Aiming at conducting academic research on sustainable development in the UAE

The National Archives receives an academic visit from students of the University of Pennsylvania in the USA

New York University (NYU), Abu Dhabi has organized an academic visit to the National Archives for a visiting delegation of Management and International Relations MA students from the University of Pennsylvania in the United States to educate them about the development, advancement modernity and prosperity which the UAE has witnessed in a record time at the hands of the Founding Father, the Late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan. The visit comes in affirmation of the corporate partnership and in realization of the National Archives’ vision and mission.

During their tour of Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan’s Hall, the students were acquainted with historic manuscripts, maps and photographs through which they explored the past of the Emirates region through the various successive historical eras and learned also about the present UAE which has become a role model representing civilization, progress, happiness and tolerance.

Then the guest delegation attended a lecture delivered by Dr. Aisha Bilkhair, Research Advisor at the National Archives, about the UAE history, culture and civilization, during which she highlighted Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan’s role in instilling tolerance among the Emirati society members, inducing tribes to join together under the umbrella of modern society and share its responsibilities and welfare, enhancing the principles of solidarity, integrity and respect for environment in society, supporting family establishment as the basic nucleus of any society and promoting women’s empowerment and their important role in the Emirati society to enable women to utilize their capabilities and invest all available powers in order to realize constructive change and development. Sheikh Zayed was, in fact, supported by Her Highness Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, “Mother of the Nation” who devoted her efforts to encourage Emirati women and to promote social life in general.

In her lecture, Dr. Aisha Bilkhair reviewed the importance of the wise leadership’s initiatives through which it expressed its keen interest in innovation, reading, benevolence, giving and humanity by declaring special years as designated to represent these respective mottos. Furthermore, supportive plans, programs and strategies were devised and developed to ensure the success of such initiatives.

The research advisor also tackled in her lecture the importance of “Zayed’s sons” and successors’ role in fostering national identity and promoting benevolence and giving, and in disseminating the values of committing to tolerance, tribal customs and traditions, respect and compassion for others. In addition to enhancing the spirit of loyalty and belonging to the homeland and its wise leadership and supporting citizens to dedicate their best potentials to serve their nation and to keep abreast of and stay up-to-date with future developments which hold many accomplishments and challenges for the UAE. As in 2020, the UAE will be the world’s meeting point getting ready for Expo 2020. Accordingly, the UAE citizens must exhibit to the world a true example of tolerance, benevolence, giving and happiness.

The NYU delegation commended the National Archives’ historic acquisitions, its technological advancement and expressed genuine appreciation to NA Officials for the warm hospitality and great care which they received during their visit.