Global Arab Network | Abu Dhabi: ADACH steps up efforts to preserve nation’s oral heritage in UAE

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Abu Dhabi: ADACH steps up efforts to preserve nation’s oral heritage in UAE

Global Arab Network - - Maha Karim

Wednesday, 30 December 2009 11:40

AbdulaQubasiSigningAgrement_adach_uae_abu_dhabi

UAE (Abu Dhabi) - The National Library of the Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage (ADACH) stepped up its efforts to preserve the UAE's heritage and oral history as it bids to safeguard the national memory.

In this framework Jumaa Al Qubaisi, Director of the National Library, signed yesterday an agreement with Emirati researcher and journalist Abdullah Abdul Rahman, that seeks to preserve his famous experiences in documenting the memory of elderly people in UAE which he published in two books titled "Cup of Coffee" and "The UAE in the Memory of its Citizens", which are comprised of an archive of photos and tapes that date back to the 1980s.

These experiences, which also include a valuable source of oral history, were later published in three volumes that sought to provide cultural, social and economic information of the lives of the founding generation of the UAE.

Mohammed Khalaf Al Mazrouei, Director General of ADACH, said Abu Dhabi is characterized by a rich cultural heritage in oral literature, which, along with traditions and popular sports, is part of the daily life and national identity in the UAE.

"It is our duty to protect this rich heritage in various ways, and the documentation of oral history and local traditions and values contributes to safeguarding and preserving our traditional culture," he said.

"The development of new cultural initiatives is integrated with the Authority's strategy in the maintenance of local heritage and dialogue with different world cultures," he added.

Meanwhile, Qubaisi said the new agreement would enrich the National Library with more audio-visual material.

The move is seen as an encouragement for all those who have video works, audio recordings, photographs, manuscripts, or even old letters and documents of historical value to submit them to ADACH for reviewing and possible agreements.

Qubaisi stressed the responsibility of preserving UAE history falls on all Emiratis as much as it is of ADACH.

Global Arab Network

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