National Library and Archives

As a strategic step to strengthen the national information infrastructure and develop publishing activities, the National Library and Archives, in cooperation with the International Centre for the Registration of Serial Publications (ISSN IC), is launching the Emirates ISSN Centre, which will serve as the official representative and exclusive agent of the International Centre in the UAE, effective from 21 October 2025.
The UAE International Standard Serial Number Centre assigns ISSN identifiers to periodicals published in the United Arab Emirates. ISSN is the ISO standard identifier for serial publications and other continuing resources such as periodicals, magazines, newsletters, newspapers, yearbooks, and series, published in print, digital, or any other media.
The Emirates Center includes them in the national bibliography in addition to the International Standard Serial Number portal (https://portal.issn.org), thereby contributing to the dissemination of intellectual output from Emirati periodicals, making them accessible from around the world, and increasing their distribution and circulation.
On the occasion of the launch of the UAE Centre, His Excellency Dr. Abdullah Majid Al Ali, Director General of the National Library and Archives, said: “This initiative is the culmination of collaborative efforts between the ISSN International Centre and the National Library and Archives, and aims to facilitate the registration of periodicals and serial publications in accordance with international standards and promote them internationally, thereby enhancing the cultural scene and the country’s position as a centre of cultural influence  .”
His Excellency Dr. Abdullah Majid Al Ali also emphasized that this service is an important step towards preserving the nation’s memory, as it is the identity of the periodical. This special identifier (ISSN) distinguishes the periodical from other publications, which enriches knowledge societies by ensuring the global dissemination of periodicals, thereby strengthening the knowledge economy and dialogue among civilizations.
His Excellency Dr. Abdullah Majid Al Ali added: “With the activation of the online portal for the service
https://www.nla.ae/en/national-library/uae-national-issn-centre/, the National Library and Archives is fully prepared to receive requests from publishers and grant the standard identifier (ISSN) to Emirati periodicals with the aim of promoting the publishing industry.”
Dr. Gaelle Bequet, Director of the ISSN International Centre, commented: “Thanks to the high level of professionalism of the team at the National Library and Archives in Abu Dhabi and to open and constructive dialogue, our cooperation with our colleagues in the United Arab Emirates has been very satisfactory. I would like to commend the International Centre’s trainers for supporting the new centre in producing quality identification metadata and setting up the IT process to ingest the data into the global ISSN portal. I am delighted that the UAE ISSN Centre is set to open in October 2025, which will strengthen the MENA region’s position within our network.”
About the National Library and Archives The National Library and Archives was established in 1968 under the name the Documents and Research Bureau, following the directives of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, founder of the United Arab Emirates. Its mission was defined as collecting and preserving archives to enhance cultural and historical awareness. Accordingly, it houses a vast collection of historical materials documenting various aspects of life in the United Arab Emirates and the Arabian Gulf region since the 16th century. The National Library and Archives also undertakes the collection, preservation, and electronic storage of historical documents, in addition to safeguarding the nation’s cultural heritage. It is a member of numerous international institutions and plays a distinguished role as a creator of cultural content. Under Federal Law No. 13 of 2021, the National Library has become part of its umbrella.
About the ISSN International Centre Founded in Paris, France, in 1975, the ISSN International Centre is the global authority responsible for the assignment and management of International Standard Serial Numbers (ISSNs). It works with a network of National Centres to support the bibliographic control and dissemination of serial publications worldwide. The Centre manages the global
database of serial publications (https://portal.issn.org).

The National Library and Archives, and Zayed Authority for People of Determination Celebrate the International White Cane Day

The National Library and Archives, in cooperation with Zayed Authority for People of Determination, celebrated the International White Cane Day, which falls on October 15 each year, by organizing a series of events and activities dedicated to people of determination from the visually impaired community. This initiative comes within the framework of its social responsibility and its commitment to enable this group to fully integrate into society.
Her Excellency Naama Abdulrahman Al Mansoori, Director of the Blind Care Department at Zayed Authority for People of Determination, emphasized the significance of the white cane as a symbol of independence and self-reliance. She stated that celebrating this occasion reflects awareness of the importance of supporting and empowering individuals with visual impairments in all fields of life.
In her speech during the ceremony, Al Mansoori praised the cooperation of the National Library and Archives and its continued support for the Authority’s initiatives, affirming that such collaboration represents the commitment of national institutions to their responsibility towards people of determination. She pointed out that the International White Cane Day is one of the most important global occasions in which Zayed Authority is keen to participate, highlighting the services provided to the blind community.
Al Mansoori added that the positive interaction of the UAE community with the members from these groups, and their active participation in the events and programs adopted by Zayed Authority for People of Determination, is the greatest evidence of the awareness and cultural advancement in the UAE society.
Mr. Hamad Al Hammadi, Director of Research and Knowledge Services Department at the National Library and Archives, welcomed the participants, commending the determination of the visually impaired who have demonstrated that strong will can overcome challenges and contribute effectively to the nation building.
He pointed out that the white cane represents a symbol of strength and perseverance, noting that the National Library and Archives has given special attention to the visually impaired by printing a number of its national publications in Braille, such as Zayed: From Challenges to Union, and booklets including Khalifa: A Journey to the Future and Qasr Al Hosn, The National Library and Archives has also provided devices that convert printed text into Braille, in the belief that everyone has the right to access knowledge.
Al Hammadi affirmed that this celebration comes in the “Year of Community”, which embodies the National Library and Archives’ commitment to the national and humanitarian values established by the wise leadership. He praised the fruitful cooperation and coordination with Zayed Authority for People of Determination.
Omar Al Amri, one of the visually impaired community, spoke about the UAE’s legislative efforts to empower the people of determination, highlighting Federal Law No. 29 of 2006 and the National Policy for Empowering People of Determination launched in 2017, which focuses on health, social protection, family empowerment, and community participation.
Saif Al Falasi, Director of the Legal Affairs Department at Dubai Police, shared his inspiring personal journey in education and professional life, stressing that family and community support played a vital role in enabling him to achieve his ambitions and reach leadership positions.
On the sidelines of the event, an exhibition of modern devices and technologies for the blind was held at the National Library and Archives, displaying the latest innovations designed to empower the blind people and enhance their access to advanced technology. The program also included a symbolic white cane walk, artistic and poetry segments, and interactive competitions that reflected the spirit of determination and social integration.
The celebration concluded with a guided tour of Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Hall and Sheikh Suroor bin Mohammed Al Nahyan Hall, where visually impaired guests explored historical artifacts and documents that record the UAE’s union journey and highlight the nation’s achievements through various stages.
“The White Cane” is a tool used by the blind for independent movement. It is held by the handle with the arm extended so that the tip of the cane precedes the blind person’s step, in front of the stepping foot. The cane should remain in contact with the ground and not rise more than two inches above it.
Types of White Canes:
There are six main types of white canes used worldwide:
Symbolic Cane: Used by blind and partially sighted individuals, as well as the elderly, to indicate their vision impairment, though it does not meet the specifications of a standard mobility cane.
Guiding Cane: Used by the blind to identify the type of surface, curbs, and stairs, protecting only the lower part of the body. It is slightly above waist length, with tips made of nylon or aluminum.
Long Cane: The most commonly used type for independent movement. Its length reaches the lower part of the chest, varying according to the individual. It allows user to detect obstacles before collision. The tips are made of nylon and come in different shapes: pointed, spherical, or conical.
Standard Walking Cane: Used by blind, visually impaired, and sighted people alike. It is typically made of solid wood and strong enough to support leaning.
Curved-Handle Cane: Shaped like a tennis racket, this cane is suitable for uneven terrains or rocky areas and should extend slightly above the lower chest area.
Electronic Cane: A modern adaptation of the long white cane, it emits ultrasonic waves that alert the user when encountering obstacles. It can also detect objects in all directions within a range of five meters. The tip is made of lead

As Part of its 2025 Cultural Season,
The National Library and Archives Organizes a Lecture on “Al Ain Oases: A Model of Comprehensive Sustainability”

As part of its 2025 cultural season and in alignment with the Year of Community, the National Library and Archives Organized a Lecture titled “Al Ain Oases: A Model of Comprehensive Sustainability”. The participants highlighted the unique characteristics of Al Ain’s oases as an inspiring Emirati model of harmony between humanity and nature, and as a practical embodiment of the values of sustainability.
The speakers emphasized that Al Ain Oases have always been and will continue to be a thriving social and economic environment that carries aspects of authentic fearures of the Emirati identity. They noted that the oases represent both natural and human treasure, where elements of nature blend with the essence of heritage to create a splendid scene that brings together the greenery of palm trees and the flowing waters of the aflaj. This unique integration forms a cultural landscape worthy of inclusion on UNESCO’s World Heritage List.
The lecture was moderated by Mr. Mohamed Ismaeel Abdulla, Researcher at the National Library and Archives, and featured the participation of Professor Dr. Yahya Ahmed from UAE University; Dr. Asma Al Mammari from Mohamed Bin Zayed University for Humanities; and Ms Mariam Al Jneibi from TRENDS Research and Advisory.
At the beginning of the lecture, Dr. Yahya Ahmed spoke about the seven oases of Al Ain: Al Ain, Al Jahili, Al Qattara, Al Mutaredh, Al Jimi, Al Muwaiji, and Hili. He explained that these oases represent a unique model of sustainability, rdeep-ooted in the Emirati people’s rich heritage and their wisdom in living in harmony with the environment. Dr. Yahya also showcased the aflaj system, which is connected by nine main channels, emphasizing its role in ensuring water and agricultural security in the past. He further highlighted the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan’s keen interest in preserving and developing this integrated system.
Furthermore, Dr. Asma Al Mammari, in her paper, explored Sheikh Zayed’s enlightened vision for the development of the city of Al Ain and his pioneering efforts in addressing challenges related to water, agriculture, and various social and economic aspects of life. She highlighted his His insightful vision in managing the aflaj with fairness, achieving sustainability through engaging community members in the preservation of natural resources, thus making Al Ain a model of environmental awareness and sustainable development.
Ms. Mariam Al Jneibi drew attention to the cultural and environmental role of Al Ain oases, describing them as a vibrate space that integrates history, knowledge and innovation. She emphasized that the oases are not merely an agricultural area, but a living national memory that reflects the relationship between people and their environment, presenting to the world an aspiring Emirati message of sustainable development that values heritage and benefits from modern science.
The lecture concluded by emphasizing the importance of continuing specialized scientific research in the fields of environmental heritage and sustainability. It also stressed the need to strengthen the presence of Al Ain oases as a pioneering national model for environmental, educational, and research tourism and as a cultural icon that unites the UAE’s glorious legacy with its inspiring future.