A New Publication by the National Archives signed in Sharjah Book 2021

Watan Min Zhahab (A Homeland Made of Gold), the UAE’s football from commencement to achievements



The National Archives organized a book signing ceremony for the documentary book Watan Min Zhahab (A Homeland Made of Gold) at Sharjah Book Fair 2021. It is the latest National Archives’ publication concurrently with the preparation for the 50th National Day, celebrated on December 2, 2021. The book confirms that the National Archives has been documenting all walks of life in the UAE since the pre-union stage, making all information available to researchers, and preserving it for future generations. Against this background, it published Watan Min Zhahab, which is a detailed account of the UAE’s football story from commencement to achievements, shedding light on various stations, circumstances, and stories, supported by unique photos depicting the history of the Emirati football.

H.E. Saqr Ghabash, President of the Federal National Council, wrote the book ‘s introduction, in which he pointed out that the book is an important documentation of the Emirati football from its commencement up until its coronation.

In his word entitled "A Blessed March", Mr. Mohammed Aljoker, author of the book, said he was proud that the publication coincided with the UAE’s 50th anniversary, expressing  his happiness  with this national documentary work. He praised the good efforts of the government in supporting sport and providing everything it  needs.

The 460-page and14-chapter book began with the names of leaders who instilled the love of sport in the heart of the people, led by the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al-Nahyan, and the names of the men who made the history of UAE football, and it featured rare historical photos documenting a unique success story that has become a lesson for generations.

Chapter Two entitled "Father Zayed" presents various timeless stances taken by Hakim al-Arab in all aspects of life locally and internationally, especially in the field of sports, which received his attention and care and witnessed a quantum leap under his reign. The chapter also reviewed the national team's triumphant march and its most prominent achievement qualifying for the 1990 World Cup.

Chapter Three entitled "From the Sea and Sailors, Football with Trade" pointed out the commencement stage, and the story of the arrival of football in the Emirates by English steamers ninety-two years ago. Chapter Four entitled “Beginning of the Story” documented the official football activity before the launch of the first edition of the season league (1973-1974) and its organization stage.

Chapter Five entitled "Men Who Excelled in Every Field" shed light on a number of the most prominent pioneer athletes and administrators, who had a positive impact on the sport movement since its inception, notably the late Sheikh Rashid Al Maktoum, and H.H. Sheikh Ahmed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

Chapter Six, "Presidents", is devoted to the Union stage monitoring the Emirates Football Association establishment stage, starting with the presidency of the late Sheikh Mubarak Bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, passing through all the presidents, up until the current stage headed by Sheikh Rashid Bin Humaid Al Nuaimi.

Chapter Seven focused on the most famous coaches and the accomplishments, supported with historical photos featuring the various stages. Chapter Eight, "Stars Etched in Memory", documents and chronicles the history of the Emirati sports stars for the past 50 years.

 Chapter Nine "In the World Cup, We Had Stories," related thirty-one year old stories which the UAE joyfully experienced when the national team qualified for the 1990 World Cup in Italy.

Chapter Ten focused on the "Journey of Professionalism" at a turning point in the football career after the establishment of the Professional League Committee in 2008 through to declaring the Professional League an institutional entity in 2019.

"Champions and Championships" is the title of Chapter Eleven, which contains the story of the league shield, which has been won by seven football clubs. The first pro league champion was Shabab Al- Ahli, whereas Al Ain won the title thirteen times, in addition to the top scorers of the first division championship and the pro league. It also shed light on the UAE’s President’s Cup, the 50th Cup champions, Al-Jazira Club as the Pro league Champion, Shabab Al-Ahli as champion of three titles and Al-Orooba Club as the champion of the first division.



The twelfth chapter entitled “Achievements Speak for Themselves” contains the lessons which the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan developed to guide citizens to success, and the precise details of the wise leadership’s support that paved the way for attainment and triumph over challenges. Furthermore, this chapter also touched on the local and international accomplishments which both Al Jazeera Club and the English Manchester City Club made under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan. It also highlighted the facilities and sports stadiums in the country.

Chapter 13 reviewed the historical relations between the UAE and other states from the beginning on the sports level. It concluded with a chapter entitled "The Pioneers of the Homeland", which highlighted the honoring received by our most distinguished stars throughout different times from our wise leadership. It also highlighted the role of the National Archives which performs its mission in providing decision makers and the public with documented and trusted information.



It is worth mentioning that Watan Min Zhahab (A Homeland Made from Gold), published by the National Archives, is the 16th book by Mohammed Aljoker, who is known for his efforts in serving the country in the field of documentation of UAE football, and in the field of media. He has received numerous awards and medals in recognition of his sincere efforts.

Book: Watan Min Zhahab (A Homeland Made of Gold)

Publisher: The National Archives, Abu Dhabi, 2021, first edition, 460 large-size pages.

Author: Muhammad Al Joker

A New Publication by the National Library and Archives signed in Sharjah Book 2021
Watan Min Zhahab (A Homeland Made of Gold), the UAE’s football from commencement to achievements

The National Library and Archives organized a book signing ceremony for the documentary book Watan Min Zhahab (A Homeland Made of Gold) at Sharjah Book Fair 2021. It is the latest National Library and Archives’ publication concurrently with the preparation for the 50th National Day, celebrated on December 2, 2021. The book confirms that the National Library and Archives has been documenting all walks of life in the UAE since the pre-union stage, making all information available to researchers, and preserving it for future generations. Against this background, it published Watan Min Zhahab, which is a detailed account of the UAE’s football story from commencement to achievements, shedding light on various stations, circumstances, and stories, supported by unique photos depicting the history of the Emirati football.
H.E. Saqr Ghabash, President of the Federal National Council, wrote the book ‘s introduction, in which he pointed out that the book is an important documentation of the Emirati football from its commencement up until its coronation.
In his word entitled "A Blessed March", Mr. Mohammed Aljoker, author of the book, said he was proud that the publication coincided with the UAE’s 50th anniversary, expressing  his happiness  with this national documentary work. He praised the good efforts of the government in supporting sport and providing everything it  needs.
The 460-page and14-chapter book began with the names of leaders who instilled the love of sport in the heart of the people, led by the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al-Nahyan, and the names of the men who made the history of UAE football, and it featured rare historical photos documenting a unique success story that has become a lesson for generations.
Chapter Two entitled "Father Zayed" presents various timeless stances taken by Hakim al-Arab in all aspects of life locally and internationally, especially in the field of sports, which received his attention and care and witnessed a quantum leap under his reign. The chapter also reviewed the national team's triumphant march and its most prominent achievement qualifying for the 1990 World Cup.
Chapter Three entitled "From the Sea and Sailors, Football with Trade" pointed out the commencement stage, and the story of the arrival of football in the Emirates by English steamers ninety-two years ago. Chapter Four entitled “Beginning of the Story” documented the official football activity before the launch of the first edition of the season league (1973-1974) and its organization stage.
Chapter Five entitled "Men Who Excelled in Every Field" shed light on a number of the most prominent pioneer athletes and administrators, who had a positive impact on the sport movement since its inception, notably the late Sheikh Rashid Al Maktoum, and H.H. Sheikh Ahmed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
Chapter Six, "Presidents", is devoted to the Union stage monitoring the Emirates Football Association establishment stage, starting with the presidency of the late Sheikh Mubarak Bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, passing through all the presidents, up until the current stage headed by Sheikh Rashid Bin Humaid Al Nuaimi.
Chapter Seven focused on the most famous coaches and the accomplishments, supported with historical photos featuring the various stages. Chapter Eight, "Stars Etched in Memory", documents and chronicles the history of the Emirati sports stars for the past 50 years.
 Chapter Nine "In the World Cup, We Had Stories," related thirty-one year old stories which the UAE joyfully experienced when the national team qualified for the 1990 World Cup in Italy.
Chapter Ten focused on the "Journey of Professionalism" at a turning point in the football career after the establishment of the Professional League Committee in 2008 through to declaring the Professional League an institutional entity in 2019.
"Champions and Championships" is the title of Chapter Eleven, which contains the story of the league shield, which has been won by seven football clubs. The first pro league champion was Shabab Al- Ahli, whereas Al Ain won the title thirteen times, in addition to the top scorers of the first division championship and the pro league. It also shed light on the UAE’s President’s Cup, the 50th Cup champions, Al-Jazira Club as the Pro league Champion, Shabab Al-Ahli as champion of three titles and Al-Orooba Club as the champion of the first division.

The twelfth chapter entitled “Achievements Speak for Themselves” contains the lessons which the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan developed to guide citizens to success, and the precise details of the wise leadership’s support that paved the way for attainment and triumph over challenges. Furthermore, this chapter also touched on the local and international accomplishments which both Al Jazeera Club and the English Manchester City Club made under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan. It also highlighted the facilities and sports stadiums in the country.
Chapter 13 reviewed the historical relations between the UAE and other states from the beginning on the sports level. It concluded with a chapter entitled "The Pioneers of the Homeland", which highlighted the honoring received by our most distinguished stars throughout different times from our wise leadership. It also highlighted the role of the National Library and Archives which performs its mission in providing decision makers and the public with documented and trusted information.

It is worth mentioning that Watan Min Zhahab (A Homeland Made from Gold), published by the National Library and Archives, is the 16th book by Mohammed Aljoker, who is known for his efforts in serving the country in the field of documentation of UAE football, and in the field of media. He has received numerous awards and medals in recognition of his sincere efforts.
Book: Watan Min Zhahab (A Homeland Made of Gold)
Publisher: The National Library and Archives, Abu Dhabi, 2021, first edition, 460 large-size pages.
Author: Muhammad Al Joker

50 Stories about Patriotism and Future Foresight

The National Archives and Ministry of Education Celebrate the Honorees of the “Writers of the Fiftieth” Initiative

The National Archives and Ministry of Education organized a virtual ceremony at Sharjah International Book Fair 2021 to honor the students, Writers of the Fiftieth, in recognition of their efforts in foreseeing the future for the next half century in their stories and in demonstrating in their contents their knowledge, belonging to the homeland and loyalty to the wise leadership.

These stories, which were compiled in one book entitled “Writers of the Fiftieth Story Collection” that was prepared and published by the NA are real fruits of the efforts exerted by students under the guidance and follow up of the NA and Ministry of Education.

Mr. Farhan Al Marzooqi, Director of Corporate and Community Outreach Department at the NA, said in his speech on honoring the students: “We have launched the “Writers of the Fiftieth” Initiative at schools in conjunction with the Year of Preparation for the Next 50. We were looking forward to discovering fifty talented story writers, and in this year of the 50, we are celebrating an elite of our talented children whose creativity is characterized by their profound knowledge, patriotism and loyalty to our wise leadership”.

“As soon as the initiative was launched, it was circulated among schools in the UAE, and the targeted category was those students aged 10-19 years. Surprisingly, about 880 students registered via the link; 300 students of them were interviewed. Eight five students were shortlisted to participate in the initiative. The best fifty stories were selected and published in a book documenting the efforts our students and highlighting the value of this initiative”, he added.

The Director of Corporate and Community Outreach Department highly valued the Ministry of Education efforts and its coordination with the NA to bring success to this initiative. He congratulated the honored students and stressed that the fruits of their efforts are a source of pride, real wealth of the nation and the fundamental base of the sustainable development march. These efforts are a herald of a generation that is capable to continue the march, assume the national responsibility and preserve the nation’s accomplishments in the next fifty years.

Dr. Fatima Younes Kalbat, Director of the Guidance and Well-being Department at the Ministry of Education, said: “The National initiative that has been launched to foresee the next fifty years promotes national sense among students, enhances their values of loyalty and belonging to the nation and its wise leadership and broadens their intellectual horizon. They went through the experience of national writing and their words reflected their vision for the next fifty year where the homeland, which is characterized by giving, values and initiatives enjoys a sustainable march of development, science, knowledge, and prosperity.”

She pointed out that the increasing number of students who were keen on participation emphasizes the values of good citizenship, belonging to and pride in homeland as well as their strong desire to write about the nation’s future with a high national sense and expressive literary style that reflects the distinctive vision of the coming generation. Inspired by the vision of the wise leadership which instills the values of good citizenship, excellency and innovation, this generation strives to assume its responsibilities and duties towards the building of its homeland and participate in the march of giving and patriotism.

Dr. Fatima Kalbat assured that she considers all participants in the contest as winners since they were in a real competition to express their love for their homeland and its wise leadership through creative writing about national values and their optimism about their future of development and knowledge.

Dr. Fatima highlighted the Ministry of Education’s interest in all initiatives, which promote national identity and values, good education for the next generation and cooperation with all entities and national institutions. She expressed her sincere appreciation to the NA for this constructive cooperation, which is in the interest of the homeland.

On behalf of the honored students, the student, Ahmed Abdulrahman Bawazeer, expressed his pride in winning the prize and thanked the NA and Ministry of Education for their efforts to follow up students so that they became able to translate their national feelings into incredible and attractive stories. He promised that their winning of this initiative will be the beginning of the next creative writings. He congratulated his honored colleagues and prompted students to benefit from such initiatives, which will record their names in the list of creative writers.

The National Archives launches the book "Zayed, The Saadiyat Miracle" in (Sharjah Book 2021) which highlights Sheikh Zayed’s great interest and ingenuity in the field of agriculture, and documents details of the Saadiyat project in 1968



The National Archives launched its latest publication (Zayed The Saadiyat Miracle) through its participating platform in the Sharjah International Book Fair.

The book depicts Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Ruler of Abu Dhabi’s efforts in the agriculture and reclamation of the arid saline lands of Saadiyat Island in 1967, as he recruited and funded some scientists from the University of Arizona to build energy, water, and food facilities on the island; For the production of fresh vegetables, and the use of modern irrigation, and electricity generating, and distillation technologies. The Saadiyat land reclamation project attracted great international interest and attention, and was reported and praised in many scientific journals and books in various languages.

The book begins with Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan’s memorable qoute: "Give me agriculture, I give you civilization." Followed by the introduction by His Excellency Dr. Abdullah Mohammed Alraisi, Director General of National Archives, where he stressed that Sheikh Zayed invited the University of Arizona’s Research station Director to produce fresh vegetables in controlled environment greenhouses in Abu Dhabi, and Saadiyat was chosen. This project, which started in the fall of 1968, is one of the oldest American projects in Abu Dhabi, and in 1970 the " Arid Land Research Center " erected a prominent sign for the island visitors bearing a wonderful message stating that the center was "established for the people of Abu Dhabi" with a grant to the University of Arizona by Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

His Excellency also states in the book’s prologue that the Saadiyat Project is one of many projects initiated and implemented by Sheikh Zayed, proving his ability to make the impossible possible. Whoever contemplates that project realizes that it is a real miracle.

The following seven chapters of the book: First: The emergence of controlled environment agriculture: energy, water and food for desert communities, where the book addresses the environmental research laboratory, the greenhouse development, and the promising gardening experiments’ results. The second chapter: Agriculture in the Emirates in the late 1960s of, sheds light on Abu Dhabi markets, and the vegetables that were sold then.

In the third chapter: “The Beginning of Technology shift,” the author recalls the details of the first visit of Carl Hodges, Director of the Environmental Research Laboratory to the island, and the harsh conditions there, he mentions the three trainees chosen by Sheikh Zayed to accompany Dr. Riley, the Project Manager on a trip to Tucson via the North Pole. they were: Abdullah Saeed Kadas, Hamad Murshid Tamin, and Muhammed Mujren Saif, and provides details on the green-house and its environment, as well as the energy and water production units, etc.

In the fourth chapter: "the research provides a solution to the horticulture challenges" the book enumerates the vegetable varieties and states how they were selected. The fifth chapter: "A bountiful harvest" highlights the project outcome and results. And the sixth chapter: "Eminent Diplomats, Visitors, and Experiences," shows how the Saadiyat project has attracted many diplomats and visitors from the UAE and around the world.

 

And the last chapter: "The Lasting Impact" shows that Saadiyat project had a great impact and resulted in the UAE and Abu Dhabi development, and in a number of UAE students’ enrollment at the University of Arizona. The project was an inception of new technologies that continued to develop .

The book enriched its valuable information, with many historical photographs, most notably of which was that of Sheikh Zayed’s following the project’s development stages.

Book Title: Zayed, the Saadiyat miracle

Published by: The National Archives, Abu Dhabi, 163 pages (large cut)

Author: Dr. Merle Jensen

Translated by: National Archives

The National Archives provides a unified preservation plan for common UAE government entities documents

in line with Article 35 of the executive regulations Federal law on the National Archives 

The National Archives developed and introduced a unified plan to identify similar government entities’ documents in line with Article 35 of the Executive Regulations of Federal Law No. 7 of 2008 and its amending laws on the National Archives, which stipulate that National Archives identifies all government entities similar documents in order to regulate and control their preservation process.

This technical and legislative plan allows government entities to monitor the retention schedule or plan for their produced and received documents, based on their value and legal regulations, and decide the necessary action, whether it is permanent preservation at the National Archives or disposal under the National Archives’ supervision in accordance with its approved legal procedures.

On the importance of this plan, His Excellency Abdullah Majid Al Ali, Executive Director of the National Archives, said: “The National Archives diligently performs its role in organizing the UAE government entities’ archives in line with Federal Law No. 7 of 2008, its executive regulations and bylaws in conformity with international standards. Accordingly, it issued a unified plan to identify similar documents in all government entities to control and regulate documents’ preservation and disposal process. He added: in the National Archives we are currently planning for the next fifty years,  and we keenly seek any governmental document of historical, legal or research value, to ensure that the UAE maintains an integrated archival repository by the UAE centennial celebration in 2071.

His Excellency urged all concerned parties and sought their constructive cooperation with the National Archives to implement this plan in the interest of the UAE to preserve the memory of the nation for future generations. He considered this cooperation a great honor and a national duty that all should pursue and seek.

This plan lists all documents resulting from all government entities main and common seven functions, namely: human resources, financial affairs, legal affairs, institutional information, administrative development, public relations and government communications, and support services.

The National Archives relied, in listing and defining these common functions, their affiliated operations, related activities, and resulting documents on the methodologies stipulated in Chapter Six of the Executive Regulations of Federal Law No. 7 of 2008 on the National Archives and its amending laws, especially Article 35 thereof. Also on the legal and regulatory texts issued by the UAE reference authorities, such as: the Ministries of Cabinet Affairs, Finance, Federal Authority for Government Human Resources, the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) and digital or E-Government ... and others.

All federal government entities must implement and apply this plan to all their produced paper and electronic documents. The National Archives accordingly undertakes the task of training government entities’ concerned officials and employees on optimal document management.

This plan is considered one of the key government entities’ digital transformation enablers. It lays an important foundation for electronic document management policy through technical programs to regulate and control document preservation and disposal process, and reduce paper documents creation. Thus, the National Archives achieves important accomplishments in documents, paper and digital archives management in the UAE, in line with the UAE government directives on the UAE E-government strategy - 2025.

The National Archives

The National Archives of the United Arab Emirates was established in 1968 as an affiliate of the Ministry of Presidential Affairs upon the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan’s directives, with the aim of collecting and documenting information on the history and heritage of the UAE and the Gulf region. Forty years after its inception, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, issued Federal Law No. 7 of 2008 changing its name to be the National Center for Documentation and Research, entrusted with organizing UAE government entities’ archives. Later, its name was changed again to be the National Archives in accordance with Federal Law No. 1 of 2014 issued by His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

New publications and events documenting the last fifty years and celebrating the next fifty years

The National Archives participates in Sharjah International Book Fair 2021

The National Archives of the Ministry of Presidential Affairs participates in the 40th Edition of Sharjah International Book Fair 2021, given its interest in bridging the gap between the readership and its publications specialized in the history and heritage of the UAE and the Gulf region as well as its activities and cultural events pertaining to its main objective of preserving and making the Nation’s memory accessible. The NA emphasizes in its publications and events the importance of its role in documenting the last fifty years of the UAE history and planning for the next fifty years in line with the approach adopted by the wise leadership.

H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council of the UAE and Ruler of Sharjah, reviewed the latest NA publication, Zayed, The Saadiyat Miracle and listened to the explanation given by H.E. Abdulla Majed Al Ali, NA Executive Director, for the book during his visit to the book fair.

The NA pavilion at the book fair celebrated the publication of its latest book, Zayed, The Saadiyat Miracle, which identifies Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan efforts in agriculture and agricultural lands reclamation in Al Saadiyat Island when he was the ruler of Abu Dhabi.

The pavilion includes the new issue of Liwa journal, which is a refereed academic journal dedicated to the study of the history, heritage and archeology of the UAE and the Arabian Gulf region. In this issue, the journal highlights historical subjects, most notably “Arabia from the Perspective of the Moroccans in the 11th Century Hijri”, “The Omani Military Forces in the 17th and 19th Centuries”, “Al Saidiya Schools: An Academic, Cultural and Educational Phenomenon” and “Weapons Trading in the Gulf”.

Moreover, the book, Qasr Al Hosn: The History of the Rulers of Abu Dhabi, 1793-1966, will be available, in the pavilion, in various languages, most prominently Arabic, English, French and Russian. It focuses on the history of the 11 Al Bu Falah Rulers, rulers of Abu Dhabi for nearly two centuries. Qasr Al Hosn served as the royal residence and administrative headquarters of the Al Bu Falah Rulers.

During the book fair, the NA organizes many events in the context of educational programs such as virtual tours, educational reading workshops, etc. This is in addition to a number of lectures such as Subtitling and Debugging Translation Challenges, the NA Efforts in Documenting Oral History, Electronic Archiving, Academic Research Resources of the UAE History, The Emirates Library of the NA: Researchers Portal of Knowledge, etc.

With regard to the NA participation in the book fair, H.E. Abdulla Majed Al Ali, NA Executive Director, said: “The participation of the National Archives in the 40th Edition of Sharjah International Book Fair reflects the importance of this fair, which is a global cultural phenomenon and one of the major fairs in the world. Its new edition is a key cultural event that highlights the UAE’s interest in books and belief in the importance of fostering the relation of generations with books as they serve as the main instrument for development. The National Archives will make the optimal use of the fair days by providing educational programs and lectures that keep the fair visitors closer to the Nation’s memory while they continue the procession of development for the next fifty years”.

“The National Archives presents its distinctive publications to the fair visitors and participants. The pavilion holdings will enrich the book fair with significant aspects of Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan biography, which the National Archives strives to document in its publications so it would serve as a resource for the next generations and as an example of serving the future of the homeland. Furthermore, the pavilion will contain books that point out chapters of the UAE documented history and present the biography of the great leader who promoted the UAE to reach a prestigious global rank”, he added.

His Excellency expressed his hope that the book fair will act as a forum for the exchange of experience and knowledge and enhancing mutual cooperation. He assured that the Emirates Library at the NA will spare no effort during the book fair days to search for new and rare publications pertaining to the NA interest and objectives in order to enrich its collections and meet the need of its visitors including researchers, academics and those interested in the UAE history and heritage.

The Executive Director emphasized that the NA will offer its publications showcased in its pavilion at discounted prices.

The National Archives announces the launch of the 12th edition of the Young Historian Award



The National Archives of the Ministry of Presidential Affairs announced the launch of the 12th edition of the Young Historian Award in the academic year 2021-2022 in line with its interest in strengthening joint national programs with educational institutions in the country.

This edition of the school student award derives greater importance from the fact that it coincides with the Year of the 50th, because planning for the next fifty years calls for the proper national upbringing of students and enrichment of their knowledge of the UAE’s history and heritage. As a result, their ability to strengthen the foundations of the Union and consolidate the UAE's reputation globally will be enhanced to preserve the gains of the country, and subsequently celebrate the Centennial of the UAE in 2071 as the best country in the world.

This scientific award, which deals with national topics, aims at promoting belonging to the nation and loyalty to wise leadership, and nurturing national identity in student generations. Furthermore, it seeks to develop their awareness of their glorious history, urges them to put forward authentic ideas and expressions, encourages them to research the history of the UAE and protect its documentary heritage in all forms, and promotes interest in the study of the history of humanity, tribes and genealogy, and dialogue of civilizations.



The National Archives directs this award to school students from grades 5 to 12. Thus, the 5th - 8th graders may participate through preparing a report on one aspect of social, economic or geographical life in the UAE.

The assigned topics for Cycle 2 are as follows:  the National Identity, Al-Sinaa, Social Cohesion, Customs and Traditions, Personal Impression of Celebrating the National Day, Emirati Women, Commemoration Day, and Volunteering.

 



The topics assigned for Cycle 3 participation include stories and narrations about the founding fathers, tolerance, folklore, heritage topics specific to the United Arab Emirates, architecture in the UAE (museums, markets, Qasr Al-Hosn, castles and forts, Wahat Al-Karama, Zayed Memorial). There are other topics such as A Story of a Document which involves writing a story or collecting information about a certain document. The Emirati Explorer, which involves exploring unknown archaeological sites, documenting stories with new or unique information, writing about personalities about whom no information has been written before, or explaining orally transmitted knowledge in astronomy, travel, marine science, calculating Al Duroor, etc. Topics also include Historical and archaeological sites, the UAE’s civilizations, Martyrs of Duty, The role of Emirati women, notably the Mother of the Emirates (Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak), women's empowerment, influential Emirati personalities and the UAE’s Efforts to Curb Covid-19, History of arts and theater in the UAE, Cultural associations, Emirati costume, Celebrating the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the Union, Sports activities, Expo 2020, Smart education (distance education), stories and anecdotes about distance learning, and Landing on Mars.



The National Archives advises participants to take advantage of the holdings of the Emirates Library at its headquarters, the website of the Arabian Gulf Digital Archive (AGDA) and the documents which it provides through the Customer Happiness Hall at its headquarters, as well as using the school and public libraries.



The competition jury will start receiving entries in the first week of February 2022. The concerned committees have completed their preparations to meet with students in order to provide them with more comprehensive and detailed information about the award categories and objectives, assessment criteria, and reports, research and oral interviews acceptance conditions.

It is worth noting that the National Archives launched the Young Historian Award in 2009 under the slogan “School Trips Competition”, and it published some important entries such as Zayed and Education, Zayed and Women, Zayed and Development, Zayed and the Environment and the Three Emirati Islands. Recently, it has also published two important publications prepared by participants in the Young Historian Award, namely “The Young Historian Award, 8th Edition, 2016-2017” and “The Young Historian Award, 9th Edition, 2017-2018”.

About the National Archives

 The National Archives of the United Arab Emirates, affiliate of the Ministry of Presidential Affairs, was established in 1969 upon directives from the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al-Nahyan in order to collect and document all relating to the history and heritage of the UAE and the Gulf region. Forty years later, Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan issued Federal Law No. (7) of 2008 renaming it the National Center for Documentation and Research mandated with organizing the archives of the UAE governmental entities. Recently, the name of National Center for Documentation and Research as stated in the above mentioned law  was changed to the National Archives following Federal Decree No. (1) of 2014, which is issued by Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the president of the UAE.

As part of accomplishing its mission of historical archives’ collection and preservation

The National Archives received the historical archives transferred from the Ministry of Justice 

The National Archives received important historical documents transferred from the Ministry of Justice archives including the UAE various legislations, relations and international judicial agreements since its establishment in 1971.

On this occasion, His Excellency Abdullah Majid Al Ali, Executive Director of the National Archives, said: The National Archives collects and properly preserves the memory of the nation in its highly equipped stores to safeguard it and ensure its maximum possible life span. Thus through its receiving the historical archives of the Ministry of Justice, the National Archives enriches the UAE archival repository, highly needed by Researchers and all interested in the history and heritage of the UAE, and accumulates an invaluable cultural repertoire from which future generations may learn and draw important lessons of wisdom.

H.E. expressed his happiness with this important step, commended and praised the Ministry of Justice for its proper coordination and fruitful cooperation, which in turn further enhances professional relations with the National Archives for the benefit of the UAE and the memory of the nation. H.E. considered this significant step the first of many following fruitful effects to out-come from the memorandum of understanding signed between the National Archives and the Ministry of Justice at the beginning of this year.

His Excellency Khalid Nasser Al Raisi, Advisor to the Minister of Justice and Head of the Joint Documents and Archives Regulatory Committee at the Ministry of Justice, praised the National Archives great efforts to preserve the UAE historical archives, and also the efforts of the Joint Committee’s members and the National Archives team in completing this significant archiving stage. His Excellency pointed out that the historical documents of the Ministry of Justice include important information on both the individual and institutional levels, in addition to the ministry’s history and its establishment by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan who was highly interested in providing a fair and just judiciary system and in developing its important role and establishing essential laws to eliminate crime in the UAE. Researchers will find these documents a rich source for needed knowledge on this great journey and on the history of the judiciary System of the UAE.



The National Archives

The National Archives of the UAE was established under the Ministry of Presidential Affairs in 1968 upon the directives of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, with the aim of collecting and documenting information relating to the history and heritage of the United Arab Emirates and the Gulf region. Forty years after its establishment, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, issued Federal Law No. 7 of 2008 transforming its name to be the National Center for Documentation and Research, entrusted with the task of organizing the UAE government entities’ archives, and later its name was changed to be the National Archives in accordance with Federal Law No. 1 of 2014 issued by His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

The National Archives Organizes Two Lectures on the Union Foundation Stages and Positivity in the Workplace Environment

In conjunction with the Year of the Fiftieth, the National Archives of the Ministry of Presidential Affairs organized two lectures broadcasted via the interactive media, as part of its educational program that aims to qualify its employees.

The first lecture entitled “The UAE Foundation Stages”, delivered by Dr. Khalid Al Bolushi, an academic and researcher in the UAE history, started with a geographical and historical overview of the UAE and pointed out the emergence of political formations after the Portuguese withdrawal. It also discussed the attempts of Sheikh Zayed the First to unify the Arabian Gulf region in 1932 as well as the establishment of the Trucial States Council in 1952, which was a significant turning point in the Emirati society.

The lecture highlighted the nine-states Union meetings, the role of the neighboring states in the Union foundation and the role of Sheikh Zayed in the UAE foundation on December 2, 1971, in addition to the Union objectives and authorities.

Furthermore, the lecture assured that the credit for establishing the Union should be given to the Late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan and the founding fathers for their unique capabilities in dealing with challenges wisely and in spirit of harmony and cooperation.

On the other hand, the second lecture entitled “Positivity in the Workplace Environment” was presented by Hend Al Zaabi, Educational Programs Specialists at the NA. She started the lecture with a saying of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum: “Positivity is a way of thinking, and happiness is a lifestyle. In other words, it is not what you own or do that makes you happy; it is how you think about things”.

Having discussed the definition of positivity as a personality trait that is to change from egocentrism to openness to the outside world with a real desire to reform oneself and the society and to have a will to change for the better and the ability to effectively interact with others, Hend identified the importance of positive energy and how we can be positive.

The lecturer also tackled the impediments to positivity, and she gave ten pieces of advice to achieve and foster positivity at work and another ten pieces of advice to enhance positive relations among employees. In conclusion, she quoted a number of sayings of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid on positivity, derived from his book Reflections on Happiness and Positivity.

The two lectures attracted a large turnout of the public and the NA employees.

National Archives continues to showcase UAE history at Sheikh Zayed Festival



The National Archives continues its participation at the Sheikh Zayed Festival 2020/2021, showcasing in its 'Memory of the Nation Pavilion' historical documents, photographs and national documentaries on the UAE.

The National Archives participates in the Sheikh Zayed Festival 2020/2021 with the Memory of the Nation Pavilion, which is displaying historical documents, photographs and national documentaries that draw visitors to the long history of the UAE, informing them about the lives and achievements of its great leaders who were able to build a civilization that dazzled the world.



Taking a tour of the Memory of the Nation Pavilion starts with the section displaying historical documents, such as letters, treaties, and sketches of a number of forts including the Kalba Fort and a Portuguese fortresses in Khor Fakkan. The oldest of these historical documents dates back to the seventeenth century, and this collection is brought together as part of the first historical phase, which covers the period from 1620-1922. The second section, which covers the historical period from 1918- 1970, highlights the work of Sheikh Zayed in the Al Ain region and his efforts for the establishment of the Union. It includes a large number of coins, medals and badges.



The start of the prosperity phase is covered in the period from 1971-1980. This section introduces numerous photographs documenting Sheikh Zayed’s hard work to advance the UAE and to develop its international relationships. Through his efforts, these great achievements have been immortalized in history.



In the period from 1981-1990, the UAE accelerated its amazing progress under the rule of founding leader Sheikh Zayed and his fellow Rulers of the Emirates. With careful attention paid to the Emirati people and the residents of the Emirates, the nation continued to prosper with a prevailing sense of peace and security. The stellar success of this period is showcased by a glass panel on which the image of the founding leader is etched, inscribed with his famous words: “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 section of the Memory of the Nation Pavilion covering the period 1990-2020 presents key quotes from Sheikh Zayed and pictures of the leaders who followed in his footsteps and pursued the path of prosperity and launched the 50-year Development Strategy to mark the UAE Centennial 2071. This period also underscores the defined role of the National Archives, which was established in 1968 under the special directive of the founding leader, who realized the importance of documenting the affairs of the nation from the beginning. At the front of this section is a large screen charting important points in the history of the National Archives. Adjacent to the screen is the Emirates Library Corner, which includes the publications of the National Archives along with tablet computers displaying the Smart Applications of the Chronicles of the Sheikhs.



The Memory of the Nation Pavilion also introduces festival visitors, via a large screen and some pamphlets, to the Quadrennial Congress of the International Council on Archives, which Abu Dhabi will host from October 17-22. Furthermore, the UAE Space Section leads visitors, through the use of advanced technologies, on a virtual trip to Mars and informs them of the importance of the Hope Probe on the local, Arab, and international levels. The tour of the Pavilion ends with a visit to the Education Corner, which provides children with a variety of educational and entertaining games.    

Research and studies highlight chapters of the history of the Arabian Peninsula region and others

The National Archives publishes a new issue of Liwa Journal

The National Archives has published the 15th Issue of Liwa Journal, which is a referred academic journal pertaining to the history and heritage of the UAE, Gulf region and Arabia.

The academic research papers in the recent issue published by the National Archives in Arabic and English highlight a number of historical subjects, most notably “Arabia from the Perspective of the Moroccans in the 11th Century Hijri”, “The Omani Military Forces in the 17th and 19th Centuries”, “Al Saidiya Schools: An Academic, Cultural and Educational Phenomenon”, “Weapons Trading in the Gulf”, etc.

Dr. Ahmed Al Saidy, talked, in Chapter 1, about Arabia from the perspective of the Moroccans in the 11th century Hijri, based on their books on journeys, indices and biographies. That perspective reveals their pride in Arabia and their tendency to talk about various religious, historical, geographical, economic and social aspects.

Chapter 2, written by Dr. Bahia Bint Saeed Al Ohtobia, identifies “The Omani Military Forces in the 17th and 19th Centuries”. She tackled several disputes and wars erupted in Oman during historical periods, resulting in the need for forming Omani military forces to defend the country against any external attack.

Dr. Huda Bint Abdulrahman Al Zidjalia presented the Saidiya schools as an academic, cultural and educational phenomenon that spread broadly in the Arab and Islamic World. These shcools were named after prominent figures in the history of the countries in which they emerged and had academic and cultural contributions. The research reviewed Al Saidiya School in Cairo, the Emirate of Dubai, Muscat, Salalah, Zanzibar and Gawadar in Pakistan.

In the last research paper of the new issue of the journal, Dr. Mohammed Faris Al Faris discussed the evolution of weapon trading in the Gulf, Dubai incident, the British response to that in Dubai in 1910, the subsequent situation and the related reactions. This is in addition to the British policy in the Gulf region and how it closed its eyes to weapon sellers and buyers as well as its reasons for fighting weapon trading.

The English version of the journal included a research paper entitled “Al Saidiya Schools: An Academic, Cultural and Educational Phenomenon”.

In its new issue, the journal presented the NA’s latest publications: “Young Historian Award – 8th Edition (2016-2017)”, “Young Historian Award – 9th Edition (2017-2018)”, “Their Memory Our History (Part 2)”, and “Informing People of Bandar Abbas Conditions”.

Liwa Journal is published in print form as well as on the internet by the NA. It welcomes academic research papers pertaining to its specialization in Arabic and English at liwa@na.ae.      

The National Archives receives the historical documents of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation



The National Archives received 251 boxes of historical documents from the Central Archives of the Documents and Archives Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. This step reflected the two parties' keenness to perform their national role in building the UAE documentary record.

The National Archives received the historical documents in the first stage, which included facts and information about the ministry's building foreign relations following the establishment of the union, and its historical achievements, as an important and integral part of the memory of the nation.

On this occasion, His Excellency Abdullah Majid Al Ali, Executive Director of the National Archives, said: This is an important step within the framework of collecting and preserving the memory of the nation for future generations, and making it available to researchers and all interested in the history and heritage of the UAE and the Gulf region. He extended his sincere thanks and great appreciation to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation for handing over their historical documents to be kept at the National Archives stores in the Center for Preservation and Restoration, which is equipped with the best environmental conditions and international practices for preserving paper archives.

His Excellency said: We are approaching all government entities' archives to hand over their historical documents to the National Archives to preserve and protect them against loss or damage, especially that the restoration laboratory located at the National Archives’ Center for Preservation and Restoration is highly equipped for and efficient in the restoration and treatment of fragile, fraying or perishable historical documents.

His Excellency Abdullah Mohammed Al Bulooki, Assistant Undersecretary for Support Services Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation - praised the National Archives’ Center for Preservation and Restoration, noting the National Archives’ readiness to receive the documents transferred to it, being fully equipped with all requirements and highest standards to provide the necessary environment for the permanent preservation of transferred archives. His Excellency thanked the National Archives for its highly appreciated cooperation with the Documents and Archives Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, stressing that handing over the Ministry’s historical archives to the National Archives comes within the framework of enhancing constructive and fruitful cooperation between the two parties for the benefit of the UAE and preserving the documentary heritage of the nation.

Hamad Al-Mutairi, Director of the Archives Department at the National Archives, said: The National Archives is always keen, to adopt the best practices and quality standards in the various stages of archiving the documents of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, starting with the preparation of an inventory of the historical archive which will be handed over then classified in special lists, following which a specialized team from the National Archives paid a field visit to the Minestry’s headquarters to inspect its archives and check the lists stating the historical documents to be transferred to the National Archives to ensure these lists match the stored documents, to be later transferred for permanent preservation in the National Archives stores.



National Archives

The Ministry of Presidential Affairs’ National Archives of the UAE was established in 1968 upon the directives of the Late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, with the aim of collecting and documenting information relating to the history and heritage of the United Arab Emirates and the Gulf region. Forty years after its establishment, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE issued Federal Law No. 7 of 2008 changing its name to be the National Center for Documentation and Research, entrusted with organizing the UAE government entities’ archives, and later the name was changed by H.H. the UAE President to be the National Archives in accordance with Federal Law No. 1 of 2014.