Sheikh Mohammed launches New Entity to Preserve Al Maktoum Heritage

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

Al Maktoum Archives was established by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. The initiative aims to document and preserve the tangible and intangible cultural contributions of the Rulers of Dubai and the Al Maktoum family.

The creation of the Archives follows the issuance of Law No. (28) of 2024, establishing the Al Maktoum Archives Corporation as a public institution under the Executive Office of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The Corporation will act as the custodian of Dubai’s historical heritage, ensuring its preservation and accessibility for future generations.

Al Maktoum Archives will serve as a central repository that will house the biography, collections and literary works of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. It will highlight his transformative role in developing Dubai into a modern cultural and commercial hub of global significance.

The Archives will concentrate on documenting oral histories, creating multimedia, and carrying out in-depth research on the contributions and lives of the Al Maktoum family, Dubai’s rulers, and important historical sites in the emirate. This goal will be supported by the creation of an extensive digital archive that will guarantee these priceless documents’ long-term security and accessibility.

A critical component of this initiative is to develop national expertise in archiving and records management. The Corporation will collaborate with local, regional, and international organizations to share knowledge and raise awareness of Dubai’s rich cultural heritage.

The Archives will not only preserve official correspondence and historical documents related to the Al Maktoum family, but will also help disseminate the intellectual, humanitarian, and cultural contributions of Dubai’s leaders. Through publications and media channels, the Archives will highlight the legacy and influence of the Rulers’ leadership on Dubai’s progress and the foundation of the UAE.

The new law requires all institutions in Dubai that hold historical records related to the Rulers of Dubai or the Al Maktoum family to register with the Al Maktoum Archives within one year of the law’s implementation. Unregistered records will automatically be considered the property of the corporation, and their removal without prior written permission is strictly prohibited.

The regulation aims to centralize the preservation and management of historical records and provide a comprehensive resource for researchers, decision-makers and the public. By preserving Dubai’s historical records, the Archives will act as a bridge between the past and the future, ensuring that the emirate’s heritage continues to inspire generations.

The establishment of the Al Maktoum Archives is a significant step in preserving Dubai’s cultural identity and historical achievements. It reflects Sheikh Mohammed’s vision of honouring the past while fostering a deeper understanding of the emirate’s journey to become a global leader in culture, commerce and innovation.

The initiative is set to establish Dubai as a model for historic preservation, cementing its status as a hub for cultural and intellectual exchange on the world stage.