The Speaker of the Yemeni House of Representatives visits the National Archives and appreciates its development and role in fostering the Emirati-Yemeni relations

H.E. Sultan Al Burkani, Speaker of the Yemeni House of Representatives, visited the National Archives in Abu Dhabi. H.E. Dr. Abdulla Mohammed Alraisi, NA Director-General received him and gave him a brief introduction about the National Archives of the UAE, which has been preserving the Nation’s memory for more than half a century.

H.E. Director-General pointed out the NA role in fostering the fraternal ties between the UAE and the Republic of Yemen since the time of Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan who had established a unique and close relationship with the people of Yemen.  In fact, Sheikh Zayed had left an indelible imprint all over Yemen, notably the building of Marib Dam, which was a source of pride for Yemeni people in the past.

Dr. Abdulla Al Raisi briefed H.E. Sultan Al Burkani and the accompanying delegation about the NA agenda pointing out that the ICA Congress, the largest-ever gathering of archivists, will be held next year (2020) in Abu Dhabi. He informed them about the portal of the Arabian Gulf Digital Archive (AGDA), which has been launched to provide its visitors with hundreds of thousands of digital copies of historical documents in Arabic and English in addition to photographs and multiple media of historical and cultural value pertaining to the UAE and the GCC countries history over two centuries.

H.E. the Speaker of the Yemeni House of Representatives praised the noticeable technological development and the modern techniques used by the NA for collecting, preserving and providing access to the memory of the nation. He highly appreciated the NA role in preserving historical documents, photocopied materials, references and primary sources, which constitute a cultural and historical legacy for the region and humanity. Furthermore, he highlighted the role of the NA in documenting the good historical relations between the UAE and the Republic of Yemen stressing the importance of recording the present moment during which Yemen enjoys the UAE immense support that will go down in history.

The National Archives Director-General took H.E. Sultan Al Burkani and the accompanying delegation on a tour of the NA departments and main facilities. His Excellency listened to a description about the acquisitions displayed in Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Hall, which provides its visitors with important aspects of the UAE history, the Union foundation and the close relations with several friendly states.

His Excellency viewed some of the Presidential Archives acquisitions including photographs, multiple media. He also saw methods of preserving the UAE history including documenting the biography of Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the efforts of H.H. Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, and NA interest in providing the Presidential Archives Section with all specialized and modern equipment and advanced software to enable it to make some of its acquisitions accessible via smart applications.

H.E. Sultan Al Burkani visited the Emirates Library, which is one of the most prominent specialized libraries in UAE and the Gulf region history and culture. In fact, it is an important source of paper and electronic references and general books.

At Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Hall, the guest delegation watched a 3D high-quality documentary film about the UAE history, present and future prospects.