Today's Edition
SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)
The historic meeting on July 18, 1971, ushered in a new era for what is now known as the United Arab Emirates. Rare photographs, documents, and audio-visual recordings capture that day, demonstrating how the nation’s Founding Fathers transformed ideas of unity into a firm commitment to a national identity.
Safeguarding such documents is the mission of National Library and Archives (NLA), allowing generations to relive these defining moments and learn from the values, dedication, and vision that have shaped the UAE’s past, present, and future.
Speaking to Aletihad, Fatima Al Mazrouei, Head of the Historical Archives Department at the NLA, offered an overview of the wealth of information the institution has kept intact from July 18, 1971, and beyond.
“Among the most prominent of these documents are the minutes of the meeting held at the Guest Palace in Dubai; the preliminary drafts of the Federal Constitution; political correspondence between the Rulers; and bilateral agreements between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah, Abu Dhabi and Fujairah, Abu Dhabi and Umm Al Quwain, and Abu Dhabi and Ajman,” she said.
“We also hold rare photographs, and audio and video recordings that chronicle the details of this historic meeting.”
Telling the Story
Beyond preserving these trails, NLA has interviewed people who lived through that era and compiled their recollections, painting a more vivid picture of the beginnings of the Union, Al Mazrouei said.
Since Union Pledge Day was declared in 2024 to mark this turning point in the UAE’s journey, NLA has held events to share its archival collection with the public and retell the story to younger generations.
“These include documentary exhibitions featuring rare collections, documents, and photographs, as well as historical scientific seminars that shed light on the role of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and his fellow Founding Fathers [in establishing the Union],” Al Mazrouei said.
NLA also partners with media and cultural institutions to produce and broadcast short documentaries to engage the youth.
Outside these events, the institution has made sure all these materials remain accessible to the public through its “Memory of the Nation” platform, Al Mazrouei said.
The institution has also published four key books featuring interviews with prominent citizens who witnessed the Union’s formation, highlighting its milestones and the role of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan in uniting the Emirates.
Engaging the Youth
Recognising that education is key to preserving heritage, NLA has made youth engagement a top priority.
“We have launched school visit programmes, interactive workshops, and research competitions to help students understand the Constitution and the history of the Union,” Al Mazrouei said.
Initiatives such as the Young Historian Award have served as platforms for students to connect with the nation’s past in meaningful ways.
“These programmes run year-round and align with national events, aiming to instil a sense of pride and awareness in the younger generation.”
The archives have also been digitised and can now be accessed online.
“This year, a set of new documents related to pre-Union deliberations was digitised and made available through the Arabian Gulf Digital Archives (AGDA) platform,” said Al Mazrouei.
On Union Pledge Day, those who wish to relive the historic meeting of the country’s Founding Fathers can visit NLA’s Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Hall, where key documents are on display.
“On this occasion, NLA aims to reinforce the message of national unity, deepen the sense of belonging and gratitude to the founding generation, and emphasise that the Union was not a fleeting moment, but a civilisational project built on sincerity, vision, and solidarity-one that continues to thrive thanks to the UAE’s wise leadership and loyal citizens,” Al Mazrouei said.
