Share Your Memories of Sheikh Zayed Through the Zayed Oral Archive at ADIHEX 2026
Some of the most meaningful pieces of history aren’t necessarily found in official records. They can live in a photograph kept at home, a personal keepsake, or a story passed down through a family.
At ADIHEX 2026 in Abu Dhabi, The Founder’s Office is inviting members of the community to bring those memories forward through the Zayed Oral Archive, an initiative dedicated to documenting personal stories and first-hand accounts connected to the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
Visitors who knew Sheikh Zayed or have photographs, stories, keepsakes or memories associated with him can visit The Founder’s Office pavilion at ADNEC Abu Dhabi until 6 September 2026 and contribute to preserving these personal accounts for future generations.
Turning Personal Memories into Part of the Historical Record
The Zayed Oral Archive provides a dedicated space within The Founder’s Office pavilion where visitors can sit with a specialised team and share their memories.
The team listens to individual stories and documents relevant information, helping preserve perspectives that might otherwise remain within individual families or communities.
Since ADIHEX 2026 opened, the pavilion has already welcomed visitors who lived during Sheikh Zayed’s time and were able to recount personal encounters and first-hand memories of the UAE’s Founding Father.
These accounts are being recorded as part of The Founder’s Office’s wider work to research, document and preserve material relating to Sheikh Zayed’s life and legacy.
Do You Have a Photograph or Story of Sheikh Zayed?
One of the most interesting aspects of the initiative is that contributions don’t need to take the form of formal historical documents.
The Founder’s Office is specifically inviting people to bring photographs, personal keepsakes and stories connected to Sheikh Zayed.
For someone who met him personally, attended an occasion where he was present or has preserved a family photograph or object with a connection to him, the archive provides an opportunity to share the story behind it.
Those individual recollections can add context and human detail to the wider historical record, documenting not only Sheikh Zayed’s leadership but also how his character and values were experienced by people within the community.
Preserving Oral History for Future Generations
Oral history can capture details that traditional records may not always preserve.
A person’s recollection of an encounter, conversation or moment can reveal something about a particular period in the UAE’s history while providing a more personal perspective on Sheikh Zayed’s relationship with the people around him.
Through the Zayed Oral Archive, The Founder’s Office is bringing these community memories together with its existing body of documented historical material.
The initiative also creates an important bridge between generations. Stories remembered by those who lived during Sheikh Zayed’s lifetime can be documented today, helping ensure they remain accessible to younger and future generations rather than disappearing over time.
Visit the Zayed Oral Archive at ADIHEX 2026
With only a few days remaining until ADIHEX concludes, those with a personal connection, photograph, story or keepsake relating to Sheikh Zayed can contribute directly to the initiative.
The Zayed Oral Archive can be found at The Founder’s Office pavilion, Stand 5-040 in Hall 5 at ADIHEX 2026, ADNEC Abu Dhabi.
ADIHEX continues until 6 September 2026.
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