Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has established the Al Maktoum Archives. The initiative is aimed at documenting and preserving the tangible and intangible cultural contributions of Dubai’s Rulers and the Al Maktoum family.
The creation of the Archives follows the issuance of Law No. (28) of 2024, which establishes the Al Maktoum Archives Corporation as a public entity under the Executive Office of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The Corporation will serve as the custodian of Dubai’s historical legacy, ensuring its preservation and accessibility for future generations.
The Al Maktoum Archives will serve as a central repository encompassing the biography, collections, and literary works of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. It will also highlight his transformative role in developing Dubai into a modern cultural and commercial hub of global significance.
The Archives will focus on documenting oral histories, producing multimedia content, and conducting in-depth research on the lives and contributions of Dubai’s Rulers, the Al Maktoum family, and the emirate’s pivotal historical milestones. To support this mission, a comprehensive digital archive will be established, ensuring long-term accessibility and security for these invaluable records.
A critical component of the initiative is the development of national expertise in archiving and record management. The Corporation will also collaborate with local, regional and international organisations to exchange knowledge and raise awareness about 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The Archives will not only preserve official correspondence and historical documents related to the Al Maktoum family but will also disseminate the intellectual, humanitarian and cultural contributions of Dubai’s leaders. Through publications and media channels, the Archives will highlight the legacy and impact of the Rulers’ leadership on Dubai’s progress and the foundation of the UAE.
The new law mandates that all entities in Dubai possessing historical documents related to Dubai’s Rulers or the Al Maktoum family must register them with the Al Maktoum Archives within one year of the law’s implementation. Unregistered documents will automatically be deemed the property of the Corporation, and their disposal without prior written approval is strictly prohibited.
This regulation aims to centralise the preservation and management of historical documents, providing a comprehensive resource for researchers, decision-makers, and the public. By safeguarding Dubai’s historical records, the Archives will serve as a bridge between the past and future, ensuring that the emirate’s legacy continues to inspire generations.
The establishment of the Al Maktoum Archives marks 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 deep understanding of the emirate’s journey toward becoming a global leader in culture, commerce, and innovation.
This initiative is set to position Dubai as a model for historical preservation, reinforcing its status as a hub of cultural and intellectual exchange on the world stage.