The National Library and Archives participates in Abu Dhabi International Book Fair 2024 with a large number of events.
The National Library and Archives (NLA) enriched the 33rd edition of the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair (ADIBF) with a plethora of activities in addition to showcasing the NLA publications which document the history of the UAE and the biographies of its great leaders with their impressive great national achievements. The NLA platform introduced visitors to its latest books, periodicals, and many historical pictures. Moreover, the large screens in the platform displayed films documenting important milestones in Emirati-Egyptian relations, along with others illustrating the NLA national efforts in preserving the memory of the nation.
His Excellency Abdulla Majed Al Ali, Director General of the National Library and Archives, said: “The National Library and Archives is interested in participating in the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair since it contributes to propelling the NLA’s role in enriching knowledge societies with its distinguished cultural production, knowledge and services for researchers, academics, students, and the public. Other NLA services include organizing official and private archives as well as preserving, processing, and restoring historical documents.”
His Excellency added that the NLA’s keenness to put its initiatives in the limelight prompts it to take advantage of ADIBF, which is a major cultural event drawing audiences from across the globe. The NLA’s participation in ADIBF aims to strengthen mutual cultural bonds, build relationships, foster cooperation and integration with cultural institutions and publishers, and reach out to the exhibition audience and participants to bring them closer to the memory of the nation.
His Excellency invited ADIBF audience to visit the NLA platform to view its initiatives and latest publications, namely “Zayed, A Visual Journey”, “Diaries of Sheikh Tahnoon bin Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Nahyan”, and others.
The NLA organized educational activities at its platform since the start of Abu Dhabi International Book Fair. Besides, the NLA platform hosted a dialogue seminar entitled “The Role of Translation Entities in Promoting Cultural Dialogue Among Civilizations: the NLA As a Model”, on the second day of ADIBF. It reviewed the history of translation in Europe, the Arab world, and the Islamic world, then delved into to the status of translation in the Arab world in the present time (the third millennium).
The seminar touched on various themes including translation and cultural movement in the post-globalization era, the obstacles facing the translation movement in the Arab world, and the role of the NLA and similar institutions in the UAE in supporting and revitalizing the translation movement at all levels.
It’s worth noting that the NLA’s participation in Abu Dhabi International Book Fair involved organizing specialized seminars and educational activities for students. On another note, the NLA took advantage of ADIFB to enrich its library with the latest publications related to the history and heritage of the UAE.
The NLA welcomed the ADIBF visitors at its Platform No. G11 in Hall Five throughout the exhibition days.

The Poetry of Sheikh Zayed is the Main Topic of a Number of Research and Studies That Show the Necessity for Translating the Emirati Culture.
The National Library and Archives Emphasizes the Importance of Translating the Poetry of Sheikh Zayed into English for its Authenticity and Embodiment of High National Principles and Values.
The 4th International Translation Conference, which will be organized by the National Library and Archives under the slogan (Towards New Horizons: Translation and the Building Knowledge Societies) on 17-18 April 2024 – honors the poetry of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, being an original poet who was keen to revive heritage, preserving customs and traditions, and sustaining growth, development and progress in the United Arab Emirates. One of the most important studies that the conference will witness is a study of his poetry as an example of the importance of translating the Emirati heritage into living languages in order to enhance the image of the UAE on the map of global culture.
The research, which will be presented by Professor Dr. Saddik Gouhar, Translation Expert at the National Library and Archives, entitled: “The Intellectual and Cultural Importance of Translating Emirati Heritage into English: The Poems of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan as an Example” – confirms the importance of Sheikh Zayed’s poems, which were full of glories, heroism, ambition, and aspiration for ideals and values and high values.
The researcher examines excerpts from the poetry of Sheikh Zayed from multiple aspects in light of contemporary poetic translation theories and the theories of the British Poet Sir Philip Sidney, who praised ancient poets. The researcher confirms that Sheikh Zayed’s poems are an integral part of the heritage of Nabati poetry, which Ibn Khaldun referred to in his (Muqaddimah), which was first published in 1377. Sheikh Zayed was one of the pioneers of Emirati Nabati poetry. The Nabati poetry has been considered as an essential aspect of the local culture. Among the local poets who mastered the Nabati poetry is His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and other contemporary poets.
The researcher examines excerpts from the poetry of Sheikh Zayed from multiple aspects in light of contemporary poetic translation theories and the theories of the British Poet Sir Philip Sidney, who praised ancient poets. The researcher confirms that Sheikh Zayed’s poems are an integral part of the heritage of Nabati poetry, which Ibn Khaldun referred to in his (Muqaddimah), which was first published in 1377. Sheikh Zayed was one of the pioneers of Emirati Nabati poetry. The Nabati poetry has been considered as an essential aspect of the local culture. Among the local poets who mastered the Nabati poetry is His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and other contemporary poets.
The research discusses the importance of translating Sheikh Zayed’s poems into foreign languages, especially English, because his poems are creative paintings of national narratives and narrations that are deep-rooted in the Emirati history and cultural heritage. His poems have a local feature that highlights the importance of preserving heritage, honors the UAE cultural achievements, and having pride in national traditions and legacies. These poems also present topics about the UAE cultural and civilizational diversity. They also depict the insightful vision of Sheikh Zayed into life in the desert and oasis communities. These poems constitute the first literary works that have dealt with environmental issues, and formed a source of knowledge and a national symphony that chronicles the achievements of fathers and grandfathers, provides advice to the promising young generations, and are full of wonderful verses of wisdom and moral guidance. Sheikh Zayed’s poems strengthens the bonds of communication between the various segments of Emirati society. In addition to the human and aesthetic feelings that are considered the main pattern of most of the poems and thereby highlight the deep-rooted authentic features in the moral and social structure of Emirati society.
The conference sessions will discuss other issues related to the UAE society; so Professor Adriaan De Man from the United Arab Emirates University will present a study entitled: “Digitized Historical Resources for Sustainable UAE Heritage”. Professor Ivan Williams from the University of Abuja in Nigeria will present a study entitled: “AI-Enhanced Multilingual Cinema and Inclusivity in the Emirates and Globally”. Professor Dr. Soňa Šnircová from Pavol Jozef Šafárik University in Slovakia will present a study entitled: “Arabic Literature in Slovak translation”, in addition to many other research papers and studies.

The National Library and Archives hosts its first Ramadan Majlis’ evening.
About the Arabian Saluki and its ancient and deep-rooted origins in the UAE and the Arabian Peninsula’s deserts

The National Library and Archives hosted in its Majlis the first Ramadan evening on the “Saluki… An authentic breed and ancient deep-rooted origin” The cultural evening was attended by a great crowd of dignitaries and intellectuals. This evening came in line with the new National Library and Archives’ corporate brand, aspiring to enrich knowledge societies and promote awareness about the ancient heritage as an important and key pillar in instilling and preserving national identity.
Commenting on the National Library and Archives’ Majlis, His Excellency, Abdulla Majed Al Ali, Director General, quoted the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, stating that: “The Majlis is a school in its own right’’, and the National Library and Archives concurs and believes in the great significance of Majlises, and has accordingly established its Majlis to serve as a cultural destination and a knowledge hub that promotes, and establishes its leading and crucial role in culture production and sustainability, and in enriching knowledge societies. The Majlis was inaugurated at the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan, which is renowned for being the month of enhancing human communication and social relations.
H.E. added: “The National Library and Archives intends to host various Ramadan evenings with the participation of prominent cultural and intellectual figures, to discuss and delve into diverse important topics and crucial issues relating to Emirati heritage and culture, and to explore cultural horizons with various renowned specialists and creative cultural figures.”
His Excellency welcomed all attendees and thanked the seminar participating speakers and Saluki owners.
The lecture was delivered by Mr. Hamad Ghanim Shaheen Al Ghanim, Founder and owner of the Arabian Saluki Club, and Chairman of the Arabian Saluki competitions and Heritage Races Committee, who tackled the historical importance of Salukis in the United Arab Emirates and the Arabian Peninsula, stressing that it is one of the key elements of the celebrated Emirati heritage to which great various levels’ interest and attention are attached.
Al-Ghanim stressed that the Saluki history in the Arabian Peninsula dates back thousands of years and talked about the Arabian Saluki types in the Emirates, mentioning two categories or breeds, namely: the feathery or “Al Aryash”, and the smooth or “Al-Hoss”. He added that Arabs call their Salukis names that are derived from their color, breed or qualities, and that some poets praised the Salukis in their poems, commending and celebrating their loyalty and great role when accompanying falconers on hunting trips, and in safeguarding the villages or “mahadhir”.
He pointed out that Saluki owners participate in Saluki racing competitions or festivals and in Saluki beauty contests. Al-Ghanim’s lecture was clarified and enriched by physically presenting more than ten Saluki hound dogs that were accompanied by their owners, where he introduced the feathery Saluki known as “Al-Aryash” and the smooth one known as “Al-Hoss”, pointing out that Salukis’ life span often exceeds twenty years.
The Veterinarian, Dr. Bilal Abdel Halim educated the audience about Salukis care-taking procedures, stressing that prevention is always better than cure, as it reduces the sick Saluki’s owner’s treatment or medication expenses and sufferings. Protecting a Saluki from sickness or disease requires performing regular and periodic medical examinations, vaccinations against viruses, mites or insects, etc., it also requires determining food amounts based on the Saluki’s age, type and sex, and the targeted objective, whether it is racing or a beauty context, and ensuring that its food is kept pure and preserved against heat and moisture, so it does not get spoilt.
The Ramadan Majlis’ evening was well received and witnessed great interaction from the audience and all present as they highly appreciated the valuable information introduced by Mr. Al-Ghanim about Salukis, and the great tips and recommendations of Dr. Bilal Abdul Halim, as they recounted several interesting stories about Salukis, and asked various questions about Saluki raising, training, advantages and their current significance and importance.
During that Ramadan Majlis’ cultural evening, many of the Saluki owners displayed to the present public their Salukis, some of which had already won either Saluki races, or beauty contests.

Through the launching of Harf Club activities in the National Month of Reading
The National Library and Archives enriches knowledge and raises awareness with The Laws of Human Nature

The Harf Club of the National Library and Archives began its activities in the National Month of Reading with a book review session discussing Robert Greene’s book, The Laws of Human Nature. The session comes within a series of cultural events aiming at enriching knowledge in line with the National Library and Archives’ new branding, which aspires to empower and enrich knowledge societies.
The session, which was held at Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Hall at the National Library and Archives, was presented by Mr. Walid Saif Ghailan, Deputy Director of Harf Club. He pointed out that this book aims to clarify the primary motives of human behaviour, transform the reader’s understanding of people’s behaviour, and change the way they handle them for the better. This signals the National Library and Archives’ interest in reading as a gateway to civilization and the access to all sciences through which we learn about the previous peoples’ experiences and the present human achievements.
Harf Club selected the Laws of Human Nature by the American author Robert Green because it is the fruit of scientific studies rather than an individual point of view. Each chapter begins with a story explaining the motive (law), the impact of which is then divulged together with ways of positively taking advantage of it. The book emphasizes that human nature cannot be changed, but rather refined.
Participants in the session focused on the importance of the skills which need to be practiced in order to become habits according to the book. The session touched on the laws discussed in the book, namely the Law of Irrationality, Law of Narcissism, Law of Role-Playing, Law of Compulsive Behaviour, Law of Shortsightedness, Law of Self-Sabotage, Law of Blind Imitation, and others.
It should be noted that the Harf Club is one of the initiatives of the National Library and Archives to encourage reading.

As there are many of them in the UAE and due to the significance of their contents
The National Library and Archives Organizes a Lecture About Private Archives and their Importance.
Based on the significance and the abundance of private archives in the UAE, and their role in documenting historical facts that enrich the nation’s memory, the National Library and Archives (NLA) organized a lecture entitled: “Private Archives: Treasures of Individual Efforts”. The lecture shed light on the importance of archives, their diverse historical documents, their role in preserving crucial historical documents, the possibility of carrying out research on them, easy access to information, as well as the significance of private archives in preserving national identity.
In his lecture, Researcher Mr. Mohammed Al Habsi showcased several private archives he had visited over the course of a decade. He emphasized that these private archives are the result of individual efforts, which often necessitate more attention in accordance with scientific standards. Furthermore, he emphasized that without a defined identity and facilitated access to information, an archive cannot be considered an archive.
The lecture, held at Mohamed Bin Zayed Hall in the NLA, highlighted that a private archive comes in various forms such as personal archive, family archive, and association archive, which are is categorized based on the size of its collection, the location of preservation or organization, and its significance. Additionally, it illustrated different types of archives such as the historical archive, the artistic archive, the literary archive, maps and atlases archive, and the political archive. The lecture emphasized the significant roles of the archivist.
Mr. Al Habsi presented the methods of establishing private archives, affirming that they all originate from the passion of their owners for collecting and preserving documents. He also shed lights on the drawbacks of preserving private archives, such as piling up, unspecialized preservation containers, and wrapping methods that diminish the value of the documents. The primary challenges facing private archives are the natural challenges such as heat, humidity, varying temperatures, rodents, insects, etc.
The lecture, attended by a large number of individuals from the NLA and outside, concluded that the private archives require legislations and regulations, registration and documentation, training courses for their owners, moral and financial support, and digitization. Consequently, Mr. Al Habsi emphasized the crucial role of the NLA in this regard.

The National Library and Archives Opens at its Headquarters a New Advanced Reading Hall, and Organizes More than 300 Activities During the UAE Reading Month.
The National Library and Archives has completed its preparations for the UAE Reading Month with a program full of reading achievements and activities, based on its mission, which emphasizes its role in empowering and enriching knowledge societies.
Regarding the National Library and Archives’ celebration of this month, His Excellency Abdullah Majid Al Ali, the Director General, said: “Reading is the gateway to civilization and the basic threshold to every science. Through reading, we learn about the experiences of previous nations and the present human achievement. Reading is our means for dealing and interacting with the knowledge age and its tools that are persistently developing; we enrich knowledge society and knowledge-based economy.”
His Excellency ads: “As the United Arab Emirates celebrates the Reading Month, the National Library and Archives is keen to be a pleasant source of reading hub throughout the year by opening its doors to readers of all walks of life, and providing them with references, sources, and traditional and electronic information resources. We welcome the Reading Month by opening a second reading hall; which provides all the services to its visitors as per the finest practices and technologies, and by organizing more than 300 reading activities and events by which we reach the audience of the National Library and Archives.”
His Excellency pointed out that the National Library and Archives contributes in making reading a way of life in order to ensure its sustainability among the members of society due to its importance in supporting the process of innovation and excellence, and in continuing stainable knowledge development.
His Excellency said: “We are pleased to continue our journey in the light of the directives of our wise leadership in serving readers. We are paving the way for researchers and students who light the road towards the bright and honorable future to which we aspire.”
The National Library and Archives organizes a number of important events during the UAE Month of Reading, such as: The Great Thinkers Program, which celebrates the great writers and thinkers, the Cultural Season Program, which continues to provide lectures and seminars that enhance the role of the National Library and Archives in enriching the knowledge societies, and the Knowledge Program, which the National Library and Archives implements in cooperation with the Emirates Literature Foundation. The Louvre Museum will host its next symposium on 20 March.
The National Library and Archives has a program with the educational sector that includes a reading marathon for students, the “Let’s Go Together” program, which focuses on a guided reading for children, the “Innovators” program, which deals with writing, and “Emirates My Homeland program, which is a set of interactive workshops for children that are drawn from educational booklet.
The National Library and Archives will enrich the month of reading with public activities, including: “Question from a Book” competition that encourages the public to read its publications.
During the Month of Reading, the Emirates Library will provide two workshops to introduce the use of the new reading hall at the National Library and Archives’ headquarters, which features the latest technologies and services it provides to beneficiaries and ways to benefit from them. The National Library and Archives will host Ms. Basma Al-Mesbahi from the “Asif Ya” Reading Club in a symposium about the club and its role in the field of reading, and will host Mr. Amer Khazzi Al-Mahdi from the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood to talk about the impact of reading on his creative writing of scripts to short film.
On the same level, the National Library and Archives “Harf” Reading Club will also organize four events, starting with the presentation of the book (Laws of Human Nature) in the Abrahamic House, and will meet creative people in clubs specialized in reading. Some writers and creative people in the National Library and Archives will speak about their experiences and the impact of reading on their cultural upbringing and creativity.

Emphasizing the vital role of reading in acquiring knowledge and investing it in serious writing endeavours,
The National Library and Archives hosts a dialogue session at the “Memory of the Nation” pavilion at Sheikh Zayed Festival
The Youth Council at the National Library and Archives (NLA) hosted a dialogue session at the “Memory of the Nation” pavilion at Sheikh Zayed Festival 2024, aiming to encourage reading and serious writing. The NLA’s talented and creative authors participated in the session and shared their personal experiences and their cultural and intellectual background.
The session speakers included Mrs. Fatima Al Mazrouei, Mr. Rashed Al Hamadi, Mrs. Iman Al Breiki, and was moderated by Mr. Mohammed Bishr, President of the NLA Youth Council.
The session shed light on the importance of reading as an essential knowledge acquirement tool that is unanimously considered more efficient when one starts it at an early age. Mrs. Fatima Al Mazrouei stressed that the upbringing of children plays a vital role in encouraging them to read and gain knowledge and referred to home libraries and grandmothers’ tales as essential sources of inspiration. She added that she has been a bookworm since she was a child and has produced dozens of books, the latest being “Expo from Osaka to Dubai” along with numerous novels, plays, short stories, poems, and essays. She also pointed out the importance of the National Law of Reading and the National Reading Month, the initiatives and activities of which she encouraged the public to take advantage of and to select useful books.
Mr. Rashed Al Hamadi showcased his best-selling book at the Sharjah Book Fair titled “Black and White,” which delves into a myriad of subjects, ideas, and issues related to the youth. He emphasized the significant role his father played in nurturing his talents, particularly in reading and writing. Moreover, Mr. Al Hamadi underscored the importance of having libraries at home and highlighted the value of acquiring knowledge through reading. He also encouraged young people to actively seek opportunities rather than waiting for them.
Mrs. Iman Al Breiki, author of “Tolerance in The United Arab Emirates” and “The United Arab Emirates: History and Accomplishment” which are among the remarkable publications of the NLA, pointed out that she took advantage of the NLA resources including document and pictures. She emphasized that her father is her first teacher and inspirer, who encouraged her to pursue reading and writing, and she drew strength of character from him.
The dialogue session also featured numerous contributions and questions regarding e-books and the decline of paper books, as well as the impact of electronic systems on reading habits.

Documentary filmmaker and writer Alex Bescoby took the stage, sharing his incredible tale of a road trip unlike any other. He spoke about his epic journey between London and Singapore, a trip he undertook twice, separated by a remarkable six and a half decades. Bescoby’s engaging talk delved into the fascinating contrasts between his experiences, highlighting the challenges and remarkable changes he witnessed first-hand.

His Excellency Abdullah Majid Al Ali, Director General of the National Library and Archives stated in his statement on behalf of Dr Husniya Al Ali, Educational Programs Consultant at National Library and Archives, “This session’s vital theme of exploring diverse cultures through travel writing is a true asset to the Knowledge Circle. It adds a fresh layer of knowledge and perspectives beyond the traditional science-focused topics, further solidifying National Library and Archives’ commitment to enriching the knowledge society. This exploration also opens exciting doors to the world of travel literature and the captivating stories it holds.”

He continued, “The purpose of the National Library and Archives is to preserve archival content and keep a record of documents and ensuring it is accessible to the public. Alex Bescoby’s travel memoir does something similar by recounting the recreation of one of history’s greatest road journey. Through visual aids, it is stories like these that pique the interest of the general audience and give them an entry point to understand the many facets of cultural development.”

He concluded, “At the National Library and Archives, we’ve partnered with the Emirates Literature Foundation to make every Knowledge Circle session truly special. By moving the programme from our headquarters in Abu Dhabi to Dubai, we’re excited to welcome a new and diverse audience. This partnership with the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature allows us to embark on a thrilling, innovative journey, reflecting the National Library and Archives’ mission to nurture knowledge-based societies. We aim to spark interest in preserving our nation’s memory and aspirations, while safeguarding the UAE’s documentary record for future generations.”

Dr Husniya Al Ali warmly welcomed the attendees, offering her thanks to the event organizers. She then encouraged everyone to actively participate in the National Library and Archives’ ongoing Knowledge Circle series and other cultural and specialized events.

The session featured the captivating work of travel writer Alex Bescoby, who documents journeys from one destination to another, in the process showcasing how various places and aspects of life have changed over time. This has introduced a new dimension to the Knowledge Circle series as travel writing and documentary filmmaking, such as Bescoby’s, accurately captures these kinds of ongoing shifts in an exciting and dynamic way that garners attention from researchers, historians, and other adventure enthusiasts.

Isobel Abulhoul OBE, Founder, Advisor and Trustee of the Emirates Literature Foundation said: “The Knowledge Circle series has proven to be a great success in bringing audiences to the National Library and Archives and sharing the significance of cultural development with the general public. I am thrilled that Knowledge Circle is coming to the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature. We are so grateful to be able to share the experience of the Festival and the thought-provoking conversations at the sessions with more people through the support of partners like the National Library and Archives. I am curious and excited to see the next stops in the Knowledge Circle series.”

The Knowledge Circle programme is an engaging series of free cultural events that started last September and will continue throughout 2024. It includes monthly events that address crucial topics related to archives that lead the development of literature and cultural sector. The programme is also a great opportunity for the public to visit the premises of the National Library and Archives and other cultural centers of the UAE and learn about the rich past, present and future of the Emirates. To secure a spot and participate in this enriching dialogue, interested individuals can register at the website.

-Ends-

About the National Library and Archives: The National Library and Archives is a pioneering institution dedicated to the preservation and exploration of the cultural heritage of the Arabian Gulf region. With a legacy spanning over fifty years, the National Library and Archives continues to be at the forefront of promoting cultural engagement and knowledge exchange. Through its various initiatives and events, it strives to provide a platform for individuals to deepen their understanding of the rich history and heritage of the United Arab Emirates.

About the Emirates Literature Foundation: The Emirates Literature Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation which supports and nurtures a love of literature in the United Arab Emirates and the region, through a programme of varied cultural initiatives. Established in 2013 by Royal Decree issued by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the Foundation aims to foster a love for literature, with a focus on the Arabic language.

In line with the National Reading Policy of the UAE, the Foundation has implemented several long-term projects including the First Chapter, the School Librarian of the Year Award, Kateb Maktub, and From the Inside Out, as well as conducting year-round student education programmes, book clubs and mentorship programmes. The Foundation’s previous initiatives included the 2020 International Literary Festivals Conference, the 2017 Dubai International Publishing Conference and the 2016 Dubai Translation Conference.

The Foundation is also the governing body of the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature, the UAE’s premier literary festival.

Throughout its platform at Cairo International Book Fair 2024, the National Library and Archives showcased the future and aspirations of Emirati libraries

Mr. Hamad AlHamiri, the Director of Research and Knowledge Services Department at the National Library and Archives presented a lecture during the NLA participation in the 55th Edition of the Cairo International Book Fair. The lecture, entitled “The National Library…Visions and Aspirations”, illustrates the visions and aspirations of national libraries in the UAE, their new initiatives, and the structure of information, policies and regulations that contribute to organizing library operations in the country. Additionally, the lecture underlines the methods of preserving knowledge production that align with the UAE cultural agenda. Mr. AlHamiri argues that the creation of the National Library was inspired by the previous experiences of advanced global libraries. He also states that the efforts to establish the National Library began in accordance with the Federal Law No. (13) of 2021 on merging the National Library with National Archives.
Mr. AlHamiri points out that the National Library is working on issuing an executive regulation to be used as a model by other libraries in the country. Moreover, AlHamiri adds that the National Library is entrusted with the tasks of preserving the legacy and cultural creativity and making knowledge accessible to the public.
The lecture demonstrated the importance of the National Library, which stems from the significance of maintaining knowledge, intellectual production and cultural heritage of the UAE. This includes its role in preserving references, sources, periodicals, and manuscripts, and then storing them in modern, suitable facilities for accessibility to researchers and those interested in the UAE history. The National Library also plays a major role in creating standard Emirati indexes, focusing on highlighting national bibliographical records and limiting various information resources. Moreover, it contributes to preserving as much material as possible within the country through international standard number agencies (ISBN) for books and periodicals, serving as a resource in the memory of the world.
In his lecture, Mr. AlHamiri revealed the NLA’s efforts in providing a digital informational database, electronic warehouses available to researchers, and laboratories for innovation and creativity for young people to support their interests, activities, ambitions and innovation.
The lecture concluded that the National Library has a great cultural role in preserving the cultural legacy and knowledge of the UAE. Furthermore, it plays a crucial role in the proper cultural and national upbringing of generations, encouraging them towards more creativity and innovation. Thus, the National Library will serve as a cultural and regional beacon among the world’s advanced and developed libraries.

The National Library and Archives organizes a media forum on the sidelines of the 55th Edition of the Cairo International Book Fair

The National Library and Archives held a media forum during the Cairo International Book Fair 2024 to introduce its new corporate brand and highlight its key projects and initiatives, its efforts to establish the national library to preserve the UAE cultural heritage, and to launch the Encyclopaedia of UAE History project and the recently published Al Maqta quarterly magazine. The NLA invited media representatives to be its development partners through its upcoming stage, and to visit and provide press-coverage of the UAE participating booths in the Cairo International Book Fair.
H.E. Abdullah Majed Al Ali, Director-General of the NLA, welcomed the media representatives and said: “It is a great pleasure and honour to welcome you all as we celebrate the 55th Edition of the Cairo International Book Fair, which is a major cultural event in which the NLA always keenly seeks to participate.” H.E. added: “We fully recognize and appreciate the media’s crucial role, being a key tool in public education, awareness and entertainment, a role which we proudly share in our pursuit of enriching knowledge societies.”
H.E. also mentioned that the Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan had established the National Library and Archives in 1968 with the aim of documenting the establishment and development of the UAE state, and since then it has spared no effort to preserve the glorious history and ancient cultural heritage of the UAE.
Following the National Library and the National Archives merger, our efforts were directed towards establishing an advanced national library that matches and keeps abreast with the world’s largest libraries, to preserve the UAE national heritage and to significantly contribute to the cultural and knowledge production. In this context, we launched, a few weeks ago, the Encyclopaedia of UAE history project, which serves as a valuable, authentic, reliable, and documented source and reference enriching both Arab and international libraries. Moreover, in the beginning of this year, we unveiled the National Library and Archives’ new corporate brand, which reflected the power and potential of all forms of communication, as well as our deep and keen interest in the glorious history of the UAE.
H.E. concluded his speech by stressing the NLA’s great interest in its annual participation in the Cairo International Book Fair, as one of the most prestigious and renowned book Fairs in the Arab world, which H.E. considers a valuable opportunity to strengthen relations with the various cultural institutions in Egypt which has always been widely recognized as the hub of culture and knowledge.
Hassan Al Shemeili, Head of General media and Diplomatic Affairs at the UAE Embassy in Cairo, emphasized that the UAE’s rich cultural heritage is reflected in the deep-rooted values instilled in its people over the years.
Al Shemeili added that the UAE’s wise leadership has, since its establishment by the Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, attached great interest and importance to the UAE cultural heritage. These interests and relentless efforts continued and developed during the reign of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, given the great significance, and importance of this heritage in raising public awareness, and disseminating knowledge among its people and in preserving the UAE national identity and societal solidarity.
He also stated that despite the UAE’s keen pursuit to realize and achieve modernity, development, and technologic advancement, it has never forgotten its ancient cultural heritage and authentic deep-rooted customs and traditions. The UAE has successfully achieved an excellent balance between the old and the new, blending authenticity and modernity, since it believes that cultural heritage reflects the national identity, and history of any nation, and paves the way to promoting the values of tolerance and coexistence among the various world people.
In the context of promoting this cultural heritage and introducing the UAE ancient rich history and prosperous present, many Emirati cultural institutions, at the forefront of which is the NLA, annually participates in the Cairo International Book Fair events. The NLA’s participation in the 55th Edition of this significant cultural forum and Hub comes in line with its efforts and keen interest to familiarize the book fair visitors with its great role in documenting the UAE and Gulf region’s history, to introduce its distinguished cultural production and publications, and strengthen cooperation ties with various cultural institutions in Egypt.
Al Shemeili stressed that the effective participation of Emirati institutions in the Cairo International Book Fair reflects the close and friendly relationship between the UAE and the Arab Republic of Egypt in all fields, including the outstanding cultural relations and close cooperation between the two sisterly countries’ cultural institutions.
He also invited the book fair visitors to visit the Emirati institutions’ booths and platforms to explore their distinguished cultural production and benefit from the Fair’s different activities.

The National Library and Archives enriching the Cairo International Book Fair 2024 with a symposium on the role of national libraries in preserving nations’ heritage
The National Library and Archives enriched the Cairo International Book Fair 2024 with a symposium on the role of national libraries in preserving nations’ heritage. It highlighted the NLA’s efforts to preserve the UAE’s ancient history and heritage. It also stressed that our interest in heritage is genuine, and it stems from the visions of the Founding Father of the UAE Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan who placed great attention to heritage given the significance of our origins, which reaffirm the authenticity of peoples, shape their characters, protect their present and secure their future.
H.E. Abdulla Majed Al Ali, the NLA’s Director General, emphasized in his paper that history and heritage are two fundamental pillars of the nation’s identity. Peoples take pride in their history and heritage, which form their culture and from which they draw lessons for their present and future.
Moreover, His Excellency said “Since heritage is a chain that links ancestors with descendants and through which ancestors’ virtues continue to pass to their children and grandchildren, it affects our present and future. That is why we are keen on preserving our Emirati heritage, which we are proud of and which we faithfully transfer to the generations to come. The national library assumes the ultimate responsibility for this. Furthermore, it devotes attention to collect, safeguard, organize and make cultural heritage accessible. It also preserves history, which constitutes a part of the UAE’s identity. The national library is fit to take part in all types of collaboration, exchange of information items with other international libraries and sponsorship of national documentary programs, noting that national libraries include peoples’ national intellectual and cultural production, which is displayed in an organized way and made accessible to visitors including researchers, academics and others. It is worth mentioning that national libraries contain the history and heritage of peoples and nations, which we keep at the forefront of our interests and work on preserving and providing among our library collections.”
His Excellency added: “By focusing on the national library, we look forward to an advanced national library that is parallel to major libraries worldwide and capable to preserve the cultural heritage of the UAE based on the latest standards.
The national library being in the process of establishment does not mean that the National Library and Archives is starting from scratch. It already had a library since its establishment in 1968 as Center for Documentation and Research at Qasr Al Hosn’s historical building in downtown Abu Dhabi. This is pursuant to our belief that the UAE’s history and heritage will be preserved through books that are kept with due diligence at the library. As the National Library and Archives progresses, the library also develop, so it has largely become a specialized library and since then it has been accessible to the public.
In addition to the national library’s role in preserving nations’ history and heritage, His Excellency the Director General has also discussed its role in compiling the national bibliography, preventing the nation’s heritage and creative thinking from destruction and loss, encouraging reading among generations and employing modern technologies in preserving history and heritage.
Dr. Zain Abdul Hady, Director of Library of the New Administrative Capital and former Board of Directors Chairman of the National Library and Archives of Egypt, participated in the symposium. He tackled the history of national libraries worldwide and their special position among the soft powers and cultural figures in every country as well as their roles in preserving heritage and reading and educational initiatives. He took the Library of Congress as an example; it launches initiatives in the field of books, series and journals and adopts scientific, historical and cultural centers.
He added: national libraries have multiple roles in developing reading habits and building digital libraries. These roles are not limited to services only, but they also supervise academic programs of universities’ libraries or coordinate with libraries sections. Some countries tend to establish vocational schools for librarianship. National libraries contribute to the preparation of national strategies for culture, serve as depository center for books issued by the respective country or authored by its nationals. According to Carnegie, libraries bring peoples together while Ranganathan indicated that libraries are the memory of the world, and a world without libraries is a world that has neither memory nor civilization.

With a program loaded with cultural activities, events and seminars,
The National Library and Archives gets ready to participate in the Cairo Book Fair 2024
The National Library and Archives has completed its preparations to participate in the 55th edition of the Cairo International Book Fair, which will be held in the Egyptian capital from January 24 to February 6, 2024. The NLA’s participation is prompted by its keen interest in informing the book fair audience about its cultural and intellectual production and the most important developments in enriching knowledge societies. The NLA also aims at shedding light on its upgraded services as a documentation and archiving institution and a cultural edifice and strengthening relations with cultural and archival institutions in the Arab Republic of Egypt.
His Excellency Abdullah Majed Al Ali, Director General of the National Library and Archives, commented on the NLA’s participation saying that it is keen to positively partake in the Cairo International Book Fair to enlighten about the honourable history of the United Arab Emirates and its prosperous present. He pointed out that this is one of the oldest book fairs in the Arab world, and it is an annual cultural event for intellectuals, researchers and readers.
The NLA’s platform in the Cairo International Book Fair informs visitors about the UAE and its distinctive relationship with the Arab Republic of Egypt. It is also abounding with seminars specialized in archiving and libraries, productive and useful cultural meetings, and entertainment events. The NLA seizes this opportunity to strengthen relations with cultural institutions in Egypt which is famous for its prolific thought and intellect.
His Excellency praised the distinguished brotherly relations between the UAE and Egypt, which have been consolidated and developed under the wise leadership of both countries.
The rich program of the National Library and Archives in the Cairo Book Fair 2024 comprises cultural seminars, entertainment events, and activities related to its interests. The NLA’s platform displays a large number of its publications documenting important aspects of the UAE’s history and heritage.
The NLA’s platform highlights the new corporate identity that reflects the National Library and Archives’ strategy until 2032, and its interest in preserving documentary heritage and identifying future trends in the political, social, environmental, legal, technological and economic arenas.
The new corporate identity aligns with the National Library and Archives’ mission in the next phase, which is to collect, preserve and make available documentary heritage to empower and enrich knowledge societies.
The façade of the platform is adorned with the National Library and Archives’ new logo, a corporate branding that captures the power and potential of communication methods. It also reflects the NLA’s interest in the ancient history of the UAE, and its protection of our ancestors’ legacy in its details. It highlights the NLA’s aspirations and goals in the next stage, and its role which involves not only preserving its knowledge treasures, but also creating knowledge and enriching knowledge societies.
The platform is interested in informing visitors about the importance of the portal of the Arabian Gulf Digital Archives (AGDA), which includes virtual exhibitions and thousands of important historical documents on the history of the UAE and the Gulf. In fact, it is a source of academic and research studies, and an important reference for researchers and those interested in the history of the United Arab Emirates.