In its “Memory of the Nation” exhibition, the National Archives reviews, through documentary films, past and present of the UAE. 

Through its participation in Sheikh Zayed Heritage Festival 2017, the National Archives presents, in its “Memory of the Nation” exhibition, a series of documentary films on UAE’s history, starting from the Ancient History of the Emirates, to the Trucial States and Pre-Union era up to the present time, in which the UAE enjoys prosperity and abundance under the leadership of H. H. Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE. The exhibition displays a documentary film related to the year 1918, in which the Founding Leader, Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, was born, and sheds lights on the establishment of the Union and the development witnessed in the UAE during his reign. The series of the documentary films end up with a special film about the demise of the “Wiseman” of the Arabs.

In celebration of the centennial anniversary of Sheikh Zayed’s birth, the “Memory of the Nation” exhibition presents two documentary films. The first film is about the year 1918 in which Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan was born, documenting his great role in the establishment and development of the UAE, as well as his local and international achievements. The second film is about his demise. The other two documentary films are about the Union and development, covering the major role played by Sheikh Zayed, alongside with the founding fathers, in establishing the Union and developing the UAE. The two films point out that the Union was the beginning of the UAE’s real development in all fields.  The development was a natural outcome of considerable efforts by the Late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, combined with those of his brothers, Rulers of the Emirates. Based on Sheikh Zayed’s strong determination, the march set off and the comprehensive development took place in all sectors of society. As a result, the UAE’s experience and achievements have become an example to be followed. The documentary film about the demise of Sheikh Zayed presents his achievements, his efforts in building the UAE and his contributions to the UAE, the Arab world and the world as a whole, which will commemorate him as a leader and an icon over time.

It is worth mentioning that the first documentary film is about history and civilization of the UAE and neighboring areas. Since the dawn of history, God has blessed this area with great civilization and it has remained, through ages, a land of civilizations. For example, the civilization of Umm Al Nar in Abu Dhabi goes back 5000 years. The Emirates also kept interacting with neighboring civilizations so there was mutual influence between them. The artifacts abundant in UAE museums prove this interaction and influence.