The UAE’s rich history and cultural heritage will take centre stage at the Sheikh Zayed Festival 2026–2027, where visitors can explore the country’s transformation through rare photographs, historical documents and interactive exhibitions. A special pavilion dedicated to preserving the nation’s collective memory will offer an engaging journey through the traditions, achievements and milestones that have shaped the United Arab Emirates.
The National Archives and Library has completed preparations for its participation through the ‘Memory of the Nation’ pavilion, which aims to introduce visitors to important chapters of the country’s past. The exhibition will bring together historical records, photographs, maps and rare artefacts, allowing visitors to understand how the UAE developed from a society built around traditional occupations into a modern nation.
The festival opened its new season on October 30 at Al Wathba in Abu Dhabi, bringing together cultural, artistic and entertainment activities for visitors from across the UAE and beyond.
An Interactive Journey Through 11 Historical Stations
One of the main attractions of the pavilion will be its 11 historical stations, each presenting a different stage of the UAE’s development. The experience will begin with life before the discovery of oil, when communities relied on activities such as pearl diving, fishing and maritime trade.
Visitors will then discover the major changes that followed the discovery of oil, including the formation of the Union and the country’s progress in different fields. The displays will also highlight the development of education, scientific knowledge and international relations, offering a broader understanding of the UAE’s journey.
Rather than presenting history through written information alone, the pavilion will combine documentary displays with interactive technologies and digital presentations. This approach is intended to make historical information more accessible and engaging, particularly for younger visitors who may be discovering some of these stories for the first time.
Rare Photographs and Historical Artefacts on Display
The exhibition will feature a carefully selected collection of aerial photographs, historical maps, official documents and rare artefacts from the National Archives and Library’s collections.
These materials will provide a visual record of the country’s changing landscape, communities and institutions. Historical photographs, in particular, offer an opportunity to see how everyday life, traditional occupations and settlements evolved over several decades.
The displays will also explain how historical records are restored, digitised and preserved. Through these presentations, visitors can learn about the work involved in protecting old photographs and documents so they remain accessible to future generations.
Digital media will provide additional ways to explore the collection, while interactive activities will encourage visitors to consider their own role in preserving family memories and national heritage.
Keeping the UAE’s Heritage Alive for Younger Generations
An important objective of the ‘Memory of the Nation’ pavilion is to strengthen awareness of Emirati identity and connect younger generations with the country’s history.
Personal photographs, family collections and oral accounts will form part of the wider story of national heritage. These records help preserve experiences that may not always appear in official historical documents but remain important to understanding how communities lived and developed.
The pavilion also acknowledges contributions from individuals and organisations that have supported the preservation of historical material. The ‘Lest We Forget’ initiative, supported by the Salama bint Hamdan Al Nahyan Foundation, is among the contributors recognised for helping enrich the exhibition.
By bringing together institutional archives and personal collections, the exhibition highlights how preserving history is a shared responsibility.
A Cultural Experience Beyond Entertainment
The Sheikh Zayed Festival provides a setting where entertainment, cultural discovery and educational experiences come together. Its 2026–2027 season features a broad programme of activities involving local and international participation, giving visitors opportunities to explore different traditions and forms of cultural expression.
Within this wider programme, the ‘Memory of the Nation’ pavilion offers a particularly meaningful experience for families, students and history enthusiasts. It provides an opportunity to understand the country’s achievements while recognising the people, traditions and experiences behind its development.
The exhibition also highlights the importance of historical preservation at a time when digital technology is changing how information is collected, stored and shared. Making archival material available through modern displays can help younger audiences engage with history in ways that feel relevant to their lives.
Ultimately, the pavilion presents the UAE’s past as more than a collection of dates and historical events. Through photographs, documents, artefacts and personal stories, it illustrates how the nation’s identity has been shaped over time. For visitors attending the festival, it offers an opportunity to look beyond the celebrations and discover the history behind the country’s remarkable journey.
