The National Archives participates in the Ramadan councils organized by the Ministry of Interior
 

Within the framework of its cultural season, the National Archives of the United Arab Emirates participates in the Ramadan councils organized by the Ministry of the Interior during the holy month of Ramadan under the slogan (This is what Zayed loves).

In the first phase of these councils, specialized experts and lecturers from the National Archives will discuss the following topics: Sheikh Zayed and the Wataniya School, the Emirati personality, the Emirates symbol of coexistence (tolerance), Emirati happiness, Emirati giving... the state and the individual.

Regarding this participation in the Ramadan councils organized by the Ministry of the Interior, His Excellency Majid Al Muhairi, Executive Director of the National Archives, praised the efforts of the Ministry of Interior in these Ramadan councils and its great societal role. Bearing responsibility, and meeting its goal with the message of the National Archives in promoting the spirit of belonging and national identity. These councils have a great role in promoting the system of positive values derived from the great legacy of the founding leader Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan - may God rest his soul in peace - and his brothers, the founding fathers, and from their exceptional values and traits. The authentic ones, of which we will remain proud throughout time, and the National Archives is keen to include them in the activities of its cultural season; Generations learn from it the meaning of giving, tolerance and patriotism, deepening the positive values and behaviors of the citizen, developing the patriotic spirit and deepening the sense of belonging to the homeland and loyalty to its wise leadership.

His Excellency added: The National Archives’ participation in the Ramadan councils urges that the sincere expression of loyalty and belonging to the homeland be through giving in all national fields, especially in the work field, and by preserving the nation’s gains and the love of its leadership. Here, the role of the National Archives is evident in consolidating national values in the souls, as well as consecrating the concept of national identity.

 It is worth noting that these Ramadan councils are organized by the Ministry of Interior in all emirates of the country.

These lectures enrich the men’s and women’s councils, and the National Archives includes: Research Consultant Dr. Aisha Belkhair, Husnia Al-Ali, Head of the Educational Programs Department, Fatima Al-Mazrouei, Head of the Historical Archives Department, Research Expert Abdul Latif Al-Sayadi, and Researcher and Lecturer Muhammad Ismail Abdullah.

The National Archives obtains the ISO certificate in Business Continuity Management

 The National Archives of the United Arab Emirates obtained the ISO 22301 certificate, which is considered a global standard in the field of business continuity management. Crises, disasters and emergencies.

The National Archives has passed the audits conducted by the British Institute of Standards and Standards (BSI), the leading global body in evaluating management systems and certification solutions, which proved that the National Archives is ready to carry on its work in exceptional circumstances, and it has trained its relevant staff on it.

Regarding this certificate, His Excellency Dr. Abdullah Al-Rayyes, Director General of the National Archives, said: The National Archives’ obtaining ISO for the Business Continuity Management System reflects its response to the directives of our wise leadership in its interest in ensuring the continuity of the work of the concerned authorities that contribute to the integration of the preparedness and preparedness system. His Excellency indicated that the Archive NBK is keen to achieve the highest standards in providing its services to customers in all circumstances. The business continuity system is an important achievement, and represents another addition to its successes in the context of its interest in the satisfaction of the beneficiaries and customers and the continuation of providing its services without interruption.

His Excellency stressed that the National Archives, while doing its best to provide its services in accordance with best practices, and working to avoid crises, takes into account unexpected crises that may negatively affect its services. Therefore, it makes alternative practical plans in the event of interruption of its services, and Dr. Al-Rayyes revealed that the National Archives has identified potential risks, and determined how to manage and deal with them in the event of their occurrence. Dealing with emergencies.

It is worth noting that the National Archives organized a workshop to introduce the business continuity system in the presence of its employees. The workshop focused on important documents in times of crisis, such as: business continuity teams, plans necessary for business continuity, escalation mechanisms according to the level of danger and crisis, methods of returning to normal order after recovery, plans Evacuation, communication during crises, priority activities, and incident response. The workshop urged attention to the necessary policies, procedures, and forms, as well as the phone numbers of senior management members, department managers, employees and their families. Testing work procedures, documents and tools, and their suitability to deal with different scenarios.    

To view his experience in electronic archiving and correspondence systems

اThe National Archives receives a delegation from the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development

The National Archives of the United Arab Emirates received a delegation from the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, with the aim of reviewing the activities of the National Archives, its holdings and correspondence systems, and benefiting from its experience in preserving historical documents and archiving them electronically.

The guest delegation praised the holdings of the National Archives, which document important stages of the history and heritage of the UAE, and expressed its desire to cooperate with the National Archives to learn more about the international standards and standards followed in preserving, archiving and electronically preserving historical documents. The National Archives works to preserve the national historical and electronic records. Based on its responsibility towards future generations in electronic systems that are constantly evolving and changing, the guest delegation touched on ways to train employees to use advanced digital systems, and methods of evaluating the authenticity, importance and value of records.

The delegation of the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development discussed the modern systems in the National Archives used to document internal and external correspondence, ways to follow them up, sort them according to their shelf life as current, medium or historical documents, archive them, and ways to destroy them after the end of their shelf life.  

The Abu Dhabi Fund for Development delegation, consisting of Khawla Al Kindi, Archives Coordinator, and Hamda Al Riyami, Senior Information Security Officer, toured   In the Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Hall, which is a unique addition to the national effort represented in preserving the memory of the homeland, and it is a wide window through which the visitor looks at the ancient history of the United Arab Emirates, and on the journey of establishing the union.

The delegation also visited the presidential archive section, which contains photographs and video films documenting the march of the late - God willing - Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and the activities of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the State - may God protect him - locally, regionally, in the Arab world and internationally. In addition to the historical images of senior figures in society in general, which are considered a valuable heritage that must be preserved and passed on to future generations and made available to researchers and scholars.

On the road to achieving quality and excellence

The National Archives obtains the global asset management certificate

The National Archives of the United Arab Emirates obtained the (ISO 55001) certificate for its asset management system, which came after passing external audits by an international accreditation body. Assets are: physical and informational assets such as devices, equipment and documents at the headquarters of the National Archives, stressing that historical documents and their archives are state assets. .

This international certificate came to add to the National Archives another dimension that qualifies it to be in the ranks of the most advanced and developed international archives, and it is evidence of high quality and advanced technologies. With which he manages his duties in organizing the official archives in the country, and in collecting historical national documents. 

His Excellency Majid Al Muhairi, Executive Director of the National Archives, said: By obtaining this certificate, the National Archives has proven that it works to manage and use assets in accordance with the highest international standards and automatically; As it pays great attention to all its assets in terms of the method of use and the economics of operation, in the belief of those in charge of the work that this concern is a national duty that would ensure the sustainability of the assets; The National Archives is interested in managing assets, whether in their life cycle or in terms of extending their use, especially in the context of managing assets related to storing historical documents that would extend the life of the historical document by preserving it according to advanced international methods.

Al Muhairi added: The National Archives adopts an ideal system of material assets that are based on scientific foundations that support its orientation towards excellence. The National Archives does not hesitate to maintain and develop assets to achieve maximum benefit from them, due to the importance of its role in preserving the memory of the nation, represented by a number of historical documents, multimedia, equipment and devices that display the content. Historical on researchers and beneficiaries of different segments and ages.

Al Muhairi expressed his happiness that the National Archives obtained this international certificate, which comes as a result of its continuous efforts and high performance in preserving all assets. His Excellency thanked all the National Archives employees for their sense of patriotism and their dealing with assets and using them with the utmost precision and care.  

The National Archives lectures on Zayed's Leadership Genius at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Within the framework of its cultural season, the National Archives of the Ministry of Presidential Affairs, in cooperation with the Department of Studies and Research at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, organized a national lecture entitled: "Zayed... The Philosophy of Governance and the Genius of Leadership" at the Ministry's General Court in Abu Dhabi. This lecture is one of the lectures that the National Archives enriched its cultural season and national activities, deriving its themes and content from the biography of the founding leader, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan - may God rest his soul - and from his thought, wisdom and philosophy in politics and governance, because of its great impact in enhancing loyalty and belonging to the country.

Research expert at the National Archives Abdul Latif Al-Sayadi focused in his lecture on two important axes, the first: Zayed and his genius in facing the challenges of establishing the Union State, supporting what he concluded with examples of the leader’s skill in settling outstanding border issues with some of the regional neighboring countries, and his discreet political handling of the issue The invasion and occupation of the three Emirati islands by Iran in 1971, and his continuing wisdom in dealing with the issue of regional recognition of his nascent state. As for the second axis, the lecturer dealt with several topics, the most important of which are: Zayed between the presidency and leadership, and Zayed and exceptional leadership, compared to a number of world leaders who lived with him; Based on the historical documents that our national archives abound.

   The lecturer pointed out that Zayed's humanitarian, developmental and political achievements are among the absolute facts that require going beyond the descriptive narration and numerical enumeration of those achievements to re-reading flashes of this great Arab leader's thought and philosophy in building the state and establishing the union, and reviewing the local, regional and international challenges he faced to achieve his dream with political wisdom. Unique, insightful, and an outstanding leadership personality, then investigate the unique exception in his personality as a unitary leader and leader.

 The lecture was filled with many supporting documents and established historical facts, which root the great leadership skills of the founding leader, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may God have mercy on him, and how he was able to achieve safe passage for this young country in extremely difficult and complex regional and international circumstances, to take its distinguished political and civil status among nations in a short period of time compared to the ages of nations.

The National Archives organizes an awarding ceremony for the winners of My Archive My Future Award

The UAE’s National Archives organized a ceremony to award the participants and the winners of its national project (My Archive My Future) contests. The project aims at raising awareness among students about the importance of documents, their preservation mechanism and how to create a family archive to be part of the UAE's present and future.

The ceremony was attended by H.E. Majid Sultan Al Mehairi, the Executive Director of the National Archives, and representatives of the Ministry of Education (MOE), Abu Dhabi Education Council (ADEC) and of the education zones in the UAE.

The Executive Director of the National Archives thanked the Ministry of Education and Abu Dhabi Education Council (ADEC) for their ideal and constructive cooperation with the National Archives. He appreciated the students’ creative participations in My Archive My Future Award and the parents’ efforts in supporting their sons and daughters who proved they were aware of the document importance and that their cognition and understanding had sometimes exceeded the project expectations as evidenced by the acquisitions of some of the students’ boxes which reflected the students’ national sense of loyalty and belonging to their nation and wise leadership. This is a matter of pride for the nation’s sons and those who are concerned with the educational process in the UAE.

His Excellency explained the role of the project (My Archive My Future) in bridging the gap between students and their societies as they have conveyed the National Archives’ message to their parents who responded to them and kept their important historical documents in the My Archive My Future boxes. Such documents would enrich the memory of the nation which the National Archives strive to collect and preserve.

He pointed out that the participations of about three hundred students in the contest were assessed and what they presented stimulated pleasure and optimism about a promising future of archiving and documentation for the student generations in the UAE.

A documentary film was displayed in the ceremony including a review of the project stages, starting with its launch on October 11th, 2015, followed by ten training workshops organized for the education zones in the UAE, which acquainted 500 coordinating teachers from 230 schools with the project and the teachers, in their turn, conveyed the idea of the project to one hundred thousand students as they distributed eighty thousands boxes for document preserving among schools across the country, and ending with its assessment stage.

The results of the assessment of Abu Dhabi ADEC schools participation announced Omamah Bint Al Harith School as the winner of the Best Personal Archive Award and the new Al Reyada School as the winner of the Best School Archive Award. The family of the student Abdullah Ahmed Al Boainain was awarded as well. In the Western Region, Qatr Al Nada Secondary School won the Best Personal Archive Award and Al Shabhana Primary and Secondary School won the Best School Archive Award. In Al Ain, Al Zaydia Secondary School was announced as the winner of the Best Personal Archive and the Best School Archive Awards.

As for the assessment of projects submitted by Dubai Education Zone schools, Al Khansa Primary School won the Best Personal Archive Award while Al Ebdaa Model School won the Best School Archive. The family of the student Ghalia Mohammed Al Ketbi was also awarded.

From Sharjah Education Zone, Ishbilia Primary School won the Best Personal Archive Award and Sharjah Model School won the Best School Archive Award. From Ajman Education Zone, Sawda bint Zam'a School won the Best Personal Archive Award, Sumaya Bin Khayat School won the Best Archival Material Award and Mzeira’ School won the Best School Archive. The family of the student Noor Kifah was awarded as well. From Umm Al Quwain Education Zone, Falaj Al Muala School won the Best Personal Archive Award and Al Salma School won the Best School Archive Award. From Ras Al Khaimah Education Zone, Noura Bint Sultan School won the Best Personal Archive Award while Mozoon School won the Best School Archive Award. The family of the student Aisha Mohammed Saeed was also awarded. From Fujairah Education Zone, Masafi School won the Best Personal Archive and Best Archival Material Awards, whereas Al Siji School won the Best School Archive Award.

Photo Caption

H.E. Executive Director awarding one of the contest winners

 

Winners of the My Archive My Future Contest 2016

Abu Dhabi Education Council – Abu Dhabi

#    Category    Winner    School

1    Best Personal Archive    Maria Mohammed Salem    Omamah Bint Al Harith School

2    Best School Archive    The new Al Reyada School   

3    Coordinators Awards    Asem Abara

Mohammed Abdulkhaleq Tantawi

Shamma Al Mahri

Mona Al Ahmed   

4    Teachers Awards    Fakhra Al Mansouri

Thuraya Mohammed Sulaiman

Sultan Sulaiman Samura   

5    Family Awards    Parent of the student Abdullah Ahmed Al Boainain   



Abu Dhabi Education Council –Western Region

#    Category    Winner    School

1    Best Personal Archive    Minnat Allah Hisham    Qatr Al Nada Secondary School

2    Best School Archive    Al Shabhana Primary and Secondary School   

3    Teachers Awards    Azza Zakaria

Rania Mustafa

Ismail Rajab

Mohammed Hasan Shalabi

Younis Mohammed Wanas   

Abu Dhabi Education Council – Al Ain

#    Category    Winner    School

1    Best Personal Archive    Tarfa Rashid Al Kaabi    Al Zaydia Secondary School

2    Best School Archive    Al Zaydia Secondary School   

3    Coordinators Awards    Aisha Al Shuwaihi

Mariam Ali Al Mur

Samia Hamed Mousa   

4    Teachers Awards    Moza Ahmed Manan Al Shamsi

Al Oush Mohammed Salem Al Ketbi   

Dubai Education Zone

#    Category    Winner    School

1    Best Personal Archive    Ghalia Mohammed Salem Al Ketbi    Al Khansa Primary School

2    Best School Archive    Al Ebdaa Model School   

3    Coordinators Awards    Khadija Ahmed Abdulla

Dr. Haya Bin Saifan

Suhaila Ahmed Al Mur   

4    Teachers Awards    Jamila Ahmed Saad

Laila Issa

Fadwa Al Sheriliem

Eman Mustafa Mohammed

Wafa Abu Qudairi

Suad Jasim Darwish   

5    Family Awards    Parent of the student Ghalia Mohammed Salem Al Ketbi   

Sharjah Education Zone

#    Category    Winner    School

1    Best Personal Archive    Ghaya Obaid    Ishbilia Primary School

2    Best School Archive    Sharjah Model School   

3    Coordinators Awards    Noura Mohammed Al Mazroui

AbdullAziz Al Jarah   

4    Teachers Awards    Ghazala Khamis Salem   

Ajman Education Zone

#    Category    Winner    School

1    Best Personal Archive    Alia Abdulla Ahmed Al Rahma    Sawda bint Zam'a School

2    Best Archival Material    Mariam Abdulrahman Al Marzooqi    Sumaya Bint Khayat School

3    Best School Archive    Mzeira’ Primary and Secondary School   

4    Coordinators Awards    Asia Mohammed Al Awadi   

5    Teachers Awards    Amal Khalaf Sultan

Muna Salem Al Badwawi

Moza Khalfan Al Badwawi

Asma Ahmed Al Mandoos   

6    Family Awards    Parent of the student Noor Kifah   

Umm Al Quwain Educational School

#    Category    Winner    School

1    Best Personal Archive    Mariam Mohammed Musabah Al Ghafli    Falaj Al Muala Primary and Secondary School

2    Best School Archive    Al Salma Secondary School   

3    Coordinators Awards    Bushra Khalifa Al Ali   

4    Teachers Awards    Moza Salem Abood   

Ras Al Khaimah Education Zone

#    Category    Winner    School

1    Best Personal Archive    Sheikha Abdulla Rabea Al Mansouri    Noura Bint Sultan Secondary School

2    Best Archival Material    Sheikha Rashid Mohammed, teacher   

3    Best School Archive    Mozoon Primary and Secondary School for Girls   

4    Coordinators Awards    Huda Abdulla Al Ali   

5    Teachers Awards    Aisha Mohammed Saeed

Aisha Mohammed Al Bek

Asem Al Dosuqi

Sheikha Rashid Mohammed   

Fujairah Education Zone

#    Category    Winner    School

1    Best Personal Archive    Maha Obaid Al Mazroui    Masafi Primary and Secondary School

2    Best Archival Material    Fatima Mohammed Ahmed    Masafi Primary and Secondary School

3    Best School Archive    Al Siji Primary and Secondary School for Girls   

4    Coordinators Awards    Mariam Mohammed Abdulla

Saeed Saeed Obaid Al Murshidi

Khalifa Salem Rashid Al Takhlofa

Khalifa Rashid Khamis Obaid   

5    Teachers Awards    Fatima Abdulla Al Hamour

Moza OBaid Mohammed

Kleithm Ibrahim Khamis   

The Certification of the International Standard for Service Excellence awarded to the National Archives

The National Archives of the United Arab of Emirates was awarded the certification of the International Standard for Service Excellence (five star rating) after passing the evaluation stages of this certification, which confirms its commitment to the highest international standards for customer service.

Attaining the highest rating of five stars confirms the attention that the National Archives pays to the status of customers and the Importance of excellent customer service which is in line with the guidance of His Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and ruler of Dubai.

His Excellency Majid Sultan Al Mehairi, Executive Director of the National Archives, says, “The fact that the National Archives has been awarded the international certification is an acknowledgement of the fine and excellent services provided to customers. We consider this certification as crowning our sincere efforts in serving the public according to the culture of excellence that the National Archives adopts. This commitment to customer service comes within the natural path of the National Archives and its serious commitment to the noble goals, mission and vision sought to be fulfilled in the light of the sound directives by His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Presidential Affairs and Chairman of the National Archives".

Appreciating the National Archives’ historical and heritage acquisitions and rich, well-stocked library

The National Archives Receives an Academic Visit from Mohammed V University – AGDAL

 The UAE’s National Archives received Ph.D students from Mohammed V University – AGDAL in Abu Dhabi. The academic visit aimed at closely acquainting them with the acquisitions of the National Archives and its achievements in the field of preserving the memory of the nation.

The visit comes in the course of educational coordination with educational and academic institutions and of the increasing interest of Arab and global academic institutions in the National Archives. The visit aimed at acquainting academics with the National Archives’ acquisitions of historical and scientific materials, which provide them with resources and references to enhance and support their research. Dr. Hafidi Alaoui, Professor of International Relations and Sharia Research Methodologies, accompanying the Ph.D students, thanked the National Archives for attracting academics and researchers and for providing them access to its available historical and heritage documents.  He expressed his wish to strengthen the relationship between Mohammed V University – AGDAL and the National Archives because of its abundant historical documents of all types and its specialized library that enriches and supports academic research in various academic stages. At the end of the visit, the delegation members appreciated the National Archives’ role in preserving the UAE’s history and heritage and the facilities it provides researchers and academics.

The visiting delegation reviewed the National Archives’ work mechanisms, activities, main publications and its library containing thousands of specialized resources and references, periodicals, and dissertations in soft and hard copies. It also visited the Presidential Archives and reviewed its photographs and video tapes, which document the march of Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan and H.H. Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE President's local, regional, Arab and international activities, in addition to the historical photographs of the main public figures, which are considered precious heritage.

The delegation members went on a tour of Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan's Hall and viewed the historical documents, rare books, photographs, old maps and other important acquisitions pertaining to the history of the UAE and the Gulf region. They watched a 3-D documentary film on the “The UAE in the Past, Present and Future” in Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Virtual Reality Theatre.

The National Archives celebrates the signing of its latest publication "In the Heart of the Desert."

The National Archives of the United Arab Emirates, launched its latest publication, a book entitled (In the Heart of the Desert) at the signature corner of Abu Dhabi’s International Book Fair 2016, in the presence of His Excellency Dr. Abdulla El Reyes, Director General of the National Archives, where the author Michael Quentin Morton signed his book recently published by the National Archives.

For his part, Dr. Abdulla El Reyes presented the audience with a synopsis of the book, clarifying that the history of the U.A.E. especially and that of the Gulf region generally calls for a comprehensive documentation, which is the role of the National Archives of the United Arab Emirates, which maintains a large number of historical documents validating the memory of the nation, and documenting history in detail, and with this gesture the National Archives continues its main role in preserving and documenting the memory of the nation. Dr. El Reyes spoke of the transformation and the quantum leap experienced by the country at the hands of the founding father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and his brothers the founding fathers. The book demonstrates this and proves it through depicting the reality of life in the past with all its hardships.

Dr. El Reyes added: The book (In the Heart of the Desert) is a documentary The National Archives was so keen on publishing due to its accurate portrayal of the reality of life with its various social, political, and economic aspects before the discovery of oil, not only in the U.A.E. but in all the Arab Gulf States.

The Director General of the National Archives congratulated the author and commended him on his tremendous and fruitful effort and on his book which is rich with its information, documents, and historical photos that will in turn enrich the memory of the nation and serve as a great cultural asset for future generations.

Throughout The Heart of the Desert

The book "In the Heart of the Desert," recently published by the National Archives begins with the events of February 1954, when the ships of the Iraq Petroleum Company docked at the harbor.  At that time, the Arabian Peninsula had been of little interest to geologists and remained so until the twenties of the last century.  The first oil discovery was in the Bahraini island of "Awali" in 1932.

The author's father began his expedition across the Middle East in 1945.  He worked with geologists, surveyors, and political liaison officers and enjoyed support from the Iraq Petroleum Company.  After a quarter of a century, Mike continued his father’s journey when he visited the far northern tip of the Arabian Peninsula in his capacity as Commander of the Royal Geographical Society Mission to Musandam peninsula.

In April 1970, Mike Morton arrived at "Ras Duqm" coming from Aden, and this is where the book highlights the great challenge facing geological explorations and reveals the desert's ability to capture the hearts of travelers and to attract them to come back again.

The book consists of various chapters the first of which is entitled: "Baba Karkar" in which Mike writes his wife Heather a letter describing the desert and the charm of the prairie during night and day. He also talks about the phenomenon of the presence of gas in "Baba Karkar," evidently the name "Baba Karkar" means "Father of underground rumbling". The place was known for its flaming gases shooting from the earth formations' cracks. These torches that blazed and glowed at night, were among the factors that attracted tourists to Kirkuk.

Initially it was the strategic and commercial interests and not oil that attracted the British towards Iraq when the India Company established a factory in the Port of Basra in 1763. In the twentieth century, the growing need to find oil drove the British interests in the region.  The book describes moment by moment the flow of oil in the “Baba Karkar" region and the tremendous confidence that this left in the hearts of workers, the oil company and its management.

In the Second chapter, titled: "Cold Wind Blows", the author expresses his longing to his native country in Headers Field City famous for its textile industry. Then he recounts a summary of his life, his education, the family he grew up in, his interest in geology, and the jobs he held in the Middle East. Chapter Three “The Holy City" focused on the landmarks of Michael Morton in Palestine and Transjordan. In this chapter, the author draws a clear and detailed portrait of the city of Haifa in Palestine, and the work atmosphere in Transjordan with its ironies and exciting stories that described the course of their lives as they worked in Transjordan under very harsh circumstances.

In the Fourth Chapter, he goes on to describe life among the Bedouins whom he came to know as never changing, and possess the greatness of people who have lived long in the desert. Habits and traditions are the pillars of their lives, their strength derived from their religion, their strong will enables them to cope in their harsh environment, this accords them nobility and earns them respect. Mike collected fossils during his journey in Palestine and Transjordan. He is certain that the division of the desert into countries has greatly affected the Bedouins' life.  In the Fifth Chapter, the author moves to Hadramout and to East Aden Protectorate, where he met Wilfred Thesiger, who was exploring the Arabian Peninsula, then they met a number of Bedouins in Dhofar who accompanied the great traveler as he crossed the Empty Quarter Desert.

The author describes the conditions and nature of Yemen at that time, the flight that took him to Al Makala, and from there to Bombay. He also describes Al Makala’s white buildings, the Palace of Sultan Al Qu'aiti built on the beach, which is the most beautiful building in Al Makala.

Mike goes on to describe the movements of the oil company’s team between the villages and cities of Yemen, and their visit to the tomb of the Prophet Hood then their return to Say’oon, and the warm welcome and generous hospitality they were received with. The Sixth Chapter entitled "Land of Sun and Fire," began by talking about the persons whom Mike accompanied, who were characterized by their boldness and love of adventure. He indicated that the mission passed through Al Muhra, a group of unattached mountains that end at the Arabian Sea.  Mike also describes preparing the caravan of camels that travelled through Al Muhra, and how conditions changed upon crossing Al Muhra borders.  Mike does not stops describing in detail his journey in Yemen, its misfortunes, surprises, happy moments, incidents and situations.

In "Dhofar, ... The Land Protected by God” as the Seventh Chapter is entitled, the author refers to the attention given by oil companies to Dhofar after a long abandonment, and the Sultan's keenness to promote the search for oil in Dhofar.

Mike paid tribute to the blessed land of Dhofar, rich in milk and honey. It was a summer resort for the Sultan with its beautiful weather, in his white castle with its red windows amidst a coconut palm grove.  In Dhofar, the oil company’s mission met Sultan Said bin Taymur, thereafter, the mission’s team prepared to depart as they noted the lack of oil discovery opportunities which is probably non-existent in Dhofar.  In the Eighth Chapter, Mike travels to the Syrian city of Aleppo, where he lived a completely different life than that experienced before; as he enjoyed a social life.

From Aleppo, Mike moves in Chapter Nine to Qatar and Oman, back to the desert, where each tribe’s affairs rely and depend on the personality of its Sheikh.

From Qatar he traveled to Oman then to Buraimi, which was rumored to float on a sea of oil. A quantum leap took place in the mission’s saga with the arrival of a new liaison officer, Edward Henderson, who established good relations with the tribes and particularly with Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who lived in Abu Dhabi. Henderson made good efforts to politically pave the road for the oil companies' operations in the region.

The Tenth Chapter takes place in West Hadramout.  In this region, the mission goes on the road of St. John Phillipe, who headed to Shabwa, and was an adviser to the Saudi monarch.  In this chapter as in other chapters, Mike focused on the political aspects and the relations between tribes.

In his wife Heather’s first trip to the Middle East, Mike paints a clear picture of the tribes and of details of his life with them.

Mike appears as a savvy, well experienced expert in Chapter Twelve, he became the head of the geological team at Limited Oil Concessions Co. (Aden Protectorate). He was entrusted to go on a mission to north Hadramaut, and to Thamoud camp, where the water was scarce in the dreary desert and conserving it was a must.

In Chapter Thirteen, the author goes back to Oman; as the Iraq Petroleum Company was determined to explore the Omani interior in Duqm camp and Jadet Al Harasees. The book continues in Chapter Fifteen the exploration journey of Oman, only to return in Chapter Sixteen to Buraimi. And with resuming oil exploration, the book returns to the Buraimi question, and from Buraimi to Jadet Al Harasees, then to the Jabal Al Akhdar in Oman. In Chapter Seventeen, the author precisely describes the political map of Oman which is divided between the Sultan, the Imam and some of the powers supporting one or the other.

In the Eighteenth Chapter, the author recollects his car trips to Dubai, and pays tribute to the ethics of the desert Arabs who help the needy. He points out that Abu Dhabi was the brightest star and most optimistic and promising potential in discovering oil in its territory after the(Murban) field oil discovery.

Chapter Nineteen follows the oil exploration activity in Musandam Peninsula.  The remaining chapters of the book are loaded with memories of the nature, treatment methods, foods, and the slow paced changes in life in the countries where companies were exploring oil.

The book recounted the memories of the author (In the Heart of the Desert) and the reality of life in the past with a very large number of photos supporting the information in the book.

The book: In the Heart of the Desert.

Publisher: The National Archives, Abu Dhabi, 2016, first edition, 425 pages.

"Zayed"... tops the National Archives platform at the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair

The National Archives platform at Abu Dhabi International Exhibition is filled with a large number of National Archives publications, but most of these publications took the life of the founding leader, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan - may God rest his soul - as material for it, due to the wisdom and insights he enjoyed in various fields of life. And because of the importance of the establishment stage in what the UAE has reached at the present time.

The National Archives of the United Arab Emirates, since its inception in 1968, has been keen to publish and acquire a book. In both cases, the book it targets remains closely related to the National Archives' objectives, orientations, and interests. Since it launched its first publications, it received great attention, so it ran out and became, after a while, one of the rarities of publications.

The National Archives’ publications accompanied the birth of the modern state with the establishment of the Union, and monitored the efforts of the wise leadership. The National Archives endorsed all that came in its publications with historical documents, and issued luxurious volumes on the journey of the late - God willing - the founding leader, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. These publications are considered A unique collection among the biographies of the greats of the era, which is full of life and refreshes the memory of the homeland.

The National Archives paid attention to the biography of Sheikh Zayed and his career out of gratitude for him, and as inspiration for lessons from his biography that derived material from his insightful thought.

Believing in the National Archives that the establishment stage led by Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan - may God rest his soul in peace - with confidence and wisdom, will continue to be a supporter that we need to draw from, and that his words and actions - may God have mercy on him - will be immortalized in history for the future. The National Archives has issued my book: (Zayed's Diaries from 1966 to 2002) in five volumes that include the activities of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan since his assumption of power on a daily basis, and (Al-Faa’id Min Zayed’s Sayings) in four volumes compiling his conversations - may God rest his soul - and his interviews and speeches on various occasions and forums.

Among the most prominent books of the National Archives platform at the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair is the book: (Zayed from the Challenge to the Union), which is a documented book about the historical period that preceded the formation of the Union in 1971, specifically since 1964, when the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan took office. Al Nahyan ruling in the city of Al Ain.

The book is the first real study based on historically archived documents, and provides in-depth material for researchers and new generations that highlights the historical facts that were the nucleus of the formation of the union.

Among the most important books that head the platform is also the book: (Zayed, a man who built a nation), a book full of the most detailed analyzes of the life of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, which was enriched by the collective memory of those who lived through his long journey and participated in it, and its content was reinforced with basic reference materials from all over the world. Until Tomorrow, the eight-hundred-page book depicts a unique and captivating personal story supported by many unique archival photographs that enhance the content of the new book.

Also on the platform is the book (Zayed, the son of the desert, the maker of civilization), which tells about Zayed’s upbringing between Liwa, Al Dhafra, and Al Khatim, and his first life, where he learned the principles of the Holy Qur’an, and memorized poetry and literature. From the people of the desert, he heard news of the contemporary desert and its near and far history, so this knowledge of history and heritage increased him. and his political culture.

 The book confirms that Zayed learned in the desert the art of reconciling disputants, and that qualified him for success when he took over the affairs of Al-Ain and the eastern region, and this gift in his personality became a prominent characteristic when he appeared on the scene of events in the Arab world.

The exhibition was also celebrated with the book (Zayed and Heritage), which tells in its seven chapters the story of Sheikh Zayed's interest in heritage, and his influence as a child and youth, as a ruler and president, in his politics and laying the foundations of his state, and in guiding his children and people. From the pages of his bright history filled with goodness, giving and blessings.

In the first half of last year, the National Archives issued a book: (Fifty Years in Al Ain Oasis) in both Arabic and English. It deals with the agricultural and environmental vision and thought of Sheikh Zayed, and is a testament to the founding leader's devotion to his people and nation, and to his life that was filled with giving and benevolence. The book is rich in information, historical documents and photographs that have been preserved for future generations. Through the memoirs of the agricultural advisor to Sheikh Zayed, "Abdul Hafeez Khan," he traces the beginnings of agricultural development in Al Ain.

Late last year, the National Archives also published a book: (Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Ruler of Al Ain 1946-1966), which deals with an important stage in the history of the United Arab Emirates; It deals with the geography of Al-Ain, and identifies the Arab tribes that inhabited it. The book refers to the many castles and fortresses of Al-Ain and to the secrets of the region's interest in this type of building. , and Al-Masoudi.

The book defines the lineage of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and depicts some of the features of his childhood and youth, and his love for science and knowledge that pushed him to self-learning, community and family learning. He used to benefit from the Mutawa, educate himself, and benefit from the councils’ dialogues and discussions, and from his family members, as well as monitoring his relationship with his parents and brothers, because all of this had a great impact on shaping his leadership and patriarchal personality.



The National Archives enriched its stand at the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair with its latest publication, the book: (Zayed and Excellence).

Most of the refereed school trip research books revolve around the personality of the symbolic leader, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, most notably: the book: (Zayed and Development), which deals with the comprehensive concept of development and its historical stages, and the role of Sheikh Zayed in building a distinguished national economy, and the book: (Zayed and the Environment) and his visions in preserving on the environment and its development, and the book: (Zayed and Education), which monitors education in its historical stages, then its development after the establishment of the federation, and the book: (Zayed and the Woman) and its great role in order to activate its role in building society.

Most of the publications of the National Archives, which occupy its stand at the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair 2016, contain chapters, lessons or lessons from the life of the founding leader, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, even if their titles are not honorable by his name - may God have mercy on him - and the most prominent of which are the book (Qasr Al-Hosn) and the book: (Memories of the Emirates), and the book: (Emiratis .. All Our Old Days), and the book (In the Heart of the Desert) deals with the comfort that the British geologist Michael Morton found when he was close to Sheikh Zayed - may God rest his soul in peace - and some of the noble qualities that made his council a meeting place for citizens and visitors.

Sponsored by the National Archives of the United Arab Emirates, the Project Management Institute (PMI) held a forum at the National Archives’ headquarters entitled: "Sharing Best Practices in Project Management in Government Institutions in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi." The opening ceremony began with a speech by His Excellency Dr. Abdulla El Reyes, Director General of the National Archives, emphasizing the importance of the forum in upgrading government institutions’ project management and the pivotal role it plays in their work management and organization enabling them to achieve their vision and objectives.

HE Dr. El Reyes gave a brief description of the National Archives of the UAE, which was founded in 1968 upon the directives of the founding father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. He spoke about its role in preserving the nation's history pointing out that the UAE National Archives is proud that it relies on an electronic sophisticated base in managing most of its tasks. Embracing the state-of-the-art technology, the NA headquarters is indicative of an original concept of archives and archiving that makes it more likable.  If one contemplates the educational projects of the National Archives and its efforts in raising awareness of the importance of the historical document, one finds that the UAE National Archives has taken a new turn reinforcing its status as a source of pride for the country.  HE added: “that the National Archives’ preservation of the history of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and his unique experience in developing the UAE and the establishment of its auspicious union steps up the interest of researchers and citizens in it.

HE Dr. El Reyes focused on the achievements of the National Archives in the area of project management development, pointing out that this development prompted it to be the destination to which many domestic and foreign entities come to take advantage of its experience.

The Sharing Best Practices for Project Management in Government Institutions in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi Forum began with a speech by Mrs. Leila Freidun, Director of the Project Management Institute - UAE Chapter.  She stressed her keenness to make the "Project Management Institute - UAE Chapter, a major destination in the region for those aiming at developing their skills and profiting from the unique practices in the field of project management.

In her speech, she highlighted the importance of distinctive practices that can contribute to developing the project management system in the public sector, which is now competitive with the private sector. Nowadays, the countries in the region aim at achieving prosperity for their people through a more active role played by their institutions and administrative bodies. This role is one of the most important areas on which "project management" focuses. Today the UAE embraces distinct practices in project management seeking to share them with our fellows in the region and the world; thus, enhancing the leading positing the state occupies on the global amp of excellence in project management.  .

Mrs. Leila Freidun, Head of the Project Management Institute - UAE Chapter, thanked the National Archives for their generous sponsorship of the forum, looking forward that it benefits everyone and that its topics add value to the proficiencies and the acquired information in the field of project management for all members and participants.

Later, a discussion panel was held in which Major Dana Al Marzouki from the Interior Ministry, spoke about the mechanism linking projects and initiatives in the strategic plans of the government, and the qualifications of a successful Project Manager, whether technical or personal.  Mr. Bashar Al-Dajani, from the Zakum Field Development Company (ZADCO), spoke on the execution of projects and the major challenges they face, in addition to the role of the work team in the success of the project. Mrs. Samar Almashjeri of the National Archives spoke on the empowerment of the females in the National Archives in general, and in project management in particular, in addition to the electronic systems used in project management.

The session concluded by honoring participants in the panel discussion and honoring the National Archives as a strategic sponsor of the forum.

The National Archives celebrates the signing of its latest publication “In the Heart of the Desert”.

The National Archives of the United Arab Emirates launched its latest book (In the Heart of the Desert) at the signature corner of the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair 2016. In the presence of His Excellency Dr. Abdullah Al Rayes, Director General of the National Archives, author Michael Quentin Morton signed his book, which was recently published by the National Archives.

For his part, His Excellency Dr. Abdullah Al-Rayyes introduced the book to the attendees, explaining that the history of the UAE in particular and the Gulf region in general requires comprehensive documentation, and this is the role of the National Archives of the United Arab Emirates, which maintains a large number of historical documents that document the memory of the nation, and write History in its details. In this regard, the National Archives completes its primary role in preserving and documenting the memory of the nation. Then, Dr. Al Rayes talked about the shift that the country witnessed at the hands of the founding leader, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan - may God rest his soul in peace - and his brothers, the founding fathers, which the book proves. When he depicts the reality of life in the past and what was marred by hardship.

Al-Rayyes added: The book (In the Heart of the Desert) is a documentation - which the National Archives was keen on - because of its accuracy in depicting the reality of life before "the advent of oil" in its various social, political and economic aspects, not only in the UAE but in all the Arab Gulf countries.

The Director General of the National Archives congratulated the author on the great and fruitful effort he made and on his book, which is rich in information, documents and historical photographs that will enrich the memory of the nation and be a source of sustenance for future generations.

In the heart of the desert

The newly published book "In the Heart of the Desert" by the National Archives begins in February 1954 when the ships of the Iraq Petroleum Company docked, after the Arabian Peninsula remained a site that geologists rarely paid attention to until the 1920s. The first oil discovery took place on the Bahraini island of Awali in 1932 AD.

 The author's father began his exploratory journey through the Middle East in 1945 AD, and he was working with geologists, surveyors, and political liaison officers and was supported by the Iraq Petroleum Company, and after a quarter of a century Mike completed his journey when he visited the far northern tip of the Arabian Peninsula in his capacity as the leader of the Royal Geographical Society expedition to the Musandam Peninsula.

In April 1970, Mike Morton arrived at "Ras Duqm" from "Aden", and there the book highlights the great challenge for geological explorations, and reveals the ability of the desert to capture the hearts of travelers and attract them to it again.

The chapters of the book begin with the first chapter, titled: "Baba Karkar", in which Mike writes a letter to his wife Heather describing the desert and the attractiveness of the wilderness at night and day, and he talks about the phenomenon of the presence of gas in "Baba Karkar", and the evidence for this is the name "Baba Karkar", which means "Abu Karkar". Underground", and the place was known for its flaming gases that escaped from the cracks in the formation of the earth, and those torches that burned at night were among the tourist attractions in Kirkuk.

Strategic and commercial interests, not oil, were the first thing that attracted the British towards Iraq, when the India Company established a factory in the port of Basra in 1763. In the twentieth century, the growing need to find oil was what drove British interests in the region. Baba Karkar”, and the great confidence that this left in the hearts of the employees of the oil company and its management.

In the second chapter, titled: "The Blowing of Cold Winds," the author expresses his nostalgia for his hometown in Huddersfield, famous for the textile industry, then tells something about his life, his studies, and the family in which he grew up, then his interest in geology, and the jobs he held in the Middle East. The third chapter, "The Holy City," focused on Michael Morton's worlds in Palestine and Transjordan. In this chapter, the author paints a clear and detailed picture of the city of Haifa in Palestine, and then the atmosphere of work that is dominated by paradoxes and exciting stories that describe the course of their lives as they work in Transjordan amid conditions, whatever they may be. Too harsh.

And he continues in the fourth chapter, describing life among the Bedouins, whom he knew as never changing, and enjoying the greatness of a people who lived long in the desert. Customs and traditions are the basis of their lives, and they derive their strength from their religion. respect. Mike was collecting fossils during his trip in Palestine and Transjordan, and he is sure that the division of the desert into countries greatly affected the life of the Bedouins. Dhofar, a number of Bedouins who accompanied the great traveler when he crossed the Empty Quarter desert.

The writer describes the conditions and nature of Yemen at the time, and the flight that took him to Mukalla, and from there to Bombay. It also describes the white buildings of Mukalla, and the palace of Sultan Al-Quaiti built on the beach, which is the most beautiful building in Mukalla.

Mike goes on to describe the movements of the oil company team between the villages and cities of Yemen, their visit to the tomb of the Prophet Hood, then their return to Seiyun, and the hospitality they received. The sixth chapter, titled "The Land of the Sun and Fire," began by talking about the characters who were characterized by daring and love of adventure, who were accompanied by Mike. He indicates that the expedition passed through the country of al-Mahra, which is a group of unconnected mountains that ends at the Arabian Sea. Mike describes the preparation of the camel caravan that crossed The land of Al-Mahrah, and how conditions began to change with crossing the borders of Al-Mahrah land, and Mike does not stop describing the details of his journey on the land of Yemen, its sufferings and surprises, and the happy moments and situations that took place.

In "Dhofar... the land that God nurtured," according to the title of Chapter Seven, the writer refers to the interest of oil companies in Dhofar after a long desertion, and how the Sultan was keen to promote the search for oil in Dhofar.

Mike praises the blessed land of Dhofar, which overflows with milk and honey, and with its wonderful weather was a resort for the Sultan in his white castle, and its red windows in the coconut palm grove. Oil and perhaps its absence in Dhofar, and Mike lands his travels in the eighth chapter in the Syrian city of Aleppo, where he lived a completely different life than before, if he enjoyed social life.

From Aleppo, Mike moves in the ninth chapter to Qatar and Oman, and in that a return to the desert, in which the affairs of each tribe depend on the personality of its sheikh.

From Qatar, he moved to Oman and then Al-Buraimi, which was rumored to be floating on a sea of oil. His qualitative transfer occurred in the mission’s biography with the arrival of a new liaison officer, Edward Henderson, who established good relations with the tribes and with Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who resides in Abu Dhabi in particular. Henderson has had good efforts in paving the way politically for the company's operations in the region.

The tenth chapter of the book takes place in western Hadhramaut, and in this region the mission followed the path of Saint John Philby, the traveler who went to Shabwa, and was an advisor to the Saudi monarch.

On a first trip for his wife, Heather, to the Middle East, Mike paints a clear picture of the tribes and the details of the life he lived with them.

Mike appears as a seasoned expert in the twelfth chapter, and he became the head of a geological team in the Limited Oil Concessions Company (Aden Protectorate).

In the thirteenth chapter, the author returns to Oman. As the Iraq Petroleum Company remained determined to explore the Omani interior in the Duqm camp and Al-Harasis Avenue, and the book continues in the fifteenth chapter the exploration journey of Oman, to return in the sixteenth chapter to Al-Buraimi and with the continuation of oil exploration the book returns to the issue of Al-Buraimi, and from Al-Buraimi to Al-Harasis Avenue, Then to the Green Mountain in Oman, and describes in the seventeenth chapter very accurately the political map in Oman distributed between the Sultan and the Imam and some of the forces supporting this or that.

In the eighteenth chapter, the author recalls his trips to Dubai in the car, and praises the morals of the desert Arabs who provide relief to the needy, and indicates that Abu Dhabi was the brightest star and the most optimistic about finding oil in its land after its discovery in the (Murban) field.

The nineteenth chapter follows the activity of oil exploration in the Musandam Peninsula, and the rest of the book chapters are full of memories about nature, treatment methods, foods and life changes at a slow pace in the countries where companies have explored for oil.

The book supported the memories of the author (In the Heart of the Desert), and the reality of life in the past on a very large number of pictures that support the information of the book.

Book: In the Heart of the Desert

Publisher: The National Archives, Abu Dhabi, 2016, first edition, 425 pages.