Dubai: His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, inaugurated the Al Maktoum Archives. Accompanied by H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, the launch aims to preserve the rich cultural heritage and legacy of Dubai’s rulers and the Al Maktoum family, ensuring accessibility for future generations.
According to Emirates News Agency, the archives will be a comprehensive repository of records related to Dubai’s rulers, their biographies, collections, and literary works. It will document their role in transforming Dubai into a global cultural and economic hub. The facility will disseminate the intellectual, humanitarian, and cultural legacy of Dubai’s rulers through various publications and media channels.
Sheikh Mohammed emphasized the importance of the archives, stating they offer insights into Dubai’s governance history. He highlighted the significance of preserving national heritage as a duty and a right for future generations. The event featured a documentary screening, a display of the Al Maktoum family tree, and historical photographs of Dubai’s rulers.
The archives aim to create a digital record of the emirate’s rulers and qualify national talent in archiving and record management. They will serve as a reference for decision-makers, researchers, academics, and others interested in Dubai’s leadership legacy.
In a related development, Sheikh Mohammed issued Decree No. (44) of 2025, establishing the Board of Directors of the Al Maktoum Archives Foundation. The Board will include key figures from Dubai’s governance and cultural sectors.
Mohammed Ahmed Al Murr, Chairman of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Library Foundation, highlighted Dubai’s transformation under its rulers’ leadership. The archives will collaborate with local, regional, and international organizations to exchange information and raise cultural awareness.
The Al Maktoum Archives will publish books and reference works on historical documents and develop cultural content to highlight the leadership and humanitarian contributions of Dubai’s rulers. They will coordinate with relevant entities to advance the archives’ objectives locally and globally.