequently, the NA has established the Memory of the Nation platform, displaying historical documentary films and exhibiting a large number of historical photographs.

Such constructive cooperation comes in line with the NA’s belief in the importance of the community participation and the role of the UAE government and private sectors' institutions in enhancing the community role. The NA similarly believes that it is its role to allow access to photographs, correct documented information and historical documents that depict the glories of the UAE and the achievements of its leaders and shed light on the UAE history in which it takes pride.

The second phase of the program mainly focuses on cooperation with main airline companies. In this context, the NA has started fruitful and constructive cooperation with Presidential Flight. Therefore, a special channel was dedicated for the “Memory of the Nation” on board the Presidential Flights displaying documentary films about the efforts of Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan to unify and develop the emirates, along with other films that document various aspects of the history of the civilizations the UAE has witnessed throughout its history until the present time where it enjoys welfare, and prosperity under the auspices of the wise leadership.

Furthermore, the Presidential Flight distributes the educational booklet issued by the NA during its flights. The booklet tackles subjects relating to UAE history and heritage.

On the other hand, the NA exhibited historical photographs of the UAE and its founding leader Sheikh Zayed to decorate the Presidential Flight facilities halls.

Communication continues between the NA and Etihad Airways for further collaboration. In this framework, the NA has provided Etihad Airways with a number of documentary films and historical photographs that document the establishment of the UAE along with other photographs of the iconic leader Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan. The latest of these photographs received by Etihad Airways reflected the close historical relations between the UAE and the People's Republic of China.

In the course of its implementation of the third phase of the program, the NA focused on commercial stores and shopping malls. The activities included disseminating photographs documenting the history of the UAE and its great leaders are exhibiting them in many commercial stores and shopping malls such Bawabat Al Sharq and Galleria Malls in Abu Dhabi.

The program “The Memory of the Nation: A History of a nation and a journey of a Homeland” chiefly supports the national and community initiatives which the NA readily adopts and sponsors. The documentary films, produced by the NA and displayed on screens at hotels, airline companies and shopping malls, contain reliable documented information that enrich the visitors and tourists' knowledge of the UAE history of the UAE, its establishment, its ancient heritage and the great role the founding fathers- at the forefront of whom comes Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan- performed in the course of the UAE foundation and development.

In collaboration with the Ministry of Education

The National Archives enhances the “Summer Reading Festival” initiative with reading workshops on Zayed’s virtues

The UAE National Archives continues organizing national reading workshops as part of its participation in the “Summer Reading Festival” which the Ministry of Education has launched and set up for students. The workshops are held until the end of the summer holiday aiming at motivating students to read about the history of their homeland and the biographies of its great leaders, at the forefront of whom comes the founding leader Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan in line with promoting proper civic education.

The NA’s role in this educational initiative and platform comes in line with its strategic partnership with the Ministry of Education aiming at raising a generation that is conscious and aware of its nation's development requirements. Through this partnership, the NA strives to promote the education role in instilling modern educational concepts in students, emphasizing the importance of reading in association with the history of the UAE. These concepts are reflected through the NA’s documented historical holdings and acquisitions. The reading workshops focused on the main and most important NA publications which reflect significant historical and humanitarian aspects of the UAE and its prominent national icons and figures.

The NA team has run a series of reading workshops for the students participating in the “Summer Reading Festival” initiative in Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah and Um Al Quwain. The workshops have acquainted participating students with the UAE National Archives, its services, duties and role in preserving the memory of the nation.

In the reading workshops organized by the NA, the participating students were trained on supervising reading sessions under the supervision of specialists. Students were also encouraged to exchange used books with the aim of encouraging reading and making interesting books in every field of interest accessible to all students.

The reading workshops aim at encouraging participating students to take Sheikh Zayed as a Role-Model and an example to follow his footsteps, and adopt his great values and virtues and get acquainted with the various aspects of his life, and of his efforts and achievements relating to establishing schools and providing education which eventually led to the happy and prosperous life the UAE people enjoy at present, particularly that the NA publication, Zayed, From Challenges to Union, deals with the founding leader Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan’s birth, education, upbringing and great efforts in establishing the Union and the UAE. The book assures that Sheikh Zayed will always remain a symbol of courage and sacrifice for noble causes and will be borne in the memories and hearts of the UAE future generations.