Memory of the Nation attracts visitors to innovative initiatives during Shaikh Zayed Heritage Festival

Memory of the Nation wing, which represents the participation of the National Archives in the 2016 Shaikh Zayed Heritage Festival, has attracted a huge number of visitors, who were impressed by the distinguished daily initiatives.

For the first time, NA introduced an innovative program for instilling national identity using robots.  This initiative attracted the participation of a wide turnout of children and students, who benefited from NA robot programming expertise.

This new program involves children, using a select cultural information series, taking it into the process of manufacturing and programing, with emphasis on competition among groups of participants.

Currently, the focus is on culture and racing, such as horse and camel races, and the Jiu-Jitsu challenge, which is an international sport whose Emirati champions have mastered and received first prizes.

The History of Arabian equestrian sport was displayed during the first week, including the international races the country organizes, particularly International Dubai Equestrian Cup, and Shaikh Mansour's Equestrian Festival.

During the second week, visitors were oriented about the UAE camel racing culture, important racing camels' qualities, and the traditional role of camels in desert life.

Memory of Education wing attracted a special turnout of children who are interested in Jiu-Jitsu sport in the UAE.  Young visitors received information on the origin of the sport and its start in the UAE.  The sport was of great interest to H. H. Shaikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince, and Vice High Commander of Armed Forces.  H. H. believes that the game can refine human personality, in addition to its physical and health benefits.  When this sport is mentioned, so is the name of H. H. Shaikh Tahnoon Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who was the first to introduce and develop the sport and spread it throughout the country.  A lecture with a presentation was given to the youth about Jiu-Jitsu Club, the arts of the sport, and the UAE national team achievements.

Children's coloring corner, at the Memory of the Nation Wing, aimed at developing creativity using bright colors and colored sand.  Young visitors were extremely involved in this corner and enjoyed the activity, which was directing their imagination positively.  All young participants received gifts for their work.

Another activity within NA wing was “Rare Local Emirati Vocabulary Challenge”, which went on for two weeks in a row.  Organizers were able to collect 304 local dialect vocabulary and their meanings, and filed them electronically.  Some visitors came to this corner to familiarize themselves with Emirati vocabulary, while others were interested in adding more new vocabulary to the list.  The list will be posted and updated on Instagram. 

NA awarded medals to “Memory of Education” winners in Robotic Programming, to motivate children.