Abu Dhabi Awards Meylas explores how personal stories, passed-down traditions and history, and cultural self-expression can shape the understanding of Emirati society and keep Emirati heritage alive. 

In the panel discussion “A Legacy of Giving Told Through Stories”, historian Dr. Frauke Heard-Bey and founder of Al Mawrooth Centre for Emirati Studies, Saeed Al Suwaidi, explored how family stories, oral history, and personal reflections can become part of a wider collective memory, and how documenting and sharing those lived experiences can help preserve a deeper understanding of Emirati society, identity, and values for generations. 

During the discussion, Dr. Heard-Bey drew from her decades of research to share insights into Abu Dhabi’s history, tribes, and social development, examining the importance of preserving knowledge. 

The panel was hosted at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) during the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX) 2026.