On its achievements, projects and advanced technologies

The National Archives submits two papers to the Congress of the International Council on Archives in Seoul

The National Archives of the United Arab Emirates submitted two important research papers to the ICA congress, which is currently being held in Seoul, the Korean Capital. The first paper is entitled: “The National Archives of the UAE:  the Memory of the Nation”, and the second paper dealt with the smart solutions adopted by the National Archives.

In the presence of David Fricker, President of the International Council on Archives, HE Dr. Ali Saleh Bin Tamim, member of the Board of the National Archives and Chairman of the Executive Committee, and more than 3,000 participants and followers, HE Majid Sultan Al Muhairi, Executive Director of the National Archives, presented a paper about the National Archives being the keeper of the Memory of the Nation. The paper was translated into five languages, and dealt briefly with the history of the National archives, its vision which seeks leadership in providing distinctive archival, documentation and research services, and its mission which is to preserve the documentary heritage to provide decision makers and the public with documented and trusted information, and to enhance the sense of belonging and national identity.

His Excellency pointed out the prominent role of the National Archives, especially the availability of its collection to the public. In order to enrich its historical archives and to benefit from advanced modern skills and expertise, the NA reinforced collaboration and partnerships, and  managed to initiate activities that turn all citizens into partners involved in documenting and preserving their own historical records and documents. Accordingly, it used the latest technology and made its smart applications available on mobile phones and tablets, contributing to promoting loyalty and belonging to the homeland and enhancing of the national identity. He added that the National Archives also collected oral history and oral narratives of the elderly who lived through the pre-union era and witnessed the establishment of the United Arab Emirates, thanks to the efforts of the founding fathers led by the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan. The NA owns hundreds of hours of video interviews, where oral history complements what has not been documented by written history.

One of the most prominent and reverberating documentation projects is “Watheq”, which aims at preserving personal documents and records. Under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, Chairman of the National Archives, and in collaboration with its strategic partners, the National Archives has been able to deliver “Watheq” boxes to all Emirati families. Moreover, “My Archive My Future” is an ensuing project addressed to students to raise their awareness of the importance of documents and the methods of properly preserving them for the future.

The National Archives participated in the proceedings of the ICA congress with another paper entitled: “Smart Solutions at Work”, presented by Mr. Hamad Al Mutairi. The paper focused on the National Archives’ innovative projects and initiatives that were designed to promote its services and making them accessible to all citizens in smart applications that could be downloaded on mobile phones owned by 90% of Emiratis. In order to make these innovative solutions compatible with the developments of the 21st century, the NA set up formulas that are relevant to dealing with users, and is working hard to attract the largest number of partners and users outside its traditional scope; therefore, it retains films, photos and historical documents which record the establishment of the United Arab Emirates in December 1971, leading to its latest achievements in all fields.

The National Archives employs smart applications to make its important publications available to readers and users, and was a pioneer in its initiative to put eighteen volumes of the Emirates Sheikhs’ Diaries on a smart application enabling the browser to access the required information easily and smoothly.

The two papers shed light on electronic and smart initiatives that contributed to disseminating the culture of archiving and documentation in the Emirati society, and they discussed the smart solutions and their impact on archival work.

On its achievements, projects and advanced technologies

The National Archives submits two papers to the Congress of the International Council on Archives in Seoul

The National Archives of the United Arab Emirates submitted two important research papers to the ICA congress, which is currently being held in Seoul, the Korean Capital. The first paper is entitled: “The National Archives of the UAE:  the Memory of the Nation”, and the second paper dealt with the smart solutions adopted by the National Archives.

In the presence of David Fricker, President of the International Council on Archives, HE Dr. Ali Saleh Bin Tamim, member of the Board of the National Archives and Chairman of the Executive Committee, and more than 3,000 participants and followers, HE Majid Sultan Al Muhairi, Executive Director of the National Archives, presented a paper about the National Archives being the keeper of the Memory of the Nation. The paper was translated into five languages, and dealt briefly with the history of the National archives, its vision which seeks leadership in providing distinctive archival, documentation and research services, and its mission which is to preserve the documentary heritage to provide decision makers and the public with documented and trusted information, and to enhance the sense of belonging and national identity.

His Excellency pointed out the prominent role of the National Archives, especially the availability of its collection to the public. In order to enrich its historical archives and to benefit from advanced modern skills and expertise, the NA reinforced collaboration and partnerships, and  managed to initiate activities that turn all citizens into partners involved in documenting and preserving their own historical records and documents. Accordingly, it used the latest technology and made its smart applications available on mobile phones and tablets, contributing to promoting loyalty and belonging to the homeland and enhancing of the national identity. He added that the National Archives also collected oral history and oral narratives of the elderly who lived through the pre-union era and witnessed the establishment of the United Arab Emirates, thanks to the efforts of the founding fathers led by the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan. The NA owns hundreds of hours of video interviews, where oral history complements what has not been documented by written history.

One of the most prominent and reverberating documentation projects is “Watheq”, which aims at preserving personal documents and records. Under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, Chairman of the National Archives, and in collaboration with its strategic partners, the National Archives has been able to deliver “Watheq” boxes to all Emirati families. Moreover, “My Archive My Future” is an ensuing project addressed to students to raise their awareness of the importance of documents and the methods of properly preserving them for the future.

The National Archives participated in the proceedings of the ICA congress with another paper entitled: “Smart Solutions at Work”, presented by Mr. Hamad Al Mutairi. The paper focused on the National Archives’ innovative projects and initiatives that were designed to promote its services and making them accessible to all citizens in smart applications that could be downloaded on mobile phones owned by 90% of Emiratis. In order to make these innovative solutions compatible with the developments of the 21st century, the NA set up formulas that are relevant to dealing with users, and is working hard to attract the largest number of partners and users outside its traditional scope; therefore, it retains films, photos and historical documents which record the establishment of the United Arab Emirates in December 1971, leading to its latest achievements in all fields.

The National Archives employs smart applications to make its important publications available to readers and users, and was a pioneer in its initiative to put eighteen volumes of the Emirates Sheikhs’ Diaries on a smart application enabling the browser to access the required information easily and smoothly.

The two papers shed light on electronic and smart initiatives that contributed to disseminating the culture of archiving and documentation in the Emirati society, and they discussed the smart solutions and their impact on archival work.

The Congress of the International Council on Archives (ICA), hosted this year in Seoul, South Korea, has chosen Abu Dhabi as the next destination for its quadrennial Congress, to be held in 2020. This decision was received with great enthusiasm and honor by the National Archives of the UAE, the local sponsor for this major international meeting.


The ICA was established in 1948, and serves to provide countries around the world with expert advice and guidelines on managing critical records and preserving memorable events that contribute to national histories and witnessing of the past. The quadrennial Congress of the ICA is an opportunity for archivists around the world to meet and discuss how to adapt record keeping to modern technologies and to enhance the role of ICA in connecting the past with the future. Under the theme of this year’s event, “Archives, Harmony and Friendship”, the National Archives of the UAE showcased its work in the presentation of two major papers, “UAE ‘The Memory of the Nation’ – Achieving its Potential” and “UAE National Archives: Smart Solutions in Action”. The first paper reviewed the efforts of the National Archives to engage UAE citizens in recording family life and daily events and in integrating historical documents into life-long learning, while the second paper highlighted innovations in developing interactive, mobile cross-platform software for facilitating and encouraging public access to its programs.


The decision of the General Assembly to host the ICA Congress 2020 in Abu Dhabi was welcomed warmly by His Excellency Dr. Ali Saleh bin Tamim, Board Member of the National Archives and Chairman of the Executive Committee, and by His Excellency Majid Sultan Al-Muhairi, Executive Director of the National Archives. In the name of the National Archives, they expressed gratitude for being selected as the future host of the Congress, emphasizing that this event will benefit as well from the innovations revealed in World Expo 2020, also to be held in the UAE. Speaking on behalf of His Excellency Dr. Abdulla Alraisi, Director General of the UAE National Archives, they invited all ICA members present at Seoul to participate in Congress 2020. Complementing the expertise of the over 2000 members that will join the ICA Congress 2020 in Abu Dhabi, archivists from across the globe will have an opportunity to capitalize on the myriad of technological advancements and innovations in government, business and culture sectors that will be unveiled at World Expo 2020 in Dubai.


ICA President David Fricker, Director General of the National Archives of Australia, expressed his appreciation for the UAE’s invitation to organize and host the 2020 Congress, noting that thousands of archivists around the world will join in this event, prepared to learn about Arab culture and to experience the legendary hospitality of the UAE.

The National Archives organizes a workshop on occupational health and safety in the work environment

The National Archives organized at its headquarters a workshop on the application of occupational health and safety environment at work, as part of its plan to promote awareness of the principles of occupational health and safety, and in coordination with the General Directorate of Emergency and Public Safety of Abu Dhabi Police.  This workshop came in application of the international basis of Integrated Management System (IMS), and was attended by a large number of employees.

This workshop was part of the National Archives activities entitled “your safety is our concern”, and was intended to create a healthy work environment for staff, visitors and researchers; since the occupational health and safety at the workplace is a basis of sustainable development in any organization, and is important for the employee as well as work improvement.  There is a correlation between a healthy environment where occupational health and safety are scientifically applied at the workplace, and high productivity, as a result of job safety.

The workshop covered in some detail the basic terminology used in the field of health and safety, such as hazards and risks, which is the probability of damage occurrence with an indication of the extent of the risk of such damage or harm. The risk levels are measured as high, medium and low risk levels. The workshop focused on care taking, reporting of accidents and ill health incidents in the work environment, and cooperation during evacuation drills carried out by the National Archives annually. The workshop introduced the key terms in health and safety, such as accident and impending accident, as well as legal responsibilities of employers and employees.

Participants were briefed on several issues, such as:  the importance of health and safety, the terminology used in this field, the workplace hazards and risks, ways of maintaining safety at the workplace, personal protective equipment, personal hygiene, care and first aid facilities, and reporting of accidents and ill health. The National Archives' management aspires from all this to create a healthy and safe work environment.

The one day workshop was delivered by trainer Hassan Mohammed al-Qahtani.  It emphasized the National Archives' management interest in its staff's health and safety; thus  it follows and adopts the best international standards.

The National Archives Celebrates the Emirati Women’s Day

By holding a number of lectures and historical documentary exhibitions

In celebration of the Emirati Women’s Day, the  National Archives of the United Arab Emirates participated by holding a documentary exhibition that contained a large number of photographs and historical documents related to the Emirati woman, her involvement, achievements and the historical development of her role in society. This was a part of the Emirati Women’s Day celebration held by the National Identity team at Dubai Airports.

HE Sheikha Lubna Bint Khalid Al Qasimi, Minister of State for Tolerance, took a tour of the NA’s exhibition and praised its role in conserving the Nation’s memory and making it accessible to the next generations, noting that this exhibition highlights the excellence achieved by the Emirati woman under the auspices of the Union and our wise leadership. The exhibition, while presenting photographs of the woman in the past,  illustrates her progress, empowerment and contributions to the Nation and its progress.

At the end of her tour, the NA presented to HE Sheikha Lubna Al Qasimi a copy of the book “Khalifa A Journey into the Future", which is one of its latest publications.

The NA paid a special attention to the Emirati Women’s Day celebration that was held at Dubai Airports, because of its educational dimension, which highlights the Emirati women’s outstanding achievements, that kept pace with the UAE’s development in various fields.

The National Archives demonstrates, through its collection of historical photographs and documents, its interest in woman’s issues and her economic, political and social empowerment, as well as her high position in the thought of the Emirati leadership, which believes in the role of women in serving their country and contributing to its progress. Accordingly, the NA organized a documentary exhibition of historical documents and archival photographs of Emirati women in the past and present in Dalma Mall in Abu Dhabi.

On the other hand, Dr. Aisha BilKhair, Research Advisor at the NA, held a workshop entitled “The Emirati Women: Unlimited Ambitions and Achievements”, organized by Dubai Ports World, in celebration of the Emirati Women’s Day. The workshop discussed the role of the Founding Leader, Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and Her Highness Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, “Mother of the Nation”, in the advancement and empowerment of the Emirati woman, which resulted in achieving a distinguished position, and becoming a source of admiration through transforming challenges into achievements.

The lecturer praised the Emirati woman and the support she received from the wise leadership, so she transformed challenges into gain and triumph,  and surpassed the local to the global arena.

In celebration of the Emirati Women’s Day, Mrs. Hind Al Zaabi, from the Educational Programs Section at the NA, delivered a lecture on the empowerment of the Emirati woman for a group of students from “the Emirates School”.   

The National  Archives  educates more  than  600  participants from the schools of Abu Dhabi Educational Council, for the second time in less than a month

More than 600 teachers from Abu Dhabi schools attended an educational program organized by the NA in collaboration with Abu Dhabi Educational Council, aiming at highlighting the attractive factors in education in the UAE. The program introduced  the participating teachers to the  history, heritage, traditions and customs of the UAE, and to the successful methods for interacting with students, pointing out to the importance of the role of parents in raising their children, and  of communication between all parties concerned.

The program started with an important lecture by Dr. Aisha Bilkhair, Research Advisor at the NA, about “The Dialogue of Civilizations and Methods of Interacting with Students in the UAE”, in which she addressed the issue of rapprochement  between civilizations while preserving the privacy that characterized the UAE, with its cultural and civilizational legacy, and its impact on developing the Emirati people. She emphasized such concepts as: truth, honesty, tolerance, respect, acceptance of the other, patriotism and sacrifice for the homeland. Such concepts are considered in the UAE as the cornerstone of the educational process and the actual translation of the great initiative by H. H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and the Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, to support the educational process by adding the subject of  “Moral Education” , which instills noble values and morals in the students’ daily behavior, promotes loyalty and reinforces national identity. The lecture pointed out the importance of constructive interaction, the essential principles of professional dialogue with students, and involvement of parents in all matters related to students; since education is an integrated system where all parties have to cooperate to achieve success. The sustainable outcome of education will result in success at work and in serving the country. The lecturer urged participants to spread positive energy among students, and to create an educational process that stimulates students to be eager for knowledge, exploration, innovation and creativity.

At the end of the lecture, the Research Advisor responded to the participants’ inquiries and questions about the characteristics of the Emirati personality and the good values such as generosity and giving instilled by the wise leadership among the people, and how to transfer such values to the students, to prepare them to be the men of the future, the leaders of its development and the protectors of its legacy.

Participants watched a 3-D documentary film about the UAE’s past and bright present at Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Virtual Reality Theatre. They took a tour of Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Hall, which contains examples of the heritage collections, historical documents, photographs and historical maps that document the past of the UAE and the stages of its successful Union.

Upon H.H. Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed's guidance, the National Archives signed a memorandum of understanding with the British National Archives

Under the guidance of His Highness Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, Chairman of the National Archives' Board, the National Archives of the United Arab Emirates signed a memorandum of understanding with the British National Archives to coordinate the translation and digitization of important historical documents, allowing for their accessibility to decision-makers and researchers, and utilizing them in the development of national curriculums in the various levels of education. It also provides for the  support of programs and activities of common interest, and cooperation in research related to archival resources, digitization and exchanging digital documents in accordance with the national laws and legislations of each party, for the next three years.

The MOU was signed by H.E. Dr. Abdulla Al Raisi, Director General of the National Archives, on behalf of the NA, and Jeff James, Chief Executive Officer of the British National Archives, on behalf of the British National Archives.

This came upon H.E. Dr. Abdullah Al Raisi, Director General of the National Archives' visit to the British National Archives in London. Referring to this MOU, His Excellency said: The National Archives of the United Arab Emirates signed this Memorandum of Understanding with the aim of translating and digitizing historical documents, and making them electronically accessible to decision-makers and researchers for use in the preparation of history and national curricula in various educational levels. Also to enhance the National Archives of the UAE with historical documents available in the seven sections of the British National Archives, relating to national and international historical documents, and to enhance the NA's expertise with the latest practices and standards adopted by those sections in the field of documentation, preservation, archiving and restoration, and their latest methods for allowing accessibility of historical collections to researchers. 

H.E. added that this signing comes within the framework of strengthening our relations with major international archives, and introducing the latest international experiences and skills to the National Archives in line with our strategic plan and its results, which will coincide with the year 2021 in which the UAE aspires to be, by the time of the Golden Jubilee of its Union, one of the best countries in the world.  We are working at the National Archives to achieve these national aspirations.

H.E. Dr. Al Raisi praised the British National archives, which holds collections dating back more than a thousand years, and historical records from the Middle Ages, as well as maps, architectural designs, and family history records.  His Excellency said:  We aim at strengthening relations with the British National Archives because of the great number of historical records and documents in its collection related to the history of the United Arab Emirates and the Gulf region, to benefit from its experience, and to collect more of the rare documents it holds with the aim of preserving the UAE documentary assets, to provide decision-makers and researchers with needed historical and research material.

Jeff James, Chief Executive Officer of the British National Archives, praised the special relations between the two sides, and the role of the National Archives of the UAE in utilization modern sophisticated technologies.  He expressed his great optimism about the outcome of this memorandum in terms of exchange of experiences, and cooperation in activities that sponsor and promote cultural exchange, and joint projects.



H.E. Dr. Al Raisi inspected the various sections of the British National Archives, methods of documents and photographs conservation, and modern methods of documentation and archiving.

It is noteworthy that the National Archives of the United Arab Emirates was founded in 1968, and was known as the "National Center for Documentation and Research”.  It is one of the important administrative institutions of the UAE government.  It aims to collect and document the historical records of the UAE and the GCC countries, from local and international sources, to oversee the conservation, restoration, and archiving processes in accordance with international standards, to provide the public access to these documents, and utilize them in cultural and historical awareness.  Accordingly, the NA plans to establish a digitization process to provide access to these documents to all researchers and students, both locally and internationally.

The British National Archives is considered one of the world's most valuable archives in terms of research sources.  It is an independent research organization, an archival institution, a formal British government publisher, and the official protector of most valuable national documents that date back to over a thousand years.  It carries out its role in collecting public records and safeguarding them, whether in paper or electronic form, for future generations, and provides access to them in the greatest extent possible.

For the third consecutive year, 

The National Archives organized a cultural program for the new teachers in the Emirates National Schools

The National Archives of the United Arab Emirates organized at its headquarters a cultural and informative program, for the third year in a row, on the history and heritage of the UAE, the customs, traditions and singularity of the UAE society and the best methods to approach students during the educational process. More than 200 teachers from the US, Canada, New Zealand and other countries participated in the program, constituting a new cohort of educational staff of the Emirates National Schools in the UAE.


Dr. Kenneth Vedra, Director General of the Emirates National Schools, inaugurated the cultural program and welcomed the new teachers who will contribute in realizing the schools' vision to build future leaders. Dr. Vedra praised the National Archives and its constructive cooperation with the Emirates National Schools by introducing foreign teachers to the UAE and its history and heritage to facilitate cultural integration between teachers and students.


A lecture was delivered by Dr. Aisha Bilkhair, the Research Advisor at the National Archives, who discussed the initiative launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and the Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, and highlighted its importance and undeniable positive impact.

This initiative calls for incorporating the subject of “Moral Education” within the educational process and curricula of the Emirates National Schools to instill and reinforce noble values and morals in daily behaviors, promote loyalty and patriotism, with the UAE’s national identity as a focal point.

The lecture referred to the distinctiveness of the UAE’s society indicating that the glorious history of the UAE was built upon tolerance and peaceful coexistence. She asserted the importance of honest values, reinforcing the mutual respect and self-confidence among students as the pillars of a prosperous future for the homeland so that it remains a global model for happiness and good life.

An open discussion occurred at the end of the lecture, during which the Research Advisor answered the participators' inquires. The teachers expressed their admiration for the remarkable change in the UAE and praised the founding leader Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan’s essential role in the development and prosperity of the UAE in record time.

Afterwards, the participants watched a 3D documentary in Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Hall for Virtual Reality showcasing the history and bright present of the UAE. The documentary was followed by a tour in Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Hall that contains historical documents, photos, historical maps and heritage collectibles.          

The National Archives, in cooperation with Al-Ittihad Newspaper, issues a special supplement entitled: (Today, 50 years ago, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan). Bin Sultan Al Nahyan took over the reins of power in Abu Dhabi, and that day was a historical turning point that will remain witnessed and its effects will remain immortal. Based on their role and patriotic duty, cooperation between the National Archives and Al Ittihad Newspaper came in issuing this appendix to return to the generations details of the journey of the immortal leader who built and built a nation his mom.

Regarding this supplement, His Excellency Dr. Abdullah Al Raisi, Director General of the National Archives, said: Under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Presidential Affairs, and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the National Archives, the National Archives, in cooperation with Al Ittihad Newspaper, issues a special supplement entitled: (Today Fifty years ago...Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan) so that generations can remember aspects of the biography of the founding leader, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who is present with his values ​​and achievements among us; And as soon as Sheikh Zayed - may God rest his soul in peace - took over the reins of power, he announced that the country had entered an important historical stage that was dominated by hard work for prosperity and economic and social development in all Emirates, and launched the country to broad horizons with which the UAE interacted with its regional, Arab and international surroundings.

His Excellency added: The sixth of August 1966 will remain an unforgettable day in our history. It marks the dawn of a new beginning. It is a day witnessed in the memory of the homeland; Because it represents the great reform that led to achieving everything that benefits the Emirates and paved the way for the birth of a new state: the United Arab Emirates.

His Excellency said: Sheikh Zayed was a visionary, which was embodied in what he presented to his people, and Zayed always considered his people the true treasure of the nation, and Sheikh Zayed steadily rose to power and fame as the ruler of Abu Dhabi, and gained great fame as the pioneer of the political unity of the seven emirates. And the United Arab Emirates emerged thanks to the relentless and tireless efforts of the founding president and the rulers of the Emirates - a rich, prosperous, stable and secure country under their wise and benevolent leadership.

Al-Raisi points out that after half a century, on August 6, 2016, the time has come to take a look at the past and reflect with admiration and reverence on the reforms and distinguished development works initiated by Sheikh Zayed. And that march, which began fifty years ago, left a legacy of the tremendous contributions of Sheikh Zayed, “the father of the nation,” which will remain a source of inspiration, giving, and influence on his competent successors, who are the best successor to the best predecessor. This summary, accompanied by pictures, is presented to the unique and unprecedented achievements of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, a tribute Love and loyalty to the symbolic leader who will remain immortal in the memory of the nation.

On this supplement, His Excellency Dr. Abdullah Mohammed Al Raisi said: The anniversary of the sitting of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan - may God rest his soul in peace - marks the beginning of an important political stage in the history of the region. He was the driving force behind efforts to establish a federal state among the seven emirates, which were previously known as the Trucial States.

His Excellency added: His stature, like that of the founding leader, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, gives this fragrant memory its stature, and makes us stand in reverence to recall some of the political and unitary achievements that our modern state is proud of, which achieved its glories under Zayed's shadow, and at the forefront of what the auspicious union achieved

His Excellency valued the role of the National Archives in collecting and preserving the nation's memory for generations, and praised its initiative in issuing this appendix entitled: (Today, fifty years ago...Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan) to celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of Sheikh Zayed's accession to power; Because of its impact on recalling some of the achievements of the founding leader - may God rest his soul in peace - and his endowments.

The National Archives Presents Emirates Library Experience to Fujairah Culture and Media Authority

The National Archives provided a delegation from Fujairah Culture and Media Authority with information about the establishment of its library (Emirates Library) and the stages it went through to reach its current technical development and evolution, and became rich of hard and electronic resources of information, which made it the destination of intellectuals, researchers and academics.

The delegation of Fujairah Culture and Media Authority visited the National Archives to benefit from its experience in establishing the Emirates Library in their project to establish a specialized research library to serve broad categories of researchers and academics.

The guest delegation explored the specialized printed and electronic publications held at the Emirates Library, which form integrated packages of sources, references, dissertations, and other Arabic and foreign refereed journals, and on-line e-books and diverse data base subscriptions, important reference books dealing with the UAE's history and heritage, as well as the related topics on the GCC countries and their culture and civilization including biographies and autobiographies, and atlases, including the largest atlas in the world, dictionaries, encyclopedias, original rare books, and Emirates newspapers archive. The sources of information in the Emirates Library are in both Arabic and English languages, with other material in different languages such as French, German, Farsi, Dutch, Portuguese ... and others.

Emirates Library conveyed to its guests its aims in serving researchers, scholars and knowledge seeking students by providing them access to its rich specialized hard and electronic copies of collections. Simultaneously, it offers its services to all clients who approach it, whether internally from the National Archives or externally, it also contributes to the National Archives' community activities, and receives trainees from various entities and specialized institutes to educate them on the applied methods in the various technical and documenting stages. It supports local, Arab and international initiatives, and participates in workshops and awareness sessions relating to libraries and information.

National Archives library briefed its guests on its gift and exchange program with major libraries and information institutions within the UAE and abroad and on aspects of its cooperation relations with many information institutions, nationally, regionally and internationally, in accordance with a policy that aims at raising the awareness of the National Archives and its scientific and research activities, promoting scientific and academic publications and contributing to distributing the National Archives' publications.

The guest delegation visited the library's reading hall, which meets the international standards with the open shelves system providing its clients, users and researchers with all the necessary facilities to conduct their research and studies. The acquisitions are organized on the shelves, according to the US Library of Congress classification system, and arranged by subject matter. It exhibits a number of rare and old books, some of which date back to more than 500 years in special safe cabinets.

The members of the Fujairah Culture and Media Authority delegation praised the National Archives and its great role in collecting and preserving the memory of the nation, and in providing decision-makers, researchers, academics and students with educational services, which promotes its visitors knowledge on the history and heritage of the UAE and the Gulf region. The visiting delegation expressed its admiration and praise of the National Archives' Library that seeks to be the Model specialized library in the region, as well as their aspirations to strengthen cooperation ties with it to benefit more from its pioneering experience since its establishment in the National archives in 1968.

At the end of their visit, the visiting delegation members watched a high-tech 3D documentary film on the UAE's history, present and future prospects at Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Virtual Reality Theatre, and acquainted themselves with samples of historical hand-written documents, photographs, and maps in Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Hall.

The National Archives Enlightens the Tourist Guides on

the UAE History and Heritage

The UAE National Archives organized in its headquarters an educational program for tourist guides which included a national lecture entitled: “The UAE the land of happiness, tolerance and morality” and a tour in the National Archives headquarters in which they were briefed on its missions and role in preserving the memory of the nation and making it accessible to decision-makers and researchers. The program is part of the course of the training and tourist guidance organized by Abu Dhabi Authority for Tourism and Culture.

The program started with a lecture on the UAE the Land of Happiness, Tolerance and Morality presented by Dr. Aisha Bilkhair, Research advisor at the National Archives to the delegation of Abu Dhabi Authority for Tourism and Culture, which was comprised of more than 35 tourist guides. The lecture began by praising the initiative of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of Armed Forces, which proposes to include moral education subject in the school curriculum, stressing that this initiative is essential for the UAE society's interest; as it represents a fundamental pillar in building the Emirati citizen. The UAE is proud as its present civilized life is associated with the values and morality derived from the teachings of its religion, and inherited them from parents and grandparents and from the values and qualities the founding leader, Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan instilled in the hearts and minds of UAE society.

The lecture focused on the values of the founding leader Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan and his wise leadership that pushed forward the wheel of progress resulting in the advancement and progress in the various aspects of life; starting with the Bedouins’ settlement, establishment of a mechanisms for women empowerment, and the role of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima in promoting women's status. Sheikh Zayed with his wisdom enriched all life's aspects and details through his directives; as in his choice of the UAE flag and slogan. He assigned the concerned parties to compose the national anthem and had wise views in drafting the constitution. His wisdom enabled him to consolidate his efforts with the other Emirates’ Rulers and formed the union and thus eliminated the borders between the UAE people.

The lecture included four axes, the first dealt with the integrity and credibility in delivering information; as there is information that might be unthinkable to the tourist guide considering it taken for granted, or because revolve on the details of familiar heritage vocabularies and the well-known historical events. Therefore, a tourist must verify them by asking the concerned parties who are knowledgeable in the history and heritage. A tourist guide must not resort to the hurried unreliable answers. The second axis was concerned with the basic roots of the UAE civilization and its cultural heritage, which is considered an extension of the Arab and Islamic civilization, and the third axis of the lecture was about happiness, tolerance and their origin which is arrived at through contemplating the UAE urban character in the past, where the neighborhood (al Fareej) necessitated people's closeness to each other, such closeness equipped them civilized values in their dealings with each other and promoted cooperation and tolerance which consolidated happiness values.

The tourist guides toured the National Archives, where they watched a high-tech 3D documentary film on the UAE's history, present and future prospects at Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Virtual Reality Theatre, and viewed in Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Hall samples of manuscripts, documents, historical photographs and maps. Their tour covered the Emirates library; which is a leading library specialized in the history and culture of the UAE and the Gulf region, and is considered an important for researchers; due to its sources, references and public books in their hard as well as in electronic formats.

In Response to Mohammad Bin Zayed’s Initiative, the National Archives Enhances its Teaching System with Moral Education

In response to the initiative launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, which requires the supporting of the educational process with the subject of “Moral Education”, the National Archives launched a new program that includes educational and moral lectures and activities that contribute in instilling noble values and ethics in students’ behavior. They also contribute to the national education, which the National Archives has always taken it upon its shoulders. The National Archives supports the educational process in the UAE with national values that promote loyalty and belonging and reinforce the national identity.

In this regard, HE Dr. Abdulla Al Raisi, the Director General of the National Archives stressed that the participation of the National Archives in this active initiative will have a tremendous impact on consolidating the noble moral values in the generations of students’ behavior in a way that promotes the national identity and morality. The authentic values and high morals will go together with students’ knowledge attainment.

He added that at the National Archives, we dearly value this kind initiative and believe that high societies build their scientific prosperity on a firm base of morality. We, in the United Arab Emirates, and under our wise leadership, are keen on that. At the National Archives, we our keenness is doubled on the moral system while we carry out our national duty; we are engaged in upbringing active and aware generations. We seek to promote loyalty and belonging to the homeland and to consolidate the national identity in citizens. We strive to strengthen the bonds of solidarity among the members of the society. We are inspired by the thoughts of HH Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Presidential Affairs and Chairman of the National.

The National Archives’ Director General pointed out that the NA is preparing an integrated educational and training system to strengthen moral education as a key aspect in promoting the principles of morality that develop generations’ capacity to build their own society. He added that in setting up its system, which promotes moral education, the National Archives relies on the values derived from the teachings of Islam, the values of good citizenship and the Charter of the Emirati citizen, which leads to esteem, cooperation, benevolence, sense of belonging, giving, sacrifice and unlimited contribution to the nation.

HE added that in the forefront of the foundations on which we rely in preparing the educational and training system with which we hope to enhance the moral education are the values and principles the founding leader Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan had instilled in the hearts of the UAE people who lived through the experience of establishing the union and the establishment of the UAE, which has become comparable to the most advanced and prosperous countries in the world. His wise words often called for consolidating morality and good values  in the hearts and minds of all the members in the various segments of society, so the UAE with its people and leaders gains the prestige it has gained now.

Dr. Al Raisi said that all the National Archives’ experts, specialists and staff have directly responded to HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s initiative. Thus, the Educational Programs Section proceeded on planning and preparing lectures, activities and events that made the moral education into an educational program to be added to the other 21 educational programs designed by the National Archives for students. These programs will be at the core of the NA designed programs for the next academic year, especially as it is a partner with the Ministry of Education in the preparation of the documents of the national curriculum in civics and history subjects. There are joint committees between the two parties, a memorandum of understanding governing their cooperation. Moreover, the National archives collaborates with Abu Dhabi Education Council and private schools to support the educational process and to enhance loyalty and belonging to the nation.

His Excellency explained that taking advantage of its treasures of historical documents, the National Archives seeks to bring added values that prompted it to increase the number of beneficiaries from its educational programs up to about 45000 users in the first half of the current year.