The National Archives Enlightens the Tourist Guides on

the UAE History and Heritage

The UAE National Archives organized in its headquarters an educational program for tourist guides which included a national lecture entitled: “The UAE the land of happiness, tolerance and morality” and a tour in the National Archives headquarters in which they were briefed on its missions and role in preserving the memory of the nation and making it accessible to decision-makers and researchers. The program is part of the course of the training and tourist guidance organized by Abu Dhabi Authority for Tourism and Culture.

The program started with a lecture on the UAE the Land of Happiness, Tolerance and Morality presented by Dr. Aisha Bilkhair, Research advisor at the National Archives to the delegation of Abu Dhabi Authority for Tourism and Culture, which was comprised of more than 35 tourist guides. The lecture began by praising the initiative of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of Armed Forces, which proposes to include moral education subject in the school curriculum, stressing that this initiative is essential for the UAE society's interest; as it represents a fundamental pillar in building the Emirati citizen. The UAE is proud as its present civilized life is associated with the values and morality derived from the teachings of its religion, and inherited them from parents and grandparents and from the values and qualities the founding leader, Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan instilled in the hearts and minds of UAE society.

The lecture focused on the values of the founding leader Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan and his wise leadership that pushed forward the wheel of progress resulting in the advancement and progress in the various aspects of life; starting with the Bedouins’ settlement, establishment of a mechanisms for women empowerment, and the role of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima in promoting women's status. Sheikh Zayed with his wisdom enriched all life's aspects and details through his directives; as in his choice of the UAE flag and slogan. He assigned the concerned parties to compose the national anthem and had wise views in drafting the constitution. His wisdom enabled him to consolidate his efforts with the other Emirates’ Rulers and formed the union and thus eliminated the borders between the UAE people.

The lecture included four axes, the first dealt with the integrity and credibility in delivering information; as there is information that might be unthinkable to the tourist guide considering it taken for granted, or because revolve on the details of familiar heritage vocabularies and the well-known historical events. Therefore, a tourist must verify them by asking the concerned parties who are knowledgeable in the history and heritage. A tourist guide must not resort to the hurried unreliable answers. The second axis was concerned with the basic roots of the UAE civilization and its cultural heritage, which is considered an extension of the Arab and Islamic civilization, and the third axis of the lecture was about happiness, tolerance and their origin which is arrived at through contemplating the UAE urban character in the past, where the neighborhood (al Fareej) necessitated people's closeness to each other, such closeness equipped them civilized values in their dealings with each other and promoted cooperation and tolerance which consolidated happiness values.

The tourist guides toured the National Archives, where they 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 viewed in Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Hall samples of manuscripts, documents, historical photographs and maps. Their tour covered the Emirates library; which is a leading library specialized in the history and culture of the UAE and the Gulf region, and is considered an important for researchers; due to its sources, references and public books in their hard as well as in electronic formats.

In Response to Mohammad Bin Zayed’s Initiative, the National Archives Enhances its Teaching System with Moral Education

In response to the initiative launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, which requires the supporting of the educational process with the subject of “Moral Education”, the National Archives launched a new program that includes educational and moral lectures and activities that contribute in instilling noble values and ethics in students’ behavior. They also contribute to the national education, which the National Archives has always taken it upon its shoulders. The National Archives supports the educational process in the UAE with national values that promote loyalty and belonging and reinforce the national identity.

In this regard, HE Dr. Abdulla Al Raisi, the Director General of the National Archives stressed that the participation of the National Archives in this active initiative will have a tremendous impact on consolidating the noble moral values in the generations of students’ behavior in a way that promotes the national identity and morality. The authentic values and high morals will go together with students’ knowledge attainment.

He added that at the National Archives, we dearly value this kind initiative and believe that high societies build their scientific prosperity on a firm base of morality. We, in the United Arab Emirates, and under our wise leadership, are keen on that. At the National Archives, we our keenness is doubled on the moral system while we carry out our national duty; we are engaged in upbringing active and aware generations. We seek to promote loyalty and belonging to the homeland and to consolidate the national identity in citizens. We strive to strengthen the bonds of solidarity among the members of the society. We are inspired by the thoughts of HH Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Presidential Affairs and Chairman of the National.

The National Archives’ Director General pointed out that the NA is preparing an integrated educational and training system to strengthen moral education as a key aspect in promoting the principles of morality that develop generations’ capacity to build their own society. He added that in setting up its system, which promotes moral education, the National Archives relies on the values derived from the teachings of Islam, the values of good citizenship and the Charter of the Emirati citizen, which leads to esteem, cooperation, benevolence, sense of belonging, giving, sacrifice and unlimited contribution to the nation.

HE added that in the forefront of the foundations on which we rely in preparing the educational and training system with which we hope to enhance the moral education are the values and principles the founding leader Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan had instilled in the hearts of the UAE people who lived through the experience of establishing the union and the establishment of the UAE, which has become comparable to the most advanced and prosperous countries in the world. His wise words often called for consolidating morality and good values  in the hearts and minds of all the members in the various segments of society, so the UAE with its people and leaders gains the prestige it has gained now.

Dr. Al Raisi said that all the National Archives’ experts, specialists and staff have directly responded to HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s initiative. Thus, the Educational Programs Section proceeded on planning and preparing lectures, activities and events that made the moral education into an educational program to be added to the other 21 educational programs designed by the National Archives for students. These programs will be at the core of the NA designed programs for the next academic year, especially as it is a partner with the Ministry of Education in the preparation of the documents of the national curriculum in civics and history subjects. There are joint committees between the two parties, a memorandum of understanding governing their cooperation. Moreover, the National archives collaborates with Abu Dhabi Education Council and private schools to support the educational process and to enhance loyalty and belonging to the nation.

His Excellency explained that taking advantage of its treasures of historical documents, the National Archives seeks to bring added values that prompted it to increase the number of beneficiaries from its educational programs up to about 45000 users in the first half of the current year.

The National Archives takes the students of the Ras Al Khaimah Girls Center on a scientific trip

The National Archives of the United Arab Emirates briefed the students of the  Girls of Ras Al Khaimah affiliated to the General Authority for Youth and Sports Welfare - on the pages of  history of the UAE; With the aim of enhancing loyalty to the homeland and belonging to it, and consolidating their national identity.

Mrs. Ohood Al Mazrouei, the tour supervisor at the Ras Al Khaimah Girls Center, expressed her deep thanks to the National Archives for the great scientific benefit that the students achieved, which would develop their national sense. National, and his great role in preserving the memory of the homeland.

The students of the center toured the National Archives, starting with the Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Hall of Virtual Reality; Where they watched a high-tech 3D film about the history, present, and future prospects of the UAE, and then viewed samples of written documents, historical photographs, and historical maps in Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Hall. The students’ tour included the Ras Al Khaimah Girls Center in the National Archives, the Emirates Library, which contains thousands of sources And references, and general books in both their paper and electronic forms, where the visitors learned about the extent to which they can be used in their scientific and student research.

With the aim of educating them about the fateful issues of the homeland, the National Archives gave visiting students - in Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Hall at the National Archives headquarters in Abu Dhabi - a lecture entitled: "The historical and political situation of the three occupied Emirati islands before the establishment of the federation". The lecture reviewed the historical background of the three islands in a manner that enhances historical understanding. And the geography of this issue, and the lecture focused on the history of the three Emirati islands: Abu Musa, Greater Tunb, and Lesser Tunb, and the most prominent historical facts on which the UAE relies to prove its ownership of the islands.


The National Archives is accustomed to receiving such scientific visits within the framework of building bridges of scientific cooperation between it and centers of cultural activities and academic institutions inside and outside the UAE that are looking to enhance knowledge of the history of the UAE, and given the role of the National Archives as a national historical research institution, and an incubator for historical documents that monitor eras. history of the country.  

UNESCO's Memory of the World, Sakub's Journey, Henna and Hotels... its most prominent topics

The National Archives issues the fifteenth issue of (Liwa), the scientific journal

The National Archives has published the fifteenth issue of the peer-reviewed scientific journal "Liwa", which is published in both Arabic and English twice annually. It deals with the history and heritage of the United Arab Emirates and the Arabian Gulf region and its antiquities.

(Liwa) magazine started its new issue with a topic translated from English into Arabic about henna as one of the most important elements of traditional adornment, but the prevailing styles are very different from their styles in the past. The research, written by Abdullah S. Eastern, and Michael S. Ziolovsky's Method of Obtaining Henna, provides ethnographic information on henna and its methods of use. The second of the magazine's research deals with: "Hotels in the Trucial States" and shows that the construction of hotels was associated with tourist places, but in the Trucial States their presence was linked to the economic development witnessed by some of the coastal emirates in that era; The economic developments that Dubai witnessed since the beginning of the twentieth century made the emirate an area of attraction for trade and merchants, so it began to receive commercial ships regularly, and this gave it a regular financial income, in addition to the flourishing of the pearl trade. In the region during the era (1932-1971), it was divided into three axes: the first on the hotels of the Emirate of Sharjah, the second: the hotels of the Emirate of Dubai, and the third: the hotels of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and the rest of the emirates of the coast, and this division came according to the chronology of the beginning of the emergence of hotels in the region The research concluded that the hotels sector in the Trucial States passed through two stages: the first was that the purpose of establishing hotels at the beginning was to accommodate the number of visitors who came to the region, and in the second stage, hotels began to be established for a commercial purpose.

The journey between the elements of scarcity and wit, and nothing remains of this journey and its likes except for conversations and memories that were stored in the memory of the old sailors, sailors, and adventurers.

The funnyness of the sakub's voyage comes from the fact that it is full of dangers and horrors experienced by the blogger whose pen wrote it on board the ship and the waves toss it right and left, and the notes give an idea of the suffering and hardships that the Gulf sailors in general and the Emirates in particular endured in their sea voyages in pursuit of a decent living.

Ali Muhammad al-Matroushi, the author of the research, reviews: the language of the writer, the personality features of Hamad al-Sakoob, the journey manuscript, and how to obtain the journey manuscript.

Under the title: "A Reading in a Book," Dr. Samir Abdul Rasul Al-Obeidi's reading came in the book: Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and his role in Arab politics (1971-2004), which was written by Dr. Saba Hussein Mawla.

And the reading stated: Recent studies confirm the role of the individual in making history, and in the context of that, this academic study was destined to search and investigate one of the most important personalities who had a prominent role in the emergence of the UAE, and then in its brilliant development at a later stage, and was accompanied by internal achievements A rational foreign policy at the Arab and global levels, represented by the person of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan (1918-2004) - may God rest his soul in peace - the ruler who was a milestone in the history of the Emirates, then through his constructive stances towards various Arab issues, and the reading dealt with extensive content the book.

In English, David Fricker's research on the Memory of the World Program of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) refers to the huge amount of information that our world abounds in, and stresses the importance of information preserved in the archives, and the goal of the Memory of the World Program is to preserve global historical documents that It is of particular importance to the human heritage. 

Also in English, the issue included a research: Henna... an ethnographic introduction, and a translation of the research on hotels in the Trucial States... a reading in the genesis and development (1932-1971).

Nahyan bin Mubarak inspects the exhibition of the National Archives and praises it
 

The National Archives participates in the Egyptian Embassy's celebrations on the anniversary of the July 23 revolution

The National Archives of the United Arab Emirates participated in an exhibition of historical photographs at the reception hosted by His Excellency Wael Gad, Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt to the country, on the occasion of the sixty-fourth anniversary of the glorious July 23 revolution.

The participation of the National Archives came with a number of historical photographs that document aspects of the good historical relations between the United Arab Emirates and Egypt, and the exhibition pictures reflect the sincere fraternal relations between the two brotherly peoples. His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak, Minister of Culture and Knowledge Development, who inspected the exhibition accompanied by His Excellency Wael Gad, Ambassador of the Republic of Egypt. At the end of his tour, His Excellency praised the efforts of the National Archives, which works to preserve the memory of the nation, and documents the historical fraternal relations between the two brotherly countries.

The historical documents and photos in which the National Archives participated in the Hotel Set Regence Abu Dhabi, where the ceremony was held, documented some of the many meetings that brought together the late - God willing - Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, with the leaders of the Republic of Egypt, and the continuous meetings between the leaderships of the two brotherly countries, which had an impact Positive and constructive in establishing fraternal relations, and building bridges of joint cooperation in various fields.

His Excellency Wael Gad expressed his happiness with the participation of the National Archives, and stressed that this participation reflects the depth of the historical fraternal relations that bind the two sister states of the UAE and Egypt, and the development and growth witnessed by these relations in various fields thanks to the wise directives of the wise leadership in both countries and the sincere efforts that increase The deep-rooted relations between the two brotherly peoples flourished, and His Excellency praised the participation of the National Archives, which demonstrated the authenticity of brotherly relations, and the stages of their prosperity until they became an ideal model for good and fruitful relations.

For reinforcing collaboration in archives and UNESCO Memory of the World Program

The National Archives and King Abdul Aziz Foundation Discussed

Ways to Reinforce the Archival Work on Gulf and International Levels

The National Archives of the United Arab Emirates and King Abdul Aziz Foundation for Research and Archives discussed ways to develop cooperation ties in their field of specialty. The two sides discussed the outcome of the meeting of the GCC General Secretariat of the Documents and Studies Centers. They discussed coordination in a number of specialized areas that would develop and integrate the archival work in the Arab states of the Gulf Cooperation Council strengthening its position globally.

That took place when HE Dr. Abdulla Al Raisi, Director General of the National Archives received HE Dr. Fahd Al Samari, Secretary General of King Abdul Aziz Foundation for Research and Archives and the accompanying delegation at the National Archives headquarters in Abu Dhabi.

HE Dr. Dr. Abdullah Mohammad Raisi has welcomed the strengthening of the existing cooperation between the National Archives and King Abdul Aziz Foundation for Research and Archives, and commended His Excellency the Secretary General of the foundation for his interest in the role played by the National Archives at all levels. He showed the National Archives’ readiness to fulfil its pivotal role in meeting the requirements of the new phase, keeping up with the future through integration and coordination with similar Gulf centers and institutions, particularly King Abdul Aziz Foundation.

HE Dr. Raisi thanked HE Dr. Samari for his clear efforts in supporting the integration and collaboration of the archival and documentary work, which resulted in greater achievements and a unified vision for a coordinated archival work. HE stressed the need for the Arab Gulf cooperation in the field of archives and their preservation.

The two sides discussed encouraging studies and research through providing researchers from both sides with the required historical and scientific materials, exchanging publications and journals, organizing joint exhibitions and seminars. The meeting also dealt with exchanging expertise in the field of preparing and training archives cadres in both countries, conserving and restoring historical documents and in the technological and technical fields. Both sides considered this meeting as a basis for a memorandum of understanding they look forward to sign in Riyadh next October.

The two sides discussed ways of strengthening Arab and regional archival work, benefitting from common Gulf experiences, supporting newly established archives in the GCC countries, and boosting collaboration among the archives of the GCC to become pioneer in this field.

During their meeting, the National Archives and King Abdul Aziz Foundation for Research and Archives focused on the importance of training and exchange of expertise between the two sides, and moreover on transferring successful and distinctive experiences in Saudi Arabia and the UAE to the rest of the GCC countries based on a joint program that facilitates and regulates the transfer of such experiences in favor of advancing other archives and achieving excellence. Thus, Gulf archives become an influential force that can build stronger partnerships with the countries of the developed world.

The two sides agreed on the importance of translating and publishing the historical documents on an updated database making them accessible to researchers, as that would support the drive towards transparency, accessibility and provision of documented and honest information to the beneficiaries who are interested in the history of the Gulf. The two sides also maintained linking researchers and specialists in the Gulf archives by providing them with their needs which shall be made accessible as well as establishing a data base of archiving and documentation for the Arab Gulf countries relating to archiving and documentation, which derives its strength from the competent authorities and the available experiences, such as universities, and the competent specialized researchers.

The National Archives and King Abdul Aziz Foundation dealt with the importance of the oral memory and the distinctive experiences in that field as well as the development and excellence the National Archives’ has achieved in this respect. The meeting pressed on the importance of training courses in oral history. The meeting also dealt with the significance of digitization of multimedia, cognitive and digital integration and the promotion of cooperation among the Gulf archives. Moreover, it discussed the integration of archival efforts that stem from the historical and geographical integration of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries. That would reinforce their power and presence among global institutions.

At their meeting, the National Archives and King Abdul Aziz Foundation discussed the outcome of the Secretariat General for Centres of Documents and Studies of G.C.C States meeting in Qatar in May last year.

His Excellency Dr. Samari reviewed the National Archives’ strategic plans, its eventful agenda and some of the practical achievements that had remarkable success such as organizing government archives, promoting loyalty and belonging and consolidated national identity, and the specialized Arabic and English publications. HE praised the National Archives professionalism and technical evolution that made it the honorable documenting and archiving beacon in the Gulf region, thanks to the directives and unlimited support of HH Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Presidential Affairs and Chairman of the National archives.

The two sides discussed ways of cooperation with the UNESCO Memory of the World program and the importance of the inclusion of both countries’ important documents in this program, particularly as they have a tremendous asset of achievements that are documented in word, sound and image. These experiences should be included to be globally reviewed.

His Excellency Director General of the National Archives took HE Dr. Fahd Al Smari and his delegates on a tour in the National Archives’ facilities. The guests expressed their admiration for all the achievements on the administrative and technical levels.

The National Archives Provides (the Resident Artist) with

Information and Archival Materials

The National Archives of the United Arab Emirates provided the Resident Artist program adopted by Sharjah Art Foundation with some rare archival materials and reliable documented information on the UAE Broadcast from its Emirates library, as per the request of the Sharjah Art Foundation and the visit of Chris Weaver, the British resident sound artist accompanied by his assistant Istabraq Hussain to the National Archives.

The delegation benefited from some historical documents relevant to their mission. The resident artist and his assistant were briefed on a number of documentary films and broadcast recordings at the National Archives' Presidential Archives Section, and obtained from it materials that enriched the Resident Artist Program, the delegation also benefited from the Emirates library holdings relevant to their subject “Old Radio Stations in the Emirates”, and the Corporate Relations Section provided the visiting delegation with some information on the sources of the history of the UAE Radio Stations and its senior broadcasters.

In the course of their tour in Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Hall, the delegation browsed samples of historical documents and rare books, photos and old maps, after which the delegation watched a 3D documentary film on the “UAE: the Past, Present and Future”, in Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Virtual Reality Theatre.

The delegation visited the Presidential Archives section, which contains photos and videos documenting Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan and His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan's activities at the local and international levels. The Presidential Archives Section restores, montage and digitize the old documentary films it holds.

The guest delegation expressed their admiration of the National Archives holdings, and the resident artist considered his visit to the National Archives as an important event, which enriches his capabilities in the various creative fields.

It is noteworthy that Sharjah Art Foundation invites some visiting artists to reside in Sharjah for a specified period, not only for rest, contemplation and exploration, but also as a unique starting point for those who would like to start a new experience in a new place that allows them to explore its social and human characteristics and components, and express it through an art project that embodies this rich experience.

The National Archives’ Employees Donate to Build Mosques and to

Do Other Charity and Humanitarian Works.

In a charity initiative that aims at enhancing human and spiritual values, the staff of the National Archives of the Ministry of Presidential Affairs, donated large sums of money to build a mosques in Mauritania, Mali, Somalia, India, and Burkina Faso. The charitable initiative launched by the staff seeks to provide aid and assistance to the needy regardless of race, sex or color; to complement the long series of charitable works geared by the UAE to the world.

HE Majid Al Muhairi, the National Archives’ Executive Director, commended the initiative launched by the staff and their rapid and effective response to donate to these charitable and humanitarian projects, and wished the continuity of such social and humanitarian initiatives in favor of supporting all areas of philanthropy to reach all needy people.

After handing over the sum to the Director of the UAE Red Crescent Authority Branch in Abu Dhabi, HE Al Muhairi pointed out the prominent role played by the authority in spreading awareness and encouraging charitable initiatives within and outside the UAE.

The National Archives’ employees competed to donate to charitable works in the holy month of Ramadan and as a result, large sums of money had been allocated to building a number of mosques and implementing some other charities.

HE Majid Al Muhairi, the National Archives’ Executive Director, met the NA’s employees and thanked them for their generous donations in the holy Ramadan. He expressed his appreciation for this generous giving that correlates with the social responsibility and the objectives and visions of noble charitable and humanitarian work, which extends beyond the UAE borders to reach the needy everywhere. His Excellency added that this charitable and humanitarian work serves as the best representative to the world as it reflects the best globally known image of the UAE. It shows the impact of the approach of the founding leader Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan on good people. He was the most outstanding model in his philanthropic giving and generosity in humanitarian work that are recognized worldwide. The UAE’s leadership and people followed his example to become the largest aid donor and at the forefront in the world in humanitarian giving.

Al Muhairi pointed out that this initiative comes in the charitable and humanitarian work the National Archives has always been initiating in support of poor peoples. The National Archives expressed its noble humanitarian approach through its generous donations in the national campaigns that aim to help the needy and the poor especially in Ramadan. The employees of the National Archives set the best examples with the aid they gave to the needy in Syria, Yemen and others.

His Excellency, the Executive Director of the National Archives, praised the cooperation shown by the UAE Red Crescent Authority with the National Archives and its response in executing the charitable projects aspired by the National Archives.

His Excellency revealed the National Archives’ intention to build five mosques in Mauritania, Mali, Somalia, India, and Burkina Faso, in addition to digging wells for some of these mosques and printing a large number of Quran copies.

((Emirates library)) One of the latest National Archives' Achievement

It retains researchers' studies and presents a full documentation of the UAE history, the (Emirates library) is one of the latest National Archives' achievement.

The National Archives launches Emirates library at its headquarters in Abu Dhabi, which is considered one of the specialized libraries dealing with topics relevant to the history and culture of the UAE, and the countries of the Middle East through reviewing a collection of old and modern publications.

The library is an important provider of reference for researchers; as it holds a number of rare documents, and the ease of acquisition of its contents through a number of electronic services that are accessible to researchers at the National Archives.

The library includes a collection of references, sources, dictionaries, private documents, atlases and valuable maps. El Etihad newspaper exclusively publishes the information about the library, after having toured it.

Hamad Slayem Al Hamiri, Director of Research and Knowledge Services Department said: The establishment of Emirates library has coincided with the establishment of the National Archives in 1968, and its holdings and objectives serve the National Archives’ mission to preserve the memory of the nation.

He added that Emirates library looks forward to be the model library specialized in the history of the UAE and the Arabian Peninsula in the region. He explained that it is a part of the scientific and research program of the National Archives. It provides researchers and academics with the opportunity to benefit from its specialized hard and electronic collections.

He emphasized that Emirates library offers many services to its beneficiaries in the UAE and abroad; as it provides them with information relating to their fields of interest, and with copying and photocopying service in accordance with copyrights, believing that what it offers to its clients determines its success.

Overview:

Since its inception in 1968, the National Archives has been collecting documents and information pertaining to the history of the Arabian Peninsula, and its culture in general, and the history of the UAE in particular, from its original sources in Arab and foreign countries,  documenting and translating them.

It includes thousands of distinctive printed and electronic sources, forming a full collection of Arabic and foreign sources, references, theses and periodicals, in addition to the on-line Subscriptions to e-books and diverse data-bases, including a collection of specialized books and old books that deal with the history and heritage of the United Arab Emirates, as well as with issues relating to the history, culture, and civilization of the Gulf cooperation Council countries (GCC), which includes biographies, autobiographies, atlases, and the largest atlas in the world, dictionaries, encyclopedias, original rare books, and the UAE Newspapers Archive. The information sources in the library are available in both Arabic and English languages with materials in other languages such as French, German, Persian, Dutch, and Portuguese. The library management launched a gift and exchange program with major libraries, information institutions in the UAE and abroad, and maintains cooperation ties with a number of information institutions at the national, regional and international levels.

Emirates library offers its services to beneficiaries, namely researchers, and post-graduate students in the UAE and abroad, and provides them with information in their fields of interest. It also offers in-house reading services, and ongoing briefing, preparation of specialized lists and bibliographic guides on Arabian Gulf Affairs, access to electronic resources service according to approved licenses, photocopying and copying service in accordance with copyrights.

The eexternal lending service is currently confined to the National Archives staff, beneficiaries can obtain these library services through various means such as: personal presence, telephone, P.O. box, fax, or internet and the other modern means of communication.

In order to achieve the strategic goal of enhancing the National Archives collections accessibility, Emirates library strives to upgrade the information services provided to researchers in the UAE and abroad and make the National Archives’ collections accessible through an advanced web portal (http://library.na.ae). An International standard reading is room is available with an open shelf system that allows library that provides beneficiaries with all facilities they require to carry out their research and studies.

Emirates library contribute to the National Archives' community activities, as it receives trainees from various parties, and specialized institutes to acquaint them with the working methods and its applied systems in the various stages of technical and documentation work. The library also supports local, Arab and international initiatives such as the UAE National Index for Libraries of the Ministry of Culture and Knowledge Development, eFADA initiative of Ankabut network project and Emirates Portal of the Arabic Union Catalog project.

Multi Languages:

The rare documents corner includes a number of references, original sources which are exclusively available in the National Archives, including: The Natural History book in Italian language, written in 1476, and Pietro Valais book on the Bedouins’ trips in 1665, Carsten Niebuhr's book “Description of the regions of the Arabian Peninsula”, which dates back to 1774. The corner focuses on travel books dealing with the region's history, in their original editions that are preserved according to the highest international conservation and archiving standards and levels.

Mr. Omar Hamadneh, Librarian at Emirates library said, the library also provides all the National Archives publications since its inception in 1968, starting with the book entitled “Abu Dhabi: Past and Present” published in 1969, and ending with the book entitled “50 Years in the Al Ain Oasis”. The books issued by the National archives focus on the Late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan and the founding leaders' march, and the pre union era, and embody the comprehensive development of the UAE after the establishment of the Union.

The Correspondence Corner:

Emirates library presents in a corner the most important correspondence exchanged between the United Kingdom Political Resident and the Rulers of the Gulf States, among which are the documents that were classified as part of the records of the Emirates, chronicling the period from 1820, they are classified in chronological order from the oldest to latest.

The National Archives maintains that Emirates library is classified according to the US Library of Congress classification system, which follows the highest international standards. The library holds the  Tavo multi-sectioned Atlas, which is a special atlas of the Near East and the Middle East regions. It is a specialized atlas which its introduction and subjects are arranged in alphabetic order.

Dissertations:

The National Archives devoted a section for collecting letters, dissertations and university research papers relating to the history of the UAE, and the region in general. The National Archives provides researchers with the possibility to publish their theses in the library through direct contact with the Archives management. There is cooperation with a number of international educational institutions, including the University of Michigan, to provide research papers as soon as they are discussed at the university.

The Over-sized Collection Corner includes all books with the size that exceed 35 cm.

Emirates library Librarian stressed that Emirates library is a model library for all researchers of the National Archives, as it has research units especially designed to suit the researchers' privacy, and their need for quiet atmosphere, to help them focus on their research. That enables researchers to find all the historical references and sources they need.

Newspapers Archive:

The National Archives keeps all newspapers and magazines issued in the UAE in air-conditioned places, in accordance with the highest international standards; it also allocated shelves to keep all Etihad newspaper issues since August 1972 up to the present. The National Archives also holds the special and rare first edition of the Etihad newspaper issued in 1969.

The Digital Archive:

The National Archives' officials pointed out that it is currently working on the digital repository project which is designed to digitize the paper publications in the coming period, some archived newspapers have already been digitized and saved; keep pace with the technological advancement the UAE witnesses, and to facilitate information accessibility.

The cultural programme.. a window opened by the National Archives for foreign teachers on Emirati values

The National Archives intends to organize a cultural program on the history and culture of the UAE for foreign teachers in private schools affiliated with the Abu Dhabi Education Council in mid-August. Through it, the National Archives aims to deliver its national message to the various segments of society in order to consolidate the identity of the nation, enhance loyalty to it, and strengthen belonging to it. More than 4,500 male and female teachers participated in the previous sessions of this program.

The National Archives has been organizing this cultural program in English over the past three years, and schools are keen to participate in their educational staff from various foreign curricula: American, French, British, Japanese, Indian, Russian, Pakistani... and others, because of the important results of this program. It is reflected in teachers by introducing them to the characteristics and advantages of Emirati society, its customs and traditions, and the most prominent noble national values of the UAE, which are known for tolerance and coexistence between different nationalities on the homeland, and they attract a large number of expatriates from most countries of the world; This paves the way for foreign teachers to interact and understand with their students. All participants in the previous courses praised this educational program and considered it a gateway from which they could see the culture of the country and the values of its citizens.

The cultural program lecture deals with the law issued by His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the State - may God protect him - regarding combating all forms of discrimination and hatred. It is a humanitarian message from the UAE to the whole world, affirming everyone's right to live in safety, security and peace. The law is a true translation of the UAE's approach to equality between people, regardless of their race, religion, or color. This culture was rooted in an early period in the country's life, which presented a unique model of peaceful coexistence between different races and cultures.

In addition to the educational lecture, the program also includes a tour of the National Archives. Participants visit the Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Hall to learn about aspects of the history of the Emirates through the historical documents it contains, represented in treaties and correspondence, photographs, historical maps, heritage collections, and documents that monitor the stages of the establishment of the union. The documents of the hall are a model of the treasures of the National Archives. Among the important historical documents, the participants in the Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Hall for Virtual Reality will watch a 3D historical documentary film about the past and bright present of the United Arab Emirates, and they will also visit the National Archives Library and its printing press.

This cultural program is characterized by strengthening the bonds of communication between teachers, students, and parents. It works to strengthen the school curricula, develop students' patriotism, and positive interaction in the educational process. It aims to introduce new teachers to aspects of the history and heritage of the UAE and some of its societal characteristics, and reveals the best ways to reach students through the customs and traditions of their fathers and grandfathers and their glorious history.

 It is worth noting that specialized experts in the National Archives are the ones who provide specialized lectures in its cultural program addressed to foreign teachers. The most prominent of these lectures are: "The UAE is a distinguished cultural experience...the happiest people in the world" and "The Emirates...a distinguished cultural experience". ...and others. The first part of the lecture, which comes at the heart of the program, includes important details of Emirati culture supported by examples, evidence, and proofs. The second part includes the opportunity to discuss and respond to all the participants’ inquiries. The National Archives is keen to ensure that this important cultural program coincides with the beginning of the academic year. In order to shorten the distance between new teachers and   The cultural and heritage environment of the country.      

With a documentary exhibition and a speech highlighting the depth of brotherly relations between Egypt and the UAE

On Zayed Humanitarian Work Day, the National Archives participates in the celebrations of the Egyptian Women's Association

From the Emirati-Egyptian brotherly relationship, which reached its climax during the reign of the late founding leader - God willing - Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. The exhibition focused on the distinguished Emirati-Egyptian relations, and the role of the leadership of the two brotherly countries in strengthening and preserving them.

This exhibition comes as part of the celebration held by the Egyptian Women's Association, out of love and loyalty to Zayed Giving, on Zayed Day for Humanitarian Action.

During the celebration, Mohamed Ismail Abdallah, a lecturer at the National Archives, delivered a speech in which he valued the initiative of the Egyptian Women's Association on this occasion dear to all. As the legacy of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan in all fields deserves appreciation and standing in respect and admiration, and he added in his speech: The greatness of men is measured by their achievements, and what they presented to their nation and to humanity in terms of great works and virtues of antiquities, and today we live the twelfth anniversary of the departure of the wise Arab Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan - may God rest his soul in peace - we are living a national occasion represented by Zayed Day for Humanitarian Work, and on this occasion we affirm that we are on the path of the humanitarian work of Sheikh Zayed are walking, and God Almighty endowed us with a leadership that bears the banner of the founding leader in the field of charitable and humanitarian work. 

In his speech, the lecturer stressed the importance of the Emirati-Egyptian relations. He reviewed some of the stances through which the leadership of the UAE has demonstrated its firm support for the issues of the brotherly Arab Republic of Egypt.

Mrs. Ifttan Farrag, President of the Egyptian Women's Association, praised the participation of the National Archives and the exhibition it is organizing on this occasion, noting that it opens a historical page documenting the Emirati-Egyptian relations for generations, and for the participants in the ceremony, in order for them to learn about aspects of the history of the distinguished relations between the two brotherly countries, and to the glories of their homelands. And to the ideal model for the relationship between siblings.  

The documentary exhibition, in which the National Archives participated, consisted of historical photographs documenting aspects of the Emirati-Egyptian relations, as well as leaders' meetings  Leaders of the Republic of Egypt, and Egyptian dignitaries.

The National Archives distributes thousands of copies of its publications to official bodies and academic institutions inside and outside the country.

In line with the initiative of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the State - may God protect him - declaring 2016 the Year of Reading, the National Archives, within the framework of its “A Nation Reads” project, distributed thousands of copies of its national publications to institutions and official bodies inside and outside the country, and to a large number of From public and private libraries, and to a large number of researchers, academics, and those interested in the history and heritage of the UAE; With the aim of disseminating documented information that enhances national knowledge.

Regarding this activity that establishes reading in the community, His Excellency Majid Sultan Al Muhairi, Executive Director of the National Archives, said: The National Archives has provided thousands of copies of its publications, foremost of which are the book (Khalifa: A Journey to the Future), the book (Zayed, A Man Who Built a Nation), and the magazine ( Refereed Scientific Liwa), in both Arabic and English, in response to the "2016... Year of Reading" initiative, with the aim of encouraging reading, disseminating national knowledge, and presenting a true and documented picture of the history and heritage of the United Arab Emirates and the Gulf region, and of the march of the founding leader, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. May God rest his soul in peace - and the path of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the State - may God protect him - and this comes within the framework of the message of the National Archives, which is keen to provide documented and trustworthy information, and in response to the increasing demand for publications of the National Archives that enhance the cultural field with honest and documented research on The history of the state and its great leaders.

Al-Muhairi stressed that the National Archives is keen to distribute books that are full of documented national information, because of their national and cultural value. At the forefront of these publications is the book (Khalifa... Journey to the Future), which sheds light on a variety of roles played by His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, may God protect him. His Highness had a fundamental role in the transformation witnessed by the state, as it promoted intensive development and development work, and by the nineties of the last century, His Highness began to assume more important national roles, and on the second of November 2004, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan became President of the United Arab Emirates, and he has The first decade of His Highness’s presidency witnessed the brightness of his star as a true modern leader, and he proved that he is fully prepared to face the difficulties, and the United Arab Emirates proved itself for the second time, and God endowed it with a leader who occupied his place among the elite of contemporary leaders of countries.

Al-Muhairi added: The distribution of the National Archives' publications complements many of the activities it carried out to activate the Year of Reading and to establish it as a way of life. Which seriously contributes to the consolidation of the culture of science and knowledge among the people of the Emirates and residents on its land

Al-Muhairi said: Encouraging reading in our world is a challenge, because instilling it in the hearts of the people of society is not an easy matter. It needs to sow conviction in the family in the first place, and then in the hearts of its children, and this will only be with confidence in its results and its impact on the progress of the country and its children, and by overcoming the difficulties in spreading the knowledge and sciences that face reading and by strengthening the role of the family and the environment in instilling a culture of reading and making it a way of life.

It is worth noting that the book (Khalifa… Journey to the Future), of which the National Archives recently distributed a large number, is one of the most recent publications of the National Archives. Across the Arab world and the international arena. It also highlights Sheikh Khalifa's remarkable, captivating and interesting story. Although he is a public figure, this is perhaps the first time that the complete and extended biographical record has been unveiled.

The book was presented by 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. In introducing the book, His Highness said: “Throughout my life I had the honor of closely following the unique personality of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa and his distinguished leadership style. And his warmth, and an unyielding will to achieve excellence, which is the title of true leadership.

The Deputy Minister of Presidential Affairs, His Excellency Ahmed Juma Al Zaabi, prefaced the book by saying: “I had the honor of working in the service of Sheikh Khalifa over four decades, during which I witnessed his mighty commitment to an ideal principle based on a firm conviction that duty comes before the station of self.

Sheikh Khalifa led his country through a personal local journey in which he demonstrated his experience in effective and dynamic leadership in the most dramatic times in human history in terms of technological, social and economic changes.

Al-Zaabi noted, appreciating the book: “Khalifa: A Journey to the Future.

The book deals with the most important stages in the life of Sheikh Khalifa, and records the march of His Highness - may God protect him - and sheds light on his presidency that has lasted for more than a decade, during which he emerged not only as a statesman on the world stage, but also as a beloved leader and a fatherly figure among his people.

The distribution of the National Archives publications comes within the framework of providing academic and cultural circles and those interested with documented information that deals with national and historical issues that contribute to supporting useful reading that enhances national values among members of society.