Eminent international and Arab scholars to participate in CDR International History Conference

November 18^th, 2008,
Adu Dhabi
Renowned scholars from all over the world and the UAE will be participating in the conference on “New Perspectives On Recording UAE History” to be organized by the Center for Documentation and Research from November 23rd to 25th 2008, at its premises in Abu Dhabi.

The five-panel Conference will cover a wide spectrum of subjects from the prehistoric roots of the Emirates through the Stone Age, the pre-Islamic and Islamic eras, the arrival of Europeans (Portuguese, Dutch and British eras), down to  the pre-oil period and the establishment of the Federation of the UAE.

Prominent scholars and archaeologists participating from abroad are:    

Prof. Daniel T. Potts from Princeton University, Prof. Hans-Peter and Dr. Margarithe Uerpmann from University of Tübingen, Prof. John C. Wilkinson from Oxford University (retd.), Dr. Ghanim Wahida from Cambridge, Prof. Valeria Piacentini and Dr. Elena Maestri from University of Milan, Prof. Geoffrey King from the SOAS, London University, Dr. B.J. Slot, General State Archives of The Hague (retd.), Prof. António Dias Farinha from University of Lisbon, Prof. Dionisius A. Agius from Exeter University, Dr. Robert Carter from Oxford Brookes University. Two prominent historians and political analysts from the United States are Dr. John Duke Anthony, President of the National Council of U.S. Arab Relations and Dr. J.E. Peterson.

Also among the speakers are former British officials who served in the Gulf - Sir Terence Clark, Mr. Julian Walker and Prof. Leslie McLoughlin who will provide interesting eye-witness accounts of contemporary events.

Leading archaeologists and experts currently serving in the UAE who will present their latest research are Dr. Walid Yasin, Dr. Mark Beech and Mr. Peter Sheehan from the Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage (ADACH), Dr. Sabah Jasim and Mr. Eissa Abbas from the Department of Culture and Information, Sharjah Archaeological Museum and Mr. Christian Velde from the Department of Antiquities and Museums in Ras al Khaimah.

Some of the distinguished Emirati professors from the UAE University who will be presenting papers are Prof. Hasan Naboodah, Dr. Fatma Al Sayegh and Dr. Hamad Al Serai, along with experienced scholars and commentators including Mr. Abdulaziz Al Musallam from the Sharjah Department of Heritage & Culture, and Mr. Zaki Nusseibeh from the Ministry of Presidential Affairs and ADACH.

Dr. Abdulla El Reyes, Director General of the Center for Documentation and Research and Chairman of the Conference’s Higher Organizing Committee, commented that no effort has been spared to provide excellent opportunities for fostering scholarly interaction amongst the best intellects from around the world. “We were keen to attract historians and academics specializing in the history and culture of the UAE and the Arabian Gulf, and sincerely hope that our conference will achieve its goals. We wish the UAE continued progress and prosperity under our prudent leadership”, Dr. Reyes concluded.