National Archives Documents “Al Maqidh” (Summer Residences) memories through Oral History

The National Archives is concerned with oral history, which documents the history and heritage of the UAE through oral accounts of Emirati senior citizens. In this context, it documented their stories of Al Maqidh trips to cooler places.

Al Maqidh trips used to be one of the important Emirati rituals to escape the heat of the summer through traveling to cooler resorts.  Urban residents in UAE used to travel with their families to mountains and oases, seeking cool weather, fresh fruit, vegetables and fresh spring water.

Memories of those days were a main area of interest in oral history interviews.  Mrs. Rafi’a Al Khmairi from Abu Dhabi narrated her story about her family’s summer journey who says, “We used to spend winter months in Abu Dhabi where we lived.  As soon as it gets extremely hot during the summer season, I used to travel with my family, through the sea, to mountaintops in Ras Al Khaimah seeking cool air.  My family owned a huge boat (Jalbout) named “Al Hisan”, made of wood, and was utilized for different tasks.  When one of the grandparents passed away, we started going to Al Ain City during the summer, where my father owned a home near the Mosque of Sheikha Salama Bint Butti, may she rest in peace, currently in the Souk (market) area”.

Narrator and poem Salem Eid Obaid Al Muhairi from Al Ain remembers Al Maqidh saying “We used spend autumn in Al Ain.  My family travelled to inland oases during the summer when dates are ready to be picked, a season called Al Bishara (good omen), where the first produce is picked during hot summer seasons.  That is when people travelled to summer residences, to be close to their palm gardens, such as Al Hili, Al Masoudi and Al Qattara areas, and where they sought to live near the fresh water of the Aflaj, and ate dates, their main source of substance”.

Narrator Saeed Ahmad Rashid Matar Al Mansouri from Zayed City in Al Dhafra area told his story; “We used to spend the summer season in Al Hamra, a coastal area in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, and traveled on camelbacks to Liwa area during the autumn.  During the winter, we traveled to Al Khatim area and to Al Taff area, located between Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, in the north.  We lived on dates.  When it gets cold, men would go to Al Taff to get wood and sell it in Abu Dhabi, in order to buy food and supplies for three to four months”.

Narrator Hamdan Abdulla Sweidan Al Shamsi from Dubai says, “During the summer season we used either to go to Oman near Al Dhahira area, or stay in Dubai.  We lived in huts made of palm fronds.  Very few homes were made of mud”.

Narrator Hamdan Mohammed Saif Al Qawazia from Ras Al Khaimah talked about his family’s summer trips:  “Summer residence was different from winter residence. We used to spend winter season near the sand areas, and we travelled to places closer to palm trees during the summer.  We lived in huts made of palm fronds.  We survived on dates and sold dates in Dubai to buy food.  We planted tobacco in the winter, and picked it during the summer to sell it in Dubai”.

In the book “Their Memory Our History”, published by the National Archives, Saeed Ahmed Nasser Bin Loutah from Dubai remembers Al Maqidh trips saying: “Pearling season took about four months and was major source of livelihood.  While men at sea, women picked and stored dates in Al Batinah, Oman, RAK and Sha’am. They went to areas in Oman such as Ghamdha and Khasab seeking fresh water”.

“Women mainly prepared for summer journey, due to absence of men, who were pearling, and made agreements with camel owners who collect fees for transporting them.  Camel owners made good business during summer seasons because of high demand.  In some areas families traveled on ships instead of camels, because of the abundance of materials, supplies and gifts they brought with them on the journey back from Al Maqidh”.

Dr. Aisha Ali Ahmed Bin Sayyar from Sharjah was quoted in the book “Their Memory our History” as saying: “During hot summers, we went to summer resorts in RAK, where the weather is cooler; water is plenty, as well as palm gardens, almonds, lemon and some vegetables. My family took a boat to get to our farm in RAK, Al Za’abi boat used to transport people from Sharjah to RAK and bring them back at the end of the summer. Then they would use cars, mainly Land Rovers, which often were stuck in sand and people used handles to get them out.  They waited until the tide is low so they can drive along the coast and away from the sand”.

Mr. Obaid Rashid Ahmed Bin Sandal Al Ali says in (Their Memory our History): “Before men sailed for pearling, they would give down payments to women in the family to help prepare for the summer journey and pay camel owners who will carry them to Oman or Liwa. Travelers would use some of the money to buy gifts for farm owners. Thus, it was an integrated society”.

Life in the past was different from modern Emirati lives.  Emiratis ate what they picked and took shelter in summer residence, near fresh creek water.

Narrator Sheikh Sultan Bin Ali Bin Saif Al Khateri from RAK said: “During the hot summers we traveled to Al Dhaid and Adhan, to pick dates and store it for the rest of the year.”

In the past, Al Ain oases were most famous. Rashid Saif Balhaimah Al Dhahiri from Bidaa Bint Saud in Al Ain described how Al Ain City was almost uninhabited; people preferred to live near farms and palm gardens. Half of the Bedouins spent the summer in the city, while the other half spent it in the countryside, and they exchanged roles according to need.  During the summer season families paid small amounts to others to care for their animals at home while they were staying in summer residence.

God has granted UAE many blessings, including modern air-conditioning; thus, summer traveling regressed. Since Al Maqidh’s trips were full of challenges, and the UAE nationals resorted to such trips to escape the heat of the summer, they were associated with memories, tales and stories still engraved in the memory of the elderly Emirati citizens. In its turn, the National Archives is collecting the remaining stories and memories of Al Maqidh’s trips in order to save them for future generation as part of our Memory of the Nation.

The National Archives continues its preparations for the 6th Teachers Forum

The National Archives continues its preparatory meetings with the strategic partners to determine the requirements of the 6th Teachers Forum (22th -28th August 2019), set the final schedule of the visits and the program and identify the topics to be addressed.

Held at the beginning of each academic year, this forum has become an annual informative event through which the National Archives seeks to enrich the Arab and foreign teachers’ information about the UAE history and heritage. It also aims to broaden their knowledge with the community values and the methods of communicating with students and their parents by means of observing customs and traditions that are based on tolerance and coexistence among the various nationalities living in the UAE.

A series of preparatory meetings were held at the NA premises and other educational institutions focusing on the most important topics to be addressed at the forum such as the values of coexistence and tolerance in the UAE, Emirati women empowerment, and the UAE historical legacy and community traditions and characteristics, etc.

The NA focuses on the importance of supporting and providing teachers with curricula supporting materials and classes as well as the importance of taking advantage of its new project, Arabian Gulf Digital Archive portal, and the NA historical documents, publications and facilities.

The NA and its strategic partners, which include Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge, Ministry of Education and Emirates National School (ENS), aim to meet the educational field requirements to promote its services.

The 6th Teachers Forum will kick off on August 22nd, 2019 at the NA premises where the ENS educational staff will be received. It is worth mentioning that the forum events will take place at the NA headquarters and the Teachers Training Institute in Ajman.

With A number of Reading, Educational and Artistic Workshops That

Promote the Culture of Tolerance

The National Archives Participates in the Third Edition of the (Summer Reading Festival)

The National Archives – within the framework of its social and community responsibilities and its role in the civic education of generations – reinforces the “Summer Reading Festival 2019” initiative of the Ministry of Education in its third edition, with a series of reading, educational and artistic workshops in Dalma Mall, Abu Dhabi, during the period from 18 to 20 August, 2019.

These workshops came in line with the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to encourage reading to promote the spirit of loyalty and belonging to the homeland, the supreme national values and the righteous moral behavior.

The themes of the workshops which were delivered by a number of skilled child-education specialists, contribute to promoting the culture of tolerance among community members, and reflect the visions of the Founding Leader Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who instilled the values of tolerance in the UAE society. They complement the Ministry of Education’s efforts towards disseminating this culture in schools.

The reading and educational workshops conducted by the National Archives for all the (Dalma Mall)  visiting children tackled three educational booklets issued by the National Archives, namely: (Zayed: From Challenges to Union), (Khalifa: Journey Into the Future), and (Qasr Al Hosn: The History of the Rulers of Abu Dhabi 1793-1966).

This initiative also presented a number of reading and educational workshops which tackled the remarkable stories created by the students participating in the National Archives’ Initiative (Zayed 100 Stories), the most prominent of these stories are: (Sheikh Zayed’s childhood), (Zayed The Man of Government), (Zayed and the Story of the Union), (Zayed and the Union Achievements), (Zayed quotes and Lessons), (The Story of A Knight), (The Green Hand), (The Desert Conqueror) … etc. The importance of these stories stems from the fact that they highlight the efforts, achievements and values of the Founding Father and Builder Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan that promote national, behavioral, knowledge and social values and the culture of tolerance among school students who will follow in his footsteps in the future march for the homeland building, advancement and development.

The artistic workshops conducted by the National Archives as part of these activities involved coloring some of the traditional and Heritage elements or drawings; such as: the Jahili Fort and the national figures or symbols that children should be acquainted with and educated about during their up-bringing process.

The National Archives team informs the public about the “Inspiring Tales Initiative” launched by the National Archives in cooperation with the Ministry of Education, in their joint efforts to promote the values of benevolence, philanthropy, humanity and positivity among students, and to encourage them to engage in historic scientific and academic research.

In issue (21) recently published by the National Archives

(Liwa) Celebrates Coexistence and Tolerance and Highlights Sheikh Rashid’s Efforts in Establishing Dubai Airports

The 21st issue of the National Archives’ Liwa Magazine celebrated coexistence and tolerance in the UAE society, which is an excellent model of security and peaceful social coexistence among the world’s contemporary societies. The study, written by Dr. Fatima Al Sayegh and published by Liwa magazine, confirms that this pioneering model draws its values from the historical, cultural and social heritage of the UAE, dating back thousands of years.

The study highlights the roots of tolerance and peaceful coexistence in the UAE since the ancient times.   The contemporary measures the UAE took to make the country safe for all, the policy and visions of the Late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, which were based on tolerance, and calls for peaceful coexistence among races. This policy has become deep-rooted for the UAE in the country and abroad, has made UAE a safe haven for the millions of people living in it. The article concludes with an analytical view of the importance of coexistence and tolerance in making our modern world free from all forms of violence and terrorism.

“Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum and the establishment of Dubai airports” is the most important headline in this issue of (Liwa). This article was written by Dr. Alia Mohammed Najib Saqr, who pointed out that the end of the 1950s was a turning point in the Emirate of Dubai; as Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum began to establish the emirate’s infrastructure. Thus, Dubai had institutions appropriate for the development in the economic and demographic sectors, and that initiated the need for establishing a civil airport.

This study points to the role of Dubai airport in attracting airlines from all over the world at that early stage of the developing Emirate, the most important projects that had made progress and it documents Sheikh Rashid’s efforts to establish the airport and the British opposition, his executive efforts prior the inauguration of the airport followed by the opening of the asphalt runway in 1965, and its promotional measures. The study confirms that Dubai Airport led to a series of upturns in the Emirate. Establishing airports in Dubai was a need to absorb the rise in trade movement there. Sheikh Rashid took all measures to improve Dubai trade interests in order to establish the pillars of trade and provide the necessary services to traders and businessmen.

The new issue of Liwa sheds lights on topics pertaining to the history and archaeology of the UAE and the Arabian Gulf region. The first study in this issue was written by Khalid Hussein Salih entitled: “History in Mleiha and Southern Arabia; Contacts and Influence). The study shows Mleiha’s strategic central position in Sharjah, where many evidences proved that Mleiha exchanged trade with several Arab and foreign trade centers between late third century BC and mid fourth century BC. Due to its strategic position, Mleiha participated in the culture at the time. It had a great role in trade exchanges. The study lists the most important characteristics of Mleiha and the evidences of its contacts with southern Arabia in ancient times.

Liwa Magazine also documents in its new issue aspects of the life of Sheikh Zayed Bin Saif Bin Mohammed Al Falahi by Saeed Al Suwaidi who derives information from British documents (1820-1825), the oral history of the Al Bu Falah clan and their genealogy in general and the genealogy of Al Nahyan in particular.  Sheikh Zayed Bin Saif Al Falahi was known to have signed a peace treaty in 1820 on behalf of Sheikh Mohammed Bin Hazza Bin Zaal. The study deals with the lineage of Sheikh Zayed Bin Saif Al Falahi and his term as acting ruler of Dubai, the reality of Dubai at his time, in addition to some of the events happened during his reign and the rise of Sheikh Tahnun Bin Shakhbut to power. The study informs about the life of Sheikh Zayed Bin Saif Al Falahi to the end, and deals with the various aspects of his character during his term of rule, which has witnessed a lot of turmoil and challenges.

The English part of Liwa Magazine included two studies: the first entitled: “Three Portuguese Documents on the Arabian Gulf and an Appendix on Trade and Taxes), and the second entitled: “Sheikh Zayed Bin Saif Bin Mohammed Al Falahi” in British documents 1820-1825.

Evidences and documents proving the UAE’s right to the three islands

The National Archives Organizes a National Lecture on the Three Islands for Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange staff

The National Archives has organized a national lecture entitled: (The Three UAE Islands, A Proven Emirati Right) attended by a delegation of Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange and its administrative apparatus who were visiting the NA. The lecture focused on the case of the three islands in the Arabian Gulf: Abu Musa and Greater and Lesser Tunbs. It sheds light on their historical background, the UAE’s sovereign rights to them, the historical facts and legal evidences used by the UAE in proving its ownership.

The lecture delivered by Mohammed Ismail Abdulla, Educational Programs Officer and lecturer at the NA, concluded with predicting the future of settling the dispute over the islands. The lecture also pointed out the evidences, which the UAE possesses to prove its ownership and the historical documents, which invalidate Iran’s ownership.

Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange delegation consisting of 23 employees and administrators learned about the NA role in organizing the government archives across the UAE, its role in the next stage according to the best global practices and its interest to match its future plans with the UAE vision 2021.

The delegation has appreciated the NA role and development as well as the importance of its historical information pertaining to the UAE

During its visit, the delegation had a tour of Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Hall, which contains samples of written documents, maps and historical photographs that document the establishment stages of the UAE federation. After that, the delegation members watched, in Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Hall, a 3-D documentary film about the UAE past and present and about the NA and its role in preserving the nation’s memory.

With written and photographic documentation of the development of the Corniche in which the wise leadership is interested.

The National Archives participates in the celebrations of Abu Dhabi Corniche Golden Jubilee

The National Archives has participated in the celebrations of Abu Dhabi Corniche Golden Jubilee with a historical photo exhibition that showcased a large number of photographs documenting Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan’s interest in this important part of Abu Dhabi city which continues to receive considerable attention from our wise leadership. The exhibition exemplifies the role of the National Archives in documenting the development stages of the Corniche. It offered visitors the opportunity to learn about the establishment of the Corniche and it development until the present-day as it represents a significant part of the growth of Abu Dhabi city.

The National Archives exhibition, which is held in celebration of the Golden jubilee of the Corniche, attracted a large turnout as it showed how the Corniche was before the developments it went through at the hands of Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan. The photos illustrated how the touch of the Founding Leader Sheikh Zayed turned the Corniche into a beautiful façade of the city and a recreation space for people throughout the year. The exhibition brought to memory the old fountain and the surrounding park, which were one of the Corniche main landmarks.

In respect of the National Archives participation in this celebration, H.E. Dr. Abdulla Mohammed Alraisi, Director General, said “The National Archives participates in this celebration on this occasion, which is close to our hearts, with a photo exhibition to give its visitors a clear idea about the nation’s history and the Leader’s determination. Abu Dhabi Corniche is part of Abu Dhabi island which got a share of the Founding Leader Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan’s wisdom and sincere efforts; thus, it was transformed from a pristine coastline with few barasti huts into an iconic beachfront that emulates the World’s most beautiful urban beaches, which won the first prize in several international competitions.”

His Excellency added that the National Archives provides written and photographic documentation of the Corniche development stages. If interested in tracing back the history and development of this area, one can find ample information about the Corniche development stages in the UAE Chronicles and Zayed Chronicles (1966-2004) published by the NA, which continues to record the great attention of our wise leadership to the Corniche in particular, and to Abu Dhabi city and the UAE in general.

In the Company of Allah, the Merciful: a Journey of Hardships and Devotion.

National Archives documents memories of Emirati pilgrims in the past.

National Archives Oral History Section interviews elderly Emirati citizens to document their memories of the Hajj journey in the past.  The pilgrimage to the Holy Land is one of the canons of Islam.  Older Emiratis narrate their memories of pilgrimage and detail hardships they went through in order to meet their Islamic duty of performing Hajj.  In old days, the pilgrimage journey took months.  During the long trip to Mecca and Medina, pilgrims suffered severe physical hardships.  They had to endure severe weather conditions and lack of food and water, as the caravan went through the tough desert terrain.

Senior citizen from Al Ain Khalaf Sa’eed Al Thahiri narrates his memories during an interview:  We went to Hajj mounting camels from Abu Dhabi and Al Ain.  The trip to the holy land lasted two months.  We had to be cautious and take turns to protect the caravan against bandits.

Ali Ahmad Shaheen from al Thafra tells the story of a pilgrim; When we arrived to Mecca we were met by a “mutawaa” (a person who volunteers to lead the pilgrims rituals), who asked where we were coming from and how long it took the caravan to reach the Holy Land.  The pilgrims told him that it took exactly two months.  They were then asked. “In your homeland, do you help the needy and neighbors, and welcome guests?”  The pilgrims said in deed this is innate among us.  The “mutawaa” would then say, you have performed your Hajj (a person who gives the poor and relives the needy is rewarded by Allah at home, as if they performed Hajj).

In another interview, Khalid Abdullah Sleiman Al Hanani from Abu Dhabi recites:  “We would ride camels to the Holy Land.  Those who want to go to Hajj would make a group and rides with owners of camels.  We did not have cars back then.  There were very few airplanes.  Only rich people travelled on airplanes.”

Narrator Klaithem Kshaish Mubarak Al Shamsi from Al Ain talked about hardships: “My father told me it took ninety days to reach the Holy Land.  Some of the devout people who traveled to perform Hajj would not make it and pass away during the journey.”  She describes that her father himself was not able to perform pilgrimage.  However, he was able to talk about it to his children.  He describes the scene when people are getting ready to take the trip to the Holy Land.  They would gather foodstuffs that would remain good to eat in the hot desert, such as dry bread (Rgag), small dried fish (sehna), and water and butter.  If the group does not own a compass, they would use a desert guide.

Fatimah Salim Rashid Al Ketbi from Al Ain talked about the Hajj and she is grateful that she was able to do Hajj and Omra (lower Hajj) nine times and she went to the Holy Land on an airplane every time.

In Her book “Hajj; a Memorable Journey”, Dr. Aisha Balkhair, NA Research Consultant, says that Sheikh Zayed, may he rest in Peace, empowered his people and the Islamic nation, to perform Hajj.  “Sheikh Zayed Memoires”, published by National Archives, documented Zayed’s humanitarian initiate to facilitate the Hajj trip for everybody, as part of his commitment to Islam.  In 1980, Sheikh Zayed sent 600 people to Hajj at his own expense.  Sheikh Zayed supported the Hajj trip to delegations from other Muslim countries.

In her book, Dr. Aisha shed light on Hajj in old days.  She said Emiratis has always paid special attention to Hajj as one of the five canons in Islam.  In old days, people received “barwa”; an official written order to dispense amounts of money written in the document, for performing Hajj.  Persons who receive a “barwa” seek support from Sheiks for foodstuffs such as rice, flour, coffee and sugar.  The state met all needs during the official Hajj season, including health services.

In “Their Memories are Our History” book, published by NA, documents narrative of Rashid Saif Rabi’ Balhamyah Al Thahiri described a race of Camels called “Al Hayah”.  “…we depend on camels a lot and care for them.  Our camels today descend from our ancestors, and they will go to our children.  The whole race descend from “Al Hayah” (Al Hajjah).  It was called that because my grandfather rode this camel to Hajj twice with sheikh Mhaimeed Al Salmeen Al Mansouri.  Our camels now descend from it.

The journey from Al Ain to Mecca mounting camels lasted for four month; two months to Mecca and two months back.

“Their Memories are our history” book confirms what narrator Hajj Se’ed Ahmad Naser Bin Loutah; “…I went to Mecca for Hajj when I was sixteen.  I remember it was during the rule of King Abdulazeez Bin Abdelrahman Al S’oud.  We left Al Hasa going to Riyadh, then to Mecca, and finally to Medinah.  On the return trip, we headed to Shaqra then to Riyadh.  In Riyad we completed the trip in two big cars that was provided to us by the government.  When we reached Al Hasa we went to Al Ajeer mounting donkeis.  In Ajeer we took a steam boat (launch) to Bahrain.  In Bahrain, we took another launch to our homeland.  The trip lasted for three months.  Hajj Se’ed mentioned that he went to Hajj with his father.  There were many clerks around King Abdulazziz’s Palace.  They helped Beduins to write their petitions to the King.  Mr. Lutah says “…we went to one of the clerks to get our petition written down.  He asked what your needs are.  My father told him he would dictate his needs and he just needed the clerk to write down.  The clerk was astonished to hear that from a Bedouin.  My father dictated the text and the clerk was doing the writing.  The clerk was looking at my father the whole time.  At the end, the clerk asked my father; what university did you graduate from?  My father laughed.  This proves that we had a good education system.

In the same book, narrator Obaid Rashid Obaid Ahmad Bin Sandal Al Ali talks about his trip from Sharjah to Kuwait back in the fifties.  He accompanied his mother from Kuwait to hajj riding a car.  He said the trip lasted for a month.

Obaid said in order to travel to Kuwait in 1955; he obtained a passport from Sheikh Saqer Bin Sultan Bin Saqer Al Qasimi, ruler of Sharjah (1924-1951).  Those days passports used to be an important document that contained personal data such as date of birth, and confirmed that the bearer is from Sharjah.    A statement on the passport would ask all governments to allow the bearer to pass through their borders and provide all necessary.

Memories of senior citizens give details about past life.  Emiratis consolidated efforts to the devout Muslims and enabled many people to perform Hajj.  Camels were essential as transportation to Hajj.  Palm trees provided essential foodstuffs.

In Issue 21 recently issued by the National Archives

The 21st issue of Liwa magazine issued by the National Archives celebrates coexistence and tolerance in the UAE society, describing the UAE as a wonderful model of security and peaceful social coexistence among the societies of the contemporary world. The study written by Dr. Fatima Al-Sayegh confirms that this pioneering model derives its values and components from the UAE’s heritage. Historical, cultural and social dating back thousands of years.

The study, published by Liwa magazine, coinciding with the Year of Tolerance, indicates that the UAE’s archaeological heritage reflects the manifestations of this diversity, as various sects and races have lived in the UAE region from ancient times to the present day.

The study highlights the roots of tolerance and peaceful coexistence in the UAE since ancient times. Contemporary measures taken by the UAE to make the country safe for all. And the policy and visions of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan – may God rest his soul in peace – are based on tolerance and call for peaceful coexistence between races, a policy that has become well-established for the state at home and abroad, and has made it a shady oasis under which millions of people live. and the current conditions of the UAE based on ethnic diversity and cultural pluralism. The article concludes with an analytical view of the importance of the policy of coexistence and tolerance in making our contemporary world free of all forms of violence and terrorism.

(Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum and the establishment of Dubai Air Ports) are among the most important titles that illuminated this issue of (Liwa). This article was written by Dr. Alia Mohammed Najeeb Saqr, who indicated that the period of the end of the fifties of the twentieth century was the turning point for the Emirate of Dubai. Because Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum began to establish the emirate’s infrastructure, and it seemed to be transforming into an emirate with institutions that match the size of the development in the economic and demographic fields, and this is what necessitated the establishment of a civil airport for it.

This study indicates the role of Dubai Airport in attracting airlines from all over the world at this early age in the emirate’s developing life, and highlights one of the most important projects that have made progress in its field of completion, and documents Sheikh Rashid’s endeavors to establish Dubai Airport and the British opposition, and Sheikh Rashid’s executive efforts before The opening of the airport, then the opening of the asphalt runway in 1965, and the promotional procedures of Sheikh Rashid. It is an approach to serve the commercial interests of Dubai, but it pursues it to consolidate the foundations of trade and provide the necessary services to merchants and businessmen.

The new issue of (Liwa), the peer-reviewed scientific journal, issued in both Arabic and English, sheds light on topics related to the history, heritage and antiquities of the United Arab Emirates and the Arabian Gulf region. The first studies of this issue were written by Khaled Hussein Saleh, entitled: (History in Mleiha and Southern Arabia… Communications and Influences). In it, the history of the Mleiha site, which is located in the center of the Emirate of Sharjah, is revealed. In it, many evidences were discovered of communication between it and Arab and foreign commercial centers during its settlement period. Between the late third century BC and the middle of the third century AD. Due to its strategic location, Mleiha participated in the cultural situation at the time, and it had a major role in commercial exchanges. There are numerous studies on the most important characteristics of Mleiha, and evidence of its connection to the south of the Arabian Peninsula in ancient times.

In its new issue, Liwa magazine also documents aspects of the life of Sheikh Zayed bin Saif bin Muhammad Al-Falahi, and the writer Saeed Al-Suwaidi draws information from British documents (1820-1825), and from the oral history of the Al Bu Falah clan and their lineages in general and Al Nahyan in particular. Saif Al-Falahi is the one who signed a peace treaty in 1820 on behalf of the Sheikh of Dubai, Mohammed bin Hazaa bin Zaal. Sheikh Tahnoun bin Shakhbout to power, and the study monitors the life of Sheikh Zayed bin Saif Al-Falahi until its end, and deals with the various aspects of this personality, whose reign witnessed many disturbances and challenges.

The part presented by Liwa magazine in English included two studies. The first is entitled: (Three Portuguese documents on the Arabian Gulf, and an appendix on trade and taxes), and the second is entitled: (Sheikh Zayed bin Saif bin Muhammad Al-Falahi through British documents 1820-1825).

The National Archives enriches its oral history with new interviews with narrators in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain

The National Archives continues to collect oral narrations through interviews, which amounted to 913 interviews conducted by specialists in oral history, audio and video, with elderly narrators. In this regard, the National Archives conducted, in the first quarter of this year, a large number of interviews in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain. Witnesses of the era, men and women, talked about the exploits of the fathers and grandfathers that enrich the memory of the nation, add to the ancient Emirati values, and remain immortal for generations to learn from, what strengthens their belonging to the homeland and consolidates their national identity.

The interviews conducted by the National Archives recently with thirteen individual narrators varied; Men and women, to talk either about the life they lived or lived through, and what it was full of in the field of education, societal and economic events and other customs, traditions and values, or they spoke in particular about grazing, and the changes that occurred in the natural pastures in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, and ways to preserve them To ensure the sustainability of biodiversity resources.

Among the most prominent oral history interviewees: the narrator, Mrs. Fatima Muhammad Salem Al Mazrouei, who is a model for the interviews in which narrators talk about their lives; As there are many paths of her speech to cover the places of residence and the heat, the work of women in the food and wicker industry, the cooperation between people in the past, the generosity in receiving guests, the old travel to Al-Ain, and she remembers the first car, and her father’s work in diving and then in Saudi Arabia, and the first currency, and she describes the market The old center in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and its objects, old games, the habits of the people of society during the month of Ramadan, the methods of teaching prayer, fasting and memorizing the Qur’an, the pilgrimage trip to Makkah Al-Mukarramah and Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah, then the joy of Eid, the women’s dress and wearing the shayla and abaya for the first time, and she also remembers the customs And the traditions of marriage, and the multiplicity of types of dates in the eye in the past, and the methods of preserving dates, and obtaining water, and folk remedies that people used to treat in the past, and then the first hospital built in Al Ain, as you remember the sheikhs who lived with them, and in the forefront of them is the late – God willing – Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and his efforts for the sake of the establishment of the union, and the growth, development and renaissance that resulted from his efforts, and his wisdom and advice to the people of his society.

The National Archives conducted a large number of documented audio and video interviews with the thirteen narrators in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, namely Salem Eid Obaid Al Muhairi, Khalfan Jumaa Saif Al Kaabi, Rashid Ali Saif Al Nayli Al Shamsi, Muhammad Ali Saif Al Nayli Al Shamsi, Rabi` Saadoun bin Zuwaid Al Nuaimi, and Saleh Saeed Ahmed. Al-Khalis Al-Amiri, Obaid Saif Obaid Al-Kaabi, Zulaikha Muhammad Hassan Al-Hammadi, Fatima Al-Abd Khuzam Al-Amri, Fatima Salem Rashid Al-Ketbi, Fatima Muhammad Salem Al-Mazrouei, Kleitham Kishish Mubarak Al-Shamsi, and Maryam Juma Al-Kaabi.

These newly conducted interviews with the narrators joined the collection of interviews kept by the National Archives, which amounted to 913 interviews, to draw from their oral memory, which is a historical reference with their voices and expressions, and to add to the archive documentation of secondary events that were not monitored in the written documents, and in order to It enriches the information base, and increases the stock of oral history interviews that contribute to the production of researchers, academics, and those interested in the history and heritage of the state, and then preserved for future generations to see the lives of parents and grandparents, lifestyles and stages of development.

Liwa’s Dates Festival

National Archives documents Al Thafra history; Oral History Interviews

The National Archives conducted several interviews with narrators in Al Thafra area, during Liwa’s Dates Festival.  The festival is one of the most important cultural events that attract culture fans from all over the country.  Interviews are part of NA’s efforts to document oral history in Al Thafra, due to interest in this area’s past life.

Liwa’s dates’ festival provided NA with the perfect opportunity to reach out to a huge number of older seasoned oral history narrators who lived through pre-Union era and the establishment of the country.  Oral narration enriches written history.  The National Archives marks down narrations based on scientific criteria, in order to maintain subjectivity of information.  NA is using most modern technology in gathering information, to supplement the memory of the nation.

During the dates’ festival NA’s specialized interviewers met with elderly citizens to gather information about the deep-rooted history of Al Thafra area.  Interviewers asked about nature of life, social relationships and living resources in the past.  The choice of Al Thafra (in the Western Region of Abu Dhabi) came about due to the existence of many important historical site and ruins in the area.  Al Thafra was the place of origin of Al Nehayan, rulers of the area. The many ancient citadels and towers in the area bear witness to Al Nehyan’s great efforts in protecting the country.

The National Archives interviewed seven women and nine men from Liwa and its surroundings; Aidha Muhammed Rashid Al Mazrou’I, Al Khbab Murshid Maktoum Al Mansouri, Bekheet Salem Thebian Al Mansouri, Saleh Muhammed Saleh Al Mazrou’I, Khamis Hamdan Mufleh Al Mazrou’I, Suhail Ali Rabi’ Al Mazrou’I, Zayed Ghanem Outaiba Al Mazrou’I, and Faraj Rashid Oubaid Al Mansouri.

NA gathered recordings of elderly narrators who lived before of the establishment of the Union.  They provided significant details about the tough life when economy depended on farming in the western region oases.  National Archives specialists recorded and transcribed interviews, which mainly narrated past events and discussed patterns of living in the Western Region, including dates and culture in Al Thafra.

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The National Archives collaborates with the Family Development Foundation in Children &amp; Youth of the House Club 2019
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The National Archives participated in the program of Children and Youth of the House Club 2019, organized by the Family Development Foundation to support children and youth creative and innovative skills. The NA held several interactive workshops targeting children in the age group from 6-12 years. These workshops aim to strengthen their loyalty and sense of belonging and to enhance their national identity.
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The National Archives’ collaboration with the Family Development Foundation is prompted by its social responsibility towards community members, and the role it plays in the national upbringing of generations, encouraging them to creativity and innovation, supplying them with positive energy to increase their interest in their studies and their love for their homeland.
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The National Archives specialists delivered interactive workshops at Abu Dhabi Center of the Family Development Foundation. These workshops were based on the three educational booklets issued by the National Archives namely “Zayed from Challenges to Union”, “Khalifa: Journey into the Future” and “Qasr Al Hosn: The History of the Rulers of Abu Dhabi 1793-1966”, as well as in the educational booklet: “Watani Al Emarat”. These interactive workshops coincided with Almaseera educational game.
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The National Archives has been participating in this program since mid-July up to 7 August 2019. Three workshops will be held weekly and 30 students attend each workshop.
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It is noteworthy that “Almaseera Educational Game” is a new game specially designed to be an integrated knowledge unit that includes information extracted from the National Archives’ publications, which dealt with Sheikh Zayed’s character, in an interactive educational template. The game seeks to instill these national and moral values and knowledge in the hearts and minds of the participants.
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The educational booklet: “Watani Al Emarat” aims to introduce children to the history of the UAE through interactive games that enrich their skills, knowledge of the history of their homeland and enhance their loyalty and belonging to it. The booklet includes various topics that deal with genealogy, forms of documenting the past, some monuments like castles and forts, the biographies of the founding fathers, the story of the Union’s flag and other national subjects.
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The three national educational booklets: “Zayed from Challenges to Union”, “Khalifa: Journey into the Future” and “Qasr Al Hosn: The History of the Rulers of Abu Dhabi 1793-1966” aim to educate young people about the national values and principles of the founding leader Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan and enhance belonging and loyalty to the wise leadership.

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A National Archives’ delegation visited the new cultural landmark in the UAE, “Qasr Al Watan” also known as “Palace of the Nation”,

A delegation from the National Archives has visited Qasr Al Watan, the new cultural landmark added to many other historic and cultural landmarks in the UAE.

The delegation highly commended the wise leadership’s efforts leading to Qasr Al Watan’s being a rare architectural masterpiece combining the magnificent present with the dazzling past. It offers its visitors to behold bright pages and aspects of the authentic heritage and witness the broad vision of civilizations’ dialogue, particularly in the Year of Tolerance, which links the world civilizations and also the present with the bright future. The halls of Qasr Al Watan exhibit a group of masterpieces and rare historic manuscripts shedding light on Emirati as well as Arab contributions to various human civilization fields including science, arts, literature and culture.

The delegation, through its tour of the different palace halls, listened to a detailed explanation of its architectural style which reflects the beauty of the art of Arab architecture with its patterns, decorations, geometric shapes or designs and colors inspired by the Emirates region’s nature. The mosaic walls of the palace are characterized by Islamic and Arabic geometric and architectural patterns and designs, notably the octagon star and the Muqarnas “a form of architectural ornamented vaults”.

The delegation’s tour also included the Great Hall which is the architectural core of the palace and one of its main sections, the ceiling of which is covered with one of the largest domes in the world, ornamented with golden decorations. Then, the delegation moved to the Barza also known as “Majlis” where the Ruler meets his people and afterwards to the Cooperation Spirit Hall designed to host important meetings of local bodies, regional and international organizations of which the UAE is a member. Moreover, it explored presidential gifts reflecting the friendly relations between the UAE and other countries of the world and the presidential dining hall reflecting Emirati hospitality with its remarkable capacity of 300 guests.

At the end of the tour, the delegation reached the House of Knowledge depicting the history of a number of sciences and libraries; and Qasr Al Watan Library which keeps more than 40,000 books and the Codices of Mexico Exhibition displaying priceless ancient pre-Hispanic codices and artefacts. At the end of the visit, the delegation explored the book of the Chinese President on government and management. The book was recently received at the Qasr Al Watan Library as a gift presented by the President of the People’s Republic of China to H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

In fact, this is considered one of the most important visits of the National Archives’ delegation this year as it strengthens corporate relations and promotes strategic partnerships.