Latest news with #HistoricalArchivesDepartment
Al Etihad
a day ago
- General
- Al Etihad
‘History is our identity': How National Library and Archives safeguards UAE's collective memory for next generations
8 June 2025 23:46 SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)In the UAE, archives are far more than just collections of old documents - they serve as testaments to the nation's journey, preserving the collective memory that defines its identity, an official of the National Library and Archives (NLA) has the country marks International Archives Day on June 9, Fatima Al Mazrouei, Head of the Historical Archives Department at the (NLA), reflects on how these records connect past, present, and future to Aletihad, Al Mazrouei said: 'International Archives Day is a very important day, especially in light of the UAE's great heritage and history, which must be preserved, appreciated, and passed on to future generations. This collective memory represents the nation's identity and spirit.'This philosophy, she noted, is rooted in the vision of the UAE's Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who once said: 'A nation without a past is a nation without a present or a future.'While the NLA has made its rich collection of historical documents accessible to the public, Al Mazrouei emphasised that its significance goes beyond mere preservation and display. These documents support the NLA's experts in analysing economic, political, social and cultural developments.'We are studying and analysing [the things that our ancestors left us] - the economic, political, heritage, archaeological aspects … any of these aspects can serve all fields present in the UAE and elsewhere,' Al Mazrouei said. 'We are the guardians of the legacy of the past... The Sheikhs ensured that this legacy is available to researchers, and we are working to realise the UAE vision that history is our identity, and the future is built on the memory of the past.'The media has been an integral part of documenting the country's journey, she added. Aletihad newspaper, for example, released its first issue in 1969 - which meant it was able to capture all the details of the Union when it was formed in 1971, Al Mazrouei said. She recalled visiting private schools and seeing archived issues of the newspaper on classroom walls, a way to remind students about the story of how the country was founded. 'On every occasion, they refer to the first issue of Aletihad newspaper,' she said. Personal Archives Preserving history is a task not limited to institutions such as the NLA. Every individual can contribute, Al Mazrouei said. 'Everyone has their own archive, and every document has value... We want to instil awareness that what we hold today can become a source of research or documentation tomorrow,' she said. She encouraged people to archive personal items such as old passports and medical cards - as these materials reflect 'a human and social dimension' of the nation's instil a culture of documentation in the youth, the NLA has introduced the Young Historian Award, a national initiative that encourages students to conduct original historical research using proper methodology and trusted sources, including oral history, she explained, is valuable especially in capturing social practices that are often missing from written records. 'These details - how coffee is served, how children greet guests, or the traditional etiquette - cannot always be found in books or documents. They live in memory, and we collect them through structured interviews with elders from across the Emirates,' Al Mazrouei said. Archiving Goes Digital In these days of smart technology, archives no longer meant dusty shelves and inaccessible records. Today, the UAE is leading a digital revolution in archival work, harnessing advanced technologies like artificial intelligence and high-quality digitisation to bring its rich history to researchers worldwide. Thanks to the country's digital infrastructure, researchers can access these high-quality scans anywhere, Al Mazrouei said. 'Today, researchers can download a document electronically, complete with its source and annotations, without having to travel. This is a qualitative leap that saves time and effort and enhances the credibility of research.'Al Mazrouei described how artificial intelligence is being used to support archiving work: 'AI converts files into text, and images into information... but the most important thing is that the inputs are correct.'This push for digitisation, she noted, is fully aligned with the UAE's sustainable development vision and long-term goals, including preserving resources and supporting environmental protection. 'We grew up with a stereotypical image of archives as boring and cluttered with papers. But today, thanks to digital transformation and careful organisation, archives have become a place that inspires, encourages research, and resembles a treasure,' Al Mazrouei said.
Al Etihad
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Al Etihad
Top Emirati authors, global thought leaders converge at ADIBF 2025
1 May 2025 01:20 SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)Bringing their latest titles that shed light on the some of the most relevant themes today, prominent Emirati authors and global thought leaders have gathered at this year's Abu Dhabi International Book Fair (ADIBF). From new age guru Dr. Deepak Chopra to diplomat Dr. Ahmed Al Matrooshi and poet Fatima Al Mazrouei, the book fair hosts some of the brightest minds in various fields. Speaking to Aletihad, renowned Indian-American author Chopra lauded the ADIBF as an 'incredible gathering of minds and cultures.''I hope others come to experience the energy, insight, and inspiration the fair offers,' he the fair, Chopra spoke about his 96th book, 'Digital Dharma: How AI Can Elevate Spiritual Intelligence and Personal Well-Being.'In a keynote address during one of the sessions, he explored how large language models — drawing from science, philosophy, and spirituality — can deepen people's understanding of consciousness and identity. 'AI can help us perceive the universe more clearly and point us toward the fundamental truth of who we are,' he parallel with international voices, Aletihad spoke to Emirati authors who contributed significant literary works to the event's showcase. Dr. Ahmed Al Matrooshi highlighted the release of his latest publication addressing the civilisational and humanitarian dimension of the UAE's foreign policy."This book contains a wealth of evidence and proof confirming that the role of the UAE in the world is a humanitarian and civilisational one. It provides a great deal of humanitarian aid to the peoples of the world, especially to poor countries. It also works in a humanitarian capacity in these countries, for example, by establishing hospitals, providing medicines and doctors, and also providing and building shelters and hospitals in many of these countries,' he said. This role, he added, is deeply rooted in the nation's identity: "When you look for those who are there to help and stand with these countries, you'll find that the UAE is in the front row."This is the fourth time that Dr. Al Matrooshi is participating in the fair, where he had showcased many of his publications mainly on the UAE's foreign policy.'Having served as both a diplomat and ambassador in several countries, this body of work is a natural extension of my professional experience representing the UAE abroad,' he said. Emirati writer and poet Fatima Al Mazrouei, who heads the Historical Archives Department at the National Library and Archives, talked about her latest young adult novel that explores the dangers of artificial intelligence and its impact on human values and emotions. 'The novel talks about a seemingly ordinary game, but they enter a different and frightening world that forces them to do things that go against their principles,' Al Mazrouei book, she added, is intended to raise awareness among the youth and their parents about the negative effects of technology on mental and social well-being. 'The topic of artificial intelligence is beautiful on the surface, but it is frightening at its core,' she said. The Youngest UAE Writer at the Fair Mohammed Khaled Al Hammadi, a Grade 7 student, is inspiring young readers with his comic series "The Adventures of Speed."Al Hammadi — the youngest Emirati writer at ADIBF 2025 —proudly launched the second volume of his series this year.'It's a comedy-adventure for kids with an educational message — self-confidence is the real superpower,' he said. In the new volume, Al Hammadi introduces a fire-powered character Shlamz, a name inspired by Japanese anime. 'I love manga like Naruto and Dragon Ball. They pushed me to create my own stories,' he his book on the shelves and connecting with readers has been a proud moment for Al Hammadi. 'It makes me happy to see people smile when they get my book.' In a message to other children, the student-author said: 'Believe in yourself, and read what you love. That's where the best ideas come from.'
The National
03-04-2025
- General
- The National
Emirati cultural champions among winners of Dh1m Zayed National Museum Research Fund
Four Emirati researchers have been named among eight recipients of an annual Dh1 million fund aimed at deepening understanding of the UAE's rich history and culture. The group of winners in the second Zayed National Museum Research Fund, announced on Thursday, comprises leading university academics, lecturers and professors drawn from the Emirates, Italy, India and the US. They have been chosen for crucial funding support by an expert panel which assessed the projects of 79 applicants from around the world. They will share the Dh1 million grant pool in order to further work exploring the UAE's past and present, including a comprehensive encyclopaedia of the country's native trees and a study of its modern architecture and contemporary landmarks. 'Zayed National Museum's Research Fund exemplifies Sheikh Zayed's commitment to learning about our past and fostering knowledge of the region's history and culture,' said Mohammed Al Mubarak, chairman of the Abu Dhabi's Department of Culture and Tourism. 'The research fund not only supports researchers but also contributes to preserving the rich tangible and intangible heritage of the United Arab Emirates. 'Through these diverse research projects, the research fund spans a variety of topics which will shed new light on the deep history and culture of the United Arab Emirates and broader region.' Peter Magee, director of Zayed National Museum, said the awarded highlighted how the flagship museum – which is due to open at the end of this year as part of the Saadiyat Cultural District – will seek to be at the heart of efforts to champion national culture. 'This research fund is one of the many ways Zayed National Museum is supporting research into the culture and heritage of the UAE and the wider region,' he said. 'Following the success of last year's inaugural round of funding, we're proud to announce the new cohort of researchers. We were very impressed with the applications which represent a wide range of specialisms – from archaeology and architecture to Sheikh Zayed's lasting legacy. 'I'd like to take this opportunity to congratulate all of the recipients, and I look forward to hearing about the outcomes of their research.' Dr Fatema Al Mazroui, head of the Historical Archives Department at Abu Dhabi's National Library and Archives, is delving into the origins of the capital's education system for a project called History of Formal Education in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi: A Reading of Qasr Al Hosn Documents (1957–1966). Fatema Al Shehhi and Hessa Al Shehhi, of the Department of Antiquities and Museums, are joining forces to investigate how the nation's love of pottery developed. Their work is called Reconstructing the History, Technology, and Uses of Pottery through the Study of Pottery Shards from Ras Al Khaimah Archaeological Sites. Marwan Al Falasi is writing the Encyclopaedia of Native Trees in the UAE: Perennial and Annual Trees, Compilation, Collection, Analysis and Commentary. The book will feature illustrations and details of the rich array of trees native to the Emirates. Dr Khaled Alawadi will continue work on a project celebrating modern day architectural wonders which dominate the country's skyline in a project called Transnational Heritage: Putting UAE's Modern Architecture and Contemporary Landmarks on the Map. Michele Degli Esposti, from Italy, is an associate professor at the Institute for Mediterranean and Oriental Cultures, Polish Academy of Sciences. He received funding for the Abraq Research Project: Life and Death in South-East Arabia in the Second Millennium BC. Dr Akshyeta Suryanarayan, from India, is a Gerald Averay Wainwright postdoctoral fellow at the McDonald institute for archaeological research at the University of Cambridge. She was recognised for her work, Understanding Long-Term Vessel Use in South-Eastern Arabia Through Organic Residue Analysis. Prof Yasser Elsheshtawy, from the US, is an adjunct professor at Columbia University's Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation. His research project is Zayed's Gift to the People: A Typo-Morphological Study of the UAE National House. Dr William Zimmerle, also from the US, is a senior lecturer in arts and humanities and an affiliated faculty member of the Arab Crossroads Studies Programme and History Programme at New York University Abu Dhabi. His research is The Rock Art of Southern and Eastern Arabia; A Virtual Study Centre for the Digital Preservation of Petroglyphs in the UAE.
