The National Archives discussed with the Fujairah Culture and Media Authority, which plans to establish a center for studies and documentation, ways to benefit from NA’s experience in preserving, documenting and archiving the Nation's memory, in addition to drawing on the NA’s holdings that are pertinent to the Emirate of Fujairah’s history and heritage.

The National Archives discusses cooperation policies with the Fujairah Culture and Media Authority

The National Archives discussed with the Fujairah Culture and Media Authority, which plans to establish a center for studies and documentation, ways to benefit from NA’s experience in preserving, documenting and archiving the Nation's memory, in addition to drawing on the NA’s holdings that are pertinent to the Emirate of Fujairah’s history and heritage.

The meeting was attended by HE Majed Al Muhairi, NA Executive Director, Hamad Al Mutairi, Director of Archives Department at the National Archives, HE Hamdan Karam Al Kaabi, Director General of Fujairah Culture and Media Authority, and Asma Salem Al Kaabi, Director of the Center for Studies and Documentation Department at the authority. The meeting explored opportunities to benefit from the training courses organized by the National Archives for official archives staff in the United Arab Emirates. It also sought to set clear guidelines to be followed by the Center for Studies and Documentation, which will be launched by the Authority in accordance with the NA’s regulations and bylaws and in full coordination with it. Furthermore, the National Archives will act as a link between the authority and the UAE governmental bodies with respect to archiving and documentation activities carried out by the said Center. During the meeting, the authority representatives stressed the importance of making use of Fujairah’s documents, records, sources and references in every way possible.

The NA Executive Director welcomed the collaboration with the Authority and discussed the idea of signing a memorandum of understanding between the two parties to organize their mutual activities and cooperation.



It is worth mentioning that the Center for Studies and Documentation, which will be inaugurated by the Authority, will include, in addition to its functions, special places for cultural events such as literary seminars, poetry forums, lectures, and launching of important publications.

At the end of the visit by the Fujairah Culture and Media Authority to the National Archives and after a tour of its facilities, HE Hamdan Karam Al Kaabi, Director General of the Authority, lauded NA’s technical advancement in terms of preserving the Nation's memory. He emphasized the importance of the various holdings at the Presidential Archives Section, which records the UAE history and heritage with its documentaries. He also commended Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Hall and its written documents, historical photographs and maps, as well as the Emirates Library, which specializes in the history and culture of the UAE and the Gulf region.

During a visit by Mr. Alaa Hamad Al Roumi, Chairman of Board of Trustees of the Kuwait Arabian Horse Center, to its premises in Abu Dhabi, the NA welcomed cooperation, integration and exchange of experiences with the Center in respect of historical documents, records, resources and references documenting the Arabian horse history, pedigree and heritage in the Arabian Gulf region.

The National Archives discusses strengthening cooperation with the Arabian Horse Center

During a visit by Mr. Alaa Hamad Al Roumi, Chairman of Board of Trustees of the Kuwait Arabian Horse Center, to its premises in Abu Dhabi, the NA welcomed cooperation, integration and exchange of experiences with the Center in respect of historical documents, records, resources and references documenting the Arabian horse history, pedigree and heritage in the Arabian Gulf region.

Mr. Al Roumi examined the NA acquisitions including historical documents and manuscripts concerning horses, and was apprised of the NA interest in documenting this field, which resulted in issuing the largest Arabian horses encyclopedia (Al ’Adeyat) and its participations in Sheikh Zayed Heritage Festival with valuable information about horses in general and horses in the UAE in particular. This is in addition to documenting the passion of the founding leader, Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, for horses and equestrian sports and the drive by the wise leadership to revive the Emirati heritage, as well as the importance of thoroughbred horses in this heritage, which all people are proud of.

Discussions covered the participation of the National Archives in hunting and equestrian exhibitions that displayed a multitude of historical photographs of purebred horses, their raising and races.

Mr. Alaa Al Roumi, accompanied by Yehia Abdulla Al Kendri from Activities and Media Department at the Arabian Horse Center, took a tour of the National Archives starting with the Presidential Archives Section, which documents the UAE’s history and heritage. He examined some old documentary films about the Arabian horses’ history and status in the UAE. Then, he watched a high tech 3-D documentary film about the UAE’s history, present and future prospects in Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Virtual Reality Theatre. He also viewed samples of written documents, historical photographs and maps. The tour included a visit to the Printing Press and Emirates Library, which is specialized in the history and culture of the UAE and Gulf region. The visiting delegation viewed important references on horses, most notably Al ’Adeyat Encyclopedia, which is the largest Arabic encyclopedia on horses. It consists of five volumes of more than 1000 pages on horse pedigree, anatomy, raising, medication, disposition, etc.

The National Archives presented the Arabian Horse Center with some of its publications including Al ’Adeyat Encyclopedia. It is worth mentioning that the Arabian Horse Center in Kuwait is a platform for reviving the heritage of purebred Arabian horses and it hosts national and international equestrian events.

In the context of its present program "For a Promising Generation”, the National Archives organized a new lecture. It drew on the Year of Giving 2017, the UAE remarkable achievements, pioneering regional and international role, and international humanitarian aid initiatives in the past decades.

As part of its "For a Promising Generation" program,

The National Archives’ latest lecture is inspired by the Year of Giving

 

In the context of its present program "For a Promising Generation”, the National Archives organized a new lecture. It drew on the Year of Giving 2017, the UAE remarkable achievements, pioneering regional and international role, and international humanitarian aid initiatives in the past decades. The lecture aimed at promoting the state's policies and methodology in the field of charitable and humanitarian work. Furthermore, it sought to assure its audience that giving is a continuous process that is not limited to one year.

The lecture threw light on the influential role played by the United Arab Emirates in the international community by which it has been characterized since its formation. This wise humanitarian policy, the foundation of which was originally laid down by the founding leader the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and built upon by His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, has become a permanent pillar of the UAE's foreign policy. In fact, it earned the UAE its well-deserved place in the sphere of international humanitarian work. Consequently, the UAE became a symbol of giving and a role model worthy of emulation, appreciation and respect at the regional and international levels for its solidarity with and compassion for different peoples in times of adversity and crises.



Since the National Archives is keen to build a generation capable of assuming responsibility, achieving good citizenship, and strengthening the spirit of solidarity, it has advocated Sheikh Zayed's values and passion for charitable and humanitarian work as good examples to be followed by society at large. Sheikh Zayed’s good deeds enabled him to please his people and spread the concept of benevolence throughout the country. As a role model, he instilled kindness and generosity in his people’s hearts, encouraging them to give a helping hand to those in need in various parts of the world.



Like all other lectures organized by the NA Educational Programs Section, this lecture, which highlighted the role of the UAE wise leadership in the various humanitarian and community projects, contributes to the promotion of national values, civic spirit and the sense of belonging among the members of the society. Moreover, it urges them to defend their country and safeguard their past and present, especially that it is inspired by Sheikh Zayed's insights, words and deeds, which have become a catalyst for giving and helping the needy.

It is worth mentioning that the humanitarian aid initiatives launched by the UAE in the past decades at various levels are countless. Such initiatives have been instrumental in alleviating human misery and suffering everywhere.

The lecture focused on social responsibility with its accompanying charitable, voluntary and humanitarian campaigns. It encouraged proactive voluntary work, which makes significant contributions to nurturing the social culture and to gearing up young people to serve and protect our nation.

The National Archives will soon put this lecture into practice in conjunction with government agencies, and it welcomes any requests by interested parties from various sections of society to organize workshops and lectures in this regard in coordination with the Educational Programs Section.

In conjunction with the International Day of Occupational Health and Safety, the National Archives organized a lecture on first aid in cooperation with the General Directorate of Emergency and Public Safety of Abu Dhabi Police.

The National Archives Organizes a Lecture on First Aid



In conjunction with the International Day of Occupational Health and Safety, the National Archives organized a lecture on first aid in cooperation with the General Directorate of Emergency and Public Safety of Abu Dhabi Police. The lecture aimed at providing participants with the basic principles of first aid and their applications in accidents, and at raising their awareness of safety requirements inside and outside the workplace.

The lecture started by defining first aid as an urgent medical service, which is provided with minimal or zero resources immediately after accidents pending the arrival of the competent authorities at the accident scene in order to save lives, reduce complications and improve the condition of the injured. The lecture dealt with the first level in first aid, and explained to the participants the basic principles of first aid: Breathing and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in adults, children and infants, the suffocation that may occur to people of all ages, cardiac arrest, DC shocking by defibrillator, dealing with life-threatening injuries such as bleeding, fractures, burns and diabetic coma, and ways of reviving unconscious persons.

The lecture described the general aim of training, which is the presence of first-aiders or paramedics everywhere to provide health care in emergencies and the replacement of some of the wrong practices with scientific skills to increase the chances of survival of the injured. Then the lecture discussed the principles and basic steps for providing first aid in emergencies.

The lecture combined theory and practice, and included videos and practical training. A large number of staff members attended this lecture, which was held at the National Archives premises, because of its importance in terms of safety standards, especially in the NA work environment, which includes staff members, trainees, customers, workers and visitors.

The National Archives organized a forum for the deaf in collaboration with the UAE Deaf Association concurrently with the 42nd Deaf Week under the slogan: “Sign language, an important tool in communicating with the deaf”, in the presence of a large number of the association members and the National Archives staff.

Concurrently with the 42th Deaf Week

The National Archives organizes a “Deaf Forum” in collaboration with the UAE Deaf Association

The National Archives organized a forum for the deaf in collaboration with the UAE Deaf Association concurrently with the 42nd Deaf Week under the slogan: “Sign language, an important tool in communicating with the deaf”, in the presence of a large number of the association members and the National Archives staff. On the sidelines of the forum, an exhibition of the handicrafts made by deaf people was held. The National Archives’ cooperation in this field aims at highlighting social responsibility and reaching out to people with special needs within society.

To mark this occasion, the National Archives renewed its cooperation with the UAE Deaf Association to raise awareness of the importance of this group and to throw light on their great capabilities.

A documentary about the UAE Deaf Association was shown at the forum, which was held at the National Archives premises in Abu Dhabi. The film described the association’s   momentous duties, noble objectives, and activities such as exhibitions, conferences, symposiums, participations, and theatrical productions.

Mr. Hamad Hazaa Al Darmaki, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the UAE Deaf Association, made a speech thanking all those who support the association, namely the wise leadership, which cares about people in the first place. He also thanked the National Archives for its continuous and fruitful cooperation with the association. He went on to praise the role of the National Archives in preserving the Nation’s memory, which documents the conditions in the UAE society before the formation of the Union, aspects of the past, which we are proud of, and the efforts made, in establishing the Union, by the founding fathers led by the founding leader, Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan. He pointed out the importance of making the NA’s historical records and documents accessible to researchers, academics and those interested in the history of the UAE and the Gulf region. Furthermore, he urged the association members to make use of this national cultural asset.

Al Darmaki described the role played by the association and the assistance provided by it to the deaf to help them overcome the challenges they face. Moreover, He talked about the sign language and its sources, and the importance of teaching deaf people the sign languages used in brotherly and friendly countries, because they differ in varying degrees from that used in the UAE.

At the conclusion of the forum, participants visited the exhibition of the handicrafts made by the association members and commended their precise workmanship and skills, which are demonstrated in each painting and item displayed at the exhibition.

The National Archives of the United Arab Emirates participated in the activities of the “Library Week” organized by Emirates College for Advanced Education in Abu Dhabi with two introductory sessions: the first one was about the NA Educational Programs Section and the impact of such programs on teachers.

The National Archives participates in the Library Week with Introductory Sessions

About Educational Programs and the Emirates Library



The National Archives of the United Arab Emirates participated in the activities of the “Library Week” organized by Emirates College for Advanced Education in Abu Dhabi with two introductory sessions: the first one was about the NA Educational Programs Section and the impact of such programs on teachers. The second one was about the NA Emirates Library and its rich collection of specialized books. This participation aims at throwing light on the efforts made by the National Archives in the educational and national upbringing of young people and on the library as a key source of knowledge, and at encouraging the members of society to visit the library and make use of its holdings.

On day one, Mrs. Husniya Al Ali, Head of the NA Educational Programs Section, held an educational session for the teachers on the role of the NA Educational Programs in complementing school curricula in history and civic education, and in enhancing the national and societal spirit among the younger generations to instill the love their country in them. The session reviewed the activities of the Educational Programs such as: the “cultural season”, the “educational kit” and the “educational programs initiatives” such as “My Archive My Future”, “Student Historians Club”, “Young Historian Award”, “Reading Nation Project” and the National Archive Platform at “KidZania Dubai”.

The session discussed the services provided by the National Archives to support researchers and scholars and those interested in the UAE history and heritage. Such services include the smart applications launched by the National Archives, such as its “Watheq” smart application that reflects the national campaign initiative “Watheq” launched by the NA and designed to document personal records, with the aim of creating a personal archive for each UAE National, as well as its sophisticated interactive application “Al Bu Fallah Family Tree”, which includes hundreds of personalities, starting with Yas,  all the way down to the grandsons of the sons of the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan. The National Archives has also launched a smart application to archive the websites of local and federal government agencies. This application is the largest of its kind in the region, in addition to Sheikh Zayed Audio Library that contains hundreds of the founding leader’s audio recordings addressing different local and Arab and international issues.

The session also dealt with the publications of the National Archives, which document the nation's memory, and keep the records of the birth of the modern UAE with the establishment of the Union. The National Archives has documented the efforts of the wise leadership by issuing glossy volumes on the biography of the founding leader the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan. The National Archives attaches great importance to historical studies on the UAE and the Arabian Peninsula. Consequently, it has published valuable books in that field, which were well received by researchers, scholars and specialists in the history of the region.

During the session, a presentation was given about the facilities and equipment designed to serve researchers and scholars, such as the Emirates Library, the Customers’ Happiness Hall and the National Archives website, which contains a wealth of information that support national curricula.

The second day saw a second introductory session by Mrs. Husniya Al Ali about the Emirates Library. She pointed out that the National Archives, since its inception, has considered the preservation of the UAE history and heritage, documented in books, among its priorities. Therefore, it has established the specialized Emirates Library, which gives researchers, scholars and students access to its rich collections in print and electronic forms. The goals of the Emirates Library are derived from those of the National Archives; as it acquires valuable scientific resources and references on the Arab and Islamic civilization, with a special focus on titles relevant to the UAE and the Gulf region. The library has a wealth of valuable Local, Gulf, Arab and international sources, references and periodicals. This represents another facet of the support given by the National Archives to researchers, scholars and students.

The National Archives organized four historical photography exhibitions on national occasions, documenting pages from the history of the UAE. The exhibitions were held during Al Ain Festival, the “Library Week” organized by Emirates College for Advanced Education in Abu Dhabi, the Heritage Day events in Dubai, and the activities of Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship.

Within the framework of providing support, advisory and training services to government agencies in the UAE and of developing the performance of government agencies’ archives, experts and specialists from the National Archives of the UAE have demonstrated before a delegation from the archives of  Dibba Al Hisn Municipality the best practices related to management of paper and electronic documents

National Archive Supports the Archives of Dibba Al Hisn Municipality with Advanced Professional Consultations



Within the framework of providing support, advisory and training services to government agencies in the UAE and of developing the performance of government agencies’ archives, experts and specialists from the National Archives of the UAE have demonstrated before a delegation from the archives of  Dibba Al Hisn Municipality the best practices related to management of paper and electronic documents, correspondence system, the extent of benefit from the services provided by the Government Archives Section for organizing archives, the role of the Center’s Archive Section at the National Archives, the  efforts of the National Archives in the field of translation and detailed information in other areas.

That was in conformity with the articles of Federal Law No. 7 of 2008 regarding the National Archives, its amendments and its executive regulations, and with the aim of the objectives of the National Archives of building a modern National Archives; as it is making great efforts to organize and develop the archives of government agencies in the UAE according to the best practices, policies, requirements and principles used in the field of archives management.

The meeting was attended by Mrs. Najla Al Zaabi, Head of the Central Archives Section, and Mrs. Zulaikha Hassan, Archival Coordinator in Dibba Al Hisn Municipality, as well as experts of document management, records and electronic systems at the National Archives, and the Head of Center’s Archives Section at the National Archives.  They discussed electronic archiving and reached the conclusions that the choices of electronic archiving systems are based on the needs and requirements of the institution or organization, in addition to the electronic services it provides, and the quantity of the produced and received documents.

As for correspondence in the National Archives, the concerned specialist clarified that the management of incoming and outgoing correspondence is restricted to using sophisticated modern electronic systems. The meeting discussed the possibility of benefiting from the services provided by the Government Archives Section, its role in organizing governmental archives, and its cooperation and coordination with government agencies if they establish an organizational unit or internal committee for the management and preservation of archives.  He stressed that, based on the visits made by the National Archives’ team to the archives of government agencies, a number of necessary recommendations have been provided for the preservation, organization and development of archives in accordance with the best practices used in this field. The National Archives continues to follow up the implementation of these recommendations. These follow-ups have played a major role in promoting many archives that were suffering from waste, leakage and negligence to become one of the most organized archives. The National Archives has made another achievement in controlling the process of random destruction of documents in government agencies by referring to the Document Destruction Committee in the National Archives to coordinate with them in this regard.

In discussing the exchange of expertise in the field of archiving, the meeting pointed out the experience of the Central Archive Section and its mechanisms of classification, coding, procedures and stages. The meeting also included lengthy explanation of the National Archives’ internal electronic correspondence system, the document’s journey in this system and ways of saving and indexing it. The interest of the National Archives in the electronic and paper document was highlighted in the meeting, and it was pointed out that the paper document receives a lot of attention as it may pertain to the historical archive, and as the articles of Federal Law No. 7 of 2008 regarding the National Archives stress the importance of the document in its paper and electronic forms since its inception until its destruction or inclusion in the records of the historical archives. The methods of saving paper documents in archive boxes and file folders that are customized for this purpose in accordance with the best international practices were explained.

The meeting also highlighted the role of the Translation Section, which is concerned with the translation of books and archival records on the history, culture and heritage of the UAE and the Arabian Gulf region, and the biographies, memoirs and proceedings of conferences organized by the National Archives.

At the end of the meeting, Mrs. Najla Al Zaabi, Head of the Central Archives and Mrs. Zulaikha Hassan, Archives Coordinator in Dibba Al Hisn Municipality had a tour in the National Archives, where they were kept abreast of the Presidential Archive Section, which documents the history of the UAE by collecting and documenting the march of the founding leader Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and the activities of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of the UAE. Then they watched a 3D documentary film in Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Hall for Virtual Reality about the past, present and future of the United Arab Emirates. And in Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Hall, they examined samples of written documents, photographs and maps. The tour included the Emirates Library, one of the most prominent libraries specialized in the history and culture of the UAE and the Gulf region. The library, in its paper and electronic forms, is considered an important source for researchers.

As part of its efforts to disseminate knowledge about the UAE’s history, heritage and civilization, the National Archives has organized a lecture for the diplomats’ spouses and the newly appointed female diplomats.

The National Archives delivers a lecture on the Emirati women’s role at the Emirates Diplomatic Academy

As part of its efforts to disseminate knowledge about the UAE’s history, heritage and civilization, the National Archives has organized a lecture for the diplomats’ spouses and the newly appointed female diplomats. The lecture focused on the roles of the Founding Leader, Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan and H.H. Sheikha Fatima Bin Mubarak in the Emirati women’s development, unprecedented empowerment, and success in rising to the challenges.

 In her lecture, Dr. Aisha Bilkhair, Research Advisor at the NA, spoke about H.H. Sheikha Fatima Bin Mubarak’s remarkable achievements, humanitarian drive and constructive thinking. This is complemented by her overarching approach, which sets a good example and is a turning point in the efforts to empower Emirati women in particular and Arab women in general. Consequently, she has become a role model and a source of pride for all women worldwide.

The lecturer pointed out that the impressive progress made by the Emirati women is a result of the tremendous effort and unshaken belief of such a pioneer of humanitarian work, who demonstrated that women are competent and capable of giving and participating relentlessly and effectively in the sustainable development.

The lecturer maintained that Emirati women figure high on the agenda of the wise leadership. Since the Late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan had laid the foundation of the Union, women became on the top of the list of his interests. Thanks to the affirmative action by our caring and prudent leadership, women today have become active key partners in all fields.  Women have been qualified and given the necessary opportunity to fully assume their national responsibility in various fields. The lecturer cited examples of Emirati women in action. These included H.E. Dr. Amal Abdulla Al Qubaisi, who became President of the Federal National Council, H.E. Shamma Al Mazroui, who was sworn in as Minister of State for Youth, H.E. Ohoud Al Roumi, who was appointed Minister of State for Happiness and Squadron Leader Mariam Al Mansouri who is the first Emirati female fighter pilot in the UAE air force.

Dr. Aisha shed light on the wise leadership’s keen interest in young women and their role in building society in accordance with the UAE constitution, which emphasizes the equality among women and men in all rights and duties. The lecturer drew a contrast between the role of woman before the foundation of the Union, and the challenges faced by them at that time, and their high standing and achievements at present. Dr. Aisha urged participants to visit the National Archives to learn more about its holdings, which record women’s realities, past and present, and foresee their role in the future.

The National Archives of the UAE won “Sharjah Award for Government Communications” for the “Best Government Communications Strategy Category at the State Level”.  Sheikh Sultan Bin Ahmad Al Qasimi, Chairman of Sharjah Media Council, presented the award to H. E. Dr. Abdulla Mohammed Alraisi, NA Director General.

National Archives Wins Sharjah Award for Government Communications:

(Category of the best government communication strategy at the State level)

The National Archives of the UAE won “Sharjah Award for Government Communications” for the “Best Government Communications Strategy Category at the State Level”.  Sheikh Sultan Bin Ahmad Al Qasimi, Chairman of Sharjah Media Council, presented the award to H. E. Dr. Abdulla Mohammed Alraisi, NA Director General.

On this occasion, the Director General of the National Archives expressed his pride, as the award is a true representation of NA advancement towards the first row among the largest archives in the most advanced countries of the world.

Dr. Alraisi presented the award to H. H. Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Presidential Affairs and NA Chairman of the Board.  Dr. Alraisi spoke highly of the financial and moral support that his highness Sheikh Mansour has been consistently giving to the National Archives, in order to make it the main institution in preserving the memory of the nation.  The Director General said that this award is owed to H. H. Sheikh Mansour's wise directives and close follow up.

Dr. Alraisi thanked Sharjah Media Center and highly valued the award for honoring people of high achievements and creative initiatives, pointing out that the award and its precise standards are of great importance in seeking to upgrade the system of services and government work. He considered winning the award as the result of the sincere efforts of the National Archives to offer excellent services, and to be the first in the world’s archives, in line with the country’s march to achieve the vision of the UAE 2021 to be among the best countries in the world in time for the Golden Jubilee of the Union.

The Director General of the National Archives congratulated all staff members for winning the award, and expressed his hopes that the award would be a new benchmark towards excellence, and said that:  “We view this award as the fruit of sincere and determined efforts in pursuit of productivity.  We are pleased that winning the award was the result of our strong application, and was based on our comprehensive strategy of pursuit of excellence in all methods of internal and external communications.  It is also based on our initiatives to empower all employees and enhance their skills, in addition to diversity of communication and innovation channels.” 

Dr. Alraisi said that the award is of qualitative value, and a motivator for more production.  Moreover, the award places more responsibility on the NA to continue productivity to serve the homeland and preserve it heritage and history.

UAE National Archives presented a working paper in a seminar on the social responsibility of libraries in UAE.  The seminar was organized by Abu Dhabi Municipality.  The paper presented by NA was titled the UAE National Archives Social Responsibility; its Role in Preserving the Memory of the Nation, and Serving Society from the Social Responsibility perspective. 

The National Archives Participates in a Seminar on Social Responsibility of Libraries in UAE

UAE National Archives presented a working paper in a seminar on the social responsibility of libraries in UAE.  The seminar was organized by Abu Dhabi Municipality.  The paper presented by NA was titled the UAE National Archives Social Responsibility; its Role in Preserving the Memory of the Nation, and Serving Society from the Social Responsibility perspective.  The paper focused on NA's view on doing its share and shouldering its social responsibility.

The paper discussed NA different activities in the field of societal responsibility, and the means of providing the community with support through numerous activities. These included disseminating information and educating the public about the history of the UAE, preserving the memory of the nation, documenting national achievements and challenges, as well as giving researchers, scholars and others interested in UAE history access to supporting documents and resources, and participating in and sponsoring various voluntary and charitable activities.  The paper pointed out that the NA adopts values of public service, and makes comprehensive and systematic efforts to implement the concept of social responsibility as part of it  crucial role on the national level.

In its paper that dwelt on the NA social responsibility, Mrs. Husnia Al Ali, Head of Educational Programs, emphasized the fact that NA looks forward to the sustainable benefits of its social responsibility, which is a bedrock of its activities.  Therefore, NA has impressed this concept on all its organizational units and devised follow-up methodology and criteria in connection with the preservation, accessibility and dissemination of the country's history and heritage.

The paper included details on the NA role in social responsibility.  On the question of raising awareness about the UAE history and enhancing the sense of loyalty and identity among citizens, the paper listed NA educational projects, together with the NA participation in exhibitions, festivals, and local and international conferences.  On the topic of preserving the memory of the nation and documenting achievements, milestones and challenges, the paper dealt with oral history and genealogy, and described the services provide by the NA Preservation and Restoration Center in terms of preserving historical records.  Regarding the topic on access to document and resources and academic services by researchers, scholars and others interested in UAE history, the paper gave some examples on initiatives and projects undertaken by the NA, such as the Emirates Library, NA publications and smart applications. As far as voluntary and charitable activities are concerned, the paper stated clearly that such contributions came as a response to the government's directives and initiatives. Two examples were listed: the Reading Year and the Year of Giving.

In collaboration with the UAE Deaf Association, the NA has released a series of national documentaries in sign language designed for the deaf, given its keen interest in enhancing civics education and national identity among the members of this section of the society, supporting them and bringing them closer to others. 

In Collaboration with the UAE Deaf Association, the NA Launches a Series of National Documentaries in Sign Language

In collaboration with the UAE Deaf Association, the NA has released a series of national documentaries in sign language designed for the deaf, given its keen interest in enhancing civics education and national identity among the members of this section of the society, supporting them and bringing them closer to others. 

The series is also available on the NA YouTube channel. The project started with two documentaries; one on the National Archives, and the other on Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Hall located within NA building. The project includes several other films that will enrich deaf people’s knowledge on the UAE history and remarkable heritage and on the crucial role of the founding fathers in building and reviving the country, especially the late Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Thus, instilling, in the deaf, loyalty, a sense of belonging and national identity

The documentaries are conducted in sign language by highly qualified interpreters, who played a major role in achieving the objective of such a noble national initiative.  Interpreters would begin their work upon receiving accurate information about the content of the documentaries and the goal sought by making them available to the deaf.

The project is part of the NA desire to reach out to and educate the deaf, and to highlight its role in supporting individuals with special needs in the UAE society.  It complements NA role in supporting the visually impaired. In the past, NA had prepared summaries of its publications and made them available in Braille format, and offered them as a gift to Emirates Association of the Visually Impaired.

The NA has organized several educational and recreational activities for children with autism, in collaboration with Emirates Autism Society. Moreover, the NA pays regular visits to nursing homes in Sharjah and elsewhere.

The NA does its part in offering people with special needs the opportunity to actively engage with society; thus asserting their self-esteem, in addition to giving many other benefits.