H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler's Representative in Al Dhafra Region and Chairman of the Emirates Red Crescent, ERC, has received a copy of the book, "Dalma Island and Pearl Diving in the British Archives," written by Khalid Eid Al Meraikhi, Adviser at the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince's Court.

While receiving Al Meraikhi in Abu Dhabi today, Sheikh Hamdan praised the author's considerable efforts to complete this valuable book about the history of Dalma Island, as well as his research through all published material in newspapers and periodicals, and his trip to the British Library and British Archives to search for and review political, economic and social documents that were collected by British officials about the island.

Sheikh Hamdan considered the 310-page book a significant addition to the Emirati library, while again praising the author’s efforts in diligently collecting information about the history of Dalma Island, wishing him further successes.

Al Meraikhi presented his sincere appreciation to Sheikh Hamdan for honouring him and reviewing his book.

Al Meraikhi added that the name, "Dalma," became prominent for the first time in 1816 in the British correspondences when the British Navy Captain James Ashley Mode on the navy ship, "Favourite," visited the island in July that year.

The writer has mentioned the different names of the island and elaborated on its fame in the past due to its proximity to pearl fisheries and arrivals of ships, captains, pearl merchants, pearl divers from inside and outside the country.

Al Meraikhi has dedicated pages in his book to the island’s history, the people, mosques, landmarks, families, and the social and cultural life as well as to the most prominent poets in the emirate.