Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Establishes Al Maktoum Archives to Preserve Dubai’s Heritage

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has enacted Law No. (28) of 2024, establishing the Al Maktoum Archives Corporation. This newly formed entity, affiliated with The Executive Office of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, aims to document and preserve the tangible and intangible cultural heritage of Dubai’s rulers and the Al Maktoum family.

The Al Maktoum Archives will serve as a comprehensive repository chronicling Sheikh Mohammed’s biography, collections, and literary works while emphasizing his contributions to Dubai’s evolution into a global cultural and commercial hub. It will also promote the intellectual, humanitarian, and cultural legacy of Dubai’s rulers through publications, research, and media content, showcasing their role in the emirate’s development and the UAE’s formation.

The Corporation will oversee the preservation and promotion of historical documents, oral histories, and multimedia content related to Dubai’s rulers and significant milestones. It plans to establish a digital archive and build national expertise in archiving to ensure professional management. A key provision of the law requires all entities in Dubai to register historical documents with the Archives within a year of the law’s implementation. Unregistered documents will be deemed Corporation property, and their disposal without prior approval is prohibited.

This initiative underscores the importance of safeguarding Dubai’s history, offering valuable resources for researchers, decision-makers, and future generations. Additionally, the Archives will collaborate with local and international organizations to enhance cultural awareness of Dubai’s rich heritage.

News Source: Dubai Media Office