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).

Concluded a Training Course in Corporate Communication,
The National Library and Archives Enhances Corporate Communication Skills Among Its Employees

The National Library and Archives, in collaboration with the International Center for Training and Development, concluded a training course on the fundamentals, strategies, and evolution of corporate communication. The course aimed to strengthen corporate reputation and identity in the public mind, foster a positive image among audiences, and enhance internal communication. This initiative forms part of a series of specialized educational programs through which the National Library and Archives seeks to refine employees’ skills and develop their professional capabilities.
Held at the Jumeirah Saadiyat Island Hotel in Abu Dhabi, the course was attended by a large number of employees from the Corporate Communication and Community Department at the National Library and Archives, particularly those involved in managing internal and external relationships and interactions. The course aimed at enhancing their skills in employing effective corporate communication techniques and keeping pace with modern organizational developments.
The three-day training course, delivered by Mrs. Tohama Berkdar, addressed several key topics focused on corporate communication and the development of a comprehensive strategy for managing information and relationships between the institution and its internal and external audiences. The course aimed to build the institution’s positive image and reputation, achieve its goals, and earn the trust of customers and partners. This, in turn, plays a vital role in crisis management by ensuring swift and transparent responses, while also fostering corporate identity and loyalty, facilitating decision-making, and achieving the strategic goals of the institution.
The trainer introduced participants to the fundamentals of corporate communication, methods for developing communication strategies from international and cultural perspectives, and showed them the mechanisms to measure corporate reputation.
The specialized course opened avenues into various fields of corporate communication, including journalism and e-journalism, digital media, media relations, employee communication, and crisis communication, among others. It also explored recent developments in corporate communication, emphasizing the importance of leadership and change management, corporate social responsibility and community relations, and the integration of public relations within these frameworks. The course further addressed communication within institutions, including corporate and marketing communication, internal communication, and the organization and planning of corporate communication.
The course enriched the participants’ knowledge through open discussions, brainstorming sessions, and practical exercises, ensuring the integration of theoretical and practical aspects and the achievement of the intended objectives. At the conclusion of the course, participants received certificates in corporate communication.

UAE’s National Library and Archives joins the Embassy of the kingdom of Saudi Arabia in celebrating the 95th National Day

The National Library and Archives (NLA) participated alongside the Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the celebration of the 95th National Day, which this year was held under the theme “Our Pride is Our Nature.”
To mark the occasion, the NLA organized a historical photography exhibition that underscored the profound fraternal and strategic relationship between the UAE and Saudi Arabia. This participation highlighted the NLA’s crucial role in documenting the two nations’ evolving ties, which continue to see significant development across all sectors.
The NLA’s exhibition featured dozens of photographs chronicling key meetings between the leaderships of both countries. H.E. Sultan bin Abdullah Al-Anqari, the Saudi Ambassador to the UAE, expressed deep appreciation for the NLA’s efforts in preserving the record of these enduring historical relations.
Attendees viewing the display were given a window into the exemplary history of bilateral relations. The photos highlighted the shared aspirations, mutual respect, and close cooperation, which define this leading model of relations between both countries.
The display’s content served as a powerful testament to the exceptional relationship between the UAE and Saudi Arabia—a cultural and historical model for sibling nations. It reflects the continuous progress and vision alignment between the two leaderships, which consistently reinforce the interests of both peoples.
Hosted at the Saudi Embassy’s official ceremony in Abu Dhabi’s Emirates Palace, the NLA’s exhibition drew a remarkable crowd of well-wishers and participants.