Within the framework of its “Centennial” Initiative in Celebration of the

“Year of Zayed”

The National Archives Participates in the “Health and Fitness Fun Festival” with Photos of the Founding Leader and Activities for the Children

Within the framework of its “Centennial” initiative and in in celebration of “Year of Zayed” - the National Archives of the United Arab Emirates participated in the “Health and Fitness Fun Festival” under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women's Union (GWU), Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation (FDF) at Umm Al Emarat Park in the period March 7-10 2018. The participation included a photograph exhibition of the founding leader Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan that depicts his keen interests in sports, educational workshops for children and some useful modern innovative games. 

The National Archives, in coordination with Abu Dhabi Center for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (ACTVET) the festival organizer – displayed photographs of the founding leader Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan in smart and innovative ways. By this participation, which is considered as one of the projects of the centennial initiative launched to celebrate the year of Zayed - the National Archives would like to remind the public in the festival of some of the national attitudes known about Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan when he was leading the process of building the nation. As the Health and Fitness Fun Festival aims to raise awareness of health and alleviate the spread of diseases in society, therefore the exhibition in this festival focused on the efforts of Sheikh Zayed in the field of sports, which received a great attention during his reign. He contributed in promoting the sports movement in the newly emerging state at the time. Sheikh Zayed's visions on sports are still considered the corner stone for officials, stakeholders, athletes and those who are concerned with the development of sports in all its games.

Sheikh Zayed's photographs in the festival show that sports has taken part of his lifetime and the boards of clubs of football and other games have received his generous support therefore they became more organized and well developed.

The National Archives’ exhibitions aim to promote Zayed's values of respect, wisdom, building man and sustainability. The National Archives seeks to use its knowledge treasures to spread the culture of role model and founding leader, documentary heritage and preservation of history.

The National Archives enriches the Health and Fitness Fun Festival with children's educational workshops. The workshops revolve around the National Archives booklet “Watani Al Emarat”, which acquaints children with the history of the UAE through interactive games that enrich their skills and knowledge of their national history. The diversified topics of the booklet include: genealogy, ways of documenting the past, some of the UAE attractions such as castles and fortresses, and the biographies of the founding fathers, the first of them is the founding leader Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and the story of the Union flag and other national issues that promote loyalty to the homeland and the belonging to its wise leadership and instill the national values among the young people. As part of the “centennial” initiative, the National Archives continues to provide the children and students with innovative and useful games such as “Collective Panels”, which develops children's knowledge, increases their historical and heritage information. In its participation platform in the festival, the National Archives provides the children with symbolic gifts.

As part of the “Centennial Initiative” and to enhance students’ personality and moral values

The National Archives initiates a series of workshops on the project of “Zayed in 100 Story”. 

In preparation for the national educational initiative “Zayed, 100 Story”, which is part of the national “Centennial” initiative launched by the National Archives in celebration of the Year of Zayed, and in line with the fifth edition of its project “Student Historians’ Club”, which aims at teaching people about the Founding Leader, Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the NA has initiated a series of workshops for school students in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, to inform students of the requirements which should be met in their stories. 

This national educational initiative, which is one of the results of the NA’s “Centennial” initiative, aims at enhancing belonging to the homeland and loyalty to the leadership, developing students’ personality, fostering their moral values and high principles and helping them with patriotic writings and scientific research methodology.

Through this national educational initiative, the NA emphasizes the importance of highlighting the efforts, achievements and values of the Founding Leader Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and opening new pages of UAE history. This will enhance the national and behavioral values, as well as knowledge and community values of school students who will build the future of the homeland and preserve its accomplishments.

Within the context of this initiative, school students write stories about the Founding Leader, by presenting the knowledge they gained and the stories they learnt about Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan through extensive readings, oral history interviews, and courses, activities and events held by the NA.

The workshops, held by experts and specialists from the NA in its premises and in some schools in the UAE, are aimed to spread awareness among students of the importance of concentrating on the main character of the story (the Late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan), the availability of story components, balance of events in the materials provided by students, which should be supported with national and moral values, written in correct and attractive language, and should fulfill the requirements of a successful story.

The workshops also provide participating students with the requirements to participate in the initiative in which a large number of UAE school students, ranging from Grade 8 to Grade 12, are competing. In the workshops, students are practically trained on story writing, its methods and how reality overlaps with imagination. The workshops inform students of oral history as a research approach concerned with studying the past as it is preserved in memory through narration and make them aware of its role in preserving the UAE’s history and heritage and how to benefit from it in writing the stories.

It is worth mentioning that a large number of participating students have visited the NA premises to enrich their knowledge with important information about the UAE’s history and Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan. They started their visit by an induction tour of Sheikh Zayed Hall, which is a permanent exhibition that contains a collection of manuscripts, documents, photographs and maps on the history of the UAE. They learnt about the UAE’s past before the Union, the nation building process and the foundation of the Union. The students visited the Emirates Library, which is a specialized research library that is part of the NA’s scientific and research program. The students have benefited from the resources and references that deals with the history of the UAE in details and the role of Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan in establishing the UAE and its blessed Union and in promoting the welfare of its citizens and residents. The students also toured the Customer Happiness Hall, which is designated for receiving researchers and students, and contains the most recent equipment and software that facilitate research on the heritage and history of the UAE and Gulf region, and provide access to historical documents and records retained by the NA. The students have watched a 3-D documentary film about the UAE in the past and present at Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Hall.   

In conjunction with the “Year of Zayed” and the “Month of Reading”:


The National Archives Organizes the National Carnival "The UAE Reads… the UAE Advances" in Cooperation with "The UAE Ministry of Education".


In the framework of the Centennial Initiative launched by the National Archives to commemorate the Year of Zayed, the National Archives organized a national carnival under the theme "The UAE Reads … The UAE Advances" in cooperation with the Ministry of Education. The carnival tours several Emirates and regions, starting from Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Al Dhafra, all the way to Dubai, Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah. Through this event, the National Archives aims to achieve its national vision of the "Centennial Initiative " it launched in celebration of the Year of Zayed, while confirming its role in educating future generations and acquainting them with the legacy of the Founding Leader the Late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, to draw lessons and morals, and to continue to build the nation under our wise leadership.

The National Archives focuses on the implementation of the "Centennial Initiative" projects for students in the course of its keenness to strengthen the culture of knowledge among the UAE nationals. Each project of this initiative adds to the series of its cultural, intellectual and knowledge achievements launched during the Year of Zayed, and comes as an expression of its interest in the legacy of the Founding Leader who greatly cared about building the human being as the basis of any progress, development or success.

The carnival includes a number of ceremonial events, such as reading workshops, and the innovative group panels’ game, during which awards and gifts are distributed. The National Archives goes beyond that to focus on the students' talents, such as reading and public speaking, storytelling, and acting where students perform the characters of the stories they read.

The National Archive attaches great importance to reading as part of its interest in the national upbringing of students; since reading is the basis for education, which every student needs. It is also the basis for science and civilizations, and a means of instilling positive citizenship concepts in future generation. .

The National Archives places the book (Zayed from Challenge to Union) and other books of its publications that document the various aspects of the illustrious life and journey of the Founding Leader, at the forefront of books that construct the reading material for students, in order to acquaint them with the values and merits of the Founding Father, and to promote loyalty to the wise leadership and reinforce their sense of belonging to their homeland.

The National Archives believes students come at the forefront of the community segments to benefit from the "Centennial Initiative", since many of the activities of this initiative are aimed at educating them about the history and heritage of the UAE, and acquainting them with the founding leader's achievements which help instill in them patriotism and reinforce their loyalty to their homeland and its wise leadership.

The carnival starts in Abu Dhabi at the beginning of March 2018, and will be held at the Qawassim Corniche in Ras Al Khaimah on March 6th, at Mubazzarah in Al Ain on March 11th, at Al Marfa Park in Al Dhafra on March 18th, at Dubai Design District in Dubai on March 25th, and finally at Kalbaa in Sharjah on March 29th.

Having reviewed its agenda and national role in preserving and providing access to the Memory of the Nation

The National Archives receives a high-level Saudi delegation

The National Archives of the UAE has received a high-level Saudi delegation headed by H.H. Prince Sultan Bin Fahad Bin Nasser Al Saud, Adviser to H.R.H. Prince Sultan Bin Salman Bin Abdulaziz, President of the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage. The visit aimed at reviewing the historical documents at the National Archives that document the history and heritage of the UAE and Arabian Peninsula, which are available  to researchers of the history of the UAE and the region.

During his tour of the NA, H.H. Prince Sultan was accompanied by H.E. Majid Al Mehairi, Executive Director, and H.E. Abdulaziz Al Raisi, Administrative Development Adviser. He listened to a detailed explanation about the historical documents and records and became acquainted with the NA’s role in collecting and preserving the Memory of the Nation for future generations.

H.H. Prince Sultan Bin Fahad Bin Nasser Al Saud has reviewed the archives of photographs and historical documents, which highlights the leading role of the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan in founding the Union and building the UAE. He was also briefed about the agenda of events and activities organized by the NA. He appreciated the NA’s role in preservation, documentation and archiving, and discussed with the NA’s management ways of cooperation and exchange of experiences in the fields of mutual interest.

It is worth mentioning that the visit began with an induction tour of Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Hall, which is a permanent exhibition that contains a collection of manuscripts, documents, photographs and maps on the history of the UAE. The guest Delegation visited the Emirates Library, which is a specialized research library that is part of the NA’s scientific and research program. The library provides researchers, students and scholars with access to its rich and specialized paper and electronic collections. The Delegation also toured the Customer Happiness Hall, which is designated for receiving researchers, and contains the most recent equipment and software that facilitate research on the heritage and history of the UAE and Gulf region, and allow access to historical documents retained by the NA. The guest Delegation watched a 3-D documentary film about the UAE in the past and present at Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Hall.

The National Archives concludes a training course on “Presentation and Public Speaking Skills”

The National Archives of the UAE has concluded a training course on “Presentation and Public Speaking Skills” that was organized for its staff at the aim of spreading knowledge among them, developing their presentation and influencing skills, using gestures and training them on the tone of voice to deliver the required message.

This course has received a lot of attention from the staff due to its importance in developing their skills and getting them acquainted with the best practices in various fields that serve the desired objectives, and improve the staff performance in a way that would be reflected on the quality of the services provided by the NA.

The training course delivered by the Research Expert and Lecturer, Abdullatif Al-Sayyadi, tackled the definition and objectives of presentation and public speaking, qualities and duties of the presenter, how to develop the convincing and influencing skills, body language techniques and eloquence. It also highlighted the techniques to overcome fears of public speaking, time management skills and the importance of generating enthusiasm among the attendees and influencing them positively. Moreover, it identified strategies for acquiring effective communication skills and promoting self-confidence.

The “Presentation and Public Speaking Skills” course held at the NA premises was characterized by combining  theoretical and practical aspects in order to enhance and consolidate the information and skills that have been achieved, which would help to  overcome all communication obstacles.

This course is part of the NA’s project “Partners in Knowledge”, which aims to exchange knowledge and experiences among employees; a strategic project that is keen to achieve self-sufficiency in training, and carried out by specialized staff. It includes a program rich with workshops and training courses on various topics related to the NA’s duties and workflow.

The Latest of the NA Publications

The Petroleum Gulf

The Discovery and Development of Offshore Oil in the

United Arab Emirates

The book “The Petroleum Gulf” - published by the National Archives of the United Arab Emirates in Arabic and English – gives an account of the details of the discovery and development of offshore oil fields in the UAE. It monitors the emergence of the oil industry in the maritime areas since its early beginnings up to its modern operations and the human stories at its core. The book points out that oil has come at the exact time in the Trucial Coast; it brought a new wealth that replaced the ancient pearl wealth and had exceeded all expectations.

The book also tells the story of the people, the politics behind the first offshore oil discovery, its development, its impact on the country's relations with its neighbors, and monitors the recent oil discoveries in the Arabian Gulf, which form a key chapter in the modern history of the United Arab Emirates; as it started to have modern cities and became a hub for regional trade, thanks to the oil wealth. The book indicates that many books gave accounts of oil histories that tend to deal with the offshore exploration in a few paragraphs, and focus on the onshore oil discoveries instead. Remarkably, the industry took to the open sea in less than a century ago; this fascinating book (with 282 pages) has much to tell about the transformation of the UAE from a traditional society into a modern, prosperous state.

The book indicates that the Arabian Gulf encompasses 55% to 68% of the world’s oil reserves and more than 40% of the gas reserves. However, the Arabian Gulf has its own mysteries; the British authorities saw that the end of World War I, was not promising in terms of oil. All evidences indicated the existence of a “floating pitch at sea” and with the belief that searching for oil is no more than gambling, the interest of some companies in the geology of the Arabian Gulf had increased.

The book shows that geologists have visited the Gulf islands one by one, collected samples from them, and examined the rock samples; they found that the black color of the shelves in some islands was caused by the sea rather than the oil deposits.

Negotiations took place in the Trucial Coast to obtain oil concessions for long periods. When drilling began, the search for water was the top priority for the then Ruler of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Shakhbut. Oil surveys began only in 1936 when geologists made one visit to Sir Bani Yas Island.

The discovery of oil was delayed, and in the mid-1930s, as there was a huge oil reserve in elsewhere in the Middle East. Oil supply in the market increased considerably and that slowed down its industry in the whole world. Thus, the decline in oil prices and the meager financial incentives to the companies delayed the opening of new areas for exploration, and larger companies sought to strengthen, their status while the smaller ones failed to do so.

In May 1940, a new and strong evidence of the huge oil wealth in the Arabian Gulf - emerged. Iraq Petroleum Company and its subsidiary companies were leading the western oil ambitions in the region. After the lengthy negotiations, agreements were concluded for the exploration concessions. Sheikh Saeed, Ruler of Dubai, was the first to sign an agreement on May 22, 1937, which granted the company a 75-year concession. On January 3, 1939, Abu Dhabi signed a new 75-year agreement.

The offshore explorations followed the onshore oil discoveries, and oil prospectors were guided by features such as seepages, anticlines and salt domes. They were armed with no more than a hammer and a pair of strong boots. Marine operations could cost five times as much as those on land.

The book reviews the history of offshore oil exploration and its methods, equipment and costs, and stressed that the year 1947 often seen as the starting point of the modern era of offshore oil exploration, is significant for another reason. The book describes the status of the islands in the Arabian Gulf States, and they were neglected. Then the book shows how they received attention and how each emirate attempted to establish its rights to its islands. The book also enumerates the disputes over the ownership of the islands and the maritime boundaries. In this regard, the book mentions that when Saudi Arabia declared its sovereignty over the seabed, the field was open for Aramco for offshore oil exploration as per its concession. The oilmen discovered “Safaniya” field, the largest offshore oil reservoir. In 1962, the field produced 350000 barrels a day. This field remains the second largest field in the world.

 In the 1950s, a company's geologists visited Abu Dhabi and found it rather more jaded and less populated than before as the result of Great Depression and the impact of cultured Japanese pearls that had hit the sheikhdom hard. Pearl diving trips were launched from Abu Dhabi during the diving seasons.

The survey was conducted under the waters of the Gulf, and “BP” filmed it in a documentary film with the title: “Station 307”. The film shows the suffering of the surveyors because of fear of sharks, sea snakes, and sawfish in the waters of the Gulf, and how they obtained the samples of rocks by hammers and nails. The diving crew and surveyors described their journey in the Gulf waters as having a special attraction that makes people lose their sense of time. The survey resulted in the selection of a site to dig a test well.

The book contains illustrations and photographs of the ship that brought the surveyors and some of its crewmembers, the anti-shark cage, the rock samples extracted from the bottom of the Gulf, some geographical maps and some plans of the discovered oil fields. The book has an appendix that gives information on the abbreviations, real names and dates of establishment of the local and international companies working in the oil industry.

ADMA had many discoveries on Das Island, and its representative was based in Abu Dhabi. Following the discovery Sheikh Shakhbut visited it. In 1960, the company established a new center in Abu Dhabi for training on the oil industry. At that time Abu Dhabi was about to witness a tremendous transformation. In 1977, Abu Dhabi established Abu Dhabi Marine Operating Company (ADMA-OPCO) to take over the responsibility of operation in the marine oil fields and ZADCO to develop Zakum field. Then Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) was established.

As oil discovery was lagging behind in its coast, Dubai had relied on its port and the entrepôt trade. The companies persisted in their survey until they provided Sheikh Rashid with the good news of Fateh field, 110 kilometers from the shore.

The challenges have increased with the transfer of oil exploration and extraction to the deep sea. This change led to a number of challenges, such as providing information on the topography of the seabed, water depth, sea state, weather conditions, political conditions and legal issues such as boundaries, regulations, customs, traditions and trends. Prior to obtaining offshore exploration and extraction concessions, the capital required for investment in this area remains essential; because the cost of this industry was high.

A rising demand for oil after the end of World War II stimulated a search for new sources of crude across the world that formed pressure on the oil companies.

The book confirms at its epilogue that Sheikh Shakhbut had doubts in the Western oilmen. He focused on water and on oil as well. He was intelligent. He was well informed – he liked to listen to the wireless and received news via the grapevine about developments elsewhere in the Gulf. He was committed to Bedouin tradition, which made his words binding. Therefore, confidence was simply the essence of everything.

It is noteworthy that the takeoff of offshore oil industry with other developments had led to the establishment of the United Arab Emirates; the Rulers of the Trucial Coast began to meet in the Trucial States Council, which was the forum for discussion.

The withdrawal of British forces created a vacuum in the region. Therefore, it was imperative on the Gulf States to unify their forces in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), where they can coordinate their economic and defense policies and prepare their budget to reduce their dependence on oil. As oil currently forms the core of the UAE's economic power, and as increasing its production is one of its objectives, UAE formed its Economic Vision 2030, which serves as a road map for Abu Dhabi's economic development process over the coming years.

The discovery and development of marine oil in the Arabian Gulf - especially in the UAE - remains a fascinating story; it contains the largest offshore oilfields, among them are “Safaniya” field, the upper “Zakum” field and “Manifa” field.

The book has eight chapters, fully illustrated with photographs, drawings, maps and appendixes, terms and references, introduction, and an epilogue.

In collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Environment Agency;

National Archives Continues Oral History Interviews for its Project: "Grazing in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi".


The National Archives of the United Arab Emirates continues its oral history interviews regarding past and present pasture in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, in cooperation with the Abu Dhabi Environment Agency. The project aims at measuring the changes in natural pastures in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, and how to preserve them to ensure the sustainability of biodiversity resources.

The Oral History Team in the National Archives, in cooperation with the Abu Dhabi Environment Agency's Team, conducts interviews with citizens in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, to obtain information on environmental, biological, social and heritage aspects, associated with camel grazing, and its importance to the local economy in the past and present, as well as the environmental status of the natural pastures in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, social behavior and  social and human values, associated with camel grazing and livestock.

The interest in grazing stems from the interest in camels that have been an integral part of people’s life in the United Arab Emirates; camels were - and still are - a source of multi-benefit wealth; benefiting from their milk, meat and wool.  In addition, camels were a means of transport in the desert in the past. It is worth mentioning that the National Archives, in its search of oral history narrators, attend heritage festivals such as the Sultan Bin Zayed Heritage Festival in Suwaihan, plus other heritage festivals in the UAE.  Meanwhile, it keeps photocopies of all interviews conducted in this field, to add them to its Oral History Database, which plays a great role in documenting past life in the UAE.

More than 500 people a day visit its pavilion:

The National Archives continues to receive the public in its pavilion at Cairo Book Fair


The National Archives continues its active participation in Cairo International Book Fair; it receives researchers, intellectuals, and various segments of society. The pavilion is well received by the Egyptian public, exhibitors and visitors from all over the world.

The National Archives' participation comes in the framework of implementing its initiatives in the Year of Zayed, and its focus on highlighting the values of the Year of Zayed; namely respect, wisdom, human development and sustainability. The participation includes many events and projects that chronicle and document merits and virtues of Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan. As the 49th session of the exhibition coincides with the UAE's celebration of the Year of Zayed, the National Archives gifted its publications, especially those dealing with the journey and values of the Late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, to the Egyptian people and the public visiting the exhibition.

This participation of the National Archives reflects the strong relationship between the United Arab Emirates and the Arab Republic of Egypt, established by the Late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, a special  relationship that is becoming increasingly established under the wise leadership of the two brotherly countries.

The National Archives' pavilion at the Cairo International Book Fair witnesses a great demand for exploring the history of the UAE and the celebration of the Year of Zayed. This has encouraged the exhibition visitors to check the documents on the UAE history and its relations with Egypt. The National Archives' pavilion included historical photographs documenting the visits of the Founding Leader to the Arab Republic of Egypt and his meetings with different Egyptian presidents and officials. The pavilion also presented pictures of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, and dignitaries and leaders of the UAE and their meetings with presidents and leaders of Egypt in the framework of their bilateral coordination, strong relations and continuous mutual support.

The participation of the National Archives in the Cairo International Book Fair attracted a great interest from the media, which shed lights on the aspects of the life and journey of the Founding Leader Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan and his role in the establishment of the United Arab Emirates, as well as his local, Arab and international achievements, his love for Egypt and its people, and his role in strengthening brotherly relations between the two countries.

It is noteworthy that the National Archives' pavilion receives more than 500 visitors daily and has been open to visitors since the beginning of the exhibition. The opening ceremony was attended by H.E. Mohammed Ahmed Al Murr, Deputy Chairman of the National Archives, H.E. Dr. Abdulla Mohammed Alraisi, Director General of the National Archives, Farhan Al Marzouqi, Director of Corporate and Community Outreach Department at the National Archives and a number of the National Archives' staff.

The National Archives pavilion displays a number of rare books and documents that depict the achievements, positions and actions of the Founding Leader Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, including: "Zayed and Excellence", "Zayed: Man who built a Nation", " Zayed from Challenge to Union", "Zayed and Heritage"," Zayed Ruler of Al Ain" and "Khalifa:  Journey into the Future", which includes the achievements of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, and "The Diaries of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai," from 1969 to 2010, and “Diaries of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, from 1969 to 2010”.

The “Memory of the Nation” exhibition receives academic and recreational visits by more than 4,000 students

The NA pavilion, dubbed the “Memory of the Nation” exhibition, at Sheikh Zayed Heritage Festival received academic and recreational visits by more than 4,000 students.

More than 4,000 students in different academic stages paid academic and recreational visits to the “Memory of the Nation” exhibition in the NA’s pavilion at Sheikh Zayed Heritage Festival over the last few days. They learned about aspects of the UAE’s history and the achievements of its people and great leaders. These aspects complement and enrich the national curriculums. In the provision of such reliable historical information, the NA draws on modern and exciting technology, which makes such information more effective. Through its programs, the NA aspires to enhance loyalty, the sense of belonging and national identity among students and to gear them up toward pursuits advocated by the directives of the wise leadership. During their visit to the “Memory of the Nation” exhibition, the students will take a tour of its various sections, learn about the historical documents and their importance, and get an overview of UAE’s National Archives and its role in collecting and preserving the memory of the nation for future generations. Moreover, students will be informed about the considerable attention to education paid by the founder Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, which had been given top priority in his thinking and approach. To this end, he went to great lengths to support learning inside and outside the UAE, and encourage successive generations to study and excel in their academic performance. He drew up growth plans that have been instrumental in the development of education and eradication of illiteracy.

In the education section at the “Memory of the Nation” exhibition, the student delegations were apprised of the NA’s modern educational techniques involving games and fun activities. They expressed their admiration for the values tree board, which caught their attention, because it embodied national values and icons such as the national identity, good citizenship, the founder, historical knowledge, loyalty to the leadership and the Nation, positive thinking, tolerance, innovation, moral values and scientific research.

It is worth mentioning that the holdings of the “Memory of the Nation” exhibition focus on important aspects of the UAE’s history and heritage. Through such holdings, the NA seeks to inform students of the glorious past of their fathers and ancestors, using techniques that stir up their interest and capture their imagination. Moreover, such techniques reinforce students’ emotional and moral bond to their history and heritage and make them proud of their bright present. By playing such a role, the NA has become a key partner in the national education process and in preparing a new generation whose thoughts and values are consistent with those of the founding fathers and the directives of the wise leadership.

In Celebration of the Year of Zayed, and in compliance with the directives of the UAE President, the National Archives is launching the Centennial initiative to honor Zayed’s values and achievements. On this occasion, His Excellency Hamad Abdulrahman Al Midfa, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the National Archives, remarked as follows:

“This initiative of the National Archives is being launched pursuant to decrees issued by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and Their Highnesses the members of the Federation Supreme Council, Rulers of the Emirates, regarding implementation of the directives of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed, and in deference to the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs. His Excellency pointed out that this national initiative sheds light on important pages of Zayed’s history and values for the new generations to look at and appreciate. It presents the achievements of the exceptional leader who spared no effort to build a prosperous state whose people enjoy progress and prosperity.”


The Centennial initiative will include four themes designed to consolidate the values incorporated into the slogan of the Year of Zayed, namely, respect, wisdom, building people and sustainability. These themes will be mirrored in the messages of the initiative that we look forward to get across to all segments of the public nationwide.


In the first theme, the objectives of the initiative focus on emphasizing the founding leader’s appreciation and due regard for all nationalities and the members of society at large. This caring attitude has earned the UAE a global reputation for upholding rights, equality and justice and made it an ideal place for social coexistence.

The second theme highlights wisdom. Sheikh Zayed was described as the Wise Man of the Arabs. His national, pan-Arab and international attitudes reflect his vision and wisdom in tackling issues and events, beginning with the stages of the Union formation all the way to momentous events that took place in the Gulf region and other parts of the Arab world. The third theme throws into sharp relief Zayed’s keenness on building the people, as they are the future makers. He focused his efforts on education, health, community and sports, and safeguarded all such achievements by building a defense force and a strong army. Thus, he placed the future of this homeland in the hands of its citizens who have shown they are capable of building it and rising up to the challenges. The last theme, sustainability, is highlighted in the Centennial initiative by the outstanding cultural and humanitarian heritage that the late Sheikh Zayed has left behind, which benefits the present generation and will be a guide for future generations. The founding leader had drawn a clear road map, carrying out solid national projects for a strong unified state that is capable of taking adversity and challenges in its stride, capitalizing on a successful development process based on a robust and sustainable foundation.


In a similar vein, His Excellency Dr. Abdulla Mohammed Alraisi, Director General of the National Archives, commented as follows on the national Centennial initiative during this Year of Zayed: “No matter how big the initiatives that shed light on the unique personality of Sheikh Zayed and his endless giving may be, and no matter how numerous its related projects are, they will be too little for such a great leader who unified our people and founded a nation on a durable basis. He worked hard on building the people and honing their skills, because he firmly believed in the importance of human capital in the development process as well as in safeguarding the achievements of the homeland and its renaissance.


His Excellency added that the National Archives has made sure that the projects of the Centennial initiative will comply with the National Archives mission, vision and objectives. These projects will promote Zayed’s values and perpetuate his accomplishments in the eyes of all members of society and the generations for whom the National Archives is keen to share in civic education. At the same time, these projects stand underscore that the founding leader was a farsighted visionary. This is evidenced by his directives to establish the National Archives in order to preserve the memory of the nation, and document the biographies and achievements of the UAE founding fathers and leading personalities, which are bright spots and proud moments in the history of our nation.


The Director General added: “As part of the Centennial initiative, the National Archives will design 100 educational games closely related to the history of the nation builder and founding father Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan. This idea stems from the fact that the National Archives has used games as an educational tool, and apprised the present generations of the glorious deeds of their ancestors. The National Archives makes sure that these smart and innovative games will transfer knowledge to the children and enable them to appreciate national and historical information. The National Archives will make its applications available for free downloading for 100 days in order to provide its audience from different educational, governmental and community agencies with national knowledge.


His Excellency noted that the initiative will also include “organizing 100 photo exhibitions that capture the efforts of the founding leader in building the United Arab Emirates. These exhibitions will be a window through which the members of the public can view some aspects of the Sheikh Zayed’s feats. The National Archives will prepare 100 postcards with 100 different photos documenting aspects of Sheikh Zayed’s efforts at home and abroad in his triumphant journey of construction and development, building bridges and strengthening ties with brotherly and friendly nations. To commemorate this occasion, the National Archives will prepare 100 high-quality glossy photo albums to document Sheikh Zayed’s humanitarian activities and his enduring patriotic stands.


His Excellency Dr. Alraisi went on to say: “The Centennial initiative for the Year of Zayed will not be limited to the aforementioned, but will also include 100 letters of thanks from 100 sheikhs, ministers, community members and employees who will express their gratitude to Sheikh Zayed for dedicating his life to building the homeland and developing its citizens. National Archives and government staff members will participate in this initiative, which will further include 100 films about Sheikh Zayed’s life. The duration of each film will be one minute and will be uploaded on social media channels and YouTube.


The National Archives will give away a collection of its publications to 100 school libraries nationwide for disseminating national knowledge and presenting a true and documented picture of UAE history and heritage, its founding leader and his brothers, the founding fathers. In collaboration with the Welfare and Activities Section, Ministry of Education, the National Archives will launch Zayed in 100 Tales. This event will be part of the project of the Student Historians Club that aims at instilling national and moral values in the hearts and minds of our young generations, encouraging them to read and write. The winners will be honored at the Abu Dhabi Book Fair.


The Centennial initiative will dedicate categories in the Young Historian award to the Year of Zayed, and the winning research papers will be published. The initiative will compile a collection of 100 quotes by the founding leader to be posted on social media. Moreover, it will include the preparation of school murals containing such quotes. The initiative will also provide 100 documents about Sheikh Zayed that will be published on social media. In addition to the projects of the Centennial initiative, and with the aim of spreading its benefits and providing an opportunity world-wide to learn about Sheikh Zayed’s inspirational life, dedication, achievements and success, the National Archives will translate some of its publications about the founding leader into a number of languages, including French, Spanish, Chinese and Urdu. The National Archives will incorporate the logo of the Year of Zayed into its official letters, e-mails, official website and intranet.

The National Archives enhances its exhibits in the “Memory of the Nation” with historical documents

The National Archives added to its “Memory of the Nation” exhibition at Sheikh Zayed Heritage Festival a number of significant historical documents, which stand as a historical testimony to some past events. These documents are samples of millions of historical documents kept by the NA.

Among the most important historical documents exhibited in the “Memory of the Nation” are:  the Exclusive Agreement, Treaty of Friendship, documents on Al Maqta Bridge and Fort, the document of the UAE’s accession to the UN on December 9, 1971, some of Union documents kept by the NA in Qasr Al Hosn Archives, and a large number of historical photographs depicting some bilateral meetings that led to the establishment of the Union, as well as photographs of the Founding Fathers.

Historical documents at “Memory of the Nation” exhibition, which is a primary corner in Sheikh Zayed Heritage Festival, highlights the historical and cultural dimensions of the UAE, and the transformation, growth and development it witnessed during the reign of the Founding Leader Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan and the Founding Fathers. These historical documents are samples of documents preserved at the Nationa Archives, and are the main source for researchers interested in writing the history and heritage of the UAE and the Gulf region.

The NA, which opens its doors for researchers and academics, is keen to present samples of its acquisitions to inside and outside visitors of Sheikh Zayed Heritage Festival. The NA assures that the historical information it presents, which are obtained from major international archives, are reliable and evidenced by historical records and documents.

The National Archives presents the journey of Al Bu Falah to Abu Dhabi

At the “Memory of the Nation” exhibition in Sheikh Zayed Heritage Festival

The “Memory of the Nation” exhibition, which represented the participation of the National Archives at Sheikh Zayed Heritage Festival, has included a special corner that displays, in an enjoyable style and using modern technology, the journey of Al Bu Falah from “Liwa” Oasis, the original stronghold of Bani Yas, to Abu Dhabi under the leadership of Sheikh Dhiyab Bin Issa after the discovery of water there. It also shows how development had occurred in Abu Dhabi, which reached the peak of its prosperity under the wise leadership of Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan and Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

The National Archives tells the story of the establishment of Abu Dhabi, where Al Bu Falah settled as they were coming from Al Dhafra to work in fishing and to diversify their means of subsistence; therefore, transferring Abu Dhabi from an isolated island to a populated area.  This corner at the “Memory of the Nation” exhibition shows how Abu Dhabi has developed and achieved prosperity, paying a special attention to the year 1918, when  Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan was born, which is a milestone in UAE history. It also shows Sheikh Zayed’s miraculous efforts that transformed the desert into a country that is ranked today among the most advanced countries in the world. The corner displays photographs of construction and urban development made by Sheikh Zayed in the UAE.

The scenario points out that preparing people was the first priority of the Founding Leader, who was able to prepare generations that are capable of preserving the nation’s accomplishments, and who travelled around the country to follow up construction works and urban development projects, to achieve happiness to the people and residents of the UAE. Abu Dhabi has witnessed, in record time, great achievements in various fields of life, which led to the integration of modernization process. The development, stability, growth, harmony and social peace, which the UAE is experiencing today, is certainly a result of the genius work of Sheikh Zayed who spared no effort to place the UAE in the most appropriate place among civilized nations. 

The scenario, which the NA intended to be appropriate for all ages, focuses on Sheikh Zayed’s approach to unity. Since his accession to power in Abu Dhabi, he was keen to unify the “Trucial States”, so he initiated the call for the Union, meeting and consulting with other rulers. He stressed in these meetings the importance of the Union, and the great historic event, of establishing the Union on December 2, 1971, was announced to the people of the UAE and all countries worldwide.

The scenario, presented by the “Memory of the Nation” exhibition, also shows visitors some of the achievements made during the reign of H.H. Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed. These achievements contributed to the enablement of the Emirati citizen and to the prosperity and advancement of the UAE at the local and international levels.