Memory of the Nation attracts visitors to innovative initiatives during Shaikh Zayed Heritage Festival

Memory of the Nation wing, which represents the participation of the National Archives in the 2016 Shaikh Zayed Heritage Festival, has attracted a huge number of visitors, who were impressed by the distinguished daily initiatives.

For the first time, NA introduced an innovative program for instilling national identity using robots.  This initiative attracted the participation of a wide turnout of children and students, who benefited from NA robot programming expertise.

This new program involves children, using a select cultural information series, taking it into the process of manufacturing and programing, with emphasis on competition among groups of participants.

Currently, the focus is on culture and racing, such as horse and camel races, and the Jiu-Jitsu challenge, which is an international sport whose Emirati champions have mastered and received first prizes.

The History of Arabian equestrian sport was displayed during the first week, including the international races the country organizes, particularly International Dubai Equestrian Cup, and Shaikh Mansour's Equestrian Festival.

During the second week, visitors were oriented about the UAE camel racing culture, important racing camels' qualities, and the traditional role of camels in desert life.

Memory of Education wing attracted a special turnout of children who are interested in Jiu-Jitsu sport in the UAE.  Young visitors received information on the origin of the sport and its start in the UAE.  The sport was of great interest to H. H. Shaikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince, and Vice High Commander of Armed Forces.  H. H. believes that the game can refine human personality, in addition to its physical and health benefits.  When this sport is mentioned, so is the name of H. H. Shaikh Tahnoon Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who was the first to introduce and develop the sport and spread it throughout the country.  A lecture with a presentation was given to the youth about Jiu-Jitsu Club, the arts of the sport, and the UAE national team achievements.

Children's coloring corner, at the Memory of the Nation Wing, aimed at developing creativity using bright colors and colored sand.  Young visitors were extremely involved in this corner and enjoyed the activity, which was directing their imagination positively.  All young participants received gifts for their work.

Another activity within NA wing was “Rare Local Emirati Vocabulary Challenge”, which went on for two weeks in a row.  Organizers were able to collect 304 local dialect vocabulary and their meanings, and filed them electronically.  Some visitors came to this corner to familiarize themselves with Emirati vocabulary, while others were interested in adding more new vocabulary to the list.  The list will be posted and updated on Instagram. 

NA awarded medals to “Memory of Education” winners in Robotic Programming, to motivate children.  

"Partners in Knowledge"

A project full of workshops and training seminars.

NA launches an internal training and educational project, relying on its own cadres.


The National Archives of the UAE has launched it new training project "Partners in Knowledge".  The core of this strategic program is self-sufficiency, relying on NA's specialized employees who have expertise, and skilled in their fields.  The project offers a wealth of workshops and training sessions, involving several topics, related to NA and its areas of work.  The new project is a conduit for passing work expertise via employee-to-employee.  It aims at informing all NA employees of all services provided by other employees within the same organization.  All employees will share knowledge and experiences.

The project reflects NA vision that human resources is essential to the process of production and achievement.  Training is known to have a vital role in improving employees' skills and abilities, and increasing their productivity.  Employees would be enriched with the knowledge needed to achieve their professional targets, will help polish their skills, and update their innovative skills, as they will be exposed to most modern and updated work methods.

This training project will help curtail high costs of external training needs.  The project will also ensure employees' commitment to training, and participants will gain certificates of completion.  This process in itself improves performance quality, thus job efficiency.

This project has led to a series of training workshops and educational seminars, as all training and meeting rooms within NA are always busy.  More and more employees are participating in the training workshops offered, such as Scientific Research Methodology, encompassing characteristics of scientific research, clear research title and content, relevant facts, characteristics of the researchers, such as researchers' interest in the topic, patience, critique talent, and well-rounded education. The same training focus on the importance of researching the specific topic, and offering solutions, in addition to essential recommendations prior to beginning the research process.  Other topics discussed are the value of the research topic, steps of the research process, defining methodology, writing methods, and finally listing credits and documenting resources.

One of the project's activities is a training course on "Electronic Archiving".  The training offered participants an introduction to electronic archiving as being a system that encompasses a number of methods, technologies, and modern applications and techniques utilized in archiving.  The training session also discussed the objectives of electronic archiving, types of electronic documents, electronic archiving process chain, types of scanners and how each works, document scanning followed by indexing and entry of metadata, conserving and storing electronic documents, storage types and containers, and methods of research and retrieving electronic documents.

A training session entitled: "scattered archives, and how to properly and scientifically process it”, discussed provisions of Law No. 7, of 2008, related to NA, which details the importance of historical documents and archives.  The session defined "a document" and discussed the state of "scattered archives".  The trainer presented sample photographs of "scattered archives" and spoke at length about the process of organizing such archives. The trainer then displayed photographs of ideal archives. 

One of the most important training sessions offered by this project was entitled "The Art of Etiquette and Rules of Protocol". In this training, participants received information on etiquette, its definition and its relevance to Islam.  Some of the topics discussed were the etiquette of: handshaking, VIP visits, applauding, and dinning.  The trainer then talked about the definition of Protocol, including international protocol, saluting the flag protocol, the county's emblem, pictures of officials, techniques of dealing with visiting delegations.  The session was concluded with the topic on situations that conflict with rules of etiquette and protocol.

Another important training session offered by the program was entitled: "Archives Document Categorizing Plan & Application".  The session dealt with the importance of categorizing and the scope of its application, as well as its advantages and responsibilities.  The session participants then received information on encoding, and categorizing of internal correspondences and hard copy files.  The participants were then given examples of different categorization plans. 

The "Film Pictures" training forum discussed the importance of sustainable archival pictures, means of conserving them for long-term archiving, to make them available as historical documents.  The forum focused on cinematic and photographic pictures technology and techniques, in addition to conserving pictures digitally.

The project included a "Languages Common Mistakes" lecture, shedding light on a huge number of common mistakes used by employees.

The lecture on "Documenting UAE Local News" gathered from local newspapers, focused on the significance of documentation.  The lecturer then outlined the efforts of Modern Documentation Section, and process of selecting and documenting "news".

"Partners in Knowledge" also included a training workshop on the "Conversion & Destruction" of document.  Participants learned the definition of "Conversion" as transferring documents and files that are no longer used, from their location at the workplace, to the Documents Unit, based on the provision of the Law and its Executive Bylaws.  The workshop discussed steps of relocation, and defined the “destruction of documents” as being a series of procedures taken by government agencies to get rid of documents useless to scientific and historical research.

The National Archives is inspired by the Muwaiji Palace in Al Ain, in designing its "Memory of the Nation" pavilion.  

The National Archives was inspired in the architectural design of its "Memory of the Nation" pavilion, with which it participates in the Sheikh Zayed Heritage Festival 2016, by the architectural style of the Muwaiji palace in Al Ain, being an important national and historic monument which witnessed the birth of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE.  The National archives’ interest to present the visitors of its"Memory of the Nation" pavilion with a reproduction of the Muwaiji Palace at the festival stems from its keenness to give a historic identity to its pavilion, as part of this heritage and cultural festival, and to Shed light on the Muwaiji Palace and its historical value and status, as well as to acquaint the festival visitors from all over the world with this magnificent Urban edifice.

One of the objectives of establishing the National Archives is to collect and document everything related to the history and heritage of the United Arab Emirates and the Gulf region.  The NA is inspired by heritage and utilizes it in its activities to reinforce and support this goal, and to highlight aspects of history in which the UAE takes pride, especially that the Muwaiji Palace is considered one of Al Ain's most important landmarks, thus the UNESCO has included it as one of “World Heritage Sites”.  It reflects the long history of the UAE, and contributes to acquainting students and younger generations with honorable aspects and bright pages of the national history.

The "Memory of the Nation" pavilion at Sheikh Zayed Heritage Festival attracts dignitaries from the UAE and elsewhere, and a large number of visitors.   It is the main participant of the festival, and its design is considered among the important factors that attract visitors, who express their admiration of the pavilion's holdings and its design, which simulates the Muwaiji Palace, the birth of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and where he spent most of his childhood and youth under the guardianship of his father the late Sheikh Zayed.   The Muwaiji palace was the headquarters of the founding Leader Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan since 1946 when he served as the Ruler's representative in the Eastern region, and this palace has witnessed an important era in which Sheikh Zayed’s name starred, and who managed to craete significant changes which brought forth remarkable progress and development to the city of Al Ain, before moving to Abu Dhabi in 1966 to continue the construction and development process, and to establish the Union along with his fellow founding fathers.

The National Archives was traditionally inspired in the design of its "Memory of the Nation" Pavilion at Sheikh Zayed Heritage Festival at Al Wathba in Abu Dhabi by the archaeological and monumental sites of historical importance in the UAE's history, and by the biographies of its great leaders and dignitaries. It is worth mentioning that the NA was inspired last year in its "Memory of the Nation" design by Al Jahili fort in Al Ain.

National Archives Continues its Role in Civics Education.

Memory of Education Corner in “Memory of the Nation Wing”: Culture, History, and Modern Technology Hand in Hand for Civics Education

History and culture interweaved with modern technology in the "Memory of Education" corner, in NA wing within the 2016 Sheikh Zayed Heritage festival, to emphasize values of belonging, loyalty and national identity among young visitors.  Children had fun using modern technology to familiarize themselves with history, under the supervision of a group of specialists.

In this corner, NA reveals to the public a modern method to reach out to children to teach them about history.  In a non-typical manner, there were several tables with computers on them spread out in the corner.  On the tables, there were also dismantled "robotic" pieces.  A child is to put the pieces together to create a mock-up horse and put it in the miniature-racing field located on another table.  Children would then take their horses to races with their virtual horses.  All participants received NA medals.

This modern technique attracted many children to the "Education Corner", in addition to viewing educational films on horses on a wide screen.  The film was created especially for young viewers.  The content is documentaries showing how important this cultural sport is to the UAE leadership.  During the film, a curator explains to children how the Founding Leader the late Sheikh Zayed had taken the sport into a new unprecedented level.  The film also provides information about Dubai's Global Equestrian Cup that was established in 1996 by H. H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai.  The documentary also sheds light on annual equestrian festivals by H. H. Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and his continued efforts to maintain what H. H. Sheikh Zayed had started, in order to preserve this cultural sport.

Information was given to children about the country's efforts to improve women's equestrian sports.  The program also provided information to young visitors on UAE stables, the number of horses, and the rare breeds of Arabian horses.

The corner provided young visitors with different educational material every week, to keep them interested and to attract as many children as possible.  One different weekly theme was on camels in the UAE, camel racing tracks, and the history of camel racing culture.

"Memory of Education" corner objective is to link children to the nation's history and culture, and educate them on sustaining the local environment.

The National Archives enhances its "Memory of the Nation" pavilion with its two new corners: the happiness, and tolerance corners.


The National Archives enhanced, for the first time,  its “Memory of the Nation” pavilion at “Sheikh Zayed Heritage Festival” with its happiness and tolerance corners, to indicate the fact that the UAE is an oasis of tolerance and happiness, since tolerance and happiness are very substantial objectives of our wise leadership, which seeks to achieve sustainable prosperity and well-being of its people.

The United Arab Emirates has set - since its inception- the happiness of its people as its main objective. This was  evident in the words of the founding leader Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who said: "The most important achievement of the Union, in my view, is the happiness of the community."

The happiness Corner is gracefully decorated by the words of the founding leader and the wise leadership about the importance of happiness and bringing happiness to the community.  A large board topped the forefront of the happiness Corner which says that: the UAE is a leading Arab and regional state in happiness, and that it is ranked first in healthcare, progress and freedom. The board also referred to the average life expectancy in the UAE, how healthy they are, per capita GDP, individual freedom, decline of corruption in its institutions, and the sustainable social support for individual. The happiness Corner included the National Program for happiness and positivity.

The happiness Corner contained quotes of UAE leaders, lead by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, who said: "Happiness and positivity are a lifestyle, a government commitment and a real spirit uniting the UAE society ...  government institutions evolve and develop to achieve the goals of every human being, namely to achieve happiness for him and his family.”


The tolerance corner highlighted the culture of tolerance, the foundation of which in the Emirati society was laid down by the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan, to make the UAE an oasis of tolerance, and a perfect example in implementing the values of tolerance and peaceful coexistence.

The tolerance corner included a huge statue of two convergent hands, indicating the importance of convergence between human beings, the promotion of tolerance values among people and the resulting fruitful convergence.

The National Archives was keen on documenting tolerance that characterized the UAE since its inception, especially in the book "Zayed, A Man Who Built a Nation", which documents examples of the founding leader's efforts to disseminate and establish the values of tolerance.

The National Archives takes great interest in the values of tolerance and happiness, in line with the wise leadership's interest in these concepts, with which work was accordingly associated in all government and private agencies.

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.