Concurrently with the Month of Reading, and in its pursuit to meet the needs of document and archival science interested scholars

The National Archives provided the Emirates Library with 1,500 books purchased from Muscat International Book Fair 

Concurrently with the month of reading, the National Archives provided its Emirates Library with about 1500 new books purchased from Muscat International Book Fair 2020, as part of the plan to develop and enrich the library, with the purpose of providing more references and sources specialized in the history and heritage of the UAE and the Gulf region. The specialized Emirates Library, as part of the National Archives scientific and research program, allows its users to take advantage of its specialized collections in paper and electronic forms which cover the various Archives' fields of interest.



The book selection task has been entrusted to some experts and specialists whom the National Archives has sent to the Muscat International Book Fair to obtain a wide range of books on the history of the United Arab Emirates, the Sultanate of Oman and the Gulf region in general with the aim of enriching the Emirates Library with various forms of information items to meet the needs of its users, whether researchers, academics or scholars.

In terms of expanding its distinguished services, the Emirates Library of the National Archives attaches great importance to books specialized in document management and archival sciences; thus, it acquires them to serve the undergraduate students of the program jointly launched by the National Archives and Sorbonne University in Abu Dhabi. The National Archives aims at preparing a generation of qualified youth who are able to contribute to preserving the nation's documentary asset and managing it in accordance with best practices and standards.



The newly acquired collection included the Encyclopedia of Oman’s History through Time, which consists of five parts that constitute a comprehensive scientific and technical document recording the history of Oman from the earliest human and prehistoric era to the present one.

The National Archives also acquired a large number of important books that include Document and Electronic Content Management in e-Government Projects, the Biography of Ahmed Ibn Majid, Lion of the Sea, History of the Great Maghreb, Organization and Management of the Aflaj, and Kharidat Al Qasr wa Jaridat Al 'Asr (The Maiden of the Palace and The Newspaper of the Times), in addition to many other various books which focus on collecting and preserving the memory of the nation.

It is worth mentioning that the National Archives keenly seeks to provide its Emirates Library with various resources and references from international book fairs whether in the UAE or abroad, among which is: Abu Dhabi Book Fair, Sharjah Book Fair and Muscat Book Fair.

70 Research Papers on the Image of the UAE in the cultures, literatures and World Intellectual Heritage,

The National Library and Archives Continues its Preparations for the 2nd International Translation Conference

As part of its continuous preparation for the 2nd International Translation Conference, the National Library and Archives “NLA” accepted 70 research papers for participation in the conference, which will be held virtually on March 9-13, 2022, under the slogan of “Translation and Preservation of the Memory of the Nation: The Image of the UAE in the cultures, literatures and World Intellectual Heritage”.

In this regard, Mr. Hamad Slayem Al Hamiri, Director of the Research and Knowledge Services Department at the NLA, said: “Following the success of the 1st International Translation Conference, we noticed a great turnout of researchers, translators, experts and specialists for participation in the 2nd International Translation Conference. Soon as we had announced the date for submitting papers, we received a large number of serious papers that will enrich the conference with innovative topics in living languages worldwide. Among the received research papers, the organizing committee selected 70 papers on the ten topics of the conference agenda to be announced soon.”

“Upon the shortlisting of the appropriate research papers for the 2nd International Translation Conference, we bear in mind the importance of the linguistic, cultural, historical and epistemological interconnections that require accuracy in transfer between different languages, especially that we are dealing with a topic of significant national dimensions related to the image of the UAE in the cultures, literatures and world intellectual heritage. That is why the conference agenda has included research papers discussing the image of the UAE in the eyes of the European travelers, historical and political narratives and contemporary Emirati civilizational achievements in European and Asian writings.”, he added.

He confirmed that the research papers to be included in the conference agenda study the role of translation in enhancing the image and cultural heritage of the UAE in the 21st century.

Following the success of the 1st International Translation Conference, the Director of the Research and Knowledge Services Department revealed the offer received by the NLA from Globethics, which expressed its admiration for the topics of the 2nd International Translation Conference. The Globethics offer was a request to publish all the research papers of the next conference. Discussions are still taking place between the NLA and Globethics to publish these papers in a way that preserves the NLA’s rights in its capacity of the organizer of the conference.

It is worth mentioning that Globethics is a Cambridge-based publishing house. It is a major world company concerned with publishing historical and philosophical research papers as well as papers in the field of humanities and social sciences.

The participants in the conference include a number of professional specialists and experts, American, Canadian and European professors, a number of researchers from major universities in Asia, Latin America and Australia and an elite of academic staff members from Arab, African and GCC universities as well as specialists from the UAE University.

The National Library and Archives enriches its cultural season entitled " Archivng is Life", with distinguished lectures and topics.

The National Library and Archives launched the agenda of its 2022 cultural season entitled “Archiving is Life”. Its monthly seminars deal with the various aspects of the UAE glorious history and prosperous present through which it seeks to enrich and document its topics and provide accurate and important information and knowledge. Through its cultural season, the National Library and Archives aims at presenting UAE related historical topics in a facilitated informative way for the public’s interest, since promoting this culture contributes to enhancing and preserving future generations’ historical memory, national identity and culture.

The current cultural season’s agenda includes poetic and artistic evenings and seminars,  beginning with “Architecture as an Introduction to Documentation and History” on February 28th, followed by various other seminars on topics including industries, traditional crafts, arts, translation and preserving the memory of the nation which tackle recounted oral history based on UAE Senior figures and citizens’ memory, and literary history, with a particular focus on artificial intelligence, corporate governance, and talent management, while shedding light on leaders who shaped the UAE history, and initiated the motto “Al-Bait Mitwahid”.

His Excellency Abdullah Majid Al Ali, the National Library and Archives’ Acting Director General said: “the current cultural season comes this year under the metaphoric title: “Archiving is Life,” indicating the importance of Archives and its role in the lives of various people, the general public, as well as individuals, institutions and states. Archives are highly important in preserving title to different rights, being a historical scientific research source and reference as well as a  national identity essential pillar contributing to objectively presenting historic facts to aid decision-makers in taking the right decisions.

The archives, in its role as the memory of the nation, represents the nation’s civilization and values, and is an important information source on which researchers rely to perceive the future, and through its treasures and holdings, generations pass on experiences, draw knowledge, and benefit from ancestors’ various successful experiences, which will inevitably result in a general development in all aspects of life.

HE added: The seminars’ topics and diverse artistic or poetry evenings and events enrich the Emirati cultural scene and movement. The cultural season’s planned seminars include a large number of leading, successful and creative experts, specialists and speakers with greaat expertise to recount, and enrich the presented lecture topics’ useful content with recent updates. His Excellency added that the National Library and Archives virtually presented the activities of its cultural season entitled " Archiving is Life" via interactive social media platforms, in line with its mission to disseminate knowledge and its parallel commitment and adherence to Precautionary measures to counter and contain the spread of COVID-19.

HE pointed out that the seminars’ lecture topics shall be published and made available by National Library and Archives to benefit Knowledge seekers and interested parties to help disseminate knowledge, exchange expertise, and enrich Arab Libraries with leading Emirati experiences of which we are immensely proud.

The National Archives briefed universities and secondary school students in “Education Interface" on the themes of the ICA Congress Abu Dhabi 2020 and its participation terms.

The National Archives invites Participants in “Education Interface" to participate in the Congress.

The National Archives participated in the 6th edition of the "Education Interface" exhibition, which brings together a large number of secondary schools and 50 government and private universities from Europe, America and the Middle East in order to promote the National Archives' hosting of the ICA Congress Abu Dhabi 2020. The Congress will be held in Abu Dhabi (16-20 November 2020) under the theme of "Empowering Knowledge Societies", to show students how to participate in the Congress events and papers after the deadline for receiving papers has been extended to 29 February. 

The National Archives stand interacted with other student and academic stands and gave students a clear and detailed explanation about the ICA Congress Abu Dhabi 2020 which will witness the participation of thousands of Archivists from around the world. It invites them to participate in the student workshops and professional vocational discussions organized by the Congress. Furthermore, the stand has urged university students in scientific majors relevant to the congress topics and  themes to participate with their papers. Special focus was given to archiving and documentation, IT and social studies and sciences students. The National Archives provided participants with a clear explanation of the Congress topics and themes, first of which is the artificial intelligence in support of archival efforts to facilitate historical manuscripts search process, and swift management of big amount of digital images, records and various multimedia. The second topic is: Sustainable knowledge as the foundation for sustainable development. It is essential for archives and libraries to keep abreast of latest trends, expectations, techniques and policies for building, preserving, and using documentary heritage and making it accessible. The third topic is confronting challenges in preserving archives through social media and countering piracy, the formal use of electronic systems in line with United Nations objective to provide accurate and reliable records as basis for planning, implementation and assessment.

It is noteworthy that the two-day exhibition, which was held at the Emirates Palace, has attracted thousands of students whom the National Archives provided with introductory brochures on the International Council on Archives. 

The participation of a number of embassies in the exhibition - such as the embassies of the US, Canada, Egypt and Jordan - contributed to spreading awareness about the ICA Congress Abu Dhabi 2020, which is considered an important global event to be hosted by Abu Dhabi. It is important that all members of the society become aware of this event and know they can participate in it.

Alraisi Praises the Wise Leadership’s Support for the Event and Considers Its Success as a Quantum Leap for the National Archives Locally and Internationally.

The National Archives Organizes the ICA Congress Abu Dhabi 2020… The Next Challenge

The National Archives held in its headquarters in Abu Dhabi “Congress Forum Abu Dhabi 2020 - The Next Challenge”, in preparation for ICA Congress, to be hosted by the National Archives in Abu Dhabi (16-20 November 2020) under the theme: “Empowering Knowledge Societies”.

The forum started with a speech by His Excellency Dr. Abdulla Mohammed Alraisi, Director General of the National Archives about the importance of this event at the local and international arenas. He pointed out that the success of the ICA Congress 2020 is a great challenge, which the National Archives should win, as the most beautiful element at work is the challenge, and those who do not have the ability to overcome challenges would never be able to renew themselves and innovate. We are all proud to take up such a great challenge that will bring excellence to this great Archival event and place the National Archives of the UAE among the elite international archives.

His Excellency thanked the wise leadership for supporting the National Archives’ achievements and successes. He emphasized that the unlimited support from His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces in hosting this event, and the guidance and daily follow-up of His Highness Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs in the preparation for hosting the Congress - has a great impact on the success of this event, which represents a challenge to the National Archives.

The Director General of the National Archives added that the ICA Congress Abu Dhabi 2020 is the largest archive conference in the world, and that its success will be a qualitative and global shift in archives due to the big number of participants and the topics they will present. The National Archives’ success in hosting this event will be the best welcome to the 50th anniversary of the UAE and the UAE Vision 2021.

The Director General of the National Archives urged all staff members to exert efforts, because hopes are great and aspirations are higher. Works succeed through team's efforts and responsibility rests with all. He stressed that every responsibility the leadership entrusted to the National Archives means the great confidence in it and its staff members.

He praised the high readiness of the National Archives to receive the ICA Congress. Registration is still ongoing, the number of received working papers has reached 140, and the concerned committee will continue receiving more working papers until the end of February.

He pointed out that the ICA Congress had concluded a memorandum of understanding with Dubai Expo 2020, and that the National Archives will present the complete historical content of Al Wasl Area of Expo.

The Director General of the National Archives entrusted each of the National Archives’ staff member with the mission of promoting the archival culture and spreading the news of the ICA Congress among citizens, as it is important for everyone to know that an international archival event will take place in the UAE.

The project manager, Azza Al Kaabi, presented a long presentation that showed important details and data on the preparations for the ICA Congress 2020.

The meeting started with a film documenting the visit of the National Archives’ team to Adelaide, capital of South Australia to promote the ICA Congress Abu Dhabi.

Students visit “Memory of the Nation” to enhance their national and moral values:

The National Archives receives more than 6,000 students at the “Memory of the Nation”

More than six thousand students have visited the NA’s “Memory of the Nation” pavilion during the current edition of Sheikh Zayed Festival. Students aim to visit this pavilion on educational and entertainment field trips because of its great impact in enhancing their national and moral values, enriching their knowledge with documented heritage and historical information about the UAE and reinforcing school curricula of history and civic education.

The National Archives assigned a team of specialists and experts from the Educational Programs Section to accompany students at the “Memory of the Nation” pavilion and provide them with information according to their age and academic levels.

At the pavilion, students learn about the efforts of late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan in founding the UAE and the story of the Union of the seven Emirates, thanks to the efforts of Sheikh Zayed and the Founding Fathers. At a section named “In the Footsteps of Zayed”, students learn about the Founding Leader’s approach in various fields such as his interest in people, human resources development, diplomacy, agriculture, health, education and other important fields.

During their tour of the “Memory of the Nation” pavilion, students explore the value of “tolerance”, a genuine feature of the Emirati people, and its importance in the legacy of UAE society, as the UAE embraces more than 200 nationalities. The wise leadership paved the way for success and innovation, thus the UAE has become the homeland of possibilities.

Students are acquainted with the process of restoring historical documents, and the tools used in restoring documents that are susceptible to damage due to many factors, most importantly time and inappropriate storage.

At the education section, students attend a lecture on the UAE’s most important traditions and customs, known as (Sana’), which govern the behavior of individuals, such as respect for elders, courage, magnanimity, sincerity, civility, honesty, hospitality, etiquettes, etc. , with a focus  on instilling these values among students by using some technical programs developed in tablets and robots that are widely used at the Education Section.

Students and their companions view some books published by the National Archives to provide them with information and knowledge related to the history and heritage of the UAE.

The Biggest Archival Event in the World Hosted by the National Archives in Abu Dhabi Next November:

The National Archives Unveils the ICA Congress 2020 to the Participants

in the “Reading Challenge” in Ajman.

The National Archives briefed the participants in “Reading Challenge” forums -organized by the Ministry of Education and the coordinators of public and private schools at Ajman Teachers' Training Institute - about the details of the Congress 2020 of International Council on Archives (ICA), to be hosted by the National Archives in Abu Dhabi (16-20 November 2020), under the theme: “Empowering Knowledge Societies”.

 With this big archival event, where thousands of archivists from all over the world will meet, the National Archives looks forward to reinforce the UAE's message of tolerance, which the UAE people believe in, and the UAE's role in preserving the Memory of the Nation and its contributions to the preservation of human heritage.

Mrs. Aisha Al Zaabi, a specialist in  the Educational Programs in the National Archives, presented at these meetings a briefing about this Congress, which will review the vital role of National Archives in the 21st century, and discuss important future issues such as: Artificial intelligence and its support to archival efforts, sustainable knowledge and its role in sustainable development, the importance of having archives and libraries at the forefront of the emerging trends in public expectations and techniques, and the policy that determine the style of our societies in the formation of our documentary heritage.

Al Zaabi clarified that the Congress will also discuss the challenges of social media and their effect on archives, and the methods of strengthening archives and preserving the digital heritage in the long run.

She urged public and private schools to benefit from this Congress; as this is the first time that the Middle East will witness such a great archival event, which represents an opportunity for the educational field to benefit from its data and information.

She highlighted the importance of preserving archives in the Internet and open space era, and showed the keenness of the Ministry of Education, education districts and schools to preserve their archives for the generations to come.

The briefing presented by the National Archives received a great attention from the participants who interacted with the event, showed interest and raised many questions about the ICA Congress 2020, which is considered a global event being hosted by the United Arab Emirates.

The National Archives emphasizes that the journey is a realization of Zayed's aspiration:

Memory of the Nation displays to its visitors aspects of the UAE’s journey into space.



At its “Memory of the Nation” pavilion at Sheikh Zayed Festival, the National Archives provided visitors with a description of the UAE space flight, pointing out that this flight was a fruit of Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan’s efforts and it embodied his aspiration as he made use of all resources to serve his homeland and people. Since the early years of the Union, Sheikh Zayed had the aspiration of the United Arab Emirates reaching space. Having Hazza Al Mansouri, the first Emirati astronaut, reaching the International Space Station, Sheikh Zayed’s aspiration was fulfilled.  This event had a great impact on the UAE, as there has been a quantum leap in the society culture. Space and its sciences have received considerable interest by all society segments.

The photos of Sheikh Zayed receiving the NASA delegation, which were exhibited at the “Memory of the Nation” pavilion, emphasized that the UAE's achievements in term of space sciences was not decided on the spur of the moment, but they reflect Sheikh Zayed’s aspiration. He believed that with science and knowledge humanity can reach the highest levels of development. As part of his interest in learning about and following up the achievements made anywhere in the world, the Founding Leader received in 1976 the American space delegation (NASA), who were part of the Apollo mission to the moon. The delegation visited Abu Dhabi at the invitation of the UAE government, and in that historic meeting, Sheikh Zayed listened to the explanation of their space flight and its fruitful outcome, and praised the achievements of the agency.

Given its role in documenting major events, which the UAE is proud of and preserving for future generations, the National Archives enriched its pavilion with photos of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed receiving Hazza Al Mansouri, the Emirati astronaut. The photos attracted the attention of visitors who were impressed with the UAE’s success story, which has been added to its achievements.

The photos of the Emirati astronaut upon his return, displayed on large screens at the “Memory of the Nation” pavilion or decorating its walls, highlighted the importance of this flight, which constitutes a recent historical achievement and a new beginning for the homeland of leadership, excellence and achievement.

The photos confirmed the pride and great confidence of the wise leadership in the homeland youth whom it considers the real wealth for its future and development.

In the Memory of the Nation’s Pavilion at Sheikh Zayed Festival:

The National Archives Displays a Large Number of Coins and Commemorative Stamps that Document Important Chapters of the Memory of the UAE.

The National Archives showed great interest in coins and old commemorative stamps, for which it provided a large space in its pavilion “Memory of the Nation” at Sheikh Zayed Festival, as coins have historical importance; they document important national events and historical achievements. Many coins and stamps have historical, artistic and cultural information and present important facts that reflect transformations and developments in the UAE.

The displayed coins were originally produced by government bodies in the UAE to document important events, or were given as gifts to official entities in the UAE, or to internal or external parties. Commemorative coins are not money, but they are materially and morally precious items.

Most prominent of these is the National Archives’ coin, issued on the 40th anniversary of its establishment under the guidance of the Founding Leader Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, to preserve the memory of the Emirates for future generations. In addition, there are dozens of old and commemorative coins, such as the coins of: Ras Al Khaimah Chamber of Industry, 2019 Asian Cup, Al Ain National Museum, For the Children of the World, the commemorative 100 and 50 AED coins and some of the coins which were used in the past, in addition to those issued on national occasions and some official metal emblems.

The “Memory of the Nation” pavilion also displays the three stamps of the National Archives, which were issued on its 40th anniversary, as it was established in 1968. The main stamp bears five images of: Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed, the President of the UAE, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid, the Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces,. The second stamp bears a historical picture documenting the hoisting of the UAE flag for the first time. The third stamp bears a picture of the National Archives headquarters in Abu Dhabi.  Also on display, a large number of old stamps of Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah.

The National Archives enlightens the visitors of (Memory of the Nation) about the International Council on Archives (ICA) Abu Dhabi 2020 Congress

At its (Memory of the Nation) pavilion, the National Archives informed the visitors of Sheikh Zayed Heritage Festival of the ICA Abu Dhabi 2020 Congress, to be hosted by the UAE in Abu Dhabi (November 16 -20), 2020, under the theme: “Empowering Knowledge Societies”, to promote the exploration of new and emerging technologies and strategies in all heritage disciplines.

(Memory of the Nation) platform data indicates that the National Archives of the UAE will host this Quadrennial Congress, to be held in the Middle East for the first time, which will discuss various topics and issues related to the future of archives and heritage preservation.

A large screen in the pavilion displayed a welcome message to publicize the upcoming big event in which Abu Dhabi hosts thousands of archivists from around the world to discuss important future issues such as artificial intelligence and the extent of its support for archival efforts, and its ability to devise new ways to link documentary heritage with various multimedia.

The ICA Abu Dhabi 2020 Congress will also discuss sustainable knowledge, as it is a fundamental component of sustainable development and the defining policy through which our societies shape, preserve, make available, and use our documentary heritage.

(Memory of the Nation) platform provides pamphlets highlighting the international stature of ICA, and its role in encouraging the archiving of documents and records, and its efforts for over 70 years to promote international cooperation in the fields of research, standard setting, training, and permanent preservation of archives in addition to making them available to the public.

On the sidelines of the ICA Abu Dhabi 2020 Congress, which will review the vital contribution of the archive services to the society of the twenty-first century, the National Archives of the UAE will grant participants the opportunity to visit the top-rated attractions in Abu Dhabi such as Capital Gate Tower, Emirates Palace, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Ferrari World Theme Park, Yas Waterworld, etc. Moreover, participants will get the chance to attend the extraordinary events of Expo 2020 Dubai, which is not too far away from the venue of ICA Abu Dhabi 2020 Congress.  

In a symposium on the role of the National Archives in preserving the Memory of the Nation:



Alraisi: The UAE ranks as one of the top five countries in the world in documenting its national history



Dubai, January 13, 2020. The Cultural Majlis of Hanif Hassan Al Qassim organized a symposium entitled: “The National Archives, A Pioneering March in Preserving the Memory of the Nation”, during which His Excellency Dr. Abdulla Mohammed Alraisi, Director General of the National Archives, reviewed the efforts of the UAE in preserving its national heritage and history in line with the leadership’s ambitions, while preparing the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the UAE. 



The symposium was attended by retired Major General Abdul Rahman Rafee, Dr. Ahmed Saif Belhassa, Abdulla Al Mazroui, Awad Bin Meqren, and others who are interested in cultural and national affairs.

His Excellency Hanif Al Qassim, member of the United Nations Research Institute for Social Development (UNRISD), praised the achievements of the National Archives in documenting and preserving the Nation's history in accordance with international specifications under the direct supervision and follow-up of His Highness Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs. Al-Qassim added: “The efforts of the National Archives to preserve the history of the UAE in various political, economic and social fields have undoubtedly contributed to creating a national memory that holds over 2.5 million documents containing events that took place hundreds of years ago on this good land”.



Alraisi highlighted our wise leadership’s genuine interest in preserving the history of the Nation, as the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan established Documents and Research Bureau in1968. Since then, efforts are incessantly exerted to document national history. As a result, the National Archives holds today the top five global ranks in professionalism and institutional excellence. Therefore, the UAE is fully prepared for the future to preserve the Nation’s march during the next fifty years.

Alraisi indicated that states usually preserve only 5% of their history, which requires great efforts in sorting and selecting. The National Archives responsibility has now increased as it is mandated to review and approve the publishing of any material related to ancient and modern history of the Emirates. Additionally, it works with more than 260 Local and federal government bodies regarding the preservation, or safe destruction, of millions of their documents.



In a visual presentation, Alraisi reviewed the most important initiatives launched by the National Archives, such as the launch of the Arabian Gulf Digital Archive, which includes hundreds of thousands of documents related to the history of our region, in addition to dozens of various forms of publications to document the history of the UAE.  HE pointed out that the UAE is preparing to host the International Council on Archives (ICA) Abu Dhabi 2020 Congress, which is considered the largest event of its kind, where more than four thousand experts from all over the world discuss the future of the archival sector. It is noteworthy that this Congress will coincide with Expo 2020 Dubai.



Alraisi stressed the importance of the role of Emirati talents in this national mission, as they now make about 82% of the National Archives’ total workforce. He pointed out that undergraduate and postgraduate academic programs were created in the field of archival studies and information systems in cooperation with the French Sorbonne University in Abu Dhabi and other institutions to prepare a new generation of specialized national competencies.



Finally, Alraisi pointed out the challenges that the National Archives faced in documenting the history of the UAE since its establishment in 1971, as copies of documents related to the period prior to the establishment of the Union were obtained from British archives and others. However, the post-Union period depends heavily on media archive, oral heritage and a few documents that require efforts in preserving and archiving according to international standards and modern technology. Despite its importance, digital transformation in archiving entails other precautions to face the challenges of maintaining its electronic security against viral attacks or piracy.



Photos: Dr. Hanif, Dr. Abdulla Araisi, Al-Mazroui, Ahmed belhassa, Bin Maqren, and other attendees.  

Reviewing the details of the 11th  Edition of the “Young Historian Award” and “Our Inspiring Tales” initiative

The National Archives participates in the Teachers’ Curriculum Forum and urges the participants to benefit from its services and role in preserving the memory of the nation

The National Archives participates for the third time in the Teachers’ Curriculum Forum. Its participation comes with different titles that support the social and historical studies, and also supports the teachers of Kindergarten and Cycle one. The National Archives’ participation in the current forum covers Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Ajman and Sharjah. The National Archives’ contributions included the illustration of its national tasks, services, and role in preserving historical records that document the memory of the nation. 

At the Teacher Training Institute in Ajman, the National Archives held an extensive workshop on the 11th Young Historian Award, and on the initiative of Our Inspiring Tales, which is the theme of the new edition of the Student Historians’ Club project and the Young Historian Award, both were launched by the National Archives in collaboration with the Care and Activities Sector at the Ministry of Education within the framework of the national upbringing and enhancement of belonging to homeland and loyalty to its wise leadership. This also aims at reinforcing the national identity of the students, fostering their historical awareness, urging them to think, express and innovate in the field of historical scientific research, and encouraging them to focus on the UAE’s ancient heritage and history.

Since the National Archives is rich in documented historical materials about the past of the UAE and the Gulf states and makes them available to researchers, academics, teachers and students, and since it is keen on conveying the details of its activities, competitions, awards and initiatives in the field of education, it acquainted the teachers participating in the forum with the details of the new edition of the 2020 “Young Historian Award” and “Our Inspiring Tales” initiative. In fact, it aims at introducing students to sources and references of documented historical and scientific documents.

In addition to the “Young Historian Award” and “Our Inspiring Tales” initiative, the workshops organized by the National Archives have promoted its most prominent services in the educational sector, such as the student-targeted competitions and activities, the new programs for teachers, and entertaining and educational competitions such as the March Game for students which will be activated in various educational institutes.

The workshops included a review by Dr. Aisha Bilkhair, the Research Advisor at the National Archives, about the goals of the new edition of the Young Historian Award 2020, its themes and categories, the targeted educational stages which are Cycles Two and Three, the method of participation, the terms and conditions for accepting written research papers and oral interviews, and the award criteria and its procedures.

Mrs. Husniya Al Ali, the Head of Educational Programs Section at the National Archives, reviewed “Our Inspiring Tales” initiative. She confirmed that the initiative aims to guide students toward carefully planned and oriented historical national programs that contribute to developing the society and building student character, moral values and principles. She said that the award sheds light on the humanitarian and social projects and initiatives that the educational sector provides by assisting people, spreading hope, instilling the values of goodness and giving, promoting positivity and optimism, and improving the quality of life in the UAE society.

The head of the Educational Programs Section focused on the values of the initiative, its establishment, procedures, advantages, and the selection of winners. When she pointed out the award projects, activities and initiatives, the audience interacted and made many suggestions such as giving special attention to Arabic language, the elderly and people of determination and committing to the principles of good citizenship, etc. She also urged the participating students and teachers to take advantage the facilities of the National Archives and to benefit from its educational programs and services.

Mrs. Ayesha Al Zaabi, Educational Programs Specialist at the National Archives, elucidated the tools of implementing “Our Inspiring Tales” initiative, the registration and participation procedures.

It is noteworthy that Dr. Aisha Bilkhair shed light on the topics of the 11th edition of the Young Historian Award for Cycle Two, which includes writing a report on national identity, UAE Ethical Code (Al Sanaie), social cohesion (extended family), customs and traditions, personal impression on celebrating the National Day, the UAE women, Commemoration Day, volunteer work, etc.

She also highlighted the award topics of Cycle Three which deal with stories and narratives about the founding fathers, tolerance, folklore, heritage topics related to the UAE, architecture in the UAE, and “A Story of a Document” in addition to the Emirati Explorer, which is intended for visiting archaeological sites with rare information. Among Cycle Three other topics are documenting narratives that present new or rare information, writing about lesser-known personalities or elucidating the orally transmitted knowledge of astronomy, travels, marine sciences, Duroor astronomical calculation, historical and archaeological sites, traditional architecture, UAE civilizations, the different ways through which the UAE’s society honors Martyrs of Duty and their families, studies on the role and empowerment of the UAE women, UAE influential Personalities such as the Mother of the Nation (Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak) and Celebrating the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the UAE .

She urged the participants to encourage students to benefit from the historical documents about the history of the UAE and the Arabian Gulf provided in the website of the Arabian Gulf Digital Archive “AGDA”.