The National Archives looks into the publications of the Year of Tolerance and the Scientific Committee evaluates them

The National Archives discussed the most important books, research papers and working papers it or some external third parties selected to publish in the year of tolerance. The NA focused on the importance of books and working papers, which reflect the value of tolerance laid by the late Founding Leader, Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan that made the United Arab Emirates a role model environment of tolerance, harmony and acceptance of others.

As part of its agenda in its first meeting in 2019, the Year of Tolerance, the Scientific Committee discussed the publications on the history and heritage of the UAE to analyze them and give its opinion about them and to evaluate the research papers prepared for the participation in conferences.

The Head of the Scientific Committee Slayem Al Hamiri, Director of Research and Knowledge Services Department in the National Archives, stressed that the Scientific Committee is keen in its role in preserving the historical facts during its analysis of the material presented to it. The author receives recommendations supporting his/her research paper. This shows the National Archives’ great interest in the historical methodology and the credibility of all historical facts, suitability for publication and accessibility to researchers, academics and public readers.

The Head of the Scientific Committee pointed out that the role of the Committee in checking books and research papers and in documenting historical information pertaining to the UAE in particular and the Gulf region in general – depends mainly on the proved facts in the historical documents in the National Archives or on the facts mentioned in the documented oral history interviews conducted with the elderly locals who had witnessed the historical events before the establishment of the union and during the stage of development and prosperity. He affirmed that this would promote the historic status of the UAE, document its development and triumphant march by its great leaders starting with the Founding Leader Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan and leaders who followed his legacy.

It is noteworthy that the National Archives’ Scientific Committee has evaluated a large number of books and historical research papers and its role is not limited to this, but exceeds that to the assessment of books the National Archives intend to purchase in addition to the approval of working papers and research papers with which it participates in conferences and scientific seminars in the UAE and abroad.

In an atmosphere of prevailing tolerance during the holy month of Ramadan,

The National Archives celebrated the victory of Man City and extended congratulations to HH Mansour Bin Zayed

The National Archives extended its heartiest and sincere congratulations to H.H. Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Presidential Affairs and Owner of Manchester City Football Club on its victory through which Man City claimed its second consecutive English Premier League (EPL) title.

During a celebration attended by National Archives staff and a large number of guests, H.E. Dr. Abdulla Al Raisi, Director General of the National Archives commended the leading role of H.H. Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan that led to this great achievement.

His Excellency Dr. Al Raisi also congratulated the team players and members of its technical and administrative system for their great efforts during this season which led to the team’s maintaining this eminent position and claiming the title for the second consecutive season. He wished the team further success and outstanding victories and achievements to meet its fans’ high aspirations.

The celebration came as part of the National Archives’ annual habit of celebrating the holy month of Ramadan by holding an Iftar banquet, held this year on the 8th of Ramadan corresponding to May 13, 2019, at the Emirates Palace Hotel. The Iftar banquet is pursuant to the National Archive’s strategy aimed at disseminating an atmosphere of prevailing tolerance, as well as strengthening friendly and fraternity ties and relations between the NA employees.

It is worth mentioning that through holding these annual Ramadan Iftar banquets, the National Archives seeks to promote friendly relations and enhance social communication between its employees away from the habitual and daily work-routine in an atmosphere which promotes the values of tolerance, social harmony and solidarity, enhances team-work spirit and encourages further efforts towards realizing outstanding accomplishments to add to the National Archives’ achievements in the collection and preservation of the memory of the nation.

The annual Iftar ceremony helps promote friendly corporate relations between the National Archives and various other entities whose representatives joined the NA staff gathering this Ramadan which would positively reflect on and contribute to developing a favorable work environment.

This year, the National Archives’ Iftar invitation was accepted by a large number of officials, namely H.E. Hussain Al Hammadi, Minister of Education, H.E. Dr. Major General Ahmed Nasser Al Raisi, Inspector General of the Ministry Of Interior, and a number of foreign Ambassadors to the UAE.

The National Archives displayed a documentary film, on several screens at the Iftar hall, showing the various events of the International Council on Archives (ICA) Congress 2019, the National Archivists’ Forum which meetings were hosted by the National Archives in Abu Dhabi. The documentary film also presented logo launching ceremony for the ICA Congress 2020 which will be hosted by the UAE next year and the launching events of the Arabian Gulf Digital Archive (AGDA) Portal.

(Their Memory Our History) .. A book of Oral narratives documenting the history of the UAE society where tolerance prevailed.

The book offers documented information on the UAE past with its social, cultural and economic aspects, and its contents – including people’s accounts and testimonies – confirm that tolerance has always prevailed in the UAE society. Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founding father was the one who instilled and nurtured this virtue in his people. He was an extraordinary leader who knew how to run the events of history in the service of humanity, achieving a great transformation and a quantum cultural leap in the UAE society in a record time. Since Sheikh Zayed enjoyed a paramount and most influential position on all levels, all the elderly narrators with whom the interviews included in the book were conducted, spoke about their encounters with him or what they knew about him, they also talked about his good influence on the people’s hearts and minds and the development of his people and country.

The book documents people’s memories, the details of their daily lives, their feelings, their relationships, as well as their poetry and suffering. These details which the present generations are not acquainted with are totally missed in all official historical records.

The book began with a list of narrators’ names in an alphabetical order. It starts with the narrator Ahmed Hadhir Mohammed Bin Jassim Al Muraikhi’s accounts who introduced himself, his family and his clan “Al-Muraikhat”. He recounts his memories of time and place details to acquaint the reader with Dalma Island’s features, houses, inhabitants and their daily works. He dedicated a part of his account to talk about “Al Tawashah” the pearl trade profession; which his family had practiced for centuries. Al Muraikhi takes the reader on a trip to the islands of the Emirates, for their role in history and their being the records and the memory of the citizens of the Nation. He focuses on the period of Sheikh Zayed’s reign before the establishment of the UAE, then he compares between the life in the past and in the present. He talked about Sheikh Zayed’s role and contributions, which resulted in the development witnessed in the UAE upto the present time.

The book does not only introduce male narrators but also includes some elderly women who lived through the stage prior to the establishment of the Union, such as the narrator, Bakhitah Bint Qanoon Saeed Al Falasi, whom the desert Bedouin environment and its distinguished traditions had refined her. She had great respect for her father the gallant poet. She excelled in the art of hunting in the prairies with the various traditional tools and methods known then. She learnt Bedouin life concepts and noble values. The Narrator recounts her recollection of the various life aspects of women and their work alongside the men in that crucial period of the history of the nation and the years before the establishment of the UAE.

The book also includes an interview with the narrator “Khamis Rashid Bin Zaal Al Rumaithi” who was born in Abu Dhabi more than 80 years ago, there he lived and received his father’s advice and guidance with diligence and keenness. He was self-taught who mastered reading, writing and reciting the holy Qur’aan. He also bore responsibility early in his life. Now he keeps in his memory recollections of many details and accounts. He used to compose and orate poetry.

The narrator Rashid Saif Rabie Balhaima Al Dhahiri spoke about the desert and Bedouin values, his knowledge and close relationship with camels, his experience in taming and treating them. He has lived in the deserts and oasis. His memory retains a lot of events and incidents, observations, experiences and recollections of the games he used to play in his childhood and youth. He supports Bedouin customs and desert hospitality traditions. He has been courageous, lived peacefully and has many memories of the old days, the most notable was his meeting with Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and the conservations and poems that were exchanged during the meeting.

The book “Their Memories Our History” presents an interview with the narrator “Salim Saeed Salem Al Hassani,” who had many occupations starting from agriculture, building and then military service which refined his skills with precision and commitment. He was brave and gave up his hesitation. He was one of the pioneers in the UAE Parachute Division, and managed accordingly to accompany the rulers and sheikhs. In his interview, he recounts some of his past memories, the challenges he faced, the opportunities he had, the hardships, the travels and the old life traditions at that time.

Salim Bin Abdullah Al Humaid Al Wahshi recounts his memories of education and his hobby of book acquisition, which lead him to establish a large library and put it as a Waqf to serve all researchers and readers. It was an initiative from him to return the favors to his country the UAE.

The narrator, Salim Mohammed Bin Kabina al Rashidi, recounts his memories of desert life, his seven year journey in the vast unknown desert, the dangers he encountered, his tracing skills in the desert, and his commitment to the important mission with which Sheikh Zayed entrusted him, namely escorting Wilfred Thesiger in the crossing of the desert of the Empty Quarter, taking care of him and preserving his life. This trip had a positive outcome; since Thesiger wrote about it in his book entitled: “Arabian Sands.”

The narrator, Saeed Ahmed Nasser Bin Lootah recounts his experiences in the fields of culture and commerce. He was known for his scientific and economic initiatives, and was instrumental in founding and establishing the world’s first Islamic bank and first Islamic school. He believed in women’s role so he conducted research to explain her rights and duties.

Sheikh Sultan Bin Ali Bin Saif Al Khatiri recalls his memories of the Second World War, which he witnessed as a child, as he suffered the hardships of living in scarcity and deprivation. Now he looked at the present luxuries with gratitude and thanks to Allah and then to the founder of the UAE, Sheikh Zayed Al Khair. He is proud of the values of humility and tolerance of Sheikh Zayed’s Sons.

The book “Their Memories Our History” also includes an interview with Sheikh Mubarak Bin Qaran Rashid Al Mansouri, who grew up in the desert and witnessed the stage of nomadic mobility in the different parts of the desert. He also witnessed the period when people used to live sufficiently on dates and milk as their only sources of food, and the transformation from the desert life to prosperity. He lived through the days of the development of the desert. He has been providing opinion and advice in the social and economic affairs of his tribe. He talked about the excellent impact he had from Sheikh Zayed’s companionship for about 40 years.

Sheikh Musallam Salem Bin Ham Al Aameri talks about the conversations and relations with themes of humanity, wisdom and justice that had been exchanged between Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan and his father Salem Bin Ham, who had always accompanied Sheikh Zayed. He described that companionship as “great fortune” to him, since he had learnt the customs, traditions and values of benevolence, respect as well as the principles of generosity, and the concepts of wisdom by attending Sheikh Zayed’s Majlises. In the interview, he recounts some stories that many people do not have the chance to know.

The book also offers its readers an interview with Dr. Aisha Ali Ahmed Bin Sayyar, who was born and lived in Sharjah. She spoke about education, campaigns to eliminate illiteracy, formal education that began in Sharjah in 1952. She also spoke about her university education at Ain-Shams University, and female involvement in public work and her work under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, the Mother of the Nation.

Obeid Rashid Ahmed Bin Sandal Al Ali recounts his memories of decades of hardship, scarcity and austerity he lived through, then he witnessed the era of prosperity and affluence that the union brought about under the leadership of the Founding Father and Builder, Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan. He has been fond of sports, art and heritage. He is interested in passing UAE heritage on to the future generations and in introducing the same to the other people of the world.

The narrator Ali Hassan Saeed Bin Al Sheikh Al Rumaithi recollects the memories of his childhood when he devoted his time to learning and working in various professions such as carpentry, dhow building, blacksmithing and traditional house building. He excelled in inventing sophisticated and amazing tools, worked in shipbuilding, and has been a shipmaster. He cruised all the ports of the Gulf, India and Africa and gained extensive experience in several fields, which resulted in his assuming the post of “Heritage Advisor” at the Emirates Heritage Club. He is considered a rich encyclopedia of many stories, experiences and skills.

Through the memoirs of the late narrator Muhanna Butti Mohammed Hazeem Bin Sakhir Al Qubaisi, the reader is introduced to important historical and social stages that were not registered in records.

As the book contains documented historical information and events so it is considered an important source of history that researchers and new generations can depend on it.

The Book: “Their Memory Our History”

The Author: A group of narrators and elderly people.

The Publisher: the National Archives, Abu Dhabi, 2018, First Edition, 438 pages

<p >The National Archives Crowned the Emirates Library with New Publications on the Founding Leader’s Biography</p>

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The National Archives has enriched the Emirates Library with a large number of books, from the latest edition of Abu Dhabi International Book Fair, on various aspects of the founding leader Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan’s biography, virtues and values due to the importance of Sheikh Zayed and his biography in connection with the UAE modern history and since the Emirates Library is considered a model specialized library that encourages academic historical research and contains valuable cultural references and resources which focus on the issues and affairs of the UAE and the Gulf region.

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In view of the founding leader Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan’s great history and the limitless achievements, the Emirates Library attaches immense importance to publications that tackle his biography as they manifestly highlight his virtues, character traits and leading role in the establishment and development of the homeland.

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Among the most important books provided to the Emirates Library the document the various aspects of Sheikh Zayed’s biography, national values and principles as well as his virtues are: (Zayed, The Desert Falcon), (Your Dream, Zayed), (Zayed, Identity of a People and a Homeland), ( Zayed, 100 Years of Glory), (Sheikh Zayed and Ibn Hamm, Old Friendship), (Zayed Taught Me), (The Two Founding Fathers: Zayed and Rashid), etc.

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These titles are just a fraction of the National Archives’ books that monitor Sheikh Zayed’s achievements that will always be a source of pride since he is the founder and builder who laid the foundation for the UAE which became a leading country in the region in a record time compared to other countries’ life span. This qualified him to be enlisted among the great leaders and builders of nations.

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In addition to the abovementioned books, the National Archives has recently provided the Emirates Library with its latest publication, (Zayed, Awards and Decorations). This book documents aspects of the late founding leader Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan’s personality and his character traits and lists some of the decorations and awards he received from the leaders of the world and from various scientific, community and international bodies. Such decorations and awards reflect the importance of people and their roles in building their societies and their contribution to the progress and advancement of humanity. His benevolence and generosity that reached all communities all over the world regardless of their races and beliefs granted him that honor of receiving these well-deserved decorations and awards. In fact, he played a great role in establishing and developing the UAE and contributed to the world development and peace.

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The National Archives also provided the library with another new book entitled “Their Memory our History” which is a compilation of oral history interviews conducted with the elderly. It is to this history that Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan attached great importance as it took particular interest, special care and attention from him.

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The book presents a number of stories that reflect the tolerance and solidarity of the UAE society in the past as well as the integration between men and women in it. Moreover, it highlights Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan’s keen interest in his people and the society members’ prosperity and welfare besides his efforts towards their as well as the country’s establishment and development.

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The life of Sheikh Zayed represents the UAE’s modern history, the interest in which is integral to researchers and scholars who desire to study the UAE history or heritage. That is why such valuable books on the biography of everlasting leader are basic fundamentals of the Emirates Library, which is specialized in the UAE history, heritage and deep rooted civilizations.

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It is note-worthy that the National Archives takes keen interest in providing the Emirates Library with new publications obtained from big book fairs in the UAE and abroad in line with achieving its objectives.

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In one of its latest publications, the National Archives documents the history of federal legislation in the UAE.

History of Federal Legislation in the United Arab Emirates, a book recently published by the National Archives, highlights the legislative status before the establishment of the UAE and in each of the Seven Emirates of the Union, i.e. before the Federal Legislation.

The history of the legislations in the UAE differs from that of other countries, because each emirate had its own political, administrative and legislative entity. Many legislations were issued in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah before the establishment of the UAE, and each emirate had a specific administrative structure devised in accordance with the legislations regulating its government.

The new Trucial States Council was established in 1952 where many basic issues concerning all emirates, such as health and economy were discussed. At that time, there were no regulations governing public life due to lack of disputes. However, some changes started to occur as a result of the development of the Trucial States relations with the world outside and the increased inflow of foreigners into the Emirates. The applicable laws at that time were derived from several sources. For examples, public cases were governed by Indian laws and Mumbai laws. Later, a number of courts were established, and their jurisdictions were set based on importance; thus, the Trucial States Court was founded to serve as the Court of First Instance, and the Supreme Court of the Gulf as the Court of Appeal.

Upon the establishment of the UAE in 1971, jurisdiction over all people, as well as national and foreign institutions – within the UAE boundaries – was transferred to the State. The final jurisdiction transfer agreement provided for a time limit for resolving pending cases, and allowed the appeal of previously issued judgments. The new State has committed itself to recognizing the decisions of the Trucial States Court and the Courts of Appeal.

The book consists of four chapters on the history of federal legislation in the UAE. Chapter 1 contains 8 sections. Section 1 discusses the legislations in the Trucial States, while Section 2 focuses on the legislations in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and points out that legislations are divided in Abu Dhabi into three parts: laws, decrees and regulations, including resolutions, decisions, orders, circulars and legislative regulations.

Section 3 highlights the legislations in the Emirate of Dubai where several legislations were issued before the foundation of the UAE. Since the beginning of 1961, most of these legislations were in the form of announcements and circulars regulating the economic and financial situation. The following sections deal with the legislations in Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, Umm Al Quwain and Ajman.

Chapter 2 tackles the establishment of the UAE. It consists of two sections: the preparation of the interim constitution and the constitutional amendments.

Chapter 3 is concerned with the legislative authority in the constitution. It has two sections: the first is about granting the Union the legislative competencies and powers, while the second is on distributing competencies in accordance with the ministry formations.

Chapter 4 entitled “Legislations Development” has four sections. Section 1, transfer of local administrations to the federal authority; section 2, establishment of the higher legislation committee; and section 3, establishment of the higher ministerial committee for legislation and the ministerial and technical committees for legislations, and the legislative session.

At the end of the book come the references and appendices, which include the Trucial States flag and passport, along with many other documents that form 27 appendices.

Book: History of Federal Legislation in the United Arab Emirates.

Publisher: National Archives, Abu Dhabi, 2018, 1st Edition, 318 pages.

By: Dr. Abdul Aziz Mustafa Al Khalid.

The “Young Historian” coped with the visions of the wise leadership in its first decade

The National Archives Honors the Winners of the Tenth Young Historian Award

The National Archives of the United Arab Emirates honored the winners of the Tenth “Young Historian Award, which took tolerance as its slogan. This edition, which was organized and sponsored by the National Archives in cooperation with the Ministry of Education – witnessed an increased student participation of various schools from all the Emirates and areas in the UAE. The award during its journey that had been organized for a decade came in conformity with the wise leadership’s visions in its themes and adapted Tolerance, Happiness, Reading and the Year of Zayed – as its slogans of its successive sessions. The National Archives’ interest in this award stems from its interest in the history and heritage of the UAE and its keenness to educate the students and encourage them to learn about the history of their homeland.

The Young Historian Award has encouraged students to carry out scientific research for which the National Archives seeks to raise their awareness. This has been promoting its status in all the UAE schools.

In the ceremony honoring the winners of the award, Mr. Hamad Al Hamiri, Director of Research and Knowledge Services Department at the National Archives, Chairman of the Award Committee, stressed the importance of the award in encouraging students to read history to benefit from its lessons and events. He said that strengthens the values of loyalty and belonging to the homeland and contributes to promote their national identity and makes them proud of the deep-rooted civilization of their homeland and their modern history recorded by the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the Founding Leader as they are inspired by his national principles, values and everlasting virtues, starting from the great value of tolerance which the UAE had made it the slogan for this year, and the Young Historian Award has taken it as the slogan of this edition.

Al Hamiri praised the students’ research papers which followed the rules and methods of research. He called upon the student to benefit from the National Archives’ holdings and facilities including the Emirates Library, the Customers’ Happiness Hall, Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Hall, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Hall and others.

The Director of the Research and Knowledge Services Department congratulated the winning students on their compliance with the sound Arabic language, their pride in their identity and the history of their homeland. He urged them to invite their classmates to participate in the next editions of the award. He also congratulated the families for taking a great care of their children, and paved the way for them to be among winners. He congratulated the schools that managed to qualify their students for the winning the award.

The winning research papers were announced as follows: The students of both the United Private School of the Department of Education and Knowledge in Al Dhafra Region and the Emirates National School ‘RAK Campus’ ranked first in the social history category. Omamah Bint Al Harith School in Abu Dhabi ranked first in geographical history. The newly established Al Reyada School in Abu Dhabi and Zeinab School in Ras Al Khaimah ranked second in social history, and second in geographical history, Al Jahili Secondary Girls’ School in Al Ain, Dalma School in Al Dhafra region ranked second in oral history, United Private School ranked third in the category of economic history, both United Private School and Omamah Bint Al Harith Secondary School ranked third in social history, Al Hikmah Private School in Ajman, and Al Hudaiba School in Ras Al Khaimah ranked third in geographical history, while both Dalma School and the United Private School ranked third in the category of oral history .

As for the promising category in this year’s Young Historian Award, the following schools won in the social history category: Al Asmaa Bint Al-Harith School in Ras Al Khaimah for the research paper entitled “Zayed and the Homeland of Humanitarian Giving”, and the United Private School of the Department of Education and Knowledge in A Dhafra Region for the report entitled “Tolerance in the UAE through the Ages”, Omamah Bint Al Harith Secondary School in Abu Dhabi for the research paper entitled “Zayed Al Khair the Raiser of the Wings of Humanity”, Al Shola School in Ajman for the research paper entitled “Zayed the Founder”, and Manar School and Al Iman Private School in Ajman for the research paper entitled “Zayed the Founder”. In the category of geographical history, the United Private School won for their research paper entitled “the Geographical History of the UAE”.

The National Archives inaugurates the Portal of the Arabian Gulf Digital Archive and unveils the logo of the IAC Congress 2020

The National Archives, in conjunction with the Year of Tolerance, launched the IAC Congress 2020, which will be held in Abu Dhabi next year and it also launched the Portal of the Arabian Gulf Digital Archive at the gala dinner held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan in the presence of a large number of members of the International Council on Archives and heads of National Archives of the world.

The ceremony was inaugurated by His Excellency Hamad Bin Abdulrahman Al-Midfa, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the UAE National Archives. He welcomed the participants of the meetings of the Executive Board of the International Council on Archives, the Forum of National Archivists of the World and all the guests, officials and media people. He pointed out the importance of these meetings being held in the UAE and their results and impact on the promotion of tolerance, which the founding leader Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan has instilled in the hearts of the people of the UAE and has always been the policy of our wise leadership. Now the UAE has become a model of tolerance in the world.

His Excellency conveyed thanks and appreciation to the wise leadership of the UAE for their great support to the National Archives for organizing these international meetings and their success. He offered special thanks and appreciation to His Highness Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan for his meticulous follow-up of these important archival forums and for the attention he paid to all projects of the National Archives.

In his speech, he stressed the importance of the portal of the Arabian Gulf Digital Archive, pointing out that this portal will make a quantum leap in providing the archive of the region electronically and he thanked the National Archives of the United Kingdom for its cooperation in establishing the pioneering electronic resource for historical information pertaining to the Arabian Gulf region, which will act as an important source to decision-makers, students, researchers and scholars.

His Excellency expressed his pleasure for releasing the logo of the ICA Congress 2020, which will be held in Abu Dhabi in November next year, and pointed out that the logo reflects the past and guides to the future.

His Excellency Jeff James, Chief Executive Officer of the National Archives of the UK, delivered a speech in which he praised the cooperation with the UAE National Archives and considered the provision of half a million documents about the history of the UAE and the Gulf region on one portal as a great accomplishment for culture and knowledge that allows the world to learn about the important stages of the history of the UAE and the region.

His speech was followed by a documentary film about the stages of the Arabian Gulf Digital Archive.

His Excellency Dr. David Fricker, President of the International Council on Archives delivered his speech in which he said that making the future relies on understanding the past. Therefore, the IAC Congress 2020 will promote the preservation of the documentary holdings of the generations. It will address many important issues that highlight the importance of preserving documented information in the Digital Open Space Era, His Excellency thanked the UAE National Archives for the warm welcome he and all the guests have received and the excellent organization of the meetings.

The portal of the Arabian Gulf Digital Archive was launched and the logo of the IAC Congress 2020 was released in a festive atmosphere that impressed the audience. The ceremony ended with a reminder of the date of the biggest ceremony of the IAC Congress in November 2020.

The meetings of the Forum of National Archivists in Abu Dhabi will continue until May 2, 2019.

The National Archives unveils the logo of the ICA Congress 2020 in Abu Dhabi

The National Archives of the UAE has unveiled the official logo of the ICA Congress 2020 which reflects the past and alludes to the future; it is inspired by the local hospitality along with the Sadu weaving traditions, whereas the future is indicated through the inspiration by the Abu Dhabi modern skyline. The logo concept was chosen to reflect the interconnectedness between the past and future through the “ICA” letters written to reflect the network weaving that brings together the characteristic structure of Sadu and the tall towers of Abu Dhabi modern skyline.

The logo design is based on and in line with the Founding Leader Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan’s quote: “He who does not know his past, will not make the best of the present and the future, for it is from the past that we learn, gain experience and deploy lessons and accomplishments … ” The Logo also reflects the keen interest of the United Arab Emirates in light of the wise leadership’s directives promoting the adoption of innovation and creativity as a way of life.

The logo was unveiled and launched at a gala dinner held by the National Archives at the St. Regis Hotel in Saadiyat, in the presence of a large number of dignitaries and officials, along with the International Council on Archives (ICA) and the Forum of National Archivists (FAN) meetings participants and many media representatives.

It is noteworthy that the Logo reflects both the deep-rooted Emirati tradition of hospitality that has always been a benchmark of the local way of life as well as a great source of pride and the Emirati heritage of Sadu and weaving crafts which the UAE society anxiously maintains and avidly seeks to pass on to future generations to educate them on and disseminate awareness of the history and heritage of the great forefathers

The logo reflects the Abu Dhabi skyline stretching between the sea and the desert, indicative of a city that clings to its past and preserves it while aiming at a future where it assumes the status of one of the best countries of the world.

It is worth mentioning that the ICA Congress 2020 in Abu Dhabi will be the largest gathering of Archivists across the world. The UAE’s nomination to host such an international event is in itself a great success added to its previous record of global achievements in various fields and reflects on the status, image and good reputation it enjoys worldwide.

This Congress comes as an evidence and part of the UAE’s great accomplishments in the field of preserving human heritage and supporting cultural projects. It is also indicative of the high international status accorded to the National Archives, and of its close professional relations with international organizations concerned with archiving and documentation.

The National Archives inaugurates the Portal of the Arabian Gulf Digital Archive and unveils the logo of the IAC Congress 2020



The National Archives, in conjunction with the Year of Tolerance, launched the IAC Congress 2020, which will be held in Abu Dhabi next year and it also launched the Portal of the Arabian Gulf Digital Archive at the gala dinner held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan in the presence of a large number of members of the International Council on Archives and heads of National Archives of the world.

The ceremony was inaugurated by His Excellency Hamad Bin Abdulrahman Al-Midfa, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the UAE National Archives. He welcomed the participants of the meetings of the Executive Board of the International Council on Archives, the Forum of National Archivists of the World and all the guests, officials and media people. He pointed out the importance of these meetings being held in the UAE and their results and impact on the promotion of tolerance, which the founding leader Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan has instilled in the hearts of the people of the UAE and has always been the policy of our wise leadership. Now the UAE has become a model of tolerance in the world.

His Excellency conveyed thanks and appreciation to the wise leadership of the UAE for their great support to the National Archives for organizing these international meetings and their success. He offered special thanks and appreciation to His Highness Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan for his meticulous follow-up of these important archival forums and for the attention he paid to all projects of the National Archives.

In his speech, he stressed the importance of the portal of the Arabian Gulf Digital Archive, pointing out that this portal will make a quantum leap in providing the archive of the region electronically and he thanked the National Archives of the United Kingdom for its cooperation in establishing the pioneering electronic resource for historical information pertaining to the Arabian Gulf region, which will act as an important source to decision-makers, students, researchers and scholars.

His Excellency expressed his pleasure for releasing the logo of the ICA Congress 2020, which will be held in Abu Dhabi in November next year, and pointed out that the logo reflects the past and guides to the future.

His Excellency Jeff James, Chief Executive Officer of the National Archives of the UK, delivered a speech in which he praised the cooperation with the UAE National Archives and considered the provision of half a million documents about the history of the UAE and the Gulf region on one portal as a great accomplishment for culture and knowledge that allows the world to learn about the important stages of the history of the UAE and the region.

His speech was followed by a documentary film about the stages of the Arabian Gulf Digital Archive.

His Excellency Dr. David Fricker, President of the International Council on Archives delivered his speech in which he said that making the future relies on understanding the past. Therefore, the IAC Congress 2020 will promote the preservation of the documentary holdings of the generations. It will address many important issues that highlight the importance of preserving documented information in the Digital Open Space Era, His Excellency thanked the UAE National Archives for the warm welcome he and all the guests have received and the excellent organization of the meetings.

The portal of the Arabian Gulf Digital Archive was launched and the logo of the IAC Congress 2020 was released in a festive atmosphere that impressed the audience. The ceremony ended with a reminder of the date of the biggest ceremony of the IAC Congress in November 2020.

The meetings of the Forum of National Archivists in Abu Dhabi will continue until May 2, 2019.

The book presents some of the founding leader's exploits and achievements, foremost of which is tolerance

2019

The signing corner at the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair celebrated the signing of the book (Zayed... Medals and Awards), which was recently published by the National Archives. The signing ceremony witnessed a distinguished turnout of dignitaries, media professionals and writers.

The author, Juma Salem Al Darmaki, signed copies of the book (Zayed... Medals and Awards), in the presence of Hamad Al Humairi, Director of the Research and Knowledge Services Department at the National Archives, and a large number of the exhibition audience.

The importance of the book (Zayed... Medals and Awards) issued by the National Archives stems from the fact that it documents aspects of the personality of the founding leader, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan - may God rest his soul in peace - which was characterized by tolerance through a brief presentation that documents some of the medals and awards that the founding leader received from among the leaders The world and scientific, civil and international bodies, and since these decorations and awards reflect the importance of people and their role in building their society and their contribution to human progress; Sheikh Zayed was with his white hands that extended to all nations and societies without exception, regardless of their colors, races and beliefs. In view of his great role represented in building the renaissance of the United Arab Emirates, and for his contribution - may God have mercy on him - in building global development and peace.

The book - which consists of 179 pages of large pieces - shows that the march of the founding leader, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan - may God rest his soul - is the story of an immortal leader overflowing with giving. And lofty and noble honorary shields and awards to bear witness to the great human footprints and immortal achievements.

The book (Zayed... Medals and Awards), in its first edition, deals with the award, shield, or medal by defining it and its purpose, and on the occasion on which it was presented. The book has two pages for each award or medal; The first included an introductory speech about the medal and the occasion of presenting it to the immortal leader, and on the second page, pictures of the founding leader as he - or his representative - receiving the medal or award.

The book consists of four chapters, the first on (local honors and awards), and it includes a review of: the human heritage shield of the President of the State in celebration of the sixth National Day, and the Dubai International Holy Quran Award in its third session, and Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan chose  The Islamic Personality of the Year 1999, and the award presented by the Board of Trustees of the late Abdul Jalil Al-Fahim Prize for high school top students, who had the honor of honoring the founding leader with the Al-Fahim Group Award (the first teacher).

The second chapter included (Arab decorations and awards) such as: the Golden Key of Amman, the Necklace of Hussein bin Ali, the Mesopotamia Medal of the first degree, the Golden Key of the city of Baghdad, the Lebanese Order of Merit, the Nile Necklace, the Sudanese Medal of Honor, the Greater National Medal of Umayya, and the Marib Medal of the degree the first, and others.

In the third chapter (Foreign Decorations and Awards), this chapter included: The Sir Michael and St. George Medal of Excellent Class, the French Medal of Honor of the Grand Cross, the Queen’s Medal (Spanish) and a golden ship, the Grand Star Medal, the British Royal Medal, the Emperor of Japan’s gift, and others.

In the fourth chapter, the book reviewed (the medals and awards of Arab organizations), such as: the gold medal of the Association for the Promotion of Modern Science and its Applications in the Arab Countries, the shield of the Arab Cities Organization, the shield of the Golden Crescent, the scarf of the man of the year for environment and sustainable development 1993, and others.

The fifth chapter revolved around (the decorations and awards of foreign organizations) and included: the Cavalieri Medal of the founding rank, a piece of stone from the surface of the moon, the Pope’s Medal, the most prominent Islamic leader in 1997, and others.

The National Archives was interested in issuing this book to complete the documentation of a pivotal stage in the history of the United Arab Emirates, and the world’s recognition of the beautiful deed of the founding leader, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and his gifts that knew no bounds.   

"Secretariat in the United Arab Emirates" and "Social Distancing Sites" are the two winning papers in the National Identity Competition.

The National Archives and the "Emirates National" praise the richness of student research on national principles and the values of tolerance and giving

In the sixth edition of the National Identity Project, the National Archives, in cooperation with the Emirates National Schools Group, concluded the Student Research Referee Forum, which was organized in the Emirates National Schools (Mohammed Bin Zayed Branch). And careful investigation of the axes and details of their subjects, which were characterized by their sense of responsibility, national principles, and the values of tolerance and giving.

The final qualifiers, which came in the presence of senior officials from the Emirates National Schools Board of Directors, the Red Crescent, Khalifa University, and the General Authority for Islamic Affairs and Endowments - after the direct voting process by the audience of the ceremony, resulted in the winning of the research presented by Emirates National School students from the Abu Dhabi branch, entitled The first place was also won by the students of the Emirates National School - Ras Al Khaimah branch, which was titled: “Social Distancing Sites”.

More than 880 students from Emirates National Schools in the country participated in this student competition - which was for ninth grade students - and 184 research papers were accepted for this year. Student research for this year revolved around topics of a humanitarian and national nature that penetrated most aspects Life, which indicates the broad horizons, and the constructive thinking (outside the box) that students enjoy, and the overall student research urged positive behavior, and the promotion of the value of tolerance that characterized the United Arab Emirates.

Mrs. Husnia Al-Ali, Head of the Educational Programs Department at the National Archives, delivered the opening speech, in which she said: We have received a large number of research papers that were rich in national principles, and the values of tolerance and giving that we look forward to promoting in the hearts of the people of society because of their role in sound national upbringing, and in Strengthening belonging to the homeland and loyalty to its wise leadership.

She indicated that the National Archives supported the students who were going to its headquarters, and who wished to support the data of their research with the historical document, and it provided them with the documented information.

Mrs. Hosnia Al-Ali praised the cooperation shown by Emirates National Schools, the strategic partner of the National Archives, in all joint initiatives and projects. She congratulated the winning students and thanked the schools and parents for their support for their children until they reached the winning platform, stressing that all those who reached the evaluation stage are distinguished and creative.

Dr. Kenneth Vedra, Director General of the Emirates National Schools Group, praised the strategic partnership with the National Archives for its cooperation and continuous support for Emirates National Schools students, and for what it does in order to build the student’s personality, and on the path of a sound national upbringing that consolidates the national identity among students.

Phaedra expressed his admiration for the scientific level, and the national and human sense that the student research reached.

It is worth noting that in terms of student participation in national identity research, the research “People of Determination” submitted by students of Emirates National Schools, Mohammed bin Zayed Branch won the second place, and the research “Electronic Games” submitted by students of Emirates National Schools Sharjah branch won third place.< br />
In terms of female students' participation, the research "False Electronic Rumors" submitted by female students of Emirates National Schools - Ras Al Khaimah Branch won the second place, and the research "I Preserve My Heritage" presented by Emirates National Schools - Sharjah Branch won the third place.

The "Martyrs of the Nation" project, presented by Emirates National Schools - Ras Al Khaimah Branch, also won the exceptional award in the field of scientific research.  

The book tells stories and tales of tolerance in the UAE community

 The National Archives inaugurates “Their Memory Our History” on its platform on the first Abu Dhabi Book Day

The National Archives inaugurated the book (Their Memory Our History), one of its most important and most recent publications, in its platform in which it participates in the first days of the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair in its current edition. It enriches the memory of the homeland with the exploits of the fathers and grandfathers, and the customs and traditions of the people of the Emirates and their traditions in their local dialect, so that it remains a source of sustenance for the younger generations and proof of belonging to the homeland and loyalty to its wise leadership.

The National Archives platform witnessed, in the presence of His Excellency Majid Al Muhairi, Executive Director of the National Archives, some directors of departments in the National Archives, and some experts and specialists in the field of oral history at the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair. And the elderly who recounted some anecdotes, stories and events that indicate the tolerance of Emirati society. 

The National Archives records oral narrations from the nation’s memory - in facts, events and lifestyles - as a treasure for generations, and records them in order to preserve the UAE’s ancient heritage of customs and traditions, the traces of fathers and ancestors, enriching cultural development, and consolidating the national identity. The National Archives keeps more than 900 audio-recorded interviews. The picture is of the elderly as they tell what their memories store, and the book contains interviews with the first generation who lived through the pre-union stage documenting the oral memory of the voices of the centenarians whose memory is a historical reference that forms a rich information base that informs young people of historical events and lifestyles for each region of the state United Arab Emirates.

His Excellency Dr. Abdullah Mohammed Al-Raisi, Director General of the National Archives, said in the introduction to this book: The history of any nation is a repository for its works and ideas, a container for its hopes, and a reference for its glory and glory... In the newly emerging United Arab Emirates compared to other countries, it was necessary to resort to narrators Stories and events from those who lived through the events before and after the union, in order to document its history from the mouths of its children; The eyewitness is more reliable than the hearing witness. That is why the National Archives had to rush to these narrators to write down an important aspect of its history.

And Dr. Al-Raisi adds: In "Their Memory Our History" there are pages from the interviews of the first generation in the field of oral history, this history that Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan - may God bless his soul - gave him attention and care.

And Dr. Al-Raisi continues in an introduction to the book: The concerned National Archives recorded and transcribed the interview, then wrote it down in an easy and clear Arabic language, while preserving the words and terminology used in Emirati society, and explaining and interpreting them in the footnotes of the pages. Thus, it was possible to obtain fragments of history in addition to a glossary of colloquial terms used by the people of the Emirates in their daily lives and intellectual production of poems, proverbs, stories and novels.

And since oral history is one of the important sources of the nation that is concerned with its history, the National Archives has been interested in collecting and preserving it and making it available to researchers so that they can look at events from a modern perspective and reflect on social issues and shed light on them. It contains new and useful information.

The book tells a number of stories and anecdotes that show the tolerance and solidarity of Emirati society in the past, and the complementarity between men and women in it.

The book also shows the interest of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan - may God rest his soul in peace - in the people of society, his keenness on their advancement and comfort, and the efforts he made in order to improve the human being and build the place.

It is worth noting that the book (Their Memory Our History) is distinguished by its documented oral narratives derived from the memory of the fathers regarding the Emirati man and his experience, and the impact of political and economic changes on him. official, and completely unknown to current generations.

In view of the documented information contained in the book, it is considered a historical source on which researchers rely, and it will have its importance in the scientific and academic community because of the documented historical information it contains.