National Library and Archives

In a seminar held during its fourth cultural season,
The National Library and Archives explored the historical significance and contemporary relevance of Abu Dhabi’s castles and forts.

The National Library and Archives organized a seminar on castles and forts in Abu Dhabi. It emphasized that these structures were historically emblematic of power and influence, serving as strongholds and residences for rulers, and standing as testaments to their accomplishments. They have played a crucial role in the history of various peoples and regions, with their enduring monuments reflecting a rich heritage and illustrious past.
Participants noted that the castles, forts, and watchtowers have become defining historical features of Abu Dhabi and the UAE as a whole, necessitated by the geographical landscape and historical contexts for their defensive purposes.

The event included insights from Dr. Mohamed Fateh Zaghal, a researcher and author of “Memory of Clay: Evidence from the Architectural and Military Heritage in Al Ain,” Mr. Mubarak Khalifa, a researcher at the Abu Dhabi Police General Headquarters, and Dr. Asma Saeed Al Maamari from Mohamed bin Zayed University for Humanities. The seminar was moderated by Dr. Hosnia Al Ali, an Education Advisor at the National Library and Archives.

Participants highlighted that Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, recognized as the architect of the UAE’s renaissance, played a pivotal role in the construction, restoration, and preservation of numerous castles, forts, and watchtowers.
This seminar came within the National Library and Archives’ fourth cultural season themed “For a more cohesive society”. It underscored that Al Ain is home to the highest number of castles and forts. It focused on the shared characteristics of these structures, including their locations, construction materials, the architectural design of the fortifications, the building of watch towers beyond national borders, and the prevalence of these structures in elevated regions, etc.
The seminar shed light on the castles and forts located in Al Ain, beginning with Al Jahili Fort, followed by Sheikh Sultan Fort, Al Anka Fort, Mazyad Fort, Al Murabba Fort, Al Mureijib Fort, Al Muwaiji, and concluding with the Al Ain Palace Museum. This museum, established in 1937 by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, served as his residence in the city centre.
The seminar featured a presentation on the various castles and forts where police forces operated within the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. It provided detailed digital data and information regarding Mazyad Fort and Al Ain Palace, which once served as the residence of the Ruler’s Representative in Al Ain before being transformed into a museum in 2001. It also highlighted Qasr Al Hosn, recognized as the oldest historical structure in Abu Dhabi. Additionally, it shed light on Al Murabba Fort which was constructed in Al Ain in 1949 under the directive of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and later became the headquarters for the Coast Forces Command and was named Zayed Murabba. The seminar also referred to Al Maqta Fort and Tower.
The seminar also acknowledged the castles, forts, and watchtowers of the Al Dhafra region, including Mezera Fort, one of the notable castles in the city of Liwa, as well as Al Dhafra Fort, Al Namil Fort, and others. It underscored the significance of historical discoveries related to castles and forts, revealing the existence of over 15 forts in Liwa. It was supported by numerous photographs and historical documents that validated the information presented, emphasizing the interconnectedness of the watchtowers and forts in terms of history, politics, and architecture. Many of these structures have played a crucial role in the history of the UAE, with remnants that continue to connect them to the past.
It is important to note that the National Library and Archives has taken an active interest in documenting the castles, forts, and watchtowers across the country. In this regard, it has published several notable works, including “Forts and Castles in the United Arab Emirates,” “Castles and Towers in the Al Dhafra Region,” and “Al Dhafra Fort,” among others.

In alignment with the Year of Community,
The National Library and Archives has acquired over one million historical documents from the Ras Al Khaimah Courts.
Considering their significance as valuable information sources, and because they provide a documentary asset that serves as a foundation for historical accuracy, the National Library and Archives acquired one million historical transaction records from the Ras Al Khaimah Courts Department. This collection was moved for preservation and restoration between June 2024 and January 2025. They include authentication documents, marriage and divorce contracts, civil and legal executions, petitions, representations, declarations, and contracts certified by a notary public.

This initiative comes as affirmation of the genuine interest dedicated to the Emirati society and family, which is central to the Year of Community. These historical transactions serve as important documents for families and individuals, officially recording familial and community connections within society, thereby reflecting respect and pride in its constituents.
On this occasion, His Excellency Abdullah Majed Al-Ali, the Director General of the National Library and Archives, commented: “The collaboration with Ras Al Khaimah Courts is one of the most important initiatives, achieving a substantial level of integration between the NLA and governmental bodies throughout the nation. This initiative is in line with Federal Law No. (7) of 2008 regarding the National Library and Archives and its implementing regulations.”
His Excellency went on to emphasize that compliance with the law and joint endeavours are vital for preserving the immense historical significance of these documents, ensuring they are protected within a national institution that has global expertise in this domain. Furthermore, the initiative improves the level of integration among governmental entities, a key aspect of the UAE Government Excellence Model (GEM) in its latest 2024 edition, which prioritizes outcomes, results, collaboration, and integration.

His Excellency Chancellor Ahmed Mohammed Al Khatri, Chairman of Ras Al Khaimah Courts, stated that this initiative aims to ensure the preservation of the historical and rare paper files from the Ras Al Khaimah Courts Department with a high standard of quality, allowing for easy retrieval. It also seeks to ensure that any partially damaged documents are restored at a specialized institution with a global reputation, such as the NLA, safeguarding them from potential hazards. He emphasized that the economic benefits of this project align with the vision of the Government of Ras Al Khaimah 2030. This involves supporting a policy of business continuity and minimizing the risks associated with storing a large volume of paper documents in inadequate facilities, which could lead to damage or loss.

Dr. Hamad Al-Mutairi, Director of the Archives Department at the National Library and Archives, confirmed that both parties have agreed to carry out a project to transfer 100% of the old paper files from the Ras Al Khaimah Courts Department to the National Library and Archives, which include approximately 1,407,818 old paper transactions dating back to before 2020.

Dr. Hazza Al-Naqbi, Head of the Government Archives Department, indicated that the National Library and Archives has a specific system in place for accessing and borrowing these files, noting that the NLA has successfully completed 70.3% of the total number of old files scheduled for transfer to their facilities.
Mohammed Hussein Fahmy, project manager and institutional development consultant at Ras Al Khaimah Courts, reported that 7,628 boxes containing 989,273 transactions have been successfully transported to the NLA over the course of 33 trips.

Reaffirming the Founder and Builder’s Dedication to Family and to Enabling Individuals to Serve Their Homeland.
The National Library and Archives Launches its 2025 Cultural Season with a Symposium Inspired by the Wisdom, Stances, and Achievements of
Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

The National Library and Archives inaugurated its 2025 cultural season with a symposium on the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Ruler of Abu Dhabi. The event highlighted his wise leadership, foreseeing the future in Sheikh Zayed’s thought, his achievements, exceptional visions, humanitarian efforts, interest in society and human development, which he considered as the cornerstone of any development and progress, and his efforts in education, healthcare and culture sectors to equip individuals to serve their homeland. Additionally, it emphasized his great attention to family, which he regarded the nucleus of society and the most significant influence on an individual’s character and formation.
The National Archives and Library selected this symposium due to the profound impact of this period in Sheikh Zayed’s history – an era filled with defining moments that established him as a symbol of wisdom, benevolence, and generosity at all levels. His enduring initiatives and inspiring leadership continue to affirm his status as an esteemed and visionary leader, admired both regionally and internationally.
The symposium featured distinguished speakers, including Dr. Wadima Al Dhaheri from Mohamed Bin Zayed University for Humanities, Dr. Mousa Al Hawari from the Department of Culture and Tourism, and Mr. Rashid Al Hosani from Trends Research & Advisory. The session was moderated by writer and historian Ms. Fatima Al Mazrouei, Head of the Historical Archives Department at the National Library and Archives.
The symposium highlighted Sheikh Zayed’s focus on foresight and future planning, exemplified by his meeting with NASA’s Apollo team in 1976. It also addressed his strategic use of soft power in international relations and his numerous achievements, most notably the establishment of the Union, advancement of education, promotion of culture and heritage, and the pursuit of development and progress. Moreover, Sheikh Zayed spared no effort in humanitarian endeavors, dedicating himself to society’s well-being and the advancement of human development.
The symposium emphasized the wisdom and exceptional vision of Sheikh Zayed as the founder and builder of the nation. He had a comprehensive development strategy aimed to position the UAE as a model of sustainable growth. Despite economic and political challenges, his determination and insight enabled him to overcome obstacles, leading to the development of infrastructure and essential facilities that ensured a dignified life for the people. With unwavering resolve, he pursued the unification of the Emirates, recognizing the paramount importance of unity. He spared no effort in empowering citizens, fostering peace, and strengthening national identity through the preservation of heritage and traditions. His enduring legacy of development and progress has profoundly influenced the UAE’s leadership, establishing the nation as a global benchmark.
The symposium also shed light on the humanitarian aspect of Sheikh Zayed’s life. It highlighted his contributions during his tenure as the Ruler’s Representative in Al Ain, where he played a vital role in maintaining aflaj irrigation system, implementing a structured water distribution plan. He prioritized agriculture and afforestation, expressing his renowned wisdom: “Give me agriculture, and I will guarantee you civilization”. The symposium also highlighted his dedication, throughout his rule of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, to education and healthcare, as well as the development of infrastructure and his efforts toward the establishment of the Union. He was a leader close to his people, a man of humanity who extended a helping hand with humanitarian aid to brothers and friends.