A significant and valuable addition to beneficiaries and a gateway to its services and knowledge treasures
The National Library and Archives launches a modern and advanced website

The National Library and Archives launched the new version of its website to keep pace with its ongoing development. The new website enhances the NLA’s vital role in preserving the memory of the nation, and enables researchers, academics, and beneficiaries to access its pioneering services.
Regarding the new website, His Excellency Abdullah Majid Al Ali, Director General said: “The National Library and Archives found it necessary to update its website within the framework of its continuous endeavors to develop and expand its services and tasks. The new website enables customers to access these services easily, embodies the NLA’s official presence on the Internet. It constitutes a bridge to communicate with beneficiaries over time and a window on the information and electronic services we provide.”
 He added that the NLA is constantly working to shorten the distance between researchers and the memory of the nation, which the NLA collects and preserves according to the latest international standards and facilitate access to it."
His Excellency stressed that the NLA’s tasks and services are constantly evolving and expanding as they include the Center for Preservation and Restoration. The National Library, along with the Archives, will soon be a new beacon beaming with the memory of the nation and its cultural and intellectual heritage. The aim is to give researchers, academics, students and the public access to these historical, heritage and cultural treasures which are useful resources when writing about the UAE’s glorious history, ancient heritage and cultural and intellectual depth.  The new version of the website has been launched to contribute to the realization of the NLA’s mission and vision.
In her speech, Mrs. Salma Al Mansouri, Director of the Support Services Department, pointed out that the new version of the website facilitates the task of the National Library and Archives in providing distinguished archival services. She also indicated that it provides smart services, makes the NLA’s treasures accessible, and facilitates the presentation of various research materials in a modern and advanced technical framework. Mrs. Salma Al Mansouri also praised the technologies used in the new website, which are among the most powerful content management systems supporting the data entry process and its course of action.
While reviewing the details of the website and its services,  Abdulazez Al-Amim, Head of the Information Technology said: “The new version of the website sheds light on the NLA’s latest news and events. It also offers a link to the free portal of Arabian Gulf Digital Archive (AGDA), which has received a distinguished turnout from researchers and those interested in the history of the United Arab Emirates and the Gulf region because it contains thousands of original historical documents, photographs and multimedia recording important aspects of the history and heritage of the United Arab Emirates and the Arabian Peninsula. This makes the new website a valuable addition for researchers, academics, and scholars inside the UAE and abroad.
Al Amim pointed out that the new website takes advantage of Artificial Intelligence (AI) through Chatbots and dedicated interfaces, which assist researchers, academics, students and the public, as the interface of the website changes to suit each registered user.
The head of the Information Technology Section indicated the interest of new website in people of determination, as many features were added to make it user friendly to them. For example, the Smart Reader feature automatically detects and reads texts in Arabic and English. There are many other features including Zooming in and out,  and turning the screen into the Night Mode.
It is noteworthy that the website www.nla.ae gives access to that of the Emirates Library to review studies, research papers, books and photos. It also allows visitors to request archival materials.  
In line with the mission of the National Library and Archives in providing documented and trusted information, the website provides visitors with abundant and reliable information from the most accurate historical sources. It enables browsers to view the National Library and Archives’ publications, and an E-shop has been added to   sell these printed publications with the option of shipping them as well.  The website also gives access to the topics of the refereed scientific journal Liwa.

The National Library and Archives organizes more than 12 Arabic calligraphy workshops in conjunction with “Cairo International Book Fair 2023”
 In conjunction with the 54th Edition of the Cairo International Book Fair 2023, the National Library and Archives (NLA) has organized 12 Arabic calligraphy workshops within its educational activities. The NLA’s platform at Cairo International Book Fair has started these workshops on the second day of the book fair aiming to inform students about the UAE.
The workshops welcomed those who wished to learn the rules of writing Arabic calligraphy and to study its letters and aesthetics. The selected sentences and phrases that participants write in the workshops belong to the Emirati national culture.
The NLA presents Arabic calligraphy workshops in an exciting way to attract young people. The sentences, phrases, and words that participants write were derived from the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan’s sayings which abound with wisdom and love for all humankind. They were also taken from Emirati proverbs and culture to which the NLA ensured that participants in its Arabic calligraphy workshops are introduced.
Since Arabic calligraphy is considered part of the aesthetic and cultural heritage, these specialized workshops give participants the opportunity to learn the types and arts of Arabic calligraphy to which letters are visual vocabulary with creative spirit.  They also practice using its relevant tools including the bamboo pen, and they master its aesthetic and elegant handwriting styles.
The National Library and Archives continues to hold other events in various fields over the days of Cairo International Book Fair 2023.  

In the “Memory of the Nation” platform in Sheikh Zayed Festival
The National Library and Archives sheds lights on Health, Education and Agriculture in the UAE
The National Library and Archives showed a great interest in agriculture, education in all stages and health care in the United Arab Emirates in the “Memory of the Nation” platform, by which it participates in the current edition of Sheikh Zayed Festival. The three fields are among the objectives of the sustainable development. They have attracted the attention of the founder and builder of the nation, Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan since the beginnings of the renaissance of the UAE. The United Arab Emirates, under its wise leadership, continued to follow his approach to achieve the goals of sustainable development.
The National Library and Archives shows on a display screen the importance of education as an investment in human resources. The higher the percentage of education, the greater the productivity of human resources and the individual. That is positively reflected at the national level. The National Library and Archives’ national role in the sound national upbringing of generations - encourages it to document the history of education in the UAE and to contribute to the educational process.
Another display screen highlights the aspects of the origins and development of agriculture, which has changed the face of the UAE environment through the great efforts of Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who gave nature a bright green touch after his famous saying: “Give me agriculture .. I guarantee you civilization”. What the National Library and Archive presented in the platform about agriculture is only a reminder of the generous kind efforts of Sheikh Zayed in this field. The National Library and Archives has published many books documenting Sheikh Zayed’ genius in the field of agriculture and environmental improvement.
A third display screen highlights the UAE’s interest in health care as one of the pillars emphasized in the National Agenda. The government has made efforts to enhance health care for the population, both citizens and residents, through providing medical services and health facilities that show the UAE’s keenness on the individual health and safety.

In the “Memory of the Nation” platform in Sheikh Zayed Festival
The National Library and Archives sheds lights on Health, Education and Agriculture in the UAE
The National Library and Archives showed a great interest in agriculture, education in all stages and health care in the United Arab Emirates in the “Memory of the Nation” platform, by which it participates in the current edition of Sheikh Zayed Festival. The three fields are among the objectives of the sustainable development. They have attracted the attention of the founder and builder of the nation, Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan since the beginnings of the renaissance of the UAE. The United Arab Emirates, under its wise leadership, continued to follow his approach to achieve the goals of sustainable development.
The National Library and Archives shows on a display screen the importance of education as an investment in human resources. The higher the percentage of education, the greater the productivity of human resources and the individual. That is positively reflected at the national level. The National Library and Archives’ national role in the sound national upbringing of generations - encourages it to document the history of education in the UAE and to contribute to the educational process.
Another display screen highlights the aspects of the origins and development of agriculture, which has changed the face of the UAE environment through the great efforts of Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who gave nature a bright green touch after his famous saying: “Give me agriculture .. I guarantee you civilization”. What the National Library and Archive presented in the platform about agriculture is only a reminder of the generous kind efforts of Sheikh Zayed in this field. The National Library and Archives has published many books documenting Sheikh Zayed’ genius in the field of agriculture and environmental improvement.
A third display screen highlights the UAE’s interest in health care as one of the pillars emphasized in the National Agenda. The government has made efforts to enhance health care for the population, both citizens and residents, through providing medical services and health facilities that show the UAE’s keenness on the individual health and safety.

In the “Memory of the Nation” platform in Sheikh Zayed Festival
The National Library and Archives sheds lights on Health, Education and Agriculture in the UAE
The National Library and Archives showed a great interest in agriculture, education in all stages and health care in the United Arab Emirates in the “Memory of the Nation” platform, by which it participates in the current edition of Sheikh Zayed Festival. The three fields are among the objectives of the sustainable development. They have attracted the attention of the founder and builder of the nation, Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan since the beginnings of the renaissance of the UAE. The United Arab Emirates, under its wise leadership, continued to follow his approach to achieve the goals of sustainable development.
The National Library and Archives shows on a display screen the importance of education as an investment in human resources. The higher the percentage of education, the greater the productivity of human resources and the individual. That is positively reflected at the national level. The National Library and Archives’ national role in the sound national upbringing of generations - encourages it to document the history of education in the UAE and to contribute to the educational process.
Another display screen highlights the aspects of the origins and development of agriculture, which has changed the face of the UAE environment through the great efforts of Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who gave nature a bright green touch after his famous saying: “Give me agriculture .. I guarantee you civilization”. What the National Library and Archive presented in the platform about agriculture is only a reminder of the generous kind efforts of Sheikh Zayed in this field. The National Library and Archives has published many books documenting Sheikh Zayed’ genius in the field of agriculture and environmental improvement.
A third display screen highlights the UAE’s interest in health care as one of the pillars emphasized in the National Agenda. The government has made efforts to enhance health care for the population, both citizens and residents, through providing medical services and health facilities that show the UAE’s keenness on the individual health and safety.

In the “Memory of the Nation” platform in Sheikh Zayed Festival
The National Library and Archives sheds lights on Health, Education and Agriculture in the UAE
The National Library and Archives showed a great interest in agriculture, education in all stages and health care in the United Arab Emirates in the “Memory of the Nation” platform, by which it participates in the current edition of Sheikh Zayed Festival. The three fields are among the objectives of the sustainable development. They have attracted the attention of the founder and builder of the nation, Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan since the beginnings of the renaissance of the UAE. The United Arab Emirates, under its wise leadership, continued to follow his approach to achieve the goals of sustainable development.
The National Library and Archives shows on a display screen the importance of education as an investment in human resources. The higher the percentage of education, the greater the productivity of human resources and the individual. That is positively reflected at the national level. The National Library and Archives’ national role in the sound national upbringing of generations - encourages it to document the history of education in the UAE and to contribute to the educational process.
Another display screen highlights the aspects of the origins and development of agriculture, which has changed the face of the UAE environment through the great efforts of Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who gave nature a bright green touch after his famous saying: “Give me agriculture .. I guarantee you civilization”. What the National Library and Archive presented in the platform about agriculture is only a reminder of the generous kind efforts of Sheikh Zayed in this field. The National Library and Archives has published many books documenting Sheikh Zayed’ genius in the field of agriculture and environmental improvement.
A third display screen highlights the UAE’s interest in health care as one of the pillars emphasized in the National Agenda. The government has made efforts to enhance health care for the population, both citizens and residents, through providing medical services and health facilities that show the UAE’s keenness on the individual health and safety.

In the “Memory of the Nation” platform in Sheikh Zayed Festival
The National Library and Archives sheds lights on Health, Education and Agriculture in the UAE
The National Library and Archives showed a great interest in agriculture, education in all stages and health care in the United Arab Emirates in the “Memory of the Nation” platform, by which it participates in the current edition of Sheikh Zayed Festival. The three fields are among the objectives of the sustainable development. They have attracted the attention of the founder and builder of the nation, Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan since the beginnings of the renaissance of the UAE. The United Arab Emirates, under its wise leadership, continued to follow his approach to achieve the goals of sustainable development.
The National Library and Archives shows on a display screen the importance of education as an investment in human resources. The higher the percentage of education, the greater the productivity of human resources and the individual. That is positively reflected at the national level. The National Library and Archives’ national role in the sound national upbringing of generations - encourages it to document the history of education in the UAE and to contribute to the educational process.
Another display screen highlights the aspects of the origins and development of agriculture, which has changed the face of the UAE environment through the great efforts of Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who gave nature a bright green touch after his famous saying: “Give me agriculture .. I guarantee you civilization”. What the National Library and Archive presented in the platform about agriculture is only a reminder of the generous kind efforts of Sheikh Zayed in this field. The National Library and Archives has published many books documenting Sheikh Zayed’ genius in the field of agriculture and environmental improvement.
A third display screen highlights the UAE’s interest in health care as one of the pillars emphasized in the National Agenda. The government has made efforts to enhance health care for the population, both citizens and residents, through providing medical services and health facilities that show the UAE’s keenness on the individual health and safety.

In the “Memory of the Nation” platform in Sheikh Zayed Festival
The National Library and Archives sheds lights on Health, Education and Agriculture in the UAE
The National Library and Archives showed a great interest in agriculture, education in all stages and health care in the United Arab Emirates in the “Memory of the Nation” platform, by which it participates in the current edition of Sheikh Zayed Festival. The three fields are among the objectives of the sustainable development. They have attracted the attention of the founder and builder of the nation, Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan since the beginnings of the renaissance of the UAE. The United Arab Emirates, under its wise leadership, continued to follow his approach to achieve the goals of sustainable development.
The National Library and Archives shows on a display screen the importance of education as an investment in human resources. The higher the percentage of education, the greater the productivity of human resources and the individual. That is positively reflected at the national level. The National Library and Archives’ national role in the sound national upbringing of generations - encourages it to document the history of education in the UAE and to contribute to the educational process.
Another display screen highlights the aspects of the origins and development of agriculture, which has changed the face of the UAE environment through the great efforts of Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who gave nature a bright green touch after his famous saying: “Give me agriculture .. I guarantee you civilization”. What the National Library and Archive presented in the platform about agriculture is only a reminder of the generous kind efforts of Sheikh Zayed in this field. The National Library and Archives has published many books documenting Sheikh Zayed’ genius in the field of agriculture and environmental improvement.
A third display screen highlights the UAE’s interest in health care as one of the pillars emphasized in the National Agenda. The government has made efforts to enhance health care for the population, both citizens and residents, through providing medical services and health facilities that show the UAE’s keenness on the individual health and safety.

Participants thanked the UAE and its leadership for supporting and sponsoring the conference
The National Library and Archives and the Arab Federation for Libraries and Information Conclude the 33rd Federation’s Conference hosted by Abu Dhabi
The conference reviewed the experiences of the National library and Archives and major institutions in Oman, Libya, Sudan, Palestine... and others, in managing knowledge, contributing to knowledge economy and sustainable development.
The National Library and Archives and the Arab Federation for Libraries and Information concluded the 33rd Conference of the federation, which was hosted by the National Library and Archives in Abu Dhabi for 3 days under the theme: “Integration of National Information and Knowledge Institutions in the UAE: Libraries, Archives and Museums” The participants presented their thanks and appreciation to the United Arab Emirates and its leadership, the UAE National Library and Archives for the sponsorship and support of the conference and to all those who have contributed to its proceedings.
The recommendations of the conference focused on the importance of spreading informational awareness and culture among the Arab societies to ensure their transformation to information societies and the need to adopt effective programs in order to achieve this objective. The recommendations highlighted the need for the national libraries in the Arab countries and the public ones in particular to play their leading role in developing library practices, training their working staff members, laying down the necessary legislation, laws and standards for the Arab libraries, archives and museums and to follow-up their application and development; in order to keep abreast with the requirements of the digital age and enhance the ability of the Arab libraries, archives and museums to deal with the various crises they face by providing the necessary official and community support for their various programs and activities.
The recommendations also focused on the need to develop an Arab strategy to ensure the establishment of cooperation among the Arab libraries in general and the national libraries, archives centers and museums in particular. The recommendation stressed the importance of the role of libraries, archives and museums in achieving social responsibility and the goals of sustainable development in the Arab countries. Moreover there is a need to work on digitizing the Arab intellectual heritage published in various forms in order to make it available to researchers, and that attention must be given to the integration issue of the information and knowledge institutions in the Arab countries, the development of legislation, appropriate systems and tools in this field.
Recommendations also stressed the importance of information security in the Arab libraries, archives and museums to preserve their holdings and transfer them to future generations, in addition to the need to teach the integration of the information and knowledge institutions in syllabus  programs of the library and information science and the specialized training courses in the field.
It is noteworthy that the conference held in the last two days 12 scientific sessions, which dealt with important topics and issues, such as: the inevitability of digital convergence for knowledge integration in order to build the collective memory for the future, knowledge integration and strategic alliances with emerging Arab information systems, and the museums of Kuwait and their integrative role as a modern education tool in addition to its role in preserving and documenting the history of the country, the foreseeing role of the national libraries in the era of information and communication technology. The Libyan National Library and its role in collecting and preserving the national heritage, the role of the National Library and Archives in the UAE in supporting scientific research among university students, and the role of national libraries, archives and museums in the smart cities, and the integration of the roles and tasks among the national libraries, archives and museums.
Some of the conference sessions were focused in measuring the level of awareness of library staff in the Egyptian academic libraries, the role of intellectual capital in supporting the integration of knowledge organizations, the role of the National Electronic Medical Library in the Sultanate of Oman in facing the information epidemic to create an information impenetrable society, and the role of the Sudanese libraries in supporting the Sudanese national development plans and visions.
The conference also shed lights on the role of building knowledge maps in supporting the sustainability of knowledge institutions, the role of modern technologies and artificial intelligence techniques in facilitating information services in cultural centers and the role of Non-fungible token technology (NFT) in preserving and disseminating documentary heritage and open data in King Fahd National Library.
Among the research papers the conference discussed were: comprehensive knowledge platforms and their role in supporting the UAE strategy in applying  NFT technology in preparing museum manuscript directories, managing and investing digital assets in international and local museums, archive policies and legislation in banking institutions in Sudan, and the role of repositories in supporting the integration of information systems and tools, cooperation between national information institutions and their role in preserving heritage and the role of the National Library of Kuwait in preserving, documenting and protecting national heritage, government archive, the reality and hopes and the impact of the activities of national libraries in the Arab Gulf states in enhancing information awareness of beneficiaries.
On the third day of the conference, the sessions also focused on presenting the new publications of the Arab Federation for Libraries and Information, including standards and directories, and their importance.
The participants welcomed the announcement by the CEO of the Libraries Commission in Saudi Arabia that the 34th Conference of the Federation would be held next year in Saudi Arabia.

The National Library and Archives showcases its services in "Memory of the Nation" for visitors of Sheikh Zayed Festival

The Memory of the Nation pavilion with which the National Library and Archives participates in the Sheikh Zayed Festival 2021-2022, receives its visitors with a large panel displaying the services provided by the National Library and Archives to the researchers as well as archival units in the country's archival institutions, which include providing its publications, diagnosing and organizing archives, advising and diagnosing, and considering the destruction of useless documents.

In keeping with the mission of the National Library and Archives in "preserving the documentary heritage, to provide decision makers and the public with trusted information, and enhance civic spirit and national identity", the most prominent services listed in the panel which attracts visitors of the "Memory of the Nation" pavilion was the Archival Materials Request service, which involves providing archival materials such as photographs, historical documents, films and maps dealing with the history and heritage of the UAE and the Gulf region to government institutions and researchers from inside and outside the country.

Services also include the Diagnose of Government Archives, which involves sending an archiving expert together with some staff members of the Government Archives section to assess the status of the archives, in light of the articles of federal law No. 7 of 2008 and its executive regulations. In this context, the National Library and Archives is interested in preserving the UAE’s documentary assets; thus, it provides the service of archiving and document management advice to government agencies in accordance with international standards adopted in the archive organization and document management.

As a partner in the national upbringing of generations, the National Library and Archives provides national educational packages that include delivering national lectures, supporting curriculum, special groups and people of determination, and organizing conferences, seminars, and workshops that promote the educational process to deepen values of loyalty and belonging to the homeland among students and all segments of society.

The National Library and Archives provides the necessary technical advice and scientific guidance in the field of oral history and genealogy, which includes delivering specialized lectures and training workshops for researchers, academics and students. Furthermore, it supports government agencies, academic institutions and embassies with its publications which cover history, heritage and national values, making them available for electronic sale, and in libraries. All these publications have been evaluated by experts and specialists before being issued.

The National Library and Archives welcomes research, studies and working papers that examine the history, heritage and values of the UAE and refers them to the Scientific Committee, which in turn permits publication based on the quality of the method, scientific approach, accuracy and sound language.

The National Library and Archives organizes exhibitions of historical documents and photographs with which it participates in national events with a view to raise awareness of the UAE’s history and heritage, some of which are organized at the request of third parties.

At the Emirates Library, the National Library and Archives provides researchers, academics, students and those Interested in UAE history with ample sources of information dealing with history of the UAE and the Gulf, references and sources, university research, rare books, and Arab and foreign periodicals in paper and electronic forms.

One of the most important services provided by the National Library and Archives is the destruction of useless documents in government archives and agencies, based on the articles of the law prohibiting the destruction of any document in government agencies without the approval of the National Library and Archives, which designated a committee for destruction affairs headed by the Director-General.

The National Library and Archives continues its efforts to upgrade its services, providing them in accordance with the latest standards and the most advanced technologies, and within the framework of its mission, functions and objectives.    

Reaffirming the pledge to follow the guidance of the wise leadership and continue excellence
The National Library and Archives celebrates the 51st National Day and continues its cultural season 2022, proud of the prosperity that the UAE enjoys as it strides to the forefront

The National Library and Archives celebrated the 51st UAE National Day at its headquarters. The event marked the occasion which confirms national cohesion and determination to continue the successful march. It also comes to reaffirm the pledge of loyalty to the wise leadership to exert efforts to further enhance the leadership position of the UAE.

His Excellency Abdullah Majid Al Ali, Director General of the National Library and Archives inaugurated the ceremony. In his speech, he emphasized that the Emirati people take pride in the National Day of the UAE, which is the home of excellence, and the oasis of creativity and innovation. He expressed his happiness to celebrate this dear occasion at a time when the UAE is booming and making greater achievements that will be recorded in history as evidence of the efforts and visions of our wise leadership. These accomplishments also prove the UAE people’s sincerity as they stride confidently into the future to be at the forefront.
His Excellency said that as we celebrate this precious national occasion, we remember the accomplishments of the late Founder and Builder Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and his fellow Founding Rulers to unify and to advance the homeland and its citizens.  Driven by their efforts and sincere will, they made these glorious everlasting achievements which will be passed down to generations that love the homeland and take pride in belonging to it.
The Director General of the National Library and Archives added that as our nation rejoices at the National Day, which is an occasion to express feelings of love and loyalty to our dear country, he is pleased to extend his deepest thanks and appreciation, and best congratulations on behalf of everyone to His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed  Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, and to  His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and to their Highnesses the Sheikhs, Members of the Federal Supreme Council and Rulers of the Emirates, for their generous efforts in enhancing empowerment, innovation, development, progress and prosperity.
On this precious national occasion, His Excellency congratulated the UAE’s loyal people and its residents. He also congratulated the National Library and Archives and all its employees and affiliates advising them to exert more efforts as a token of gratitude to the nation.
The live performance of Abu Dhabi Police Music Band at the headquarters of the National Library and Archives in celebration of the National Day suggested grandeur, strength, and determination to continue the path towards further progress. A folklore troupe performed Al-Ayyala traditional dance which underscores the heritage position and reflects the pride the UAE’s people take in their environment and their folk arts.
Taking advantage of the celebrations of the 51st UAE National Day, the National Library and Archives carried on the activities of its cultural season 2022.  The orchestra of Mawhibati program performed live at Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Auditorium of the National Library and Archives, and the audience enjoyed the various musical pieces.
As part of the activities celebrating the 51st National Day and the cultural season of the National Library and Archives, talented student Abdullah Al Nuaimi recited "The Falcon Story", which briefly reviewed the story of the establishment, development and prosperity of the United Arab Emirates.
The National Library and Archives praised the contributions of the members of the "Mawhibaty" program and thanked the Department of Education and Knowledge for sponsoring those talented youngsters of promising skills. At the end of the ceremony, all the creative participants were honored.  

The National Library and Archives conducts a lecture on the importance of historical research which its promotes and advocates
The National Library and Archives conducted a virtual lecture delivered to the University of Sharjah’s PhD scholars. The lecture tackled the importance of historical research and stressed that the National Library and Archives has a remarkable history in supporting academic historic research and providing postgraduate students whether of master's or doctorate degrees as well as general researchers with documented sources, photos and historical documents.

  The National Library and Archives’ lecture was well received and followed by a large number of University of Sharjah Academics. Mrs. Fatima Sultan Al Mazrouei, Head of Historical Archives Section, and Mrs. Grace Kuruvilla, Senior Archives Specialist depicted the history of the National Library and Archives which was established upon the Founding Father and Builder Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan’s directives in 1968 in implementation of his aspired vision and mission aiming at strategic tasks and objectives.

The lecture touched on the National Library and Archives’ role in preserving the memory of the nation for future generations, and its recognized efforts in conducting and presenting documented research studies on the history and heritage of the UAE and the Gulf region to enrich the cultural circles, and organizing specialized conferences such as the International Translation Conference, the UAE Oral History Conference, and the Library and Information Conference, apart from its participation in major events, festivals and book fairs in the UAE and abroad, and its keen interest in the collection of various information from its original sources, its documentation of the UAE history through newspapers and other sources, the preservation of the documents it acquires from the UAE local and Federal government agencies various archives, and its membership in major international bodies and organizations of its specialization, at the forefront of which is the International Council on Archives, of which it is an important and effective member.

The lecture also shed light on the National Library and Archives’ Historical Archives including: Qasr Al Hosn Archives, British, American, Dutch, Portuguese, and Ottoman Archives among other important international Archives.
The lecture finally focused on documents sources and their various access methods and acquisition sources including: the British Archives, the American Archives, the Postal Museum Archives, the Geographical Society Archives, the Durham University Archives in Britain, the Israeli Archives, the Portuguese Archives, the Bombay Archives, the Dutch Archives, and other sources which the National Library and Archives resorts to for archival material acquisition.

 The two lecturers supported their speech with a large number of important documents and maps relating to the history of the UAE and the Arabian Peninsula region.
The lecture introduced the audience to the Arabian Gulf Digital Archive’s website, how to employ it in research to access its original and authentic historical documents. It also introduced them to the National Library and Archives’ recent publications, the Chronicles of the Sheikhs documenting Emirati history, the UAE renaissance highlighting place and human resources’ development.
The lecture discussed archival material acquisition methods and the National Library and Archives’ service provision channels. Finally, the lecture was concluded with students and audience great interaction through various inquiries.  Academics and students alike commended the National Library and Archives’ great national role and services that help preserve the memory of the nation through acquainting the public with it.