His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, launched the Al Maktoum Archives, which aims to document and preserve the rich cultural heritage and legacy of Dubai’s rulers and the Al Maktoum family.
His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, attended the ceremony.
Al Maktoum Archives, which will serve as a repository of records and information about Dubai’s rulers, will be overseen by the Executive Office of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
The archives will feature their biographies, collections, and literary works, while documenting their significant historical role in transforming Dubai into a modern global cultural and economic hub. The facility will also help disseminate the intellectual, humanitarian, and cultural legacy of Dubai’s rulers through publications and media channels.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed said: “The Al Maktoum Archives is a national archive and an open book offering insights on the history of governance in Dubai as a model for advancing development.
“The Al Maktoum Archives will be a new pillar for strengthening our national history, and a reference for those seeking the secrets of our successes and the essence of the leadership and humanitarian experiences of men who dedicated their lives to serving the nation.
“Preserving our national heritage is our duty and the right of those who come after us. The story of a ruler is inseparable from the story of his people. The leaders and people of the UAE will remain one in spirit.”
The launch event was attended by His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Media Council; His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports, and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group; His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE National Olympic Committee; Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority and His Highness Sheikh Hasher bin Maktoum bin Juma Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Media Incorporated. Also present was Mohammad Abdullah Al Gergawi, Chairman of The Executive Office of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and other senior officials.
During the ceremony, Sheikh Mohammed attended the screening of a short documentary titled ‘Rashid the Leader’. The event also featured a display highlighting the Al Maktoum family tree as well as a collection of books and reference publications housed in the archives.
Historical photographs of Dubai Rulers dating back from 1894 through to recent times were exhibited during the event, including two never-before-seen photographs of the late Sheikh Maktoum bin Hasher Al Maktoum, who ruled Dubai from 1894 to 1906, and the late Sheikh Butti bin Suhail Al Maktoum, who ruled from 1906 to 1912.
Also on display were photographs of the late Sheikh Saeed bin Maktoum Al Maktoum, who ruled Dubai from 1912 to 1958, the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum who ruled from 1958 to 1990, the late Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum who ruled from 1990 to 2006, and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the transformational ruler of Dubai since 2006.
The archives will serve as a primary reference for decision-makers, researchers, academics, and others interested in Dubai rulers’ leadership, intellectual, political, social, and administrative legacy.
It will publish books, bulletins, and reference works on historical documents, and develop its cultural and media content to highlight the leadership experience and humanitarian contributions of Dubai Rulers. It will provide information to researchers and interested audiences.
Historical documents of this nature include official correspondence and records issued by Dubai Rulers with their signatures or seals, documents on the historical events of Dubai and the Al Maktoum family, and reflect their achievements, contributions and visions across various domains.
