The National Archives receives the 7th National Defense College course participants on an academic visit 

The National Archives received the 7th National Defense College NDC course participants at its headquarters. HE Dr Abdullah Mohammed Alraisi, Director General of the National Archives, welcomed them and stressed the significance of their visit to the National Archives to get acquainted with important aspects of the UAE history through historical documents which the National Archives undertakes to preserve. HE also emphasized the need to learn about aspects of the Founding Leader Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan's strategic thinking in the establishment of the Union.

The program of the visit to the National Archives included a lecture entitled "The Historical Origin of the United Arab Emirates Establishment" which depicted the most important historical eras and stages which the UAE has undergone. The lecture stressed the strong need for taking keen interest in the past and the deep-rooted history of the UAE which presents learnt lessons that significantly guide their way when setting out to the future, as the late Sheikh Zayed strongly called for that end to which his words bear fine testament: "He who does not know his past cannot make the best of his present and future, for it is from the past that we learn".

The lecture, delivered by Mr. Abdul Latif Al Sayyadi, Expert and Lecturer at the National Archives, depicted significant stages and milestones in the history of the UAE, and emphasized that the UAE was not simply a new state, but is rather a great land of ancient civilizations. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai's statement firmly supports that: "We are not an emergent nation in history, we are ancient people who made glories in the past and who will build a glorious future as well". We are a people whose historical roots extend thousands of years in this good land.

The 7th NDC course participants concluded their visit with a tour of the National Archives, which included Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Virtual Reality Hall, where they watched a high-tech 3D film on the UAE history and present and its future prospects. They were greatly impressed by Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Hall, and expressed their admiration for the showcased samples of old manuscripts, maps and photographs that document the various stages of the establishment of the UAE.