The Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah now has its first-of-its-kind encyclopaedia that covers 80 years of its history and beyond.
Najeeb Al Shamsi, an Emirati social and economic researcher who also works as the Director-General of the GCC Supreme Council Consultative Authority, said it took him four years to finish the ‘RAK Encyclopaedia'.
"It is a unique comprehensive reference work that covers over 80 years of the history of the northern emirate starting from the thirties of the last century up till the present.” The 1,600-page book covers different sectors and critical fields of the emirate, he added.
"The three-volume masterpiece tracks all the political, economic, social, cultural, arts, media, and sports transformations in the emirate during these years.”
Al Shamsi said his compendium also portrayed and shed light on the profiles of the pioneering personalities in the emirate who exceptionally chipped in the development procession of the emirate at various fields and sectors. "Lacking sources and books that tracked the long history of the emirate was the main challenge, and hence the face-to-face interviews with old Emirati men and woman was a key reference for this databank.”
The emirate actually needs well-equipped documentation institutions run by competent people so that researchers may refer to them for authenticated and verified information and pictures, he said.
"More government department and private institutions are urged to shoulder the historical and national responsibility, and support such important researches and studies.” Al Shamsi said the people quoted were very helpful whereas some others declined to give any details though they did have important and supportive information and pictures.
"The encyclopaedia is sort of showing gratitude and paying a tribute to our beloved emirate of Ras Al Khaimah and its great history, and its people who deserve to be profiled in appreciation to their tireless effort and sincere services.”
Source: Khaleej Times