In a seminar of its cultural season 2023
The National Library and Archives sheds light on the Past, Present and Future of Al Dhafra

The National Library and Archives organized a seminar entitled "A Reading of the History of Al Dhafra”, as part of its cultural season 2023. The participants expressed their admiration for the progress and prosperity witnessed by the Al Dhafra region since the accession of the late Founder and Builder Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan to the rule of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. Many vital projects targeting the development of people and places were launched. Consequently, brilliant progress and sustainable development have become prominent features of the Al Dhafra region under the wise leadership.
The National Library and Archives’ interest in Al Dhafra Region emanates from its great role in documenting the glorious past of the UAE. It also stems from Al Dhafra’s significance in the history and heritage of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi because of its distinguished geographical location in the center of various civilizations. Today, Al Dhafra is a hub for various major projects.
Mr. Ali Ahmed Al Kindi Al Murar, a researcher in the history and heritage of Al Dhafra began the seminar which was held at the National Library and Archives’ headquarters, at the Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Virtual Reality Hall. He referred to the keen interest of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, which led to its comprehensive renaissance arising from the numerous projects that made it increasingly lively.
Al Marar said that Al Dhafra is one of the largest regions of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, and it is the stronghold of the Bin Yas tribe. He addressed the past and present of the Al Dhafra region, pointing to the stages it went through and to the lifestyle and interests of its residents in the past. He also shed light on the full-scale attention it received from the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
Ms. Asmaa Al Maamari from Mohamed bin Zayed University for Humanities reviewed the history of Al Dhafra in photos depicting its past, present, and future.  She indicated that Al Dhafra was special to the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and his interest in it inspired him to mention its regions in his poetry. She also pointed to the ancient references to the Al Dhafra region which came in the poetry of Rashid Alkhallawi and Almahedi bin Dhaher. She identified the location of Al Dhafra and its main areas, namely Al-Tuff and Baynouna, Al-Qafa and Al-Sahel, Al-Batinah and Liwa, Al-Hamra and Al-Maghreb "Western Ramla". She added that some areas belonged to Al-Dhafra in the past, such as Al-Majin, Al-Aqel, Sabkha Mati and Al-Kidn.
She touched on the historical roots of the Al Dhafra region, noting that some of its monuments date back to seven thousand years ago, adding that the world’s oldest pearl dating back to the Stone Age was discovered on Marawah Island.
Al Maamari pointed out the most prominent monuments of the Al Dhafra region, mainly the Al Dhafra Archaeological Fort and the Western Al Maryah Tower and others. She also touched on education in the past and present, and recalled the past of some Al Dhafra areas in contrast to their present-day reality. Besides, she spoke about the value and significance of palm trees to the people of Al Dhafra.
Al Maamari reckoned the most outstanding festivals and events that take place in Al Dhafra, such as Al Dhafra Festival for camel beauty, Liwa Date Festival, Liwa Agricultural Exhibition, Classic Cars Exhibition, and others.
The seminar was concluded with the presentation entitled "Al Dhafra  between the past, present and tomorrow" given by Mrs. Amna Al Marzouqi from  Al Dhafra Region Municipality. She reviewed the most important projects, and the development the region went through. She began the presentation with a documentary film featuring the successive visits the late Founder and Builder Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan paid to Al Dhafra indicating his genuine interest in the region and its residents.
It also featured the interest of the wise leadership that followed his approach in developing the area, creating gardens, and providing service facilities.  The modern Al Dhafra region has a distinguished road network with modern facilities which made it increasingly attractive to investors.  Al Dhafra and its regions are witnessing ongoing civil and service projects.
It is noteworthy that the National Library and Archives has published several books documenting the history and heritage of Al Dhafra, its location and regions, its castles and fortresses, its most important monuments and the lifestyle of its inhabitants throughout history. These publications loaded with documented historical and heritage information have attracted researchers and academics who are interested in the glorious history and heritage of the United Arab Emirates.