Jan 17 2025
DUBAI: A new law has been issued by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai, to establish the Al Maktoum Archives, a public institution dedicated to preserving Dubai’s historical and cultural legacy.
Under Law No. (28) of 2024, the Al Maktoum Archives Corporation will operate as a public entity linked to The Executive Office of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Its mission is to document, safeguard, and promote the tangible and intangible heritage of Dubai’s rulers and the Al Maktoum family.
The Archives will serve as an extensive repository for Sheikh Mohammed’s biography, collections, and literary works, reflecting his role in shaping Dubai into a global cultural and commercial hub. It will also highlight the intellectual, humanitarian, and cultural legacy of Dubai’s rulers, showcasing their contributions to the UAE’s development.
To achieve this, the Al Maktoum Archives will preserve oral histories, create multimedia content, and publish research on the lives of Dubai’s rulers and significant historical milestones. It will also establish a digital archive to store these invaluable records securely.
The Corporation will collaborate with local, regional, and international organisations to exchange expertise and raise awareness of Dubai’s cultural history. A key part of its mandate is to develop national expertise in archiving and records management.
The new law requires all Dubai entities holding historical records of Dubai’s rulers or the Al Maktoum family to register these documents with the Archives within a year. Unregistered records will become the property of the Corporation, and the disposal of such documents without prior approval is strictly prohibited.
By safeguarding and promoting Dubai’s historical records, the Al Maktoum Archives aims to provide invaluable resources for researchers, decision-makers, and future generations.
