The National Archives Celebrates Children's Day and Participates in Events and Activities.



In celebration of UAE Children's Day, the National Archives participates with Abu Dhabi Department of Culture & Tourism in organizing a number of events in Abu Dhabi public parks. It also participates with Dubai Culture and Arts Authority in its Reading Box Initiative, which will be held under the theme of: “A generation reads…A civilization rises”. The National Archive presents children's writings and creative works during the (Year of Zayed), in addition to their paintings that show their talents. It also organizes a number of competitions inspired by the publications of the National Archives, and distributes gifts. The National Archives’ own cartoon characters: “Hamad, Hissah, and the Grandfather” will share the children their joy.

As the National Archives aims at spreading more benefit coupled with joy and fun for the children, it invites some of the students who participated in (Zayed: 100 Stories) initiative during the (Year of Zayed) to talk to other children about their experience at “City Center Mirdif” in Dubai.

The National Archives’ corner in KidZania Dubai presents a number of activities related to documentation and archiving in celebration of UAE Children's Day.

The participation of the National Archives is based on the fact that children are the real assets of the homeland. The National Archives is a partner in national upbringing, and pays great deal of attention to children, and especially to the students among them, as it believes that childhood is one of the most important phases in the life of one’s life, and is the basis for the formation of his character in the future, which is the cornerstone of building society.

In many of its initiatives, the National Archives is keen in enriching children's knowledge of historical information to promote their sense of loyalty and belonging and to instill in them the national identity. One of the National Archives’ programs in this respect is “For a Promising Generation”, which contains initiatives such as Cultural Season, Student Historians Club, My Archive My Future, Reading Nation, Educational Kit, KidZania and National Curriculum Support.

Appreciating Qasr Al Watan

The National Archives Board of Directors holds its regular meeting and discusses the NA annual report

The National Archives Board of Directors held a meeting chaired by H.E. Hamad Abdul Rahman Al Midfa, Secretary-General of the Federal Supreme Council Affairs and Chairman of the NA’s BOD, in the presence of the BOD members. The BOD has reviewed the meeting agenda and made appropriate decisions that help the NA to continue its pioneering role in preserving the memory of the nation and providing access to it.

At the beginning of the meeting held at the NA premises, H.E. Chairman of the BOD appreciated the establishment of “Qasr Al Watan”, which is considered a cultural monument and one of the most significant historical and cultural landmarks in the UAE and an evidence for its civilizational progress and human heritage. It is an episode in the series of the achievements of UAE leaders, and an indication of their interest in continuing to build their country, preserving its heritage and documenting the progress of its civilization.

The Board discussed the strategic plan and its future projects, mainly the preparations for hosting the International Council on Archives Congress 2020, and the completion of the Restoration and Preservation Center. The attendees emphasized the importance of keeping on providing distinctive archival services, coping with technical advancements and qualifying the employees in all documentation and archiving related fields. They also discussed other matters related to the National Archives. 

The Board praised the NA annual report 2018, which stressed the NA ability for creativity, innovation and competition especially that it has managed to double its fruitful efforts and national contributions to all categories of the Centennial Initiative, launched at the beginning of last year in celebration of the Year of Zayed. The NA went beyond these categories to society members and beneficiaries inside and outside the UAE.

The Board reviewed the 2019 budget and focused on the importance of the projects, events and activities related to the NA duties and role in collecting government records. It discussed the project of the Arabian Gulf Digital Archives and what has been achieved. This project is an online network containing all of the Arabian Gulf documents. It will serve as the main source of reference for the history and heritage of the region and provide researchers with access to these documents.

Caption:

Hamad Al Midfa chairing the NA’s Board of Directors meeting.

The National Archives Contributes to the Rehabilitation

of Patients of the “Day Therapy Unit”

The National Archives has received for two days many a number of patients from the Psychiatric Rehabilitation Day Therapy Unit of the Behavioral Sciences Division at Sheikh Khalifa Medical City (SKMC), as part of the social responsibility which is considered a national and moral duty, in order to promote the values of belonging and loyalty to the UAE and to strengthen the national identity among its visitors, and to bring them closer to the other segments of the society.

The National Archives provided the visitors with information on the importance of preserving the memory of the nation and making it available to researchers, academics and students who are interested in the history and heritage of the UAE and the Gulf region. The National Archives acquainted them with important chapters of the history of the Founding Leader, Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

About these two visits Sheikha Rashid, the Psychiatric Social Worker said: “The welcome the patients of the Psychiatric Rehabilitation Day Therapy Unit received from the National Archives made us feel happy, especially when we noticed how the patients in the program interacted with what they saw in the National Archives with regards to services provided for researchers and specialists in the UAE history and heritage”.

She also praised the role of the National Archives in preserving the historical documents and in serving the society, and its ways in enriching its knowledge on the history of their homeland. She pointed to the modern methods and techniques the National Archives uses in providing its collections, which cover the periods before and after the Union.

She expressed her happiness with the interest of the participants in the “Day Therapy Unit” program in the UAE Library, which included sources and references on the history of the UAE and Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan's role in the establishment of the UAE. The patients have also visited the “Customers’ Happiness Hall” which has been specially designed to receive researchers and students. It contains state of the art equipment and software that facilitate the search in the history and heritage of the UAE and the Gulf region.

The Psychiatric Social Worker pointed out that these visits are part of a series of innovative programs and initiatives that include many psychologic and community activities as well as therapy through work that aimed at enhancing the psychological stability and social rehabilitation of participants.

In cooperation with the Ministry of Education in organizing the procedural research competition,

The National Archives launches a series of training workshops in the run-up to the procedural research competition for teachers.

In the context of the procedural research competition for academic staff launched jointly by the NA and Ministry of Education, the NA has announced the kickoff of a series of specialized training workshops for teachers. The two-day procedural research workshops have been held first at Ajman Teachers Training Institute in presence of more than 500 participants. Afterwards, such workshops will continue to be held at the NA premises in Abu Dhabi.

The procedural research competition, which targets all teachers, academic supervisors and training specialists from various specializations and circles in the UAE, is part of the Founding Leader’s Award launched by the Ministry. The award aims at instilling Zayed’s insight and vision in all  the award contestants, so that such insight and vision would become a theoretical and practical model for hard work that results in achieving the goals on the UAE national agenda.

The objective of NA and the Ministry behind the training workshops, at which Mrs. Husniya Al Ali, Head of Educational Programs at the NA, will deliver lectures, is to introduce the participants to the concept of procedural research, the difference between this and other types of research, selection criteria, wording of questions, information sources, types of samples adopted by researchers, as well as research prerequisites, research-related report writing steps, referencing terms, academic writing of research proposal and references, and research evaluation criteria.

The procedural research workshops will cover the statistical tools using SPSS, which is one of the most famous and frequently used software in the statistical software packages, and AMOS.

The NA cooperation with the Ministry of Education in this regard, is based on its keen interest in honing the skills of the UAE teaching staff and distinguished researchers and encouraging them to broaden their knowledge of research methodology, which is instrumental in solving educational problems. In addition, competitions will be held to foster the spirit of initiative and innovation among the teaching staff at the UAE schools, consolidate the procedural research concepts, content and methodology, experiment with and benefit from new ideas and programs, tackle educational issues and enrich libraries with academic studies. Moreover, such studies will be published in academic refereed journals and shared with others in educational forums and cultural conferences at the local and regional levels.

By taking part in this competition, the NA looks forward to fostering national identity, enhancing the sense of belonging to the homeland and allegiance to its wise leadership, together with raising awareness of the history and culture of the UAE society, and improving the educational environment.

The National Archives Discusses with the Bahraini Ambassador Promoting mutual Cooperation in Archiving, Documentation and Historical Research.



H.E. Dr. Abdullah Mohammed Alraisi, Director General of the National Archives, discussed with H.E. Sheikh Khalid Bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Bahrain in the United Arab Emirates, the means of cooperation and coordination in collecting and preserving the memory of the nation.

H.E. Dr. Abdullah Mohammed Alraisi received the Bahraini Ambassador and gave him a detailed explanation of the establishment and development of the National Archives. Alraisi highlighted the achievements of the National Archives under the directives and continuous follow-up of His Highness Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Presidential Affairs and Chairman of the National Archives. They discussed ways of enhancing communication and exchanging experiences with Bahraini centers concerned with the history of the Kingdom of Bahrain.

Alraisi presented the tasks the National Archives carries out in the field of organizing archives and preserving the documents of the UAE ministries and institutions in its newly established Conservation and Restoration Center. H.E. pointed out that the National Archives adopts advanced and modern sophisticated technology in performing its daily tasks, and emphasized the importance of advantages of mutual cooperation between the National Archives and the Kingdom of Bahrain.

The Director General focused on the role of the Archives in the next stage which relies on adopting best international practices at both regional and Arab levels, indicating the National Archives’ keenness to ensure that its future plans conform with the vision of UAE 2021.

The Ambassador of the Kingdom of Bahrain praised the close and strong relations shared with the National Archives which participated in the Embassy of Bahrain’s National Day celebrations by organizing an exhibition of historical photographs and documents in Manama. He also referred to the importance of archival experiences and national lectures the National Archives delivered in Bahrain, at the forefront of which is the lecture of the Director General of the National Archives entitled “Promoting the National Identity Culture- the Experience of the United Arab Emirates as a Model” aimed at fostering the culture of national identity, loyalty and belonging.

The Ambassador praised the role of the National Archives and its advancement, the importance of the historical information it presents on the United Arab Emirates and anticipated further cooperation in the fields of archiving and documentation.

The Ambassador concluded his visit to the headquarters of the National Archives with a tour that included the Emirates Library, Customers Happiness Hall and Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Virtual Reality Hall where he watched a high-tech 3D film on the UAE  history, present and future prospects. H.E. expressed his admiration for Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Hall showcasing samples of manuscripts, maps and historical photographs documenting the stages of the establishment of the United Arab Emirates.

The National Archives hosts in Abu Dhabi the meetings of the International Council on Archives and the Forum of National Archives in the World



The National Archives of the United Arab Emirates hosts the special meetings of the International Council of Archives and the meetings of the National Archives Forum. The International Council of Archives is currently reviewing its strategic directions. These important meetings are held in the city of Abu Dhabi, which has been constantly developing, and looks to the future. This makes the participants look forward with great hope that their meetings will result in agendas that will enable members to come up with innovative ideas and meaningful approaches that enhance the role of the International Council on Archives in the future. 

The 2019 National Archives Forum in Abu Dhabi features inspiring presentations and strategic discussions centered around interesting topics popular with national archives around the globe. This event includes a constellation of prominent thought leaders who participate in interactive seminars and discussions. This event constitutes an opportunity for national archivists and those who follow in their path to participate in the important dialogues with a strategic orientation that keep pace with the discussion axes emanating from the International Council on Archives conference, including identifying mechanisms for influencing archive-related issues facing governments, major institutions and all those concerned, and demanding their adoption. With finding an effective archiving strategy that is in line with the requirements of the digital age, and the need to absorb and interact with digital technologies such as artificial intelligence and machine learning.

The Archivists Forum is also looking to establish practical digital solutions in an environment with limited financial means.  The forum is unique in that it stimulates national archivists to explore the possibilities offered by digital technologies for all forms of archives, especially in an era characterized by permanent change. 

The International Archives Council is a neutral, member-funded, non-governmental organization that engages in events by its distinguished members. The Council includes archival institutions and archiving specialists from all over the world, who are committed to providing an elaborate archival management that ensures the preservation of the archived tangible heritage, the establishment of solid standards and effective practices, the encouragement of cross-border dialogue, and the transfer and circulation of knowledge and expertise around the world. With more than 1,500 members from 199 countries and territories, the Council seeks to harness the cultural diversity of its members in finding effective solutions and professional practices that are flexible and creative.   

The Forum of National Archives is an integral part of the International Council of Archives, and the Forum seeks, in accordance with the Council's constitution, to find high-level and strategic inputs in order to address the challenges surrounding archival management at the present time. In this context, the forum hosts delegations from more than 160 countries, opening prospects for joint work with national archivists, who seize this opportunity to exchange many experiences and knowledge in order to benefit archiving sectors all over the world.   

It should be noted that the International Archives Council holds a major conference once every four years, and the next conference is scheduled to be held in partnership with  The National Archives of the United Arab Emirates and with its support in Abu Dhabi in November 2020  Under the slogan: "Empowering knowledge societies", which provides professionals in the field of archives and related information with prospects for research into the effects resulting from the use of  Modern technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain technology, and the semantic information network, in addition to studying the role of archives in preserving sustainable development while securing evidence and ensuring honesty in a post-real world. The International Council on Archives is looking forward to this conference, which is a view of the horizons of archival thought and practices at the international level.

The National Archives Celebrates Children's Day and Participates in Events and Activities.



In celebration of UAE Children's Day, the National Archives participates with Abu Dhabi Department of Culture & Tourism in organizing a number of events in Abu Dhabi public parks. It also participates with Dubai Culture and Arts Authority in its Reading Box Initiative, which will be held under the theme of: “A generation reads…A civilization rises”. The National Archive presents children's writings and creative works during the (Year of Zayed), in addition to their paintings that show their talents. It also organizes a number of competitions inspired by the publications of the National Archives, and distributes gifts. The National Archives’ own cartoon characters: “Hamad, Hissah, and the Grandfather” will share the children their joy.

As the National Archives aims at spreading more benefit coupled with joy and fun for the children, it invites some of the students who participated in (Zayed: 100 Stories) initiative during the (Year of Zayed) to talk to other children about their experience at “City Center Mirdif” in Dubai.

The National Archives’ corner in KidZania Dubai presents a number of activities related to documentation and archiving in celebration of UAE Children's Day.

The participation of the National Archives is based on the fact that children are the real assets of the homeland. The National Archives is a partner in national upbringing, and pays great deal of attention to children, and especially to the students among them, as it believes that childhood is one of the most important phases in the life of one’s life, and is the basis for the formation of his character in the future, which is the cornerstone of building society.

In many of its initiatives, the National Archives is keen in enriching children's knowledge of historical information to promote their sense of loyalty and belonging and to instill in them the national identity. One of the National Archives’ programs in this respect is “For a Promising Generation”, which contains initiatives such as Cultural Season, Student Historians Club, My Archive My Future, Reading Nation, Educational Kit, KidZania and National Curriculum Support.

Nahyan Bin Mubarak visits the exhibition and commends it.

The National Archives takes part in the Kuwaiti Embassy celebrations of Kuwait's National Day.

NA participated with a large number of historical photographs that depict the genuine brotherly relations between the Emirati and Kuwaiti peoples. The photo exhibition received many diplomats and VIPs.  HE Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance, toured the exhibition accompanied by HE Ahmed Jumaa Al Zaabi, Minister of Higher Supreme Council at the Ministry of Presidential Affairs, and HE Abdulla Ahmed Al Salem, the Kuwaiti acting Charge d’ Affaires in the UAE. At the end of his tour, HE Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan commended the NA efforts to preserve the memory of the nation and document the historical brotherly relations between the two countries.

NA's photo exhibition and the Kuwaiti embassy ceremony were held in the Fairmont Bab Al Bahr Hotel.  The exhibition documented some of the meetings that the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan held with the late Sheikh Jaber Al Ahmed Al Subah and HH Sheikh Subah Al Ahmed Al Jaber Al Subah, Emir of Kuwait, plus other Kuwaiti VIPs. These meetings were constructive and had a positive impact in consolidating the two countries brotherly relations and extending the bridges of mutual cooperation in various fields.

HE Abdullah Ahmad Al-Salem expressed his pleasure with the National Archives participation, stressing that it reflects the profound brotherly relations, loyalty, and solidarity. NA's photos documented the historical relations based on full understanding between both leaderships on different levels.

He praised the participation of the National Archives, which is an ideal example of the real brotherly relations between both countries.

In line with promoting, disseminating and reinforcing the noble values of tolerance in the “Year of Tolerance”

The National Archives, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, launched the national initiative: "Our Inspirational Tales".



The National Archives, in collaboration with the Guidance and Activities Sector of the Ministry of Education, launched a pioneering national literacy initiative entitled "Our Inspirational Tales”.  This initiative comes within the framework of students' civic education and national upbringing, and to instill national and moral values  in them, which strengthens their loyalty to their homeland and the wise leadership, in addition to reinforcing the principles and values of tolerance. The importance of this national initiative is further enhanced as it coincides with the Year of Tolerance, which is considered a further extension of the Year of Zayed, as based on the great success that the " Zayed, 100  Stories" initiative realized.

The initiative, aimed at students from the seventh to the twelfth grades, contributes to promoting students' voluntary reading of useful and purposeful subjects that enhance their national sense, to community development, and to building authentic characters based on sound ethics and giving to the homeland. The initiative also develops students' knowledge and skills, and promotes the progress of those talented and gifted in the field of writing, public speaking, lecturing and research.

The initiative, which was launched at the National Festival of Science, Technology and Innovation (2019), reinforces the virtue of openness to other cultures and people of the world, highlights the efforts of the UAE to promote the values of coexistence, peace and love, and encourages volunteer work for its importance in promoting sustainable development.

It is note-worthy that schools participating in this initiative have the opportunity to market their programs and activities through the various media platforms of both the Ministry of Education and the National Archives. Participants will receive participation certificates, their volunteer hours will be considered a university requirement, and winning projects will be honored according to award categories.

Launching of the award will be followed by introductory sessions in early February, followed by training and supportive workshops for all participants.





The deadline for receiving registration and participation form, the deadline for receiving and evaluating participation works, and the closing ceremony for honoring the winners shall be decided.

The Restoration and Preservation Centre and the “Memory of the Nation” receives a delegation from the Kazakhstani Archives.

In the course of its visit to the NA of the UAE and its interest in its experience, a delegation from the National Archives of the Republic of Kazakhstan visited the NA Restoration and Preservation Centre and the “Memory of the Nation” pavilion with which the National Archives of the UAE participates in this year’s edition of Sheikh Zayed Heritage Festival. The delegation expressed appreciation for the role the Restoration and Preservation Centre serves in preserving the documentary assets of the UAE,  the delegation also showed admiration for the “Memory of the Nation” pavilion acquisitions that offer the generations and festival visitors a short but an intense journey through the history of the UAE and the biography of the Founding Leader Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan since the time he was appointed as the Ruler’s Representative in Al Ain in 1964.

The Kazakhstani delegation members went on a tour of the Restoration and Preservation Centre where they learnt about its main duties whether currently or in future, they also inspected the facility's units which are prepared to receive and keep official government records. The delegation expressed its admiration for the Centre’s capacity, the technologies employed for documents digitization and storage in microfilm and microfiche forms, the capacity for High resolution scanning of documents of various types: manuscripts, books, newspapers, maps and photographs.

Mrs. Sheikha Al Qahtani, Head of the NA Government Archives Section, gave a detailed explanation about the Centre which was established to manage the preservation process of official government files and records of historic type in accordance with the Federal Law No. (7) of 2008 on the National Archives, later amended by Federal Law No. (1) of 2014 and the executive regulation thereof, with the aim of preserving these historical documents to utilize them later through facilitating their prompt accessibility upon need as well as securing and safeguarding them at their storage locations.

Al Qahtani explained to the visiting delegation that the abovementioned law provided for the preservation and archiving of files according to scientific archival principles and standards with the aim of retrieving them later to serve public interest. This would contribute to spreading cultural and historical awareness and allowing access to the information retained by the NA to researchers who would like to utilize them in their documentation of the UAE history.

The Kazakhstani delegation has expressed its desire for cooperation with the NA in a way which achieves integration in the main archival and documentation work-fields between the two countries.

The delegation visited the “Memory of the Nation” pavilion at Sheikh Zayed Heritage Festival where they inspected the NA acquisitions which present bright pages of the glorious history of the UAE and the biography of its Founding Leader Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

The delegation has expressed its appreciation for the modern and interesting technologies employed by the NA in its presentation of the documented historical information. The guests viewed a large number of historical documents, photographs and films reflecting different aspects of the UAE history and culture which in turn represent the journey of development and tolerance the Nation has undergone and the assiduous efforts of Sheikh Zayed in the fields of construction and agriculture supported by his follow up and inspection of various projects in the UAE. They delegation members also watched a large interactive screen displaying the Al Bu Falah family tree advanced smart application introducing the main figures of the Al Nahyan family with a particular interest in and focus on the prominent figures who governed the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

The Kazakhstani delegation members later visited Qasr Al Hosn where they inspected its various features and sections, and stopped at some length in contemplation of the rooms where the NA was first established in 1968 as the “Bureau for Documents and studies” under the directives of the Founding Leader Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

The National Archives Promotes Loyalty and Sense of Belonging, and Enhances National Identity amongst Students

“Memory of a Nation”; Sheikh Zayed Festival Receives Hundreds of Students through School Educational & Recreational Trips

The National Archives Pavilion in the current edition of Sheikh Zayed's Heritage Festival in Al Wathba received 1,800 students in four days, as part of the educational and recreational school field trips.  Attendees were from different level classes. Hundreds of students continue to visit on daily basis, to learn about stages of the UAE history, and the life of the founding leader, Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

In order to provide students with historical information, the National Archives relies on modern and exciting technologies, which help promote loyalty, sense of belonging and national identity, in line with the directives and vision of the wise leadership of the country.

Students' visits are the efforts of close coordination between the Department of Education and Knowledge, and the Organizing Committee of Sheikh Zayed Heritage Festival. Students first browse the many historical documents, photographs and films in the exhibit, to acquaint themselves with Sheikh Zayed’s vision and the UAE history, which reflects ideas of tolerance.

“Memory of a Nation” exhibit enriches students’ knowledge of history and heritage of the UAE, and the legacy of Sheikh Zayed. As they approach the exhibit, students admire its impressive cultural design, decorated with quotations from Sheikh Zayed’s sayings, which present the late Sheikh's ideas and principles of preserving and cherishing history, and making it the basis for the movement of development in the UAE society.

Students tour “Memory of a Nation” exhibit to learn about the different eras of the history of the UAE, watch the smart interactive application of Al Nahyan Family Tree that gives synopses of the most prominent figures of Al Nahyan, the ruling family of Abu Dhabi.  Students then watch a collection of rare films, depicting Sheikh Zayed’s efforts in development and agriculture, and his inspection tours of the various projects.

Via a number of modern technologies, “Memory of a Nation” exhibition provides student visitors with main turning points of the journey of Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan: The first stage is the period he spent in Al Ain as the Representative of the Ruler of Abu Dhabi from 1946 to 1966.  Al Ain is in the Eastern Region of Abu Dhabi.  Sheikh Zayed had vested interest in education, health and agriculture. The second stage is the period of his rule of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, from 1966 until the establishment of the Union in 1971, showing his efforts in development in all fields. The third stage is his rule of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, and his election as the President of the UAE, from 1971 to 2004, reflecting his accomplishments and insight and vision.

The National Archives enriches the Education Corner with more information on the life of the late Sheikh Zayed, which shows a lot about his generosity, principles, values and achievements.  

(Liwa) Tours the UAE and the Gulf Region: Review of the History of Dhafra, Mecca and Medina, and Opens Chapters of Dubai History, and the Rest of the Trucial States



The National Archives Releases the 20th Issue of Liwa Journal



The 20th issue of Liwa, the scientific journal that deals with original scientific research in Arabic and English has been released. It covers many subjects relevant to history, heritage and archeology of the United Arab Emirates and the Gulf region.

In its new issue, Liwa journal investigates the UAE and the Gulf region, uncovering the obscurity of Dhafra's early history and presenting the traditional trades and industries of Mecca and Medina. It also reviews the emergence and development of cinemas on the Trucial Coast.  It introduces the biography of Yousef Bin Abdullah Al Sarkal and sheds lights on the reality of the cultural diplomacy in the Arab world, and the role of the British Council in the Middle East and the Gulf during fifty decades.

The new issue begins with a research article entitled: “An Unknown Chapter of the History of Dhafra, based on al-Hasa documents pertaining to the history of the region”, where there is a reference to the ambiguity of the history of the region in some periods, due to the lack or scarcity of documents. The most ambiguous periods in the peninsula in general, and Dhafra in particular was the period that followed the fall of the Jabrids in al-Hasa in 933 H, until the end of the 12th Hijri century. Researcher Thani Bin Abdullah al-Muhairi has examined the documents of that period believed to be related to the region. He considered that period to be an important chapter of the region’s political and intellectual history.

The research deals with the fall of the Jabrids and the establishment of the Bani Yas Emirate. The researcher introduces Sheikh Mohammad al-Yasi, who built a fortress on Das Island, and reviews his dealings. He also introduces Sheikh Falah, from whom Al Buflah descends.  He shows that the latter was in Dhafra, and was elected by Bani Yas Sheikhs in the 10th Hijri century to be their Emir. The researcher provides some of the Sheikh's poems.

In the second research paper, Dr. Hayat Bint Manawar Al-Rasheedi discusses “The History of Economic Life of the Land of the Two Holy Mosques, through the Travelers' Books during the Ottoman Era.  Crafts and Traditional Industries as Models.” The researcher points out that crafts and traditional industries are the records of the cultural heritage and the history of nations. Many crafts and traditional industries were established in Mecca and Medina to meet the needs of their people, and flourished due the vast movement of trade.

The research reviews the economic life through traditional crafts and industries in Mecca and Medina, through the books of the travelers who visited the land of the Two Holy Places in the Ottoman era.  The research consists of a preface, giving a brief overview of the travelers and their works, three axes: 1- the concept of craft and industry, 2- the most important crafts and industries in Mecca and Medina, and 3- the markets of the two holy cities and the products of those crafts and industries that used for trade.

The book presents a biography of one of Dubai’s men in the first half of the 20th century; Yusuf Bin Abdullah Al-Sarkal, whose personal history was associated with the history of the Emirate of Dubai. He was one of the main pearl merchants in the region and had extensive relations locally and abroad.  He invested all for the benefit of his country and his people.

Yusuf Bin Abdullah Al-Sarkal’s lineage goes back to Al Ali clan of Mutair tribe. He was born in the 1860s. The research reviews his works, focuses on his role as Deputy Native Agent in Dubai, and his being honored with Khan Sahib medal, his work in pearl trade and other businesses, his contributions to Education, some of his charitable works, his education, his real estates,  his family and his death on Friday 29 April, 1938.

In the fourth research, Dr. Stephen Twigge writes “Cultural Diplomacy and the Arab World: The British Council in the Middle East and Arabian Gulf - the First Fifty Years, 1938-1988.”

The British Council is Britain’s principal cross-cultural agency overseas. Established in 1934, its purpose is to promote an understanding and appreciation of British values in other countries and to strengthen Britain’s influence abroad.  Before the Second World War, its primary role was to counter cultural propaganda put out by Soviet Russia and Nazi Germany and to promote wider appreciation of Great Britain and the English language abroad, through developing close cultural and commercial links with other countries. The British Council is incorporated by Royal Charter. It works closely with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO). The research continues to discuss the “British Council and the Middle East and the British Council in the Gulf: Cultural Agreements and Diplomatic Status”.

The 5th research paper reviews the: “Cinemas on the Trucial Coast: Emergence and Development Until 1971” in which the researcher Aysha Saeed Al Qaidi asserts that before the 1930s, the people of the region had no means of entertainment other than the traditional folk games. The cinema began in the Trucial States in the 1930s in Al Mahatta Airport in Sharjah. The films were screened outdoors. There were no special buildings for cinemas, only a movie projector.  The projection screen used to be a white wall of a building. The researcher monitors the emergence of cinema,  the impact of films and the increased interest for watching movies.

In the middle of the issue, Liwa acquaints its readers with two recent publications of the National Archives: “The Fateful Intrusion” in both Arabic and English, and “A Soldier in Arabia” and “Keepers of the Golden Shore”. Books.  The 20th issue of Liwa publishes two research papers in English: “Cultural Diplomacy and the Arab World: The British Council in the Middle East and Arabian Gulf - the First Fifty Years, 1938-1988.” and “Cinemas on the Trucial Coast: Emergence and Development Until 1971”.