In line with the “Year of Reading” initiative, the NA distributed a large number of its publications.

The National Archives participated in the Saudi Arabian Embassy's 86th National Day celebrations 

As part of its projects organized for the celebration of the initiative “2016: the Year of Reading”, launched by His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, The National Archives of the United Arab Emirates has dedicated a large number of its distinct publication “Memories of the Arabian Peninsula: A Photographic Journey”,  to dignitaries and participants in the Saudi Arabian Embassy's celebrations marking the eighty sixth National day anniversary.

The book in question dedicates a section to each of the Arabian Peninsula countries, starting with the UAE, then the Kingdom of Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Yemen, Oman, and Qatar.


 As regards the UAE, the book included historical photos of some of its historic leaders, features of its mainland and marine life, its social and economic aspects, and its customs and traditions.  The book also records the religious status of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, its role as an important trading and political center since ancient times, and its development into a modern state. The photos in this section documented the history of the holy places, important religious and political events, customs and traditions, and models of ancient architecture.



This came in the course of the National Archives participation in the celebrations held by the Saudi embassy in Abu Dhabi, and also included a photo exhibition which confirms the strength of the fraternal and historical relations between the UAE and Saudi Arabia. The National Archives distributed to participants its publications that highlight the historical brotherly relations between the Arab people of the Gulf region. The National Archives' participation in such a national occasion highlights its role in documenting the events relating to the unity of the peoples of the region, and the aspirations of the UAE and the Gulf societies.

The Photos in the National Archives exhibition documented a large number of meetings between the leaderships of both countries. H.E. Dr. Mohammed Bin Abdulrahman Al Bishr, Ambassador of Saudi Arabia in the UAE, visited the exhibition, and highly appreciated the National Archives participation in this national occasion, and considered visiting the National Archives exhibition and its valuable publications as an opportunity for visitors to acquaint themselves with the bright chapter of deep fraternal historic relations between the two countries, and the development and growth of these relations in various fields by virtue of the sound guidance of the wise leaderships of t

The National Archives discusses standard archiving methods with the Western Region's Department of Municipal and Transport Affairs


The National Archives of the United Arab Emirates discussed with a delegation from the Western Region's Department of Municipal and Transport Affairs ways of cooperation to update the latter’s archival systems and programs, and the possibility of obtaining  the expertise of the National Archives in organizing its  archives.

This came during a visit by a delegation from the Western Region's Department of Municipal and Transport Affairs; as its about to employ specialized archivists to set up its paper archives' headquarters, and to develop and update archival systems and programs at the same time.  Therefore, they were briefed on aspects of the National Archives' experience in managing both paper and electronic archives according to the best standards and practices, and discussed the possibility of the National Archives providing specialized training courses for the Western Region's archives staff, parallel to the training courses it organized in all the Emirates of the UAE.

The electronic software programs currently used in the digitization and preservation of historical documents and records, and making them accessible to researchers and other users and clients were reviewed, as well as the electronic software programs utilized for internal correspondence.  The delegation was provided with details about this software and its methods of use, maintenance and feasibility.

The delegation of the Western Region Department of Municipal and Transport Affairs was briefed about the files and paper boxes approved by the National Archives to keep and preserve historical paper documents, and was introduced to the advantages of their use, and how they preserve historic documents and protect them against any harm or damage.  The delegation also visited the warehouse specified for keeping these boxes and paper records, and was briefed on the appropriate conditions required for an ideal archive which extends the life of  the document.

In the meeting held at the National Archives, the delegation discussed with the National Archives' experts ideas and thoughts on important archival issues, such as: documents classification and preservation, and their circulation among staff during their transfer from the current to intermediate archive, to eventually be kept in the historic archive, where the none useful and unimportant documents are disposed of upon formal approval from the National archives.


At the conclusion of the visit, the delegation toured the Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Hall which contains samples of written documents, photographs, maps, electronic albums of the leaders of the UAE and its prominent figures.

They also toured the Emirates Library, and were briefed on its most prominent holdings, including references and sources of paper and electronic books, periodicals and specialized theses, and how to utilize them.

At Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed virtual reality Hall the guests watched a three-dimensional documentary film on the UAE's past and present, and on the National Archives and its role in keeping the memory of the nation.

It is worth mentioning that the National Archives pays special attention to the Western Region, believing in the importance of its history and heritage.  Accordingly, and as part of its aspiration to organize the official archives in the UAE and to follow the best international standards in the federal and local Government  archives, it has organized a number of official Government entities' archives in the Western Region or its dependencies, most notably the archives of the Western region Municipality, the Department of municipal Affairs, the Western region development Council, and Madinat Zayed hospital in the Western Region, and the Western Region's educational zone.

On its achievements, projects and advanced technologies

The National Archives submits two papers to the Congress of the International Council on Archives in Seoul

The National Archives of the United Arab Emirates submitted two important research papers to the ICA congress, which is currently being held in Seoul, the Korean Capital. The first paper is entitled: “The National Archives of the UAE:  the Memory of the Nation”, and the second paper dealt with the smart solutions adopted by the National Archives.

In the presence of David Fricker, President of the International Council on Archives, HE Dr. Ali Saleh Bin Tamim, member of the Board of the National Archives and Chairman of the Executive Committee, and more than 3,000 participants and followers, HE Majid Sultan Al Muhairi, Executive Director of the National Archives, presented a paper about the National Archives being the keeper of the Memory of the Nation. The paper was translated into five languages, and dealt briefly with the history of the National archives, its vision which seeks leadership in providing distinctive archival, documentation and research services, and its mission which is to preserve the documentary heritage to provide decision makers and the public with documented and trusted information, and to enhance the sense of belonging and national identity.

His Excellency pointed out the prominent role of the National Archives, especially the availability of its collection to the public. In order to enrich its historical archives and to benefit from advanced modern skills and expertise, the NA reinforced collaboration and partnerships, and  managed to initiate activities that turn all citizens into partners involved in documenting and preserving their own historical records and documents. Accordingly, it used the latest technology and made its smart applications available on mobile phones and tablets, contributing to promoting loyalty and belonging to the homeland and enhancing of the national identity. He added that the National Archives also collected oral history and oral narratives of the elderly who lived through the pre-union era and witnessed the establishment of the United Arab Emirates, thanks to the efforts of the founding fathers led by the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan. The NA owns hundreds of hours of video interviews, where oral history complements what has not been documented by written history.

One of the most prominent and reverberating documentation projects is “Watheq”, which aims at preserving personal documents and records. Under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, Chairman of the National Archives, and in collaboration with its strategic partners, the National Archives has been able to deliver “Watheq” boxes to all Emirati families. Moreover, “My Archive My Future” is an ensuing project addressed to students to raise their awareness of the importance of documents and the methods of properly preserving them for the future.

The National Archives participated in the proceedings of the ICA congress with another paper entitled: “Smart Solutions at Work”, presented by Mr. Hamad Al Mutairi. The paper focused on the National Archives’ innovative projects and initiatives that were designed to promote its services and making them accessible to all citizens in smart applications that could be downloaded on mobile phones owned by 90% of Emiratis. In order to make these innovative solutions compatible with the developments of the 21st century, the NA set up formulas that are relevant to dealing with users, and is working hard to attract the largest number of partners and users outside its traditional scope; therefore, it retains films, photos and historical documents which record the establishment of the United Arab Emirates in December 1971, leading to its latest achievements in all fields.

The National Archives employs smart applications to make its important publications available to readers and users, and was a pioneer in its initiative to put eighteen volumes of the Emirates Sheikhs’ Diaries on a smart application enabling the browser to access the required information easily and smoothly.

The two papers shed light on electronic and smart initiatives that contributed to disseminating the culture of archiving and documentation in the Emirati society, and they discussed the smart solutions and their impact on archival work.

On its achievements, projects and advanced technologies

The National Archives submits two papers to the Congress of the International Council on Archives in Seoul

The National Archives of the United Arab Emirates submitted two important research papers to the ICA congress, which is currently being held in Seoul, the Korean Capital. The first paper is entitled: “The National Archives of the UAE:  the Memory of the Nation”, and the second paper dealt with the smart solutions adopted by the National Archives.

In the presence of David Fricker, President of the International Council on Archives, HE Dr. Ali Saleh Bin Tamim, member of the Board of the National Archives and Chairman of the Executive Committee, and more than 3,000 participants and followers, HE Majid Sultan Al Muhairi, Executive Director of the National Archives, presented a paper about the National Archives being the keeper of the Memory of the Nation. The paper was translated into five languages, and dealt briefly with the history of the National archives, its vision which seeks leadership in providing distinctive archival, documentation and research services, and its mission which is to preserve the documentary heritage to provide decision makers and the public with documented and trusted information, and to enhance the sense of belonging and national identity.

His Excellency pointed out the prominent role of the National Archives, especially the availability of its collection to the public. In order to enrich its historical archives and to benefit from advanced modern skills and expertise, the NA reinforced collaboration and partnerships, and  managed to initiate activities that turn all citizens into partners involved in documenting and preserving their own historical records and documents. Accordingly, it used the latest technology and made its smart applications available on mobile phones and tablets, contributing to promoting loyalty and belonging to the homeland and enhancing of the national identity. He added that the National Archives also collected oral history and oral narratives of the elderly who lived through the pre-union era and witnessed the establishment of the United Arab Emirates, thanks to the efforts of the founding fathers led by the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan. The NA owns hundreds of hours of video interviews, where oral history complements what has not been documented by written history.

One of the most prominent and reverberating documentation projects is “Watheq”, which aims at preserving personal documents and records. Under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, Chairman of the National Archives, and in collaboration with its strategic partners, the National Archives has been able to deliver “Watheq” boxes to all Emirati families. Moreover, “My Archive My Future” is an ensuing project addressed to students to raise their awareness of the importance of documents and the methods of properly preserving them for the future.

The National Archives participated in the proceedings of the ICA congress with another paper entitled: “Smart Solutions at Work”, presented by Mr. Hamad Al Mutairi. The paper focused on the National Archives’ innovative projects and initiatives that were designed to promote its services and making them accessible to all citizens in smart applications that could be downloaded on mobile phones owned by 90% of Emiratis. In order to make these innovative solutions compatible with the developments of the 21st century, the NA set up formulas that are relevant to dealing with users, and is working hard to attract the largest number of partners and users outside its traditional scope; therefore, it retains films, photos and historical documents which record the establishment of the United Arab Emirates in December 1971, leading to its latest achievements in all fields.

The National Archives employs smart applications to make its important publications available to readers and users, and was a pioneer in its initiative to put eighteen volumes of the Emirates Sheikhs’ Diaries on a smart application enabling the browser to access the required information easily and smoothly.

The two papers shed light on electronic and smart initiatives that contributed to disseminating the culture of archiving and documentation in the Emirati society, and they discussed the smart solutions and their impact on archival work.

The Congress of the International Council on Archives (ICA), hosted this year in Seoul, South Korea, has chosen Abu Dhabi as the next destination for its quadrennial Congress, to be held in 2020. This decision was received with great enthusiasm and honor by the National Archives of the UAE, the local sponsor for this major international meeting.


The ICA was established in 1948, and serves to provide countries around the world with expert advice and guidelines on managing critical records and preserving memorable events that contribute to national histories and witnessing of the past. The quadrennial Congress of the ICA is an opportunity for archivists around the world to meet and discuss how to adapt record keeping to modern technologies and to enhance the role of ICA in connecting the past with the future. Under the theme of this year’s event, “Archives, Harmony and Friendship”, the National Archives of the UAE showcased its work in the presentation of two major papers, “UAE ‘The Memory of the Nation’ – Achieving its Potential” and “UAE National Archives: Smart Solutions in Action”. The first paper reviewed the efforts of the National Archives to engage UAE citizens in recording family life and daily events and in integrating historical documents into life-long learning, while the second paper highlighted innovations in developing interactive, mobile cross-platform software for facilitating and encouraging public access to its programs.


The decision of the General Assembly to host the ICA Congress 2020 in Abu Dhabi was welcomed warmly by His Excellency Dr. Ali Saleh bin Tamim, Board Member of the National Archives and Chairman of the Executive Committee, and by His Excellency Majid Sultan Al-Muhairi, Executive Director of the National Archives. In the name of the National Archives, they expressed gratitude for being selected as the future host of the Congress, emphasizing that this event will benefit as well from the innovations revealed in World Expo 2020, also to be held in the UAE. Speaking on behalf of His Excellency Dr. Abdulla Alraisi, Director General of the UAE National Archives, they invited all ICA members present at Seoul to participate in Congress 2020. Complementing the expertise of the over 2000 members that will join the ICA Congress 2020 in Abu Dhabi, archivists from across the globe will have an opportunity to capitalize on the myriad of technological advancements and innovations in government, business and culture sectors that will be unveiled at World Expo 2020 in Dubai.


ICA President David Fricker, Director General of the National Archives of Australia, expressed his appreciation for the UAE’s invitation to organize and host the 2020 Congress, noting that thousands of archivists around the world will join in this event, prepared to learn about Arab culture and to experience the legendary hospitality of the UAE.

The National Archives organizes a workshop on occupational health and safety in the work environment

The National Archives organized at its headquarters a workshop on the application of occupational health and safety environment at work, as part of its plan to promote awareness of the principles of occupational health and safety, and in coordination with the General Directorate of Emergency and Public Safety of Abu Dhabi Police.  This workshop came in application of the international basis of Integrated Management System (IMS), and was attended by a large number of employees.

This workshop was part of the National Archives activities entitled “your safety is our concern”, and was intended to create a healthy work environment for staff, visitors and researchers; since the occupational health and safety at the workplace is a basis of sustainable development in any organization, and is important for the employee as well as work improvement.  There is a correlation between a healthy environment where occupational health and safety are scientifically applied at the workplace, and high productivity, as a result of job safety.

The workshop covered in some detail the basic terminology used in the field of health and safety, such as hazards and risks, which is the probability of damage occurrence with an indication of the extent of the risk of such damage or harm. The risk levels are measured as high, medium and low risk levels. The workshop focused on care taking, reporting of accidents and ill health incidents in the work environment, and cooperation during evacuation drills carried out by the National Archives annually. The workshop introduced the key terms in health and safety, such as accident and impending accident, as well as legal responsibilities of employers and employees.

Participants were briefed on several issues, such as:  the importance of health and safety, the terminology used in this field, the workplace hazards and risks, ways of maintaining safety at the workplace, personal protective equipment, personal hygiene, care and first aid facilities, and reporting of accidents and ill health. The National Archives' management aspires from all this to create a healthy and safe work environment.

The one day workshop was delivered by trainer Hassan Mohammed al-Qahtani.  It emphasized the National Archives' management interest in its staff's health and safety; thus  it follows and adopts the best international standards.

The National Archives Celebrates the Emirati Women’s Day

By holding a number of lectures and historical documentary exhibitions

In celebration of the Emirati Women’s Day, the  National Archives of the United Arab Emirates participated by holding a documentary exhibition that contained a large number of photographs and historical documents related to the Emirati woman, her involvement, achievements and the historical development of her role in society. This was a part of the Emirati Women’s Day celebration held by the National Identity team at Dubai Airports.

HE Sheikha Lubna Bint Khalid Al Qasimi, Minister of State for Tolerance, took a tour of the NA’s exhibition and praised its role in conserving the Nation’s memory and making it accessible to the next generations, noting that this exhibition highlights the excellence achieved by the Emirati woman under the auspices of the Union and our wise leadership. The exhibition, while presenting photographs of the woman in the past,  illustrates her progress, empowerment and contributions to the Nation and its progress.

At the end of her tour, the NA presented to HE Sheikha Lubna Al Qasimi a copy of the book “Khalifa A Journey into the Future", which is one of its latest publications.

The NA paid a special attention to the Emirati Women’s Day celebration that was held at Dubai Airports, because of its educational dimension, which highlights the Emirati women’s outstanding achievements, that kept pace with the UAE’s development in various fields.

The National Archives demonstrates, through its collection of historical photographs and documents, its interest in woman’s issues and her economic, political and social empowerment, as well as her high position in the thought of the Emirati leadership, which believes in the role of women in serving their country and contributing to its progress. Accordingly, the NA organized a documentary exhibition of historical documents and archival photographs of Emirati women in the past and present in Dalma Mall in Abu Dhabi.

On the other hand, Dr. Aisha BilKhair, Research Advisor at the NA, held a workshop entitled “The Emirati Women: Unlimited Ambitions and Achievements”, organized by Dubai Ports World, in celebration of the Emirati Women’s Day. The workshop discussed the role of the Founding Leader, Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and Her Highness Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, “Mother of the Nation”, in the advancement and empowerment of the Emirati woman, which resulted in achieving a distinguished position, and becoming a source of admiration through transforming challenges into achievements.

The lecturer praised the Emirati woman and the support she received from the wise leadership, so she transformed challenges into gain and triumph,  and surpassed the local to the global arena.

In celebration of the Emirati Women’s Day, Mrs. Hind Al Zaabi, from the Educational Programs Section at the NA, delivered a lecture on the empowerment of the Emirati woman for a group of students from “the Emirates School”.   

The National  Archives  educates more  than  600  participants from the schools of Abu Dhabi Educational Council, for the second time in less than a month

More than 600 teachers from Abu Dhabi schools attended an educational program organized by the NA in collaboration with Abu Dhabi Educational Council, aiming at highlighting the attractive factors in education in the UAE. The program introduced  the participating teachers to the  history, heritage, traditions and customs of the UAE, and to the successful methods for interacting with students, pointing out to the importance of the role of parents in raising their children, and  of communication between all parties concerned.

The program started with an important lecture by Dr. Aisha Bilkhair, Research Advisor at the NA, about “The Dialogue of Civilizations and Methods of Interacting with Students in the UAE”, in which she addressed the issue of rapprochement  between civilizations while preserving the privacy that characterized the UAE, with its cultural and civilizational legacy, and its impact on developing the Emirati people. She emphasized such concepts as: truth, honesty, tolerance, respect, acceptance of the other, patriotism and sacrifice for the homeland. Such concepts are considered in the UAE as the cornerstone of the educational process and the actual translation of the great initiative by H. H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and the Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, to support the educational process by adding the subject of  “Moral Education” , which instills noble values and morals in the students’ daily behavior, promotes loyalty and reinforces national identity. The lecture pointed out the importance of constructive interaction, the essential principles of professional dialogue with students, and involvement of parents in all matters related to students; since education is an integrated system where all parties have to cooperate to achieve success. The sustainable outcome of education will result in success at work and in serving the country. The lecturer urged participants to spread positive energy among students, and to create an educational process that stimulates students to be eager for knowledge, exploration, innovation and creativity.

At the end of the lecture, the Research Advisor responded to the participants’ inquiries and questions about the characteristics of the Emirati personality and the good values such as generosity and giving instilled by the wise leadership among the people, and how to transfer such values to the students, to prepare them to be the men of the future, the leaders of its development and the protectors of its legacy.

Participants watched a 3-D documentary film about the UAE’s past and bright present at Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Virtual Reality Theatre. They took a tour of Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Hall, which contains examples of the heritage collections, historical documents, photographs and historical maps that document the past of the UAE and the stages of its successful Union.

Upon H.H. Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed's guidance, the National Archives signed a memorandum of understanding with the British National Archives

Under the guidance of His Highness Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, Chairman of the National Archives' Board, the National Archives of the United Arab Emirates signed a memorandum of understanding with the British National Archives to coordinate the translation and digitization of important historical documents, allowing for their accessibility to decision-makers and researchers, and utilizing them in the development of national curriculums in the various levels of education. It also provides for the  support of programs and activities of common interest, and cooperation in research related to archival resources, digitization and exchanging digital documents in accordance with the national laws and legislations of each party, for the next three years.

The MOU was signed by H.E. Dr. Abdulla Al Raisi, Director General of the National Archives, on behalf of the NA, and Jeff James, Chief Executive Officer of the British National Archives, on behalf of the British National Archives.

This came upon H.E. Dr. Abdullah Al Raisi, Director General of the National Archives' visit to the British National Archives in London. Referring to this MOU, His Excellency said: The National Archives of the United Arab Emirates signed this Memorandum of Understanding with the aim of translating and digitizing historical documents, and making them electronically accessible to decision-makers and researchers for use in the preparation of history and national curricula in various educational levels. Also to enhance the National Archives of the UAE with historical documents available in the seven sections of the British National Archives, relating to national and international historical documents, and to enhance the NA's expertise with the latest practices and standards adopted by those sections in the field of documentation, preservation, archiving and restoration, and their latest methods for allowing accessibility of historical collections to researchers. 

H.E. added that this signing comes within the framework of strengthening our relations with major international archives, and introducing the latest international experiences and skills to the National Archives in line with our strategic plan and its results, which will coincide with the year 2021 in which the UAE aspires to be, by the time of the Golden Jubilee of its Union, one of the best countries in the world.  We are working at the National Archives to achieve these national aspirations.

H.E. Dr. Al Raisi praised the British National archives, which holds collections dating back more than a thousand years, and historical records from the Middle Ages, as well as maps, architectural designs, and family history records.  His Excellency said:  We aim at strengthening relations with the British National Archives because of the great number of historical records and documents in its collection related to the history of the United Arab Emirates and the Gulf region, to benefit from its experience, and to collect more of the rare documents it holds with the aim of preserving the UAE documentary assets, to provide decision-makers and researchers with needed historical and research material.

Jeff James, Chief Executive Officer of the British National Archives, praised the special relations between the two sides, and the role of the National Archives of the UAE in utilization modern sophisticated technologies.  He expressed his great optimism about the outcome of this memorandum in terms of exchange of experiences, and cooperation in activities that sponsor and promote cultural exchange, and joint projects.



H.E. Dr. Al Raisi inspected the various sections of the British National Archives, methods of documents and photographs conservation, and modern methods of documentation and archiving.

It is noteworthy that the National Archives of the United Arab Emirates was founded in 1968, and was known as the "National Center for Documentation and Research”.  It is one of the important administrative institutions of the UAE government.  It aims to collect and document the historical records of the UAE and the GCC countries, from local and international sources, to oversee the conservation, restoration, and archiving processes in accordance with international standards, to provide the public access to these documents, and utilize them in cultural and historical awareness.  Accordingly, the NA plans to establish a digitization process to provide access to these documents to all researchers and students, both locally and internationally.

The British National Archives is considered one of the world's most valuable archives in terms of research sources.  It is an independent research organization, an archival institution, a formal British government publisher, and the official protector of most valuable national documents that date back to over a thousand years.  It carries out its role in collecting public records and safeguarding them, whether in paper or electronic form, for future generations, and provides access to them in the greatest extent possible.

For the third consecutive year, 

The National Archives organized a cultural program for the new teachers in the Emirates National Schools

The National Archives of the United Arab Emirates organized at its headquarters a cultural and informative program, for the third year in a row, on the history and heritage of the UAE, the customs, traditions and singularity of the UAE society and the best methods to approach students during the educational process. More than 200 teachers from the US, Canada, New Zealand and other countries participated in the program, constituting a new cohort of educational staff of the Emirates National Schools in the UAE.


Dr. Kenneth Vedra, Director General of the Emirates National Schools, inaugurated the cultural program and welcomed the new teachers who will contribute in realizing the schools' vision to build future leaders. Dr. Vedra praised the National Archives and its constructive cooperation with the Emirates National Schools by introducing foreign teachers to the UAE and its history and heritage to facilitate cultural integration between teachers and students.


A lecture was delivered by Dr. Aisha Bilkhair, the Research Advisor at the National Archives, who discussed the initiative launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and the Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, and highlighted its importance and undeniable positive impact.

This initiative calls for incorporating the subject of “Moral Education” within the educational process and curricula of the Emirates National Schools to instill and reinforce noble values and morals in daily behaviors, promote loyalty and patriotism, with the UAE’s national identity as a focal point.

The lecture referred to the distinctiveness of the UAE’s society indicating that the glorious history of the UAE was built upon tolerance and peaceful coexistence. She asserted the importance of honest values, reinforcing the mutual respect and self-confidence among students as the pillars of a prosperous future for the homeland so that it remains a global model for happiness and good life.

An open discussion occurred at the end of the lecture, during which the Research Advisor answered the participators' inquires. The teachers expressed their admiration for the remarkable change in the UAE and praised the founding leader Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan’s essential role in the development and prosperity of the UAE in record time.

Afterwards, the participants watched a 3D documentary in Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Hall for Virtual Reality showcasing the history and bright present of the UAE. The documentary was followed by a tour in Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Hall that contains historical documents, photos, historical maps and heritage collectibles.          

The National Archives, in cooperation with Al-Ittihad Newspaper, issues a special supplement entitled: (Today, 50 years ago, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan). Bin Sultan Al Nahyan took over the reins of power in Abu Dhabi, and that day was a historical turning point that will remain witnessed and its effects will remain immortal. Based on their role and patriotic duty, cooperation between the National Archives and Al Ittihad Newspaper came in issuing this appendix to return to the generations details of the journey of the immortal leader who built and built a nation his mom.

Regarding this supplement, His Excellency Dr. Abdullah Al Raisi, Director General of the National Archives, said: Under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Presidential Affairs, and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the National Archives, the National Archives, in cooperation with Al Ittihad Newspaper, issues a special supplement entitled: (Today Fifty years ago...Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan) so that generations can remember aspects of the biography of the founding leader, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who is present with his values ​​and achievements among us; And as soon as Sheikh Zayed - may God rest his soul in peace - took over the reins of power, he announced that the country had entered an important historical stage that was dominated by hard work for prosperity and economic and social development in all Emirates, and launched the country to broad horizons with which the UAE interacted with its regional, Arab and international surroundings.

His Excellency added: The sixth of August 1966 will remain an unforgettable day in our history. It marks the dawn of a new beginning. It is a day witnessed in the memory of the homeland; Because it represents the great reform that led to achieving everything that benefits the Emirates and paved the way for the birth of a new state: the United Arab Emirates.

His Excellency said: Sheikh Zayed was a visionary, which was embodied in what he presented to his people, and Zayed always considered his people the true treasure of the nation, and Sheikh Zayed steadily rose to power and fame as the ruler of Abu Dhabi, and gained great fame as the pioneer of the political unity of the seven emirates. And the United Arab Emirates emerged thanks to the relentless and tireless efforts of the founding president and the rulers of the Emirates - a rich, prosperous, stable and secure country under their wise and benevolent leadership.

Al-Raisi points out that after half a century, on August 6, 2016, the time has come to take a look at the past and reflect with admiration and reverence on the reforms and distinguished development works initiated by Sheikh Zayed. And that march, which began fifty years ago, left a legacy of the tremendous contributions of Sheikh Zayed, “the father of the nation,” which will remain a source of inspiration, giving, and influence on his competent successors, who are the best successor to the best predecessor. This summary, accompanied by pictures, is presented to the unique and unprecedented achievements of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, a tribute Love and loyalty to the symbolic leader who will remain immortal in the memory of the nation.

On this supplement, His Excellency Dr. Abdullah Mohammed Al Raisi said: The anniversary of the sitting of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan - may God rest his soul in peace - marks the beginning of an important political stage in the history of the region. He was the driving force behind efforts to establish a federal state among the seven emirates, which were previously known as the Trucial States.

His Excellency added: His stature, like that of the founding leader, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, gives this fragrant memory its stature, and makes us stand in reverence to recall some of the political and unitary achievements that our modern state is proud of, which achieved its glories under Zayed's shadow, and at the forefront of what the auspicious union achieved

His Excellency valued the role of the National Archives in collecting and preserving the nation's memory for generations, and praised its initiative in issuing this appendix entitled: (Today, fifty years ago...Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan) to celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of Sheikh Zayed's accession to power; Because of its impact on recalling some of the achievements of the founding leader - may God rest his soul in peace - and his endowments.

The National Archives Presents Emirates Library Experience to Fujairah Culture and Media Authority

The National Archives provided a delegation from Fujairah Culture and Media Authority with information about the establishment of its library (Emirates Library) and the stages it went through to reach its current technical development and evolution, and became rich of hard and electronic resources of information, which made it the destination of intellectuals, researchers and academics.

The delegation of Fujairah Culture and Media Authority visited the National Archives to benefit from its experience in establishing the Emirates Library in their project to establish a specialized research library to serve broad categories of researchers and academics.

The guest delegation explored the specialized printed and electronic publications held at the Emirates Library, which form integrated packages of sources, references, dissertations, and other Arabic and foreign refereed journals, and on-line e-books and diverse data base subscriptions, important reference books dealing with the UAE's history and heritage, as well as the related topics on the GCC countries and their culture and civilization including biographies and autobiographies, and atlases, including the largest atlas in the world, dictionaries, encyclopedias, original rare books, and Emirates newspapers archive. The sources of information in the Emirates Library are in both Arabic and English languages, with other material in different languages such as French, German, Farsi, Dutch, Portuguese ... and others.

Emirates Library conveyed to its guests its aims in serving researchers, scholars and knowledge seeking students by providing them access to its rich specialized hard and electronic copies of collections. Simultaneously, it offers its services to all clients who approach it, whether internally from the National Archives or externally, it also contributes to the National Archives' community activities, and receives trainees from various entities and specialized institutes to educate them on the applied methods in the various technical and documenting stages. It supports local, Arab and international initiatives, and participates in workshops and awareness sessions relating to libraries and information.

National Archives library briefed its guests on its gift and exchange program with major libraries and information institutions within the UAE and abroad and on aspects of its cooperation relations with many information institutions, nationally, regionally and internationally, in accordance with a policy that aims at raising the awareness of the National Archives and its scientific and research activities, promoting scientific and academic publications and contributing to distributing the National Archives' publications.

The guest delegation visited the library's reading hall, which meets the international standards with the open shelves system providing its clients, users and researchers with all the necessary facilities to conduct their research and studies. The acquisitions are organized on the shelves, according to the US Library of Congress classification system, and arranged by subject matter. It exhibits a number of rare and old books, some of which date back to more than 500 years in special safe cabinets.

The members of the Fujairah Culture and Media Authority delegation praised the National Archives and its great role in collecting and preserving the memory of the nation, and in providing decision-makers, researchers, academics and students with educational services, which promotes its visitors knowledge on the history and heritage of the UAE and the Gulf region. The visiting delegation expressed its admiration and praise of the National Archives' Library that seeks to be the Model specialized library in the region, as well as their aspirations to strengthen cooperation ties with it to benefit more from its pioneering experience since its establishment in the National archives in 1968.

At the end of their visit, the visiting delegation members watched a high-tech 3D documentary film on the UAE's history, present and future prospects at Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Virtual Reality Theatre, and acquainted themselves with samples of historical hand-written documents, photographs, and maps in Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Hall.