National Archives Celebrates Martyrs' Day and 45th National Day

The day commenced with praying for the martyrs and commemorating the efforts of the founding fathers.

The National Archives of the UAE celebrated Martyrs Day and 45th anniversary of National day, in NA location in Abu Dhabi.  H. E. Dr. Abdulla Al Raisi, NA Director General, opened the commemoration with a speech, recalling the sacrifices of the brave Emirati heroes, who were martyred on duty, while defending their homeland.  Dr. Al Raisi also recalled some of the founding fathers' efforts, chief of which is UAE icon and founding leader, the late Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and their role in establishing the country and forming the Union.  In his speech, Dr. Al Raisi urged NA employees to continue to create and innovate.

NA Director General also said: National Day is a special day for all members of the UAE community, because it is the most important occasion in the history of the nation; It embodies the launching of the new modern, advanced, and prosperous UAE.  The achievements of the UAE since that day has made the country deeply rooted and highly recognized worldwide.

In his speech, Dr. Al Raisi added that it behooves us on this 45th anniversary of the National day to remember the founding fathers, chief of which Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan, God bless his soul, who challenged the status quo and led the move towards modernity and advancement.  The current wise leadership is following suit, leading the efforts the country's President H. H. Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, God bless him, his brother, Vice President H.H. Shaikh Muhammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Prime Minister, and Dubai Ruler, may God protect him, H.H. Shaikh Muhammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi's Crown Prince, and Vice High Commander of Armed Forces".  DR. Al Raisi praised all the rulers of the Emirates, members of the country's Higher Council, who have been following suit on the path of the founding fathers, in great efforts to continue the stabilization efforts of the country, making the UAE a symbol of advancement, growth, prosperity, and safety among other nations in the world.

Dr. Abdulla greeted the leadership; "…we in NA work according to the instructions of H.H. Shaikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Cabinet vice Chair, Minister of Presidential Affairs, and Chief of NA Executive Council.  Our main mission is to collect and conserve the nation's memory, and we are proud to extend our deepest congratulations and blessings to all on this special day".

H.E. Dr. Al Raisi said, "On Martyrs' day, the UAE celebrates loyalty and giving, while commemorating the values of sacrifice which is inherent in our citizens. Our martyrs are heroes who have made history, defending the nation's honor, pride, and identity".

Dr. Al Raisi then addressed NA employees, "…the 2nd of December is not just an anniversary we celebrate. It behooves us to measure and evaluate our achievements on this day every year.  The National Archives is one of a kind in the UAE.  NA's emblem is "Memory of a Nation".  Therefore, our product must be innovative, in order to stay par with the nation's expectations.  We will work in line with the directions of the nation's leadership, which is always promoting creativity and innovation".  Dr. Al Raisi emphasized innovation and creativity, stressing leaving behind useless routine.  NA-UAE is the best incubator for creativity and is the best environment for innovation; "…each and every one of us can be creative with how they perform their work", he concluded.

At end of the day, NA employees gathered in Shaikh Khalifa's auditorium to watch visual recordings, documenting a few aspects of the brave Emirati soldiers in the field of pride and glory.  The event ended in reciting prayers for the souls of devoted martyrs, and a moment of silence.  Finally, the UAE flag was raised in front of the NA main gate.    

The National Archives of the United Arab Emirates participates in the new edition of Sheikh Zayed Heritage Festival 2016 with “Memory of the Nation Pavilion”.

This year, the Memory of the Nation Pavilion is loaded with bright pages from the UAE history that spans thousands of years. The Pavilion also depicts the march of the Union and some of the glories of the Founding Fathers, led by the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, in addition to some new sections relating to the wise leadership’s initiatives. The shape of the National Archives’ Pavilion is inspired by Al Muwaiji Castle. It includes eleven sections occupying an area of 2,000 square meters. At the Pavilion entrance, there are the hashtags of: “This is what Zayed Likes”, and “This is how Zayed made us Happy”.

Celebrating the UAE civilization and history, the sections of the Pavilion show the March of the Union and introduce the visitors to the contributions of the Founding Father, and the role of Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak- Chairwoman of General Women's Union, the Supreme President of the Family Development Foundation, Chairwoman of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood and Mother of the UAE- in the advancement and empowerment of women. The sections also depict the Founding Fathers’ achievements.

Through a new smart application, visitors learn about Al Bu Falah family tree, and honorable pages from the UAE memory and education memory. The sections of the Pavilion also reflect the National Archives’ response to the wise leadership’s initiatives, such as “Tolerance” for which the UAE is known since its establishment, and “Happiness”, which the leadership is keen to achieve for UAE nationals and residents. Visitors may review the content of each section through a touch screen, thus they may access the desired section easily.

The Memory of the Nation Pavilion is set to host a number of national and community events. In addition to the main sections, it includes the visitors’ lounge “Majlis”, the staff lounge and some necessary facilities.

Combining the UAE glorious past and bright present, together with state-of-the-art technologies, the Memory of the Nation Pavilion is in fact the cornerstone of Sheikh Zayed Heritage Festival. It enriched the Festival’s activities with cultural heritage, presented to the visitors in an attractive and entertaining fashion. It also highlighted the activities of the Festival with its new ideas that are consistent with the wise leadership’s vision, including pictures and historic documentaries about the march of the Union and the establishment of the State. The Pavilion displays the role that the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan played in founding the Union, in addition to significant historical documentaries that reflect his achievements, timeless quotes, his interest in development, education and other political, economic and social aspects.

The National Archives takes pride in participating annually in this national event, which bears the name of the Founding Father.

The National Archives launches the new edition of the Young Historian Award

The UAE’s National Archives launched at its headquarters today the new edition of the Young Historian Award (2016-2017), in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Abu Dhabi Educational Council. The award targets school students to deepen the sense of their national identity, enhance their loyalty and belonging to their nation, enrich their national culture and acquaint them with research methodology.

 Mr. Farhan Al Marzooqi, Director of Corporate and Community Outreach Department and Chairman of the Committee, said about the importance of this award: The NA is constantly working to develop the Young Historian Award and to increase its exposure and popularity among students from grades 6 to 12, in order to teach them about their civilizational and cultural legacy, and to provide them with national education that promotes good citizenship among future generations.

Al Marzooqi added that the National Archives has realized the importance of preserving our legacy and history, which we are proud of, and it believed that preparing generations to carry out this mission is part of its responsibilities. Therefore, it strived to promote research and national sense among students in order to document the history of the UAE and its great leadership. The Young Historian Award was one of the useful methods in achieving this objective. He noted that students’ research papers will be documented in the NA’s publications in the future to be a reference for their serious studies. Furthermore, electronic links will be created for the award on the internet and social media, allowing the largest possible number of schools and students to be familiar with it, and its terms and methods of participation. Al Marzooqi emphasized that the award motivates student to learn about the Nation’s history and heritage, and deepens ties between generations, to enable them to realize the changes that took place in the UAE, and the current development and prosperity created by the founding fathers and under the guidance of the wise leadership.

Experts and specialists at the National Archives discuss a number of topics on national issues, to choose a topic for the new edition of the award. Among the topics proposed: 100th anniversary of the late Founding Leader, Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, genealogy, tribes and figures studies, literature, poetry and folklore, memories, correspondences, old collectibles and photographs, old traditional professions and handcrafts, historical and archeological sites, maritime life, traditional medicine, martyrs and the impact of their sacrifice on the community, in addition to topics related to moral education and some Emirati figures who are known for their giving and achievements.

The award maintains, in its new edition, specific categories such as:  Oral history, which is documentation via oral interviews with narrators and old people; geographical history, which means conducting geographical research on archeological and historical landmarks in the UAE; economic history, which is related to carrying out research and interviews documenting aspects of the economic history, and social history, which is concerned with research in social life of the UAE, past and present.

It is worth mentioning that the NA has launched the first edition of the Young Historian Award in coordination with the Ministry of Education in the school year (2009-2010), and a new edition of the Award is launched annually at the beginning of each school year. The NA aims to preserve and spread the UAE’s history, culture and heritage through projects that benefit young people and successive generations.

The Young Historian Award is considered one of the best research and cultural competitions sponsored by the NA and targeting students. The NA has already issued magnificent pieces of research by students in this field, which were the fruit of competitions organized by the NA in cooperation with the Ministry of Education. This activity was a form of communication with the community, and a direct contribution to prepare researchers, and a sponsorship of early creativity. The most remarkable pieces of research are: Seizure of the Three UAE Islands, Zayed and the Environment, Zayed and Education, Zayed and Development, Zayed and Women’s Progress, etc.

Discussing the enhancement of cooperation and mechanisms of electronically linking their libraries

The National Archives acquaints “Sharjah Documentation and Archives” with its experience in research

The National Archives of the UAE discussed the enhancement of cooperation with Sharjah Documentation and Archives Authority, particularly with regard to the Research and Knowledge Services Department, the work mechanism in the Emirates Library, Oral History and the methods used to conduct and conserve interviews, and making them accessible.

A delegation from Sharjah Documentation and Archives Authority visited the headquarters of the National Archives in Abu Dhabi, and was briefed on the NA’s projects and work methods. The delegation was impressed by the position the NA reached in the field of oral history since the implementation of Federal Law No. (7), 2008, issued by H.H. Sheikh Khaliah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, regarding the NA. The delegation was also impressed by the NA’s compliance with the international standards and best practices in this field, by organizing workshops and training lectures to promote the importance of oral history in recording the past of our ancestors. The two delegations discussed the phases of the oral history interview, its objectives and contents, and the importance of obtaining the consent of the interviewees.  Moreover, interviews are available to researchers through “Their Memory is Our History” series.

The guest delegation learned about the history of the Emirates Library, which was founded with the establishment of the NA in 1968, to carry out tasks relative to the objectives of the NA, i.e. to collect and preserve the Nation’s memory, and to provide decision makers, researchers, academics and students with services related to the history and heritage of the UAE and the Gulf region.   The delegate was briefed also on methods of cataloguing and the accessibility of its collection, as well as performance measurement and indicators. The guest delegation members expressed their aspirations for the electronic linking between the Emirates Library and the library of the Sharjah Documentation and Archives Authority. The two parties reviewed the electronic link methods and benefits for both sides.

The delegation was acquainted with the Research and Knowledge Services Department, its sections, units,  projects and achievements.  The discussion focused on the department’s publications’ mechanism, measurement indicators, and its  role in serving customers and meeting their requirements of references as well as research consultation.

The two parties agreed on experience exchange and on constructive and fruitful cooperation in matters of common interest. The guest delegation headed by Ahmed Salman Al Salman, Director of Research and Studies Department at Sharjah Documentation and Archives Authority, appreciated the NA’s experience, which is constantly developing in line with the great development in the UAE in various vital fields under the guidance of its wise leadership.

In Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Virtual Reality Theatre, the authority’s delegation watched a 3-D documentary film on the UAE’s past and bright present. The delegation members took a tour of Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Hall, which contains samples of written documents, photographs, maps and electronic albums of the UAE’s leaders and main figures.  

NA Wins “Afkar Al Emarat’s”   Creativity Award in Media Coverage. 

NA won the Afkar Al Emarat’s award (UAE Ideas)2016, during its fifth annual event, on the category of “Best Media Coverage”, for its "Watheq" initiative, aimed at documenting personal records.  NA received the award for its role in promoting this important national initiative, and its significant media coverage.  NA played a major role in reaching out to different public sectors and encouraging them to conserve old personal documents and records, which is the very essence of the campaign.

H. H. Shaikh Juma Bin Hasher Al Maktoum presented the award to Mr. Farhan Al Marzougi, Director of Corporate & Community Communication Department, in the presence of the project representatives.  In his speech, Mr. Al Marzougi thanked the award's organizers and sponsors, and applauded the award as a hub for promoting sustainable growth.  He said that it was a great national opportunity for promoting national identity and creativity.  It is an opportunity, he added, that instils creativity and entrepreneurship among the citizens, which is something that is emphasized by the wise UAE   leadership.  Mr. Al Marzougi said that the award is a real motivator for continued hard work and innovation.  It is an honor that reflects NA's loyalty to the home country; a national task of collecting and maintaining the memory of a nation.  NA is going full speed ahead and looking forward to 2021, the year UAE will become the best globally.  Mr. Al Marzougi revealed how important the "Watheq" campaign was to NA in educating the public about their role in preserving records and personal history, for the benefit of the coming generations.  Finally, Mr. Al Marzougi thanked the national media channels who embraced this initiative.

"Watheq" is a national campaign aimed at promoting the documentation of the public's personal records.  It is a new initiative launched by NA aiming at educating the public of the importance of keeping personal records, particularly the historical ones, and saving them in the "Watheq" box, which was designed according to the highest standards of archiving private records. The campaign promoted the values of national identity and loyalty to the homeland, and contributed to increased awareness of the importance of archiving and its role in conserving the memory of the nation.

"Afkar Al Emarat 2016" award represents the hard work NA has played in order to make the national campaign a success.

The National Archives carries out a record time evacuation drill at its headquarters


The National Archives carried out an evacuation drill to its staff; to ensure their readiness to cope with emergency events, raise their readiness level, enhance their security awareness, and to review the effectiveness of safety and security requirements in case of crisis. The evacuation drill, which was carried out in a record time under the supervision of a civil defense team, demonstrated a total readiness and commitment to specified uniform, and the strict implementation of all requirements.  With the release of siren, the Abu Dhabi Police operations room received a report, and all the National Archives building electronic doors were opened to staff members heading to the assembly point outside the building, guided by the special evacuation team, where everyone gathered.

The National Archives management extended its thanks to the civil defense team who oversaw the evacuation process. This evacuation drill practically expressed the National Archives' interest in ensuring safety and security in its work environment, as well as ensuring that its staff members are provided with the necessary expertise to enhance their safety opportunities in case of disasters and crises, as the NA is keen to raise all employees' readiness level to prepare them for any emergencies, thus the great results in the evacuation drill.   The National Archives spares no effort to promote the safety and security of its employees, as well as the millions of documents that it holds.

For its part, the civil defense team, (Alqubaisat Branch), which supervised the evacuation drill, praised the National Archives’ commitment and speedy response which resulted in a record time evacuation.  The team also praised the security awareness embodied in all the evacuation process conditions and requirements, noting that the record time evacuation plan reflects the National Archives’ management's interest in the safety and security of its human resources, and in promoting their awareness of safety and security.

Attracting a large number of GITEX visitors

The Pavilion of the Ministry of Presidential Affairs attracts the attention of VIPs

 
The pavilion of the Ministry of Presidential Affairs with its modern smart applications captured the attention of VIPs and a large number of visitors who expressed their admiration of its smart applications and initiatives.

In the third day of GITEX 2016, the pavilion of the Presidential Affairs Ministry was visited by His Highness Sheikh Ammar Bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Crown Prince of Ajman, Sheikh Ahmed Bin Hamdan Al Nahyan, HE Sultan Al Mansouri, Minister of Economy, HE Dr. Thani Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, and a large number of officials, and those interested in the technical development and the transition to the digital age.


The pavilion of the Ministry of Presidential Affairs displayed the latest smart applications, particularly the Virtual Office, the Technical Museum, and the applications of the affiliates of the ministry: the National Archives, the National Centre for Meteorology and Seismology, and the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Center.

The smart applications and services with which the Ministry of Presidential Affairs participates come within the framework of the technical development and the transition to a digital society that achieves the aspirations for the sustainability of the smart society. This is consistent with the strategy of our wise leadership to keep pace with the digital age.   

The UAE National Archives received a delegation from the British National Archives

Pursuant to the memorandum of understanding signed between the two institutions in August 2016, the National Archives of the UAE has received a delegation from The National Archives of the UK. The delegation consisted of the Head of Commercial Services, Mr. Chris Mumby; the Head of Collections, Dr. Stephen Twigge; and the Head of Modern Overseas Records, Dr. Juliette Desplat.

This meeting of key people from the two institutions was called in order to review and shape a common strategic vision for a pending joint project, which will digitize and make broadly available the documentary holdings of the British National Archives relating to the UAE and other nations of the Arabian Gulf. The visit included a tour of the UAE National Archives, with presentations by staff, and served as an expression of the collaborative partnership agreed to previously by both sides.

Discussion involved a range of topics, including project planning, governance and management, resource allocation, and implementation options. Participants discussed the requirements for transcription, indexing and translation, and analyzed technical and marketing aspects of the projects.

The meeting and discussion led to favorable outcomes: a shared vision for the project was identified, project governance and management principles were established, and the core project team was confirmed. Dr. Abdulla M. Alraisi, Director General of the UAE National Archives, stated that such meetings “take place in the framework of strengthening relations with the world’s major archives and the introduction of the latest international experiences and skills to the National Archives through exchange of expertise and the promotion of future joint projects and activities to celebrate the 2017 UAE -UK culture year.”

His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, First Deputy Chairman of the Executive Council of the Emirate of Dubai, and His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, President of the Dubai International Marine Club, visited the pavilion of the Ministry of Presidential Affairs on the first day of GITEX 2016.

His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed Al Maktoum and his entourage were briefed on the latest smart applications in the Ministry of Presidential Affairs and its affiliates. Represented by the National Archives, Sheikh Zayed Mosque, and the Meteorology and Seismology Center.

Jamal Al-Rumaithi, Director of the Information Technology Department at the Ministry of Presidential Affairs, presented to His Highness a presentation of the smart virtual office, which is a smart virtual environment that simulates the actual office, in which the employee performs his office work using smart devices at any time and anywhere, while maintaining the confidentiality of information security. Features that make it no different from a regular office, and facilitate communication between the data center, desktop computers, and smart devices.

He also gave His Highness an explanation of the technical museum and the smart applications of Sheikh Zayed Mosque and the Earthquake and Meteorological Center.

His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed Al Maktoum listened to a detailed explanation by His Excellency Majid Al Muhairi, Executive Director of the National Archives, about the smart applications in which the National Archives participated under the umbrella of the Ministry of Presidential Affairs, particularly the smart application of the Al Nahyan family tree, and the smart application for archiving the websites of government agencies. The National Electronic Project (Watheq Smart), which is a smart application that reflects the "Watheq" project, the national campaign to document personal records.

His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed Al Maktoum praised the great technical development witnessed by the Ministry of Presidential Affairs, and the great role it plays in developing technical and smart informatics knowledge.

The pavilion of the Ministry of Presidential Affairs received a number of personalities and officials who were briefed on the smart applications, and the benefits they provide to decision-makers, employees and customers, and the progress they represent on the path to smart government. 

Al Nayhan Family Tree, Government Websites Archiving and “Smart Watheq”

The National Archives launches Three Innovative Apps at Gitex 2016

H.E. Dr. Abdulla Al Raisi, Director General of the National Archives, confirmed that the NA has launched a number of smart applications at its pavilion, under the auspices of the Ministry of Presidential Affairs, at Gitex 2016. This was in response to the directives of H.H. Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, that development should be based on science and innovation.

H.E. said that the NA works hard to take advantage of the information era in providing its services in the context of the UAE’s history and heritage. And this is in accordance with the instructions of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, who emphasized that “the UAE has adopted innovation as an institutional approach and social culture…. It is an ongoing process with no time limits”.

Al Raisi confirmed that, according to the directives of Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minster, Minister of Presidential Affairs and Chairman of NA’s Board of Directors, to concentrate on development and innovation, the NA has launched three advanced smart applications at its pavilion: An advanced interactive application named “Al Nahyan Family Tree”, local and federal government entities websites archiving application, which is the largest one of its type in the region, and the national electronic project application (Smart Watheq), which reflects the national campaign to document personal records “Watheq” launched by the NA across the UAE to encourage citizens to create personal archives.

Al Nahyan Family Tree contains hundreds of people starting with Yas, all the way to the sons and grandsons of Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan. This Family Tree is characterized by its interactive switching from one figure to another, and that its content can be shared via email or social media.

Al Nahyan Family Tree application provides an overview of the most prominent figures of Al Nahyan, highlighting the prominent figures who ruled the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, along with the available photographs of sheikhs, particularly those who built Abu Dhabi and became rulers of an Emirate that reached, during their reign, its maximum expansion and power, and became the major power on the Coast, and whose achievements and the role they played in developing the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and the Coast were recorded by history.

The home page of Al Nahyan Family Tree application contains a photograph of Sheikh Zayed and his sons. He was the ruler of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, which witnessed during his reign a great development due to his experience and good management. The establishment of the United Arab Emirates was a result of his tireless efforts, along with his brothers Rulers of the Emirates.  His sons adopted his approach to maintain the UAE and its accomplishments.

H.E. Majid Al Mehairi, Executive Director of the National Archives, said regarding Al Nahyan Family Tree:  The National Archives realized the importance of Al Nahyan Family Tree in the history of Abu Dhabi in particular and of the UAE in general. Therefore, the NA intended to introduce it electronically in an advanced way, with many additions and notes, since it was  provided earlier on paper with each copy of the book “Qasr Al Hosn: The History of the Rulers of Abu Dhabi”.

H.E. added: Al Nahyan Family Tree in its smart and interactive form will introduce the current and next generations to the rulers of Abu Dhabi, as well as the UAE, and to the rulers’ permanent imprints on its glorious history and bright present. Viewing the immortal accomplishments of those great leaders will enhance loyalty and belonging to homeland and foster the national identity among citizens. This is the NA’s core mission.

As regards the second application, aiming at archiving local and federal government entities’ websites, and government entities and sheikhs twitters, the NA has archived the websites of about 200 local and federal government entities.

In respect of this project, the NA’s Executive Director said: The achievement of the NA in terms of conserving and classifying the government entities’ websites is the largest of its kind at the regional level, and it aims at preserving a significant part of the Nation’s memory. The UAE is one of the leading countries in the world to start websites archiving. The NA has a website that provides researchers with access to the archived digital information.

The official websites archiving project comes in line with the NA’s interest and role in preserving and documenting the Nation’s memory. It pays considerable attention to the digital documentation of websites due to their significance, and because they cannot be retrieved in case of removal by any other entity.

The National Archives of the UAE takes advantage of Gitex to launch its national electronic project (Smart Watheq), which reflects the national campaign to document personal records “Watheq” launched by the NA across the UAE to create personal archives.

The application “Smart Watheq” provides each citizen and resident with a storage capacity of 2GB. Users can upload their personal files in PDF format via smart phones or tablets and can save them in the NA’s servers, so concerned parties at the NA can have access to these files. This smart electronic application has 7 volumes, and the user can divide them as desired and upload his/her documents in his/her preferred classification. The main documents that can be saved in this smart application are official documents, such as identity and health cards, academic certificates, experience certificates, passports, photographs, purchase and sale contracts, property titles, trade registers, manuscripts, family photographs, and other documents which families are keen to keep for long period, or refer to them when required. This is in addition to some historical documents that had been handed down from generation to generation and constitute part of the nation’s history. In this regard, citizens are encouraged to submit to the NA some of their valuable historical documents, in order to preserve and provide them to researchers of UAE’s history and heritage.

H.E. Majid Al Mehairi stated that the National Archives launched its national project “Watheq” at the end of 2014, primarily targeting local families, because they are the main component of the Emirati society. Smart devices spread widely in the Emirati society as more than 90% of families has at least one smart device. Therefore, we have to explore the society’s smart infrastructure and accordingly pay considerable attention to the technological aspects. We found that launching “Watheq” project in its electronic version will have a great benefit in the preservation of personal archives, which are ultimately part of the Nation’s memory, in electronic files that are indexed, classified and preserved in confidential information systems, and we should do our utmost to keep them safe.

The National Archives displays distinguished historical photographs at the International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition

The National Archives of the UAE participated in the 14th edition of the International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition, which started in Abu Dhabi on October 4th.

The National Archives is keen to participate in the International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition every year due to its global significance and because it is one of the most important regional hunting and equestrian exhibitions. The NA participation provides the public with the opportunity to learn about its national events and activities as well as to view examples of its photographs collections.

The participation of the National Archives in this year’s  exhibition includes a number of documentary and historical photographs of hunting, and some traditional sports that attracted the attention of the UAE leadership and people, as well as horses and camels breeding and races. The NA’s participation comes in line with the interest of the Late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and the wise leadership’s keenness to revive and conserve the UAE heritage.

The NA’s exhibition also includes many rare historical photographs which documents  the activities of the founding leader, Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and his his interest in horses, camels, equestrian and hunting.

It is worth mentioning that the NA’s pavilion attracts a large turnout of visitors who are interested in examining the documented aspects of the UAE’s heritage.

The National Archives and Baynounah Channel sign a memorandum of Understanding

On archiving and preserving the national identity, and cultural and heritage components

The National Archives of the United Arab Emirates and Baynounah Satellite Channel signed a memorandum of understanding to strengthen collaboration and lay the foundation for a constructive cooperation between the two sides.  The MOU seeks to dedicate the common interest to spread cultural and historical awareness among all segments of society by highlighting the cultural and heritage identity components, preserving the national identity of the UAE, and to highlight media, cultural and heritage content.

This Memorandum of Understanding aims to preserve the memory of the nation, which is the main role of the National Archives; thus the National Archives is to save audiovisual assets related to the history of the United Arab Emirates.

The MOU was signed by HE Dr. Abdullah Al Raisi, Director General of the National Archives, and HE Eisa Saif Al Mazrouei, General Manager of Baynounah Channel, at the headquarters of the National Archives in Abu Dhabi.



His Excellency Dr. Abdullah Al Raisi welcomed, in his speech, the collaboration with Baynounah channel, and highly appreciated the role it plays in the sustainability of UAE national identity and heritage, praising the richness of its audiovisual archives. HE emphasized the importance of collaboration and discussing issues of mutual interest between the National Archives and Baynounah Channel. 

HE Dr. Abdullah Al Raisi said, regarding the MOU, that the NA has high hopes for this MOU as it considers media as ‘the historian of the moment’ and the real supporter and keeper of heritage. The fact that Baynounah Channel in particular is strongly present at heritage events and festivals to deliver outstanding information makes its heritage programs worthy of care and conservation as they shed light on significant aspects of UAE heritage. We ought to preserve, at the NA, these media outputs that are related to the UAE history for coming generations.

HE added that media archives are among the major archives that we seek to preserve at the National Archives; for they include important historical and heritage material, and of great interest to researchers documenting the country's history and heritage. As we thank Baynounah Channel for their collaboration and prompt response, we hope that other media outlets in the UAE would follow suit, by offering their historical and heritage archives so that the National Archives keeps them in ‘the memory of the nation’ record.

HE General Director of the National Archives pointed out the importance of audiovisual archives relevant to the UAE history and heritage, and its role in enhancing loyalty, and strengthening national identity among the people of the UAE. In fact this is at the core of the National Archives’ vision and mission.

HE Eisa Saif Al Mazrouei, General Manager of Baynounah Channel, expressed his deep appreciation for the National Archives and its initiative to collaborate with Baynounah Channel in the fields of archiving and preserving its archival historical and heritage holdings, emphasizing that the MOU articles serve the ‘memory of the nation’; as the audiovisual resources and programs related to the UAE history and heritage contribute to the promotion of national education and cultural identity of  future generations.

HE added that Baynounah Channel’s approaches that are concerned with the details of the life of the UAE community, and its commitment to broadcasting the finest cultural programs, that reflect the UAE heritage and identity, are consistent with the National Archives’ aspirations to provide decision-makers and researchers with documented heritage and information that enhance the sense of belonging and national identity.

The MOU articles states that the National Archives shall provide Baynounah Channel with advisory expertise in the field of documentation, preservation and archiving in accordance with the NA adopted international standards. The NA shall take part in the training courses in the field of archiving and shall allow access to the NA’s audiovisual archives. In return, the MOU states that Baynounah Channel shall submit the originals of its audiovisual archives to the National Archives.