Mohammed bin Rashid Launches Al Maktoum Archives to Preserve Dubai’s Heritage
Image used for illustrative purpose. Photo: WAM
Dubai: His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, attended the launch of the Al Maktoum Archives, a new initiative dedicated to preserving the historical and cultural legacy of Dubai’s rulers and the Al Maktoum family. The project, supervised by the Executive Office of His Highness, aims to document the emirate’s history and make it accessible for future generations.
Sheikh Mohammed was accompanied by H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, and other senior members of the Al Maktoum family. The archives will include records, biographies, writings, and historical documents that highlight the leadership and vision that transformed Dubai into a global city.
Sheikh Mohammed said that the Al Maktoum Archives will serve as an open national record of Dubai’s history, offering insights into its governance and development model. He emphasized that preserving heritage is a national duty and that the story of a ruler is inseparable from that of his people.
The launch event featured documentary screenings, displays of rare photographs dating back to 1894, and a showcase of the Al Maktoum family tree. Attendees viewed never-before-seen images of past Dubai rulers, including Sheikh Maktoum bin Hasher Al Maktoum and Sheikh Butti bin Suhail Al Maktoum.
During the event, Sheikh Mohammed reviewed the archive’s future plans, which include creating a comprehensive digital record, training national talent in archiving, and producing documentaries and oral histories about Dubai’s rulers. The archives will serve as a valuable resource for researchers, historians, and decision-makers studying Dubai’s leadership and progress.
In line with the launch, Sheikh Mohammed also issued Decree No. 44 of 2025 establishing the Board of Directors for the Al Maktoum Archives Foundation, led by the Chairman of The Executive Office. The Board will include representatives from key cultural and municipal institutions in Dubai.
Mohammed Ahmed Al Murr, Chairman of the Mohammed bin Rashid Library Foundation, praised the vision of Dubai’s rulers, describing the emirate’s success as a human story built on leadership, ambition, and service to the people. He said the Al Maktoum Archives will keep this story alive for generations to come.
The Al Maktoum Archives will collaborate with local and international institutions to share knowledge and promote cultural awareness. It will publish reference materials and maintain historical documents such as official letters, decrees, and records signed by Dubai’s rulers, preserving their achievements and contributions to the nation’s growth.
