The 31st issue of Liwa highlights the importance of coins and archaeological artifacts, tracks the Taona Case, and traces horses in Emirati poetry,
The National Library and Archives delves into the past and documents significant milestones in the history and heritage of the UAE in its refereed historical journal

The National Library and Archives has released a fresh issue of the refereed historical journal, Liwa. This issue is loaded with topics concerning the history and heritage of the UAE, the Arabian Gulf region, and the Arabian Peninsula. The latest issue of Liwa journal features a broad spectrum of research and refereed studies by experts and specialists in history and heritage, providing scholars and researchers with dependable sources.
The new issue begins with the paper titled “The Application of Coins and Ancient Artifacts in Understanding the Historical Development of the United Arab Emirates, Towards a Fresh Perspective on Research”, by Dr. Atef Ramadan, Professor of Islamic Numismatics and Archaeology. This paper affirmed that excavations and archaeological surveys conducted by various departments of archaeology in the UAE have unearthed numerous intact or damaged archaeological sites, along with valuable Islamic and ancient coins. Furthermore, it uncovered a plethora of archaeological items that illuminate the history of the UAE and its civilization from the prehistoric times to the current day. These findings serve as authentic sources to re-examining the history of the UAE, alongside traditional sources such as records and manuscripts.
Furthermore, the paper emphasized that examining artifacts from the past without taking into account the geographic and cultural context of their discovery would lead to inaccuracies and skew the understanding of historical sites. Coins are one of the authentic sources to study the history and civilization of nations, as they offer significant insights into various facets of a nation’s life and are irrefutable historical proof.
The latest Liwa issue included another paper titled “Health and Medical Conditions in the Trucial States (1900-1971)”, by Dr. Asmaa Yousef Al Kindi. It detailed several epidemics and diseases that claimed thousands of lives across the Trucial States, such as plague, measles, smallpox, tuberculosis, malaria, intestinal and eye diseases. These outbreaks rapidly spread because of political, social, military, and economic influences.
The paper focused on the role of traditional medicine and folk healers in addressing diseases. It emphasized how traditional medicine healers played a crucial role in treating people along the Trucial Coast through various practices, including hijama (wet cupping), cauterization, wiping, and massage. Injuries were treated with water, salt and Arabic frankincense, while broken bones were set with splints. Pain in the abdomen and elsewhere was addressed with traditional remedies.
Dr. Asmaa Al Kindi introduced several physicians in the Trucial States and highlighted the significant contributions of the American Arabian Missions, focusing on their roles in the field of health and medicine. She also mentioned various doctors of the American Missions.
Furthermore, Liwa shed light on the Taona case, as Dr. Michael Quentin Morton showcased different aspects of British relations with Persia and Abu Dhabi (1902-1913).
Liwa included an interesting paper written by Dr. Bahia bint Saeed Al Ohtobia titled “The United Arab Emirates in the Omani Press in the 1970s: Oman Newspaper as a Model”. The Omani Emirati relations have been strong and consistent, owing to the shared historical background, common ancestry, and a political ideology based on profound national principles. The importance of this study lies in its examination of the United Arab Emirates’ history as portrayed in the official Omani press during the 1970s. It is significant to highlight the shared history of the Sultanate of Oman and the United Arab Emirates, and to track the key reports published by “Oman” newspaper concerning the Omani Emirati relations during that period.
The latest edition also features a research article by Dr. Wael Ibrahim Eldesoky, titled “The Founding March of the United Arab Emirates in Egyptian Newspapers.” It delves into the history of the UAE’s establishment in Egyptian newspapers, tracing its origins back to the visionary ideas of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and the late Sheikh Rashed bin Saeed Al Maktoum.
The author stated that this study aims to introduce significant aspects of Emirati-Egyptian historical relations during a pivotal era in both the UAE and Arab history. The research reveals that the Egyptian media closely monitored the UAE’s development from its inception, highlighting the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan’s insight in establishing a brighter future for the country.
“Liwa” also explored “Horses and Equestrianism in Emirati Poetry”, by Mr. Adel Al Amoodi. The study indicated that poetry serves as historical evidence for recognizing specific events in the region’s history including its figures, places, names of objects, customs, traditions, norms, proverbs, and prevailing values during a given period. It is obvious that the references to horses in Emirati poetry provide conclusive evidence that they have been a part of the UAE’s landscape for a long time and that the traditions of its inhabitants have revolved around them throughout history
The writer showcased a variety of poems that reference horses and equestrianism, highlighting the enduring role of these animals in the Emirates and the deep love the Emirati community holds for them. Among these poets is Al Majidi bin Dhaher, the first and oldest Nabati poet who wrote poems about horses and horsemanship. The writer also touched on the poetry of Muhin Al Shamsi, Ahmed Abdullah bin Sabt, Yacoub Al Hatimi, Ahmed Busnaidah, Ali Alghafli, Sheikh Saeed bin Hamad Al Qassimi, Saeed Al Hamli, Salem Al Jamri, and Hamad Bin Khalifa Abu Shehab.
The article indicates that purebred Arabian horses played a crucial role in the cultural fabric of the UAE. The frequent appearance of horses and horse-related motifs in Emirati literature can be linked to the enduring role of horses in the area, the love and respect the people have for them, and the attention and dedication shown by the rulers of the UAE towards them.
Mrs. Nouf Salem Al Junaibi, Chief Editor of Liwa, introduced the book “Al Qasim in Al Qawasim Coins: A Study of Coins in Use During the Reign of Sheikh Sultan bin Saqr Al Qasimi” authored by Mr. Issa Yousef. The primary aim of the book is to examine the currency in circulation throughout the Arabian Gulf during the rule of the Al Qawasim, particularly in the territories they governed. Additionally, the study includes the money issued by Sheikh Sultan bin Saqr Al Qasimi, which serves as a political, social, economic and historical document of a great importance to the Al Qawasim state at that time.
The publication is structured into five sections: First, “Sheikh Sultan bin Saqr Al Qasimi: His Birth and Early Life and the Lineage of Al Qawasim,” second, “The Reign of Power under Sheikh Sultan bin Saqr Al Qasimi,” third, “The Conflict between the British and Sheikh Sultan bin Saqr Al Qasimi,” fourth, “The Relationship between the Al Qawasim and Bandar Lengeh,” and fifth, “The Economic Situation in the Arabian Gulf during the Time of Sheikh Sultan bin Saqr Al Qasimi.”
It should be mentioned that the latest issue of Liwa featured research and articles written in English, notably: “The Taona Case: Aspects of British Relations with Persia and Abu Dhabi (1913-1902), “The Health and Medical Conditions in the Trucial States (1971-1900)”, and “The United Arab Emirates in the Omani Press in the 1970s: “Oman” Newspaper as a Model”.