Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Launches Al Maktoum Archives to Preserve Legacy of Dubai’s Rulers
Dubai, The Gulf Observer: His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, today inaugurated the Al Maktoum Archives, a national institution dedicated to documenting and preserving the rich cultural, intellectual, and historical legacy of Dubai’s rulers and the Al Maktoum family.
The launch ceremony, held in Dubai, was attended by H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai.
Overseen by the Executive Office of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Al Maktoum Archives aims to serve as a comprehensive repository of records, biographies, literary works, and historical documents related to Dubai’s rulers, while highlighting their transformative role in shaping Dubai into a modern global hub of culture, innovation, and prosperity.
Speaking at the launch, H.H. Sheikh Mohammed said:
“The Al Maktoum Archives is a national archive and an open book offering insights on the history of governance in Dubai as a model for advancing development. It will be a new pillar for strengthening our national history and a reference for those seeking to understand the essence of our leadership and humanitarian experiences. Preserving our national heritage is our duty and the right of those who come after us. The story of a ruler is inseparable from the story of his people.”
The event was attended by several members of the Al Maktoum family, including H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Media Council; H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group; H.H. Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE National Olympic Committee; H.H. Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority; H.H. Sheikh Hasher bin Maktoum bin Juma Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Media Incorporated; and Mohammad Abdullah Al Gergawi, Chairman of The Executive Office of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, alongside senior officials and dignitaries.
During the ceremony, attendees viewed a short documentary titled “Rashid the Leader” and a video chronicling the leadership journey of Dubai’s rulers. The event also featured exhibits including the Al Maktoum family tree, rare historical photographs, and archival publications chronicling Dubai’s development. Among the showcased materials were two previously unseen photographs of the late Sheikh Maktoum bin Hasher Al Maktoum (Ruler of Dubai from 1894 to 1906) and the late Sheikh Butti bin Suhail Al Maktoum (Ruler from 1906 to 1912), as well as images of subsequent rulers up to the present day.
Mission and Objectives
Sheikh Mohammed was briefed on the archives’ mission to establish a comprehensive digital record of the Al Maktoum family’s legacy and to train Emirati professionals in archiving, documentation, and records management. The archives will serve as a primary reference for decision-makers, researchers, and academics exploring the political, social, cultural, and administrative heritage of Dubai’s rulers.
Its initiatives will include documenting oral histories, producing documentaries and multimedia content, and conducting scholarly studies on the biographies and achievements of the emirate’s leaders.
In conjunction with the launch, Sheikh Mohammed issued Decree No. (44) of 2025, establishing the Board of Directors of the Al Maktoum Archives Foundation. The Board, chaired by the Chairman of The Executive Office of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, includes senior officials such as the Secretary General of The Executive Council of Dubai, Director General of Dubai Municipality, Director General of Dubai Culture, Vice Chairperson and Managing Director of Dubai Media Council, and the CEO of the Mohammed bin Rashid Library Foundation, along with two appointed experts in the field. The decree took effect immediately upon issuance and will be published in the Official Gazette.
A Living Chronicle of Leadership
Mohammed Ahmed Al Murr, Chairman of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Library Foundation, highlighted Dubai’s leadership legacy in his address, stating:
“Dubai’s journey has never been solely an economic or urban success story. It is a human story—of rulers who made serving people their mission and developing human potential their purpose. The Al Maktoum Archives will document this exceptional journey, allowing current and future generations to draw inspiration from its values of leadership, generosity, and dedication to the nation.”
The Al Maktoum Archives will collaborate with local, regional, and international institutions to exchange expertise and promote awareness of Dubai’s historical documents. It will publish books, bulletins, and reference works highlighting the leadership experience and humanitarian contributions of Dubai’s rulers, and develop cultural and media content to make this heritage accessible to researchers and the wider public.
By preserving correspondence, decrees, and official records bearing the signatures and seals of Dubai’s past and present rulers, the Al Maktoum Archives will ensure that the emirate’s legacy of vision, leadership, and nation-building remains a living source of knowledge and pride for generations to come.
