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.

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”.