The National Archives hosts the 5th Teachers Forum

The National Archives participates with lectures on (Zayed and Women’s Progress) on the occasion of the Emirati Women’s Day

The National Archives prepares for the celebration of the Emirati Women’s Day through a number of lectures on “Sheikh Zayed and Women’s Progress” which focus mainly on women’s achievements, thanks to the vision of the founding leader Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan and the support of the wise leadership. In fact, women managed to achieve significant progress, make quantum leaps and transformations through their contribution in all fields due to the trust and empowerment vested in them.

The lectures on Sheikh Zayed’s interest in women and their achievements in line with his vision, were delivered by researchers and specialists from the NA at a large number of UAE official entities.

In performing its role, the NA strives to support Emirati women empowerment, develop their potential and overcome any obstacles hindering their contribution in all fields so they could hold their rightful status and set an honorable example for women leadership at all forums. The NA supports enhancing Emirati women potential for facing challenges and promoting the national identity values that instill the culture of tolerance and open dialogue.

The lectures discuss the role of both the founding leader Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan and Her Highness Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, Mother of the UAE in supporting, developing and empowering Emirati women and how this significant interest had led women to reach a distinguished position and be a source of pride and admiration for turning challenges into accomplishments.

The lectures reflect the wise leadership's support for women which helped to turn their challenges into achievements as they made their way through the local level and exceeded that to invade the global level with their high competencies.

The NA’s lectures come in line with Women’s Day celebration which coincides with the inception of the Women's Union on 28/8/1975. They also highlight the importance of Emirati women’s role, contribution and efforts in various social and economic fields, as a result of the efforts of Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the initiator of Emirati women development, who shared their concerns and was their prime supporter who helped them to overcome any obstacle hindering their progress and contribution in their nation's affairs.

The lectures " Zayed and Women's progress" tackle Sheikh Zayed’s vision for UAE women situation during his auspicious reign and his interest in all their affairs whether as mothers, wives or sisters who have their own aspirations, rights and duties. The Emirati women development journey stands as an exceptional achievement in the UAE and Arab World because they managed to achieve academic and career advancements and reach great status during Sheikh Zayed’s reign.

Furthermore, Sheikh Zayed placed great importance on women’s education, which he considered one of the key factors for development and increasing female education rates among school students, as well as university and college graduates. He regarded education as an essential requirement for women who strive to support their fellow-men through the journey towards advancement and development.  

presenting the historical writing of Dr. Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi and the flying boats in the Trucial Coast

A most recent National Archives' publication is the book entitled " A Trip in the Indian Ocean", an interesting sea journey made around the Arabian Peninsula  

The Book A Trip in the Indian Ocean, issued by the UAE’s National Archives, documents the journey of a Portuguese state official from Europe to India via the Cape of Good Hope at the turn of the sixteenth century. During this trip, he toured the east coast of the African continent as well as the periphery of the Arabian Peninsula, from Suez and the west coast through the Strait of Bab el Mandab to southern Yemen, Hadramout, Dhofar and Oman. He then crossed the Arabian Gulf and mentioned the lands of the current United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and the Island of Hormuz before continuing on his way towards India. 

The book thus provides a documented historical record depicting some of the UAE sites as they were during the Portuguese fleet invasion of the region led by Afonso de Albuquerque in 1507, leaving a clear eyewitness impression about this part of the Arabian Peninsula.

The traveler stated that after he had left the Omani territories, he continued on his way until he reached a wide region, called Khor Fakkan with a large number of inhabitants. This region and the adjacent areas were surrounded by a large number of elegant houses of Hormuz Muslim dignitaries who were coming to Khor Fakkan during specific months of the year for rest and recreation and to bring essential needs and foodstuffs and enjoy the fruits. Located fifteen leagues from there, is another coastal region called Dhadna, and at the same distance towards the southwest is another region called Dibba.

The traveler continues his description stating that: after moving along the coast towards the southwest and turning 85 leagues to the west there is another very big city, called Julfar where a large group of very respectful and distinguished noble people lived along with many merchants and seamen. There they dive for pearls and small pearls (shathar) and merchants of Hormuz came to this place to purchase pearls to sell them later in India and other regions. Furthermore, many commercial activities were made there yielding great financial returns to the king of Hormuz. The journey continues ahead along the Arabian Gulf shore where three other regions belonging to the king of Hormuz are located. These regions are: Ras Al Khaimah, which is a distinctive city 24 leagues far, after which comes Um Al Quwain then six leagues further comes Kalba Fort, which is maintained by the king to protect his country against those waging war against cities governed by the king of Hormuz. The book presents interesting and significant uncommon incidents that took place at the backstage of the Kingdom of Hormuz's court, and shows how the Portuguese commander stood firm in support of king of Hormuz until he regained his full control of the country away from the governors and their likes’ hold. In appreciation of this favor and support, the king of Hormuz who resided in the Portuguese fort, never took any action without consulting the fort commander so he and his kingdom and subjects remained in tutelage of the King of Portugal. It is worth noting that the manuscript of this book dates back to the beginning of 1500 and includes many significant historical details such as information relating to the conquest and seizure of Hormuz, the establishment of the Portuguese fort in Kalikot, the Portuguese mugging of Indian vessels and trade with Suez and Shah Ismail's revolution as well as others events which took place in 1514 approximately.

In the Portuguese edition, the author states that he has spent much of his time during his youth touring the islands of India. He points out his efforts to describe the cities and kingdoms, which he reached or obtained reliable information on. These were countries of Muslims or pagans about whose customs and traditions he wrote without neglecting their activities, movements, goods and their production places and areas to which these goods are transferred.

In introducing the author Duarte Barbosa, the book points out that he served sixteen years from 1500 to 1516 as a state official in India, then, he returned to Portugal and finalized the manuscript of his well-known book entitled the Book of Duarte Barbosa or A Description of the Coasts of East Africa and Malabar. In this book, Barbosa gives a description of the foreign countries’ topography, civil and commercial status and the customs of their peoples.

Hormuz as a model

The book reviews the island and city of Hormuz. After leaving the sea behind, he sailed through the Arabian Gulf Strait to reach a small island where the small and very astonishing and beautiful city of Hormuz lies. There were elegant white-painted houses made of stones and clay and had many balconies. Hormuz was a well-planned and organized city with streets and squares, and from one of its mountain large salt chunks are extracted. The salt is bright white and good; it is called Indian salt. Vessels come from all over the world to carry this salt because it costs a lot of money in other regions and except for the salt, there is nothing else on the island that can be utilized or benefited from. 

The book mentions that the inhabitants of Hormuz island were Arabs and Persians. It also lists the goods that were exported to Hormuz and upon which commercial activity depended including water. It even states that merchants were importing big and small pearls from Julfar and horses from the Arabian Peninsula to Hormuz.

The book reports that Muslims in Hormuz wore very elegant and beautiful costumes that were mostly in bright white color. It also sheds light on the most prominent customs and traditions of the island. Furthermore, it is mentioned that the king’s house was within the fort where he kept his treasures and where he had his royal court and private Majlis. The king’s advisors were responsible for carrying out all duties since he did not interfere in any affairs and even if he was willing to get involved and take decisions, it was beyond his real domain and control. Matters continued on this pattern till they were changed by the Portuguese who gave the king back his immunity and ability to govern his people.

China, the final destination

After his long journey during which he had visited a large number of islands, Barbosa had arrived in China. It is said to be very huge extending along the seashore and having many islands. The king of China maintained his governors and a number of leaders whom he appointed. He also lived there always.

The book describes the appearance and features of the Chinese people then as well as their food, costumes and trade. It stops at Licious islands opposite to China.

At the end of the book, there are old maps, inscriptions and drawings of some cities and countries such as Mombasa inscription in East Africa, etc. Moreover, the beginning of the book contains drawings such as those of Vasco Da Gama, the captain, Viceroy of Portuguese India in 1524, Francisco de Almeida (governor of Portuguese India (1505-1509), the Portuguese commander Tristao da Cunha and Afonso de Albuquerque (governor of Portuguese India), among others.

Book: A Trip in the Indian Ocean

Publisher: National Archives, 2017, 289 pages.

Author: Duarte Barbosa.

Translation: Dr. Ahmed Ibish

The National Archives launches a promotional program to promote the memory of nation in tourism circles including big hotels, official airline companies, commercial stores and shopping malls

The National Archives of the Ministry of Presidential Affairs has launched a promotional program entitled “The Memory of the Nation: A History of a nation and a journey of a Homeland”, aiming at promoting the documented history of the UAE among tourism bodies and circles. The program covers three main phases: 1) main big hotels, 2), local official airline companies and 3) commercial stores and shopping malls in the UAE.  This program aims at acquainting the society with the homeland’s history, achievements, glories and high values in conformity with the NA’s vision, mission and objectives.

The material presented by the NA to hotels, airline companies, commercial stores and shopping malls, relating to the UAE history and heritage are charged with memories and future vision formulated by Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan since his accession to power in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

The NA proves- through this program- its full commitment to and readiness for participation in all innovative and fruitful events that promote awareness and access to the history and heritage of the UAE and to the biographies of its great leaders to all society categories, including residents, visitors and tourists who come to the UAE from all over the world.

The NA offers these recreational and touristic venues various historical multimedia and documents to showcase to the public heritage related materials in the form of historical photographs reflecting significant achievements that turned the UAE into a modern country taking pride in its modernity and advancement. The photographs also present bilateral relations with the brotherly and friendly countries, the UAE’s heritage and historical landmarks, customs and traditions, the wooden boats that were used in the Emirates region, the establishment and development of educational system, pearl diving, fishing and the Emirati cuisine.

The program is concerned in its first phase with cooperating with the main hotels with the aim of educating visitors and guests- whether from the UAE or abroad- and briefing them on the history and heritage of the UAE and acquainting them with the role of the NA in preserving the memory of the Nation. Consequently, the NA has established the Memory of the Nation platform, displaying historical documentary films and exhibiting a large number of historical photographs.

Such constructive cooperation comes in line with the NA’s belief in the importance of the community participation and the role of the UAE government and private sectors' institutions in enhancing the community role. The NA similarly believes that it is its role to allow access to photographs, correct documented information and historical documents that depict the glories of the UAE and the achievements of its leaders and shed light on the UAE history in which it takes pride.

The second phase of the program mainly focuses on cooperation with main airline companies. In this context, the NA has started fruitful and constructive cooperation with Presidential Flight. Therefore, a special channel was dedicated for the “Memory of the Nation” on board the Presidential Flights displaying documentary films about the efforts of Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan to unify and develop the emirates, along with other films that document various aspects of the history of the civilizations the UAE has witnessed throughout its history until the present time where it enjoys welfare, and prosperity under the auspices of the wise leadership.

Furthermore, the Presidential Flight distributes the educational booklet issued by the NA during its flights. The booklet tackles subjects relating to UAE history and heritage.

On the other hand, the NA exhibited historical photographs of the UAE and its founding leader Sheikh Zayed to decorate the Presidential Flight facilities halls.

Communication continues between the NA and Etihad Airways for further collaboration. In this framework, the NA has provided Etihad Airways with a number of documentary films and historical photographs that document the establishment of the UAE along with other photographs of the iconic leader Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan. The latest of these photographs received by Etihad Airways reflected the close historical relations between the UAE and the People's Republic of China.

In the course of its implementation of the third phase of the program, the NA focused on commercial stores and shopping malls. The activities included disseminating photographs documenting the history of the UAE and its great leaders are exhibiting them in many commercial stores and shopping malls such Bawabat Al Sharq and Galleria Malls in Abu Dhabi.

The program “The Memory of the Nation: A History of a nation and a journey of a Homeland” chiefly supports the national and community initiatives which the NA readily adopts and sponsors. The documentary films, produced by the NA and displayed on screens at hotels, airline companies and shopping malls, contain reliable documented information that enrich the visitors and tourists' knowledge of the UAE history of the UAE, its establishment, its ancient heritage and the great role the founding fathers- at the forefront of whom comes Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan- performed in the course of the UAE foundation and development.

In collaboration with the Ministry of Education

The National Archives enhances the “Summer Reading Festival” initiative with reading workshops on Zayed’s virtues

The UAE National Archives continues organizing national reading workshops as part of its participation in the “Summer Reading Festival” which the Ministry of Education has launched and set up for students. The workshops are held until the end of the summer holiday aiming at motivating students to read about the history of their homeland and the biographies of its great leaders, at the forefront of whom comes the founding leader Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan in line with promoting proper civic education.

The NA’s role in this educational initiative and platform comes in line with its strategic partnership with the Ministry of Education aiming at raising a generation that is conscious and aware of its nation's development requirements. Through this partnership, the NA strives to promote the education role in instilling modern educational concepts in students, emphasizing the importance of reading in association with the history of the UAE. These concepts are reflected through the NA’s documented historical holdings and acquisitions. The reading workshops focused on the main and most important NA publications which reflect significant historical and humanitarian aspects of the UAE and its prominent national icons and figures.

The NA team has run a series of reading workshops for the students participating in the “Summer Reading Festival” initiative in Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah and Um Al Quwain. The workshops have acquainted participating students with the UAE National Archives, its services, duties and role in preserving the memory of the nation.

In the reading workshops organized by the NA, the participating students were trained on supervising reading sessions under the supervision of specialists. Students were also encouraged to exchange used books with the aim of encouraging reading and making interesting books in every field of interest accessible to all students.

The reading workshops aim at encouraging participating students to take Sheikh Zayed as a Role-Model and an example to follow his footsteps, and adopt his great values and virtues and get acquainted with the various aspects of his life, and of his efforts and achievements relating to establishing schools and providing education which eventually led to the happy and prosperous life the UAE people enjoy at present, particularly that the NA publication, Zayed, From Challenges to Union, deals with the founding leader Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan’s birth, education, upbringing and great efforts in establishing the Union and the UAE. The book assures that Sheikh Zayed will always remain a symbol of courage and sacrifice for noble causes and will be borne in the memories and hearts of the UAE future generations.

The “Centennial” initiative promotes data access to external users in the Year of Zayed

The National Archives provides historical photographs and documents for the national initiatives in the Year of Zayed 

Within the framework of the “Centennial” initiative launched by the NA in celebration of the Founding Leader Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan's centennial birth anniversary, and in line with its project for allowing external access to data, the National Archives of the UAE has witnessed a great demand from institutions in the UAE and abroad on its historical photographs, documents and multimedia.

The NA receives requests either through phone-calls, physical visits to the NA premises, or via Customer Service email. It duly seeks to meet these  requests and provide institutions with required documents, photographs and multimedia either via their representatives, express delivery or email.

When H.H. Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, declared 2018 as the “Year of Zayed” directives were given to facilitate the NA process for receiving and meeting all clients’ requests for photographs, documentary films, quotes, statements and audio recordings of the Founding Leader Sheikh Zayed and research materials as well as for NA’s publications on Sheikh Zayed's biography benevolence and interest in development.

In line with its aim to provide services according to best standards and practices, the NA has established its “Customer Happiness Hall” to receive researchers interested in the history and heritage of the UAE and Gulf region. In fact, it is a valuable additional asset supporting the role the NA performs in serving researchers.

The hall contains the most advanced equipment and software that assist NA visitors in their research on the history and heritage of the UAE and Gulf region through offering access to such materials among its historical documents.

The NA- in meeting all requests received from various institutions- aims at disseminating the values of the Year of Zayed, namely: Respect, Wisdom, Human Development and Sustainability. Also its carrying out of the project offering data access to external users, comes as part of other projects launched under this national initiative aiming at emphasizing and shedding light on the efforts, accomplishments and values of the Founding Leader Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan and depicting new aspects of the UAE’s history; thus promoting- through all this- national and community values, as well as raising awareness and enhancing knowledge. Meantime, the NA seeks to utilize its treasures and holdings to promote the culture of taking Sheikh Zayed as a role model for future generations to follow in his footsteps. Given the NA's belief in the importance of this year with its focus on the journey and biography of Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan who created a new history for the region which has witnessed, under his policies, a true development leading to its being an example of progress and advancement as he employed all possible resources in the best interest of his people in particular and mankind in general. The NA seeks to establish the legacy of the Founding Leader as a memory of the nation preserving the documentary heritage which Sheikh Zayed sought to collect and preserve for future generations. He led a determined and a fruitful attempt starting from the desert to establish the UAE and build a nation which has become an international example for tolerance, benevolence, prosperity and philanthropy.

The NA, in its meeting various institutions and individuals’ requests for historical documents, photographs and documentary films on Sheikh Zayed, is carrying out its mission which entails providing decision makers and the public with trusted information and enhancing civic spirit and national identity. Its services come in line with its vision for leadership in providing distinctive archival, documentation and research services.

To foster corporate and community outreach, the Corporate and Community Outreach Department at the NA has received requests for archival material from government bodies and private institutions besides individuals' requests. It provides archival material free of charge to schools, universities, various institutes and academic, cultural and banking institutions, hospitals and health departments, federal authorities, and official departments and centers.

Allowing access to the NA’s material includes providing historical documents, photographs and NA’s publications as well as organizing exhibitions, and other events for private and government institutions upon their sending to the Client Services Unit an official signed and sealed letter or request stating details of required data and specifying their liaison person.

Whereas requests by individuals including authors, researchers or academics, are  received either in person or via an email sent to the Client Services Unit along with a copy of the Emirates ID and a request-form filled out by the researcher, author or academic including description of the requested materials and the purpose of use.

Given that the “Year of Zayed” is a national occasion celebrating the centennial birth anniversary of the Founding Leader Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan and highlighting his role in building and establishing the UAE as well as his local and international accomplishments, it was highly necessary to document his biography in terms of his development, building and philanthropic approaches. Thus, the NA preserves this legacy and safeguards it within its historical acquisitions to provide to current and future generations.

The National Archives Promotes the Founding Leader's Values among Students of Summer Programs

Throughout the year, the National Archives continues its activities and events in line with its mission and objectives of spreading good citizenship values, promoting national identity and instilling loyalty and sense of belonging to the homeland, among young generations.  NA received, in its premises, about 100 students from two school, during a visit made by participants of summer camp initiatives of Abu Dhabi Women Center and the 1st summer camp of the National Rehabilitation Center (NRC), in two successive days.  NA delivered a lecture entitled "Belonging, Loyalty and Identity: Key National Values" in NRC premises, and organized a reading workshop about the book "Zayed; From Challenges to Union", for students of Abu Dhabi Women Center’s Camp.

NA reading workshops aim at inspiring youth about Sheikh Zayed’s biography in order to instill his values among students. Consequently, Zayed's words and deeds will remain as a trademark of success of a nation.  Zayed's words and life story promote patriotism and national identity, since he had dedicated himself to build his nation, serve the people and fulfill their aspirations for a decent and happy life.

With results exceeding expectations and with charitable and humanitarian projects

The National Archives concludes its humanitarian campaign “Zayed is Our Icon of Goodness”

The National Archives has held a closing ceremony for its initiatives of Ramadan charitable and humanitarian campaign, which was organized under the slogan “Zayed is Our Icon of Goodness” in the presence of H.E. Dr. Abdulla Mohammed Alraisi, Director General of the National Archives, and participation of the NA staff. His Excellency stressed that humanitarian work and charity are rooted in the hearts of Emirati citizens, a legacy inherited from the Founding Leader Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan. He also emphasized that such work lies within the context of social responsibility, which the NA tends to enhance. Dr. Abdulla thanked all employees for their generous donations to the campaign.

The campaign consisted of a number of humanitarian and charitable initiatives that were carried out in coordination and collaboration with the Red Crescent Authority during the holy month of Ramadan. The initiatives were distributed over the weeks of the month and donations were given to external parties. As for orphan sponsorship, the NA’s staff have provided permanent and temporary sponsorships for tens of orphans. As part of providing drinking water (Suqia Al Maa) the NA distributed distinctive water coolers in some areas as well as a number of mineral water boxes in mosques during Ramadan. The initiatives also involved collecting Zakat Al Fitr (Ramadan’s Alms) and giving it to the eligible recipients in coordination with the Red Crescent Authority.

During the holy month of Ramadan, there was an obvious competition going on between the NA staff in doing charitable and good deeds as their financial donations had exceeded the expectations.

Among the NA’s initiatives was the “Feed the fasting and the poor” as more than 100 meals were distributed to the NA’s workers on a daily basis during Ramadan, and monetary gifts were given to them at the end of Ramadan.

The success of the “Zayed is Our Icon of Goodness” campaign was attributable to the efforts of higher management of the NA’s as it has formed, at the beginning of Ramadan, a committee for the charitable and humanitarian initiatives of the campaign. The committee followed up the donation activity at the NA in collaboration with the Red Crescent Authority. That is why the campaign activity was recognized as an organized national work.

The closing ceremony contained a recorded speech of the Founding Leader Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan about the importance of human work and charity in strengthening ties between society members, promoting the UAE’s status and extending bridges between it and the peoples of the world.

Having succeeded in carrying out its campaign, the NA proved the impact of Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan’s approach on people. At the international level, he was the most prominent example of giving and philanthropy as recognized by the entire world. The leadership and people of the UAE have followed suit, to become the biggest donner that stand at the forefront in terms of charitable giving.

Introducing cards compatible with and complement the reading workshops' national topics

The National Archives enriching its reading workshops through a method enhancing loyalty and sense of belonging among students

NA has launched an educational method where cards are distributed to the students participating in the workshops, to write down lessons learned, along with a national value that shows patriotism and loyalty to the wise leadership of the country. Cards titles vary according to the workshop's topics: a word either in love of Zayed, Khalifa or the homeland. Method as such comes in line with NA’s earnest endeavor to obtain further benefits that accrue from the reading workshops organized for school students.

NA’s cards method is an innovative one.  It equips students with further knowledge and writing skills, and fosters loyalty, sense of belonging and good citizenship principles. 

The cards method is aimed at fostering students’ writing skills and developing their ability to express themselves and their feelings, concentrate on the workshop material and share knowledge with fellow students by reading their cards. This would expand their horizons, enhance their national identity and helps them follow the example of their great leaders.

All cards bear the Year of Zayed’s logo and contain archival photographs relating to the workshop topic.  Photographs are from either the archives of the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, H.H. Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed, the UAE President, or the heritage and monuments sites in the UAE. In selecting photographs, it should be taken into consideration that they are able to instill among students Sheikh Zayed’s values and deeds, as he was the founder of this civilized country. Since the declaration of the Union, Sheikh Zayed attached utmost importance to learning and work within the belief that the nation's progress is in their hands.

Some photographs depict the role of H.H. Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE President, in development alongside of his father as well as the good virtues and values he learned during his upbringing in his father’s care. The photographs also focus on the interest of both leaders in youth years and the nation’s wealth. To this end, they built schools and learning centers across the UAE and awakened generations’ interest to learn. In addition to historical facts, the photographs documenting the monuments sites in the UAE should introduce students to the history and heritage of their homeland. 

The NA’s cards complement the workshops and classes intended for reading the educational booklets issued by NA: “Qasr Al Hosn”, “Zayed, From Challenges to Union” and “Khalifa; A Journey into the Future”. Such workshops fall under the role of the NA in developing an educated generation that is proud of its identity and history, and getting the educational sector acquainted with NA’s publications and role in preserving the memory of the nation for future generations.