The National Archives of the United Arab Emirates has completed its preparations to participate in the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair 2016 with a pavilion that includes a number of activities related to its tasks, as it displays some rare documents, historical documentaries, and some of its new publications.

On the first day of the exhibition, the National Archives organizes, in the signature corner, a ceremony to launch the book (In the Heart of the Desert), which reviews the efforts of oil companies in the south of the Arabian Peninsula, at an important stage, to paint a true picture of life with its economic, social and political features, so that a true picture of the past and the harshness of life will be embodied before the reader. Thus, it highlights the great shift that the region witnessed until it reached what it is now in terms of prosperity.

The National Archives is also launching its latest publication, represented by the book: (Zayed and Excellence), which is the first of its kind in the world to present an exceptional look that evokes the universal human personality of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan through the model of excellence.

The National Archives platform at the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair includes the Al Bu Falah tree; As the visitor watches on a large interactive screen the tree of the Al Bu Falah clan, which begins with a farmer, and the tree begins with a farmer, all the way to His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the State - may God protect him - and his brothers, the sons of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and the large interactive screen presents each one From the sheikhs of the Al Bu Falah family, an integrated definition supported by photographs. The National Archives allocated a large screen in its platform in a special room to display documentaries about the past and heritage of the UAE. This enhances the sense of national identity and the spirit of loyalty and belonging to the homeland.

The Educational Programs Section takes advantage of the days of the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair to present reading workshops in three of the most important publications of the National Archives: the book (Zayed from Challenge to Union), the book (Khalifa: A Journey to the Future), and the book (Qasr al-Hosn: Biography of the Rulers of Abu Dhabi) with the aim of developing students' reading culture; This contributes to preparing generations who are aware at all levels and are able to participate in the development process. The National Archives presents the three aforementioned books for the visually impaired printed in Braille. In this regard, journalist Ahmed Al-Ghafli is conducting a dialogue on the book (Khalifa: A Journey to the Future) published by The National Archives in Braille.

During the days of the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair, the National Archives allows downloading smart applications, free of charge, for the volumes of the Sheikhs' diaries, which monitor the diaries of: His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the State - may God protect him - and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President of the State and Chairman of the Council. Ministers, Ruler of Dubai - may God protect him - and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum.

ويشارك الأرشيف الوطني أيضاً بأعداد من مجلة (ليوا) العلمية المحكمة التي تصدر باللغتين العربية والإنجليزية كل ستة أشهر، وهي تختص بالتاريخ والتراث والآثار في دولة الإمارات العربية المتحدة ومنطقة الخليج العربي.

The National Archives enriches its participation with a number of its publications, such as: volumes (The Sheikhs' Diaries), the book (Fifty Years in Al Ain Oasis), the book (The Third River), the book (Zayed, the Son of the Desert and the Maker of Civilization), and the book (The Messages of the Messenger (PBUH)).

It also participates in a number of specialized books, and the National Archives of the United Arab Emirates is keen to constructively participate annually in the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair. As an annual cultural event for intellectuals, researchers and readers, especially since it has accompanied this exhibition since its first session, the platform of the Center for Documents and Studies (the National Archives) at the First International Islamic Book Fair in 1981 was honored by the visit of the founding leader, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan - may God rest his soul - At that time, he saw a rare collection of manuscripts and documents.

Through its participation in the exhibition, the National Archives aims to deepen awareness of its social role, introduce the new generation to the civilizational and cultural heritage of the state, and enhance the spirit of loyalty and belonging to the homeland.

Where the information conform with the memory of the place

The National Archives organizes reading workshops for students in Al Muwaiji Palace

In the course of the UAE’s National Archives’ project “A Nation that Reads”, it organized reading workshops for students in Al Muwaiji Palace in Al Ain to encourage, motivate students to read and to educate them and reinforce the concept of reading. The National Archives derived the workshops subjects from excerpts from its issued book (Khalifa a Journey into the Future) so that the information is consistent with the memory of the place, Al Muwaiji Palace, where H.H. Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE President, was born.

The National Archives organized the workshops for students in cooperation with Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority and Abu Dhabi Education Council – Al Ain Education Zone. The workshops were based on excerpts from the book (Khalifa a Journey into the Future); including His Highness’s birth, upbringing, education, and development, enablement and construction efforts. The workshops affirmed that no more eloquent testimony to the greatness of this leader than the limitless praise and absolute loyalty to the UAE President whose people concurred and expressed as one: “We are all Khalifa”.

The workshops offered the students an opportunity to express to the UAE President their gratitude, faithfulness, and loyalty, where they expressed their appreciation to the wise leadership the UAE enjoyed and witnessed under his reign.

The National Archives’ through its project “A Nation that Reads” aims at fostering the role of reading in shaping the students' character and the nation’s future and in enabling new generations to interact with their society and to assess current problems and issues, in addition to reinforcing the concepts of knowledge gaining and society development.

Al Muwaiji Palace in Al Ain where the event is hosted, is a remarkable national landmark and a great evidence of the UAE history. The palace presents its visitors with stories of glory and wisdom. It has historical, architectural, heritage, cultural and social values in the hearts and minds of the UAE’s people.

After project launching, boxes distribution and organizing introductory workshops

The National Archives starts evaluating the outcome and results of its national campaign “My Archives My Future”

The U.A.E.’s National Archives started evaluating the results of its national campaign “My Archive My Future”. The campaign aims at raising awareness among school students on the importance of documenting personal material and records as tools of the present and memory of the future. The campaign also seeks to ensure bringing forth a promising generation that realizes the importance of preserving personal documents and information as part of the U.A.E.’s present and future.

“My Archive My Future” Campaign aims to establish and foster the value of preserving the confidentiality and privacy of personal documents, acquisitions and belongings of all types: oral, written and audio and protecting them from damage or loss. This helps in bringing forth a generation that interacts with historical information and preserves it for future retrieval and utilization.

The campaign strives to educate youngsters about the importance of documentation and its mechanisms using personal records of school students. It comes in line with the National Archives’ vision, mission and strategic objectives  which promote enriching the UAE's historical record and enhancing the national sense of loyalty and belonging.

The campaign targets the preparatory and secondary school students to preserve the nation’s memory and raise awareness among students about the importance of preserving historical and current records or documents and their archiving methods.

In its national project “My Archive My Future”, the National Archives adopted a number of educational values including educating students on the methods of archiving their important documents to utilize them in the future and directing them to care for their personal documents and safeguard them against damage and loss to refer to them upon need. The values also encourage students to be role models interested in their history, and in preserving their identity, and promote their competition and creativity spirit. Additionally, they promote innovation among society members in connection with preserving student and school archives.

In the course of this campaign, the National Archives distributed thousands of “My Archive My Future” initiative's boxes among the educational zones directors or their representatives.

The distribution of “My Archive My Future” boxes comes after a series of introductory workshops on the campaign organized by the National Archives in educational zones across the UAE. The workshops offered an introduction on the type of documents to be collected by students in the course of this campaign, which will act as part of the memory of the nation in future. A sample of the campaign box was presented, its importance illustrated as being made according to global standards: i.e. lightweight, easy to carry, preserves documents as it is designed to be highly durable, resistant to moisture and external factors, acid free, oxidation-resistant, easy to use and holds various sizes of students historical and personal official documents as well as video tapes, photographs and researches, etc.

The workshops announced the awards prepared by the National Archives to be awarded to interested parties:  awards for Best Personal Archives, Best School Archives, Best Archival Material and Best Ideal Family that encourages its son or daughter to organize an archive of his/her own or for the family. The National Archives set the standards and structure for each award and specified the eligible categories to participate.

The workshops encouraged teachers to assist students to utilize the boxes and to educate them on the importance of private records and documents and their preservation mechanism for future use according to best measures, practices and standards and on the necessity of creating a personal archive.

With the aim of obtaining documents on the history and Rulers of Fujairah

The National Archives receives a delegation from Fujairah Tourism and Antiquities Authority

The UAE’s National Archives received a delegation from Fujairah Tourism and Antiquities Authority at the aim of learning about the National Archives’ activities and acquisitions and utilizing them in the Authority’s activities.

The antiquities expert Salah Ali Hasan, Head of Antiquities Section said: We are aware about a lot of the National Archives’ acquisitions that document the significant stages of the UAE’s history and heritage. We look forward to cooperating with the National Archives to obtain some documentary films and historical photographs of the Rulers of Fujairah, particularly Sheikh Mohammed Bin Hamad Bin Abdulla Al Sharqi, the father of the current Ruler, Sheikh Hamad Bin Mohammed Al Sharqi and one of the founding ancestors who worked with the founding leader Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan to establish the edifice of the Union. As Sheikh Mohammed Bin Hamad Al Sharqi marked his print in the Emirate of Fujairah's various life aspects, we in the Emirate of Fujairah seek to collect all documents on his activities and preserve them for future generations. We know for sure that the National Archives keeps the legacy of the great leaders who established the Union and developed the UAE to reach the most developed countries in record time.

Mr. Salah Ali Hasan accompanied by Aisha Salem Al Kaabi, antiquities expert, went on a tour of Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Hall.  It is a unique addition to the national effort to preserve the Nation’s memory and a wide window through which visitors can learn about the UAE’s ancient history and the journey towards the establishment of the Union.

The delegation also visited the Presidential Archives Section, which contains photographs and video films that document the march of the Late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and H.H. Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, 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 to be preserved and transferred to future generations and made accessible to researchers and scholars.

In a Lecture on the Importance of Reading

The National Archives participates in the eighth edition of Jiu-Jitsu activities

The National Archives participates in the eighth edition of the Jiu-Jitsu Championship with seven lectures and several workshops.  This participation stems from the fact that Jiu-Jitsu is a popular game with multiple dimensions contributing to the shaping of the generation’s character of a generation, and it receives great support from the honorable leadership.

The start of the National Archives’ participation in the Jiu-Jitsu Championship came in the form of a lecture on the importance of reading and its role in the promotion of national identity delivered by Abdul Latif Al-Sayadi, a researcher and lecturer, on Friday, April 1th, 2016.  The lecture addressed the importance of reading, particularly in the Arabic language since it is a pillar of national identity, a representation of loyalty and belonging to the homeland, and a solid foundation for self and national renaissance.  In his lecture, Mr. Al-Sayadi confirmed the attention given by  the National Archives to reading in implementation of the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, when he said: "... reading is the fundamental skill for a new generation of scholars, thinkers, researchers and innovators;". Reading is the origin and source of modern sciences, literature, and cultures known to the world; it is also the basis of knowledge that leads to the empowerment of self-esteem.

The lecture concluded with a focus on National Archives’ publications that deal with the heritage and history of the UAE and the Gulf region and the role of these specialized and valuable publications in the preservation of national history for generations.

The National Archives spares no effort in its interest in reading since it is a cornerstone of culture representing the civilized society.  It upholds effective communication, enriches generations’ knowledge and strengthens the pillars of national identity.

It is noteworthy that the National Archives’ participation in the eighth edition of the Jiu-Jitsu Championship in Abu Dhabi will go on in the form of some short stories readings sessions about the history of the nation, the biography of its great leaders, and reflections on its historical milestones.

The National Archives Seeks cooperation with Emirates Association of the

Visually Impaired; during the UAE 2016 Year of Reading

National Archives to launch books in Braille

The National Archives is exploring the possibility of launching Braille versions of its books on history and heritage of the UAE. His Excellency Majid Al Muhairi, Executive Director of National Archives sought cooperation with the Emirates Association for the Visually Impaired (EAVI) regarding this initiative during a reception given to Adel Abdullah Al Zamar, President of EAVI. 

The project began with printing three books in Braille, namely Zayed: From Challenge to Union, Khalifa: Journey to the Future, and Qasr Al Hosn 1793 – 1966.

“The National Archives’ concern with the visually impaired is a manifestation of its belief on the importance of strengthening the role played by reading in shaping an individual's personality. The goal is to  increase interaction with the community and help address the issues going on around them, in addition to cultivating knowledge and national culture,” said Al Muhairi.

“The publications of the National Archives are capable of enriching the national culture of the reader and we are pleased to them now in Braille. We will also supplement EAVI’s Library with our audio books. This is an expression of our confidence that the blind are also active members of the community and comes within the framework of the attention of our wise leadership to this segment of the society,” Al Muhairi said.

Al Zamar expressed his happiness at the care shown by National Archives towards the visually impaired and its publications and requested to prepare more of them in a way they will reach this segment of the community, either through Braille or through voice recording. He praised the great national role played by National Archives in protecting the national memory for generations.

The three books offered in Braille are summaries of major books published by the National Archives. The first of these, Zayed: From Challenge to Union deals with the birth, education and upbringing of Sheikh Zayed and his great efforts in establishng the Union. The book reiterates that Sheikh Zayed is an icon of courage and sacrifice for the sake of noble causes and will remain fresh in the memory and hearts of future generations in the UAE.

The book, “Khalifa: Journey to the Future,” charts his birth, education, upbringing, and his efforts in the development, empowerment and building up of the country. The book itself is a testament to the greatness of the leader and underscore the absolute loyalty to the President of the United Arab Emirates expressed by his people in one voice: "We are all Khalifa".

The book, Qasr Al Hosn: The History of the Rulers of Abu Dhabi: 1793-1966 focuses on the attention given by the United Arab Emirates in building castles and forts in the past centuries to be strongholds and headquarters for the establishment of regional rulers and leaders.

For two centuries, Qasr Al Hosn itself served as the fortress, royal residence and administrative headquarters of the Al Nahyan Ruling Family of Abu Dhabi. Qasr Al Hosn is considered as the starting point of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and its evolution, and remains a witness to the achievements of the former rulers. It gives the impression of power and strength, where many of the Sheikhs of Bu Falah family lived and practiced rule during the period 1793-1966.

-Ends-

After having received 3500 films in the first phase

During the second phase, the National Archives has received 2250 documentaries about Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan from Abu Dhabi Media Company

The National Archives recognizes 2250 documentaries, received from the Abu Dhabi Media company, which document the life of founding leader Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, God rest his soul. They document some of his efforts and allow for a study of his accomplishments.

The second phase of documentary films came to the National Archives in accordance with the Federal Law No. (7) 2008 National Archive's, and within the framework of activating the Convention concluded by the National Archives with the Abu Dhabi Media company in October 2013. 

It will be recalled that the National Archives has received in the first phase, 3500 original documentaries. All documentaries received in phases monitored aspects in the life of founding leader Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan – God rest his soul. They kept some of the historical memory of the UAE and promote the efforts of the founding fathers and brothers. Meanwhile, some documentaries show Sheikh Zayed as an exceptional statesman and diplomat, and monitor the strength of his personality and charisma. These characteristics, built between world leaders, a bond.

This allows the films to identify aspects of the founder in various areas such as receptions and official visits, and national and social events. His achievements are limitless, as is his love for his homeland and his people. He is a symbol of the homeland and tender throughout.

This project is a coordination between the National Archives and Abu Dhabi Media Company in accordance with the regulations of the National Archives, which corresponds to the best international practices.

The National Archives will begin to receive the second installment from the Abu Dhabi Media company archives, which is in accordance with the regulations of the Federal Law No. 7 of 2008's National Archive.

The National Archives highly values the significant number of important documentaries, which were received from the Abu Dhabi Media company. These are considered priceless treasures; they will play an important role in the promotion of loyalty and belonging to the homeland, and will strengthen elements of national identity. This will remain the home of most of decision-makers and researchers who find these artifacts useful and unique after they have been saved electronically and made available.

The National Archives holds important historical videos and documents as a collection for the State and saves them. The Abu Dhabi Media company hopes to emulate other government entities in the State of Abu Dhabi and work to save archival material to be preserved in the National Archives.

In cooperation with the Emirates Autism Society,

The National Archives Organizes an Autism Awareness Day

Within the framework of community events, and in cooperation with the Emirates Autism Society, the National Archives of the United Arab Emirates organized a day to raise awareness of autism disorders under the slogan, "Your Health is Important to Us.”  The event included several educational events about autism disorders.

On the sidelines of the event, which took place in the presence of His Excellency Majid al-Muhairi (Executive Director of the National Archives) and Dr. Khawla al-Saadi (Chairman of the Emirates Autism Society), the National Archives presented a small exhibit illustrating the creativity of autistic children.

The ceremony began with the National Anthem performed by an autistic child. The participants then listened to another autistic child, Yara Kharbotly, recite the Qur’anic surah An-Naba'.  After that, Mr. Salem Al Hosani, Vice Chairman of the Emirates Autism Society, gave a lengthy lecture to raise awareness of autism disorders. He defined autism as a behavioral disorder that appears in children and discussed the history of the disorder. Mr. Al Hosani also mentioned world-famous figures who had autism as children. He discussed how they were able to overcome the disorder’s obstacles, live normal lives and, in some cases, even immortalize their names amongst the most innovative and distinguished of people.

Yara’s mother spoke about her experience with her autistic daughter.  She noted that parents begin by denying their child’s condition shortly after he or she is born. They are then overwhelmed with sadness and frustration when faced with the difficult reality and begin to ask the bitter question, “Why did this happen to us?!”

Yara’s mother continued, “After that, the next stage involves facing reality and the great responsibility. We thank God we were able to help our daughter, and now she’s in fifth grade. I feel at ease, as she is now almost like her peers.”

At event’s conclusion, the National Archives honored the Emirates Autism Society for its efforts to help an important segment of society’s children.

National Archives receives precious titles from National Media Council

The National Archives has received a large collection of valuable books and periodicals courtesy of the acting Director General of the National Media Council. The Emirates Library in the National Archives will make these readily available to researchers and other interested parties.

The transfer includes titles on different types of folklore heritage as well as books documenting the achievements of the nation, its society and culture, and some on media and communication affairs. Among them, for example, are Diary of the UAE from 1971 to 1996 and Nature in the UAE: Wildlife and Environment, along with a number of rare periodicals, such as volumes of Al Hikma magazine and the journal Middle East Affairs. The collection also includes a number of academic and research papers, statistical books and reports, and photographs of the country’s dignitaries. The Emirates library will be transferring the photographs received along with the collection of books to the Presidential Archives and to the Photo Archives at the National Archives.

In the past, the National Archives has received a large number of books and periodicals in both Arabic and English, mostly concerned with the affairs of the United Arab Emirates and its civilization. These deal with different aspects of the lives of the nation’s great leaders and founding fathers, most prominently the life of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. The overall collection also features books about UAE history and heritage as well as the natural environment of the UAE, and covers a large number of important reports and statistics of the state.

“The National Archives values the collection of specialized resources, references, cultural books and periodicals received from the National Media Council,” said H.E. Dr. Abdulla El Reyes, Director General of the National Archives.

“We consider it as a noble gesture coming at a time when the UAE in general and the National Archives in particular embark upon a cultural initiative introduced by President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan: 2016 – The Year of Reading,” he said.

“The contents of these historical books shed light on the establishment of the Union, the development of the UAE and its prosperity, lifestyles of the past, and they document some of the rich heritage of the UAE which embodies the authenticity of our forefathers. These publications have a role in strengthening the foundations of national identity among our clientele,” Dr. El Reyes said.

“The National Archives has worked since its inception in 1968 to establish its own library and in the last decade has accelerated the development of its collections and improvement of its services. This began a trend of specialization regarding the functions and objectives of the National Archives – to acquire paper and electronic contents from the largest local and regional exhibitions of books. The Emirates Library has opened its doors to its many users, researchers and academics,” he said.

Dr. El Reyes said the Emirates Library will make an index of the new collection and add these accessions to its sources and references on Arab and Islamic civilization, and to the books on the UAE and the Gulf region, in order to facilitate their broad utilization by scholars and citizens.

In response to call from Her Highness Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Office

National Archives to organize archives of General Women's Union

The National Archives has embarked on a mission to organize the archives of General Women’s Union. The initiative is in response to a call given by the office of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, Mother of the Nation and Chairwoman of the General Women's Union to the National Archives seeking constructive cooperation in organizing the Union’s archive.

A working group of the National Archives, headed by Hamad Al Mutairi, Acting Director of Archives Department at the National Archives visited the headquarters of General Women's Union in Abu Dhabi to formulate plans for the implementation of an integrated project for setting up a paper and digital archive. The task has been classified in accordance with the Federal law for the National Archives and international standards.

Al Mutairi said the historical archive of the General Women's Union draws its importance from the fact that it documents the tremendous efforts made and still being made by Her Highness Sheikha Fatima, and the pioneering role played by the Union in the development of the nation, particularly women.

“The winds of change had blown with the establishment of the Union of UAE on 2nd December 1971 and a new era began for women with the declaration by the founding leader Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan that women constitute half of the society,” he said.

Al-Mutairi praised the care given by the General Women’s Union in carrying out developmental initiatives in the field of archives as it provided a suitable place appropriate to save the historical documents as per international standards for protecting archives.

He stressed that this care will facilitate the task of National Archives in completing the arrangements for setting up an archive that enjoys international standards in organizational aspects and introducing modern technologies for electronic archiving, which contributes to the preservation of national historical documents and facilitates easy access to information.

The working group reviewed, with the participation of stakeholders from the General Women's Union, the policy requirements for arranging the documents and the necessary procedures and standards that must be followed for the organization of the historical archives of the Union.

Al Mutairi placed high value on the General Women's Union’s initiative and its call to the National Archives to regulate the Union’s archive according to the highest standards in the world.

“The Women's Union archive acquires its significance from the role played by Her Highness Sheikha Fatima through her activities that supported the country’s women in establishing high status. It has been written down in history as the most wonderful example, which elevated the position of Emirati women enabling them to participate with men in realizing the country’s achievements in a record time,” he said.

“Her Highness made great efforts by granting a big part of her time to women's associations as she realized the role of women in society building movement. Therefore, the National Archives gives all the attention and admiration to the history of Emirati women because it represents an important part of the history of the state and its development and prosperity under its wise leadership,” Al Mutairi.

Attracting an enormous public turnout

The National Archives participates in Al Khazna Entertainment Festival with national and cultural events

The UAE’s National Archives participated in Al Khazna Entertainment Festival, which was organized by Al Ain Municipality. It participated for two days with a lecture entitled “National Identity, Loyalty and Belonging, Key National Values” and a workshop entitled “Khalifa, A Journey to the Future”. The two events attracted enormous public turnout of more than 850 participants. The National Archives participated also with a historical photo gallery on the history of the UAE establishment and education development.

The National Archives offered the public who visited the festival a national lecture entitled “National Identity, Loyalty and Belonging, Key National Values” delivered by Mohammed Ismail Abdulla from the Educational Programs Section. He stressed the importance of maintaining a “Homeland Triangle” which is (national identity, loyalty and belonging) with which communities can achieve unity, cohesion and human and civil renaissance. As a geographical, political and economic vessel that embraces the values and the civil legacy of community, the homeland needs a special national culture and unique historical and heritage features that are adopted proudly by its people.

The National Archives has also organized a reading workshop entitled “Khalifa, A Journey to the Future” for the students participating in the festival. The lecture came within the framework of promoting the dissemination of reading and culture and upholding the concept of useful reading. The workshop provided the participants with information about H.H. Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE President, May Allah protect him. Information included details about his birth, education, upbringing and his efforts in development, empowerment and construction.

The two activities: the reading workshop and the lecture, included a number of relevant questions to their topics. Incentive awards were distributed to the participants and interested people.

The National Archives’ participation in Al Khazna Entertainment Festival aimed at enhancing the national identity and promoting loyalty and belonging to the homeland and the leadership.

National Archives bags .gov award for eco-friendly initiatives

The National Archives was recently honoured with the prestigious .gov awards for its progressive steps in implementing several e-government initiatives. The National Archives was conferred the award for the “Best Initiative Using Eco-friendly Systems in 2016."

The award was given in recognition of its best practices aimed at accomplishing paperless administration by limiting paper consumption and automating all internal and external procedures and converting them into electronic services.

His Excellency Dr. Abdullah Al Reyes, Director General of the National Archives received the award at a special ceremony held at Jumeirah Hotel at Etihad Towers. A high level National Archives delegation, which included His Excellency Majid Al Muhairi, Executive Director and Dr. Abdul Aziz Al Raisi, Advisor, Administrative Development, was present on the occasion.

The National Archives was conferred the award for achieving remarkable progress in its orientation towards smart government, which is being encouraged by the honourable government of the UAE. 

Dr. Al Reyes said the award is a great recognition to the National Archives for its efforts in harnessing state-of-the-art technologies optimized for eco-friendly work environment. 

He said the significance of the .gov award comes from the fact that it highlights the leading scientific progress of governments in the field of smart government and the use of Information Technology for the development of work.

“We consider this award as the fruit of our serious efforts in introducing smart electronic applications to keep the work arena eco-friendly and also developing services and upgrading them,” said Dr. Al Reyes.

“The National Archives encourages sustainability of resources availability at its offices in various forms, including the optimal use of human resources so as to contribute to enhancing efficiency in productivity,” he said.

“We also encourage optimum use of energy by way of educating the staff and raising awareness among them to follow environment-friendly practices. These include optimal use of computers and turning off the electric switches when the devices are not in use. We also encourage our employees for recycling materials to use them later,” said Dr. Al Reyes.