Dubai: The Al Maktoum Archives Board of Directors held its first meeting, chaired by Mohammad Al Gergawi, Chairman of The Executive Office of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The meeting was attended by several high-profile officials, including Abdulla Mohammed Al Basti, Secretary General of The Executive Council of Dubai; Saeed Al Eter, Director General of The Executive Office of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum; Marwan bin Ghalita, Director General of Dubai Municipality; Hala Badri, Director General of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority; Mona Ghanem Al Marri, Vice Chairperson and Managing Director of the Dubai Media Council; and Dr. Mohammed Salem Al Mazrouei, Board Member of the Mohammed bin Rashid Library Foundation.
According to Emirates News Agency, the meeting focused on reviewing the progress of the Al Maktoum Archives project, which is dedicated to documenting and preserving the cultural heritage related to Dubai's rulers and the ruling family. The Archives aim to serve as a comprehensive repository for the biographies, private collections, and literary works of Dubai's rulers, highlighting their significant contributions to transforming Dubai into a global cultural and economic hub.
The Board of Directors approved the 2026 action plan for Al Maktoum Archives and discussed strategic projects and programmes for the Archives' inaugural phase. The meeting involved a thorough review of key performance indicators and team priorities, with a focus on the projects planned for 2026, their expected outcomes, and the frameworks for their launch and expansion. These initiatives are designed to enhance the Archives' role in chronicling the governance legacy of Dubai and the Al Maktoum family.
Board members underscored the importance of developing collaborations with local, regional, and international stakeholders to maximize the impact of the Archives and broaden the reach of its initiatives. Mohammad Al Gergawi emphasized that the Al Maktoum Archives reflect the vision and directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to safeguard Dubai's national legacy and document leadership experiences that have contributed to the emirate's development and prosperity.
Al Gergawi also highlighted that the Archives will implement a comprehensive roadmap with rigorous performance indicators to ensure a sustainable impact. This approach will establish the Archives as the authoritative national entity for documenting the intellectual and cultural heritage of Dubai's rulers, preserving their leadership insights for future generations.
Al Maktoum Archives aims to establish a robust institutional ecosystem that aligns with international standards in governance, archiving, and content management. By launching landmark research and documentation programmes, the Archives aspire to become a premier platform for knowledge and inspiration in visionary leadership and creative thought.
The Archives will build a comprehensive digital record of the emirate's rulers and the Al Maktoum family, equipping national talent to manage the Archives with expertise in records management and oversight. It will serve as a primary reference for decision-makers, researchers, academics, and others interested in the leadership, intellectual, political, social, and administrative legacy of Dubai rulers.
The Al Maktoum Archives will collaborate with relevant organisations to facilitate the exchange of information and expertise on historical documents, enhancing cultural awareness about the documents, books, and biographies of Dubai rulers. The Archives will also publish books, bulletins, and reference works on historical documents, developing cultural and media content to highlight the leadership experience and humanitarian contributions of Dubai's rulers. Additionally, the Archives will coordinate with relevant entities in the UAE to advance its objectives locally, regionally, and globally.