The National Library and Archives enriches its cultural season with a seminar on UAE sports documentation in which distinguished experts and specialists of the field participated

Participants in the National Library and Archives organized seminar entitled: "UAE Sports Documentation" stressed that the sports sector has received unlimited support from the wise UAE leadership, following in the footsteps of the Founding Father and Builder Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. This seminar comes as part of the National Library and Archives’ cultural season 2022 activities.
The symposium participants pointed out that since the UAE establishment in 1971, the interest in establishing clubs and stadiums has been accompanied by an increase in the number of sports, national teams, and participation in international sports forums, where Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan’s vision for this field was reflected in establishing distinguished modern sports facilities and also in their increased number.
The Emirati writer and journalist Mohammed Al Joker talked about the importance of sports documentation, quoting Sheikh Zayed's words: "A nation that does not know its past cannot have a present or future" as documentation preserves the memory of the nation. He also stressed that the UAE leaders are athletic figures and sports movement advocates.
He discussed his sports documentation experience and pointed out that he has enriched the cultural and sports circles with nineteen books, most of which document the emergence and history of sports movement in the UAE, while some of these books were published by the National Library and Archives.

Mr. Mansour Abdullah, Chairman of Board of Directors of the Arab Football Association for Statistics  and Documentation,  then spoke about the professional and documentary importance of football chronological documentation, and reviewed his efforts since he was seventeen years old in documenting teams and athletes’ achievements, and his continuous reading and predictions in that field, which made him a leading Specialist and Data Analyst yielding important results and useful information to sports teams.
The seminar was concluded by Dr. Sultan bin Harmool Al Shamsi, who documented in his book "Unforgettable Memories" the beginnings of the UAE football where he accumulated his football memories from 1943 to 1974.
Al-Shamsi stressed that real football was introduced into the UAE through some Adeni clubs in 1943, where Sharjah teams played several matches in Sharjah against Adeni teams, in something similar to a sports league.
 It is noteworthy that the National Library and Archives seeks through its cultural season 2022 to present historical UAE topics in an easy way through which all people may benefit, and to allow public access to this culture to enhance future generations’ historical memory and national culture.
 

The National Library and Archives announced new national projects and specialized events and delivered a lecture on the strategic thinking of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan to the National Defense College visiting delegation

H.E. Abdullah Majed Al Ali, Director General, announced that the National Library and Archives shall soon be holding its first conference on oral history in November 2022.
In his speech, His Excellency stressed to the tenth batch of the National  Defense College guests, during their visit to the National Library and Archives’ headquarters, that the National Library and Archives, with its valuable holdings on the UAE history, contributes to establishing the knowledge economy which is currently the main pillar supporting economic growth, and the means through  which knowledge and technology are employed to provide distinctive and innovative marketable products or services.
His Excellency stressed the importance of overcoming any challenges faced in the process of archives organization, given the archives great significance and important role in establishing and promoting the UAE history.
His Excellency welcomed the guests and stressed the importance of employing great care for proper document handling and processing during the three different document life stages due to the documents’ great value, in line with Law No. 7 of 2008 on the National Library and Archives, and the approved and adopted international standards.
H.E. pointed out the National Library and Archives’ great interest in oral history due to its important role in covering the missing parts in the UAE written history.
H.E. added that over 900 interviews were conducted and preserved by the Oral History Archives, and that the National Library and Archives has published two editions of the book entitled "Their Memory Our History" based on these oral interviews, and the third edition shall be launched soon.
Dr. Husniya Al-Ali, Educational Programs Consultant at the National Library and Archives, delivered to the tenth batch of the National Defense College a lecture that tackled Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan’s strategic thinking, characteristics, and international stances that shaped and influenced his personality.  She elaborated on his statesmanship in establishing the Union, his exceptional ability to overcome challenges with his enlightened strategic thinking, and his unique and successful experience in establishing the federation.
She also referred to Sheikh Zayed's personality, his soft power, emotional intelligence, vision, strong-will, and ability to set priorities to focus on the most important then the less important issues.
She discussed Sheikh Zayed's foreign policy and his interest in human resources development, citizens empowerment in the scientific, political and military fields, and tackled his un-matched love for his people, and his keen interest in achieving their happiness.
The National Defense College delegation praised the Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Hall at the National Library and Archives, which attractively and innovatively presents significant aspects of the rich UAE history and civilization.
The visitors also commended the National Library and Archives’ role in preserving the memory of the nation and appreciated its warm reception and the great attention extended to the tenth batch of the National Defense College visitors.
The visit was concluded with a cordial exchange of shields between the National Library and Archives, and the National Defense College.

In collaboration with the Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi,
The National Library and Archives Offers the Students of Bachelor in Archiving a Practical Application on Documents and Records Management
The National Library and Archives received second-year students pursuing Bachelor in Records Management and Archival Sciences at Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi during their academic visit. They were briefed about the electronic documents and records management system, which provides best services according to the NLA’s strategy on current and intermediate documents and records management through the functional classification plan and file retention plan based on the applicable procedures stated in Federal Law No. (7) of 2008 on the National Library and Archives and its amendments along with its executive regulations.
H.E. Abdulla Majed Al Ali, Director General of the NLA, welcomed the students and encouraged them to excel in their specialization of records management and archival sciences. He stressed that working on preserving, indexing, classifying, documenting and archiving records and documents using scientific methods is a national duty that reflects the nation’s past and memory since those who do not benefit from the past’s experiences and learned lessons cannot make the best of their present and future. This is exactly what the Founding Father Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan meant when he said: “He who does not know his past cannot make the best of his present and future”. Thus, we rely on the youth to continue the mission of this national duty.
This visit comes as part of the close cooperation between the NLA and Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi to enhance the students’ applied knowledge in the field of documents management as it complements their study at the university and close the gap between students and the archival fieldwork.
Mr. Rachid Hamadache, from the Center’s Archives at the NLA, delivered a lecture; he started with identifying the “Documents and Records Management System” and how it provides an integral management of current and intermediate documents and their final stage by permanently preserving the historical archival materials or disposing them following the approval of the concerned committee.
He discussed the importance of this system in controlling the confidentiality of the current and intermediate records, files circulation procedures, reduction of paper work, organization of classification procedures, improvement of documents exchange between departments, facilitation of easy access and retrieval of documents, efficient management of data, provision of appropriate preservation conditions for long-term storage and use of state of art technologies in creating administrative and technical documents.
Moreover, he focused on the possible role of the artificial intelligence in supporting this system gradually, linking it with the internal systems and enhancing its functions by preserving, processing, classifying and retrieving information in accordance with the NLA’s objectives and in line with the best standards for preserving the government archives and records according to Federal Law No. (7) of 2008 on the National Library and Archives and its amendments along with its executive regulations.
It is noteworthy that the Electronic Archiving Section of the Archives Department at the NLA has coordinated and supervised this academic visit, and the first batch of students has graduated from the Bachelor in Records Management and Archival Sciences, which was launched in collaboration between the NLA and Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi to provide the UAE’s archives with national specialized cadres.

The National Library and Archives Concluding its Distinctive and Constructive Participation in Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition

The National Library and Archives concluded its participation in the 19th edition of Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Ruler's Representative in Al Dhafra Region and Chairman of the Emirates Falconers’ Club. The NLA’s platform at the exhibition has attracted a huge turnout of visitors. The NLA’s participation came as part of its national role in preserving the history and heritage of the UAE and the Gulf region and collecting the nation’s memory for the generations to come as well.
The platform contained tens of rare historical photographs that highlighted the interest of the UAE’s leaders in sport, heritage and their keenness to participate in heritage sports in addition to the hunting trips of Their Highnesses Sheikhs and horse races.
It also displayed photographs of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, demonstrating his interest in hunting and equestrian in the 1970s and 1980s at the Hunting and Equestrian Club in Abu Dhabi. There were also photographs of His Highness’s visit to Pakistan. Furthermore, the platform contained photographs of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
Moreover, the NLA’s platform presented photographs that showed how Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan was fond of horses, falcons and hunting. There was a large screen displaying documentary films about the Emirati heritage sports that attracted Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan’s attention along with some significant heritage races he attended.
A large board was exhibited at the NLA’s platform, displaying the services provided by the NLA to researchers and archival units at the UAE’s archival institutions. Such services include provision of publications, organization of archives, offering technical advice and the required scientific guidance on oral history and genealogical study and giving national lectures and specialized training workshops for researchers, academic staff and students. This is in addition to providing government entities, academic institutions and embassies with its publications, which highlight a glorious history, ancient heritage and noble national values.
The platform presented to visitors the NLA’s most remarkable publications, which provide historical information that is supported with documents and highlight the UAE’s heritage and authentic culture.

The National Library and Archives Presents Aspects of UAE’s History and Heritage to the World in Cooperation with Google Art & Culture.

The National Library and Archives launches on the Google Arts & Culture platform - a set of virtual stories that include documented information and high-quality photos of a number of historical castles and fortresses in the United Arab Emirates, in addition to the story of the “Memory of the Nation” exhibition, by which the National Library and Archives participates in Sheikh Zayd Festival. These stories include hundreds of photos drawn from the glorious history and ancient heritage of the United Arab Emirates. The National Library and Archives is looking forward to presenting more stories to enrich the platform with the history and the tangible and intangible heritage of the UAE.
This step has been made because of the significance of the UAE heritage and the need to throw a strong light on its features that indicate its values of authenticity and antiquity. It also aims to show the pride of the UAE people in their tangible and intangible human heritage.
The National Library and Archives wishes to benefit from the advanced modern technologies in preserving the deep-rooted  UAE heritage and providing an opportunity for the world to learn about it. It is a cultural landmark that links the past with the present.
The National Library and Archives chose Google Arts & Culture platform to present in it UAE historical and heritage stories in documented words, photos and multimedia, based as it observes the global status of this platform, which displays more than two thousand leading museums and archives around the world with the objective of spreading culture and arts across the world, and because of the achievements resulted from cooperation between the two parties when Google Arts & Culture published “The Story of the Union” as documented by the National Library and Archives in its platform in 2014, and for the views it had and the interaction with the Internet visitors and platform guests.
Regarding this qualitative step of the National Library and Archives, His Excellency Abdulla Majed Al Ali, Director General of the National Library and Archives, says: These chapters in the Google Arts & Culture platform confirm to those who browse them the importance of the role the National Library and Archives plays in preserving the memory of the nation and its efforts in making it available to the public and the importance of the electronic content it presents in this platform of which we are very proud. We would like to reassert to the world what His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum said: “The UAE is not an incidental nation in the history”. We are a deep-rooted people who built glories in the past, and who will build a glorious future as well...”.
He added: In line with the vision of our wise leadership, which made the UAE a symbol of open-mindedness and communication between civilizations, we present to the world, through these cultural chapters, a part of our urban civilization which promotes the prestige of our architectural heritage globally.
His Excellency also said: The National Library and Archives’ content in Google platform for culture and arts is the starting point of a national project that we are keen on its success and continuity. We, in the National Library and Archives have many historical photos and documentaries, which enable us to constantly add and publish new items.
It is noteworthy  that the National Library and Archives has chosen castles and fortresses to enrich the platform of Google Arts & Culture with their stories as they symbolize the glory and grandeur of our past, and the creativity of the Emirati people in the field of traditional architecture. The National Library and Archives’s interest in publishing these photos stems from their being part of the urban heritage left by our ancestors, the urban identity and our national history. The National Library and Archives is keen in using all programs and technologies to enrich the nation’s memory.
The National Library and Archives has shown interest in publishing the “Memory of the Nation” story at Sheikh Zayed Festival as it presents important aspects in the history of the emergence of the United Arab Emirates by the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan and his brothers, the Rulers of the Emirates and the development and prosperity of the UAE with the efforts and visions of its wise leadership.
For information, find the stories of the National Library and Archives on the link:
https://artsandculture.google.com/partner/national-archives-uae

Praising Sheikh Zayed's role in managing this wealth and employing it to the benefit of the UAE nation and society.
The National Library and Archives reviews important milestones in the history of oil
The National Library and Archives reviewed important milestones in the UAE’s oil history; Historian and media personality Dr. Khalil Eilabouni spoke about his twenty-year old "Black Gold" program, which carefully documented the discovery of oil and its industry development in Abu Dhabi in particular and in the United Arab Emirates in general.  He elaborated on Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan's management of this wealth to serve his country and his people.
During the lecture, which enriched the National Library and Archives Cultural Season 2022, Dr. Khalil Eilabouni praised the visions of the late Sheikh Zayed, the founder and builder, regarding this wealth on which the country depended for its renaissance. He spoke in detail about Sheikh Zayed's disapproval of the flaring of the associated gas, and his constructive efforts to set up a Liquefied Natural Gas LNG plant on Das Island to utilize the associated gas in 1977.
This confirms that Sheikh Zayed was an exceptional leader whose foresight and visions enabled him to search for parallel industrial, commercial and agricultural sources of income besides the oil wealth. Moreover, he encouraged the people of the Emirates to acquire more oil-related knowledge.
The lecturer recalled the days during which he was preparing to present his radio program "Black Gold" in February 1971, and then on television in May 1971, receiving directions from the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan personally, as well as his memorable comments and their remarkable impact on the progress of the program, which was grabbing viewers’ attention.
Dr. Ailbouni expressed his pride in witnessing the era of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who knew what he wanted, and was a wonderful, generous and humble leader who loved his country and his people sparing no effort in advancing them.
At the end of the lecture, His Excellency Abdulla Majed Al Ali, Director General of the National Library and Archives, honoured Dr Khalil Ailbouni, and presented him with a commemorative shield and a certificate of appreciation. He thanked him for the valuable information he provided in the fields of oil discovery and the management of oil wealth in the United Arab Emirates.
In his speech of introduction, researcher and lecturer Muhammad Ismail Abdullah, from the National Library and Archives, said that the discovery of oil is a turning point in the history of the Emirates, and the role played by the Builder and Founder, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan in employing this wealth to make his people happy confirms his love for his people and his country, as he proceeded to implement constructive plans for the development of the state until it became on par with the developed countries, and our wise leadership followed on his footsteps and managed this national wealth wisely and keenly in the best interest of the nation and posterity. Then, he went on to introduce the journalist and historian, Khalil Ailbouni, who came to Abu Dhabi in early 1971 and worked on its radio as a program monitor. He was known for his famous program "Black Gold", which aired for twenty years. He also served as the manager of the office of His Excellency Dr Mana Saeed Al-Otaiba, the former Minister of Petroleum. His media activities covered literature and poetry, and he has published many books, and has a weekly column in Al-Bayan newspaper. Today, he is the chairman of the Arabic language Institute at the Police College in Abu Dhabi.

The dialogue session on the sidelines of the conference discusses the National Library’s progress, charter and complete integrated collections
The National Library and Archives and the Arab Federation for Libraries and Information acknowledge the themes and research papers of the 33rd Conference

The National Library and Archives continues its preparations to host the 33rd Conference of the Arab Federation for Libraries and Information in Abu Dhabi, from October 31st to November 2nd, under the slogan "Integration of National Information and Knowledge Institutions in the State: Libraries, Archives and Museums", which will witness the participation of a large number of library specialists, academics, experts and officials from official and private libraries, archives and museums. The conference scientific committee praised the wide participation of researchers from different countries in the conference.

The conference will be a link with the strategic partners, and a dialogue session will be held on its sidelines to discuss the National Library’s Charter and complete integrated collections, which play a role in supporting the knowledge economy that contributes to sustainable cultural development.
Regarding the importance of the conference and the events that will be held on its sidelines, Mr. Hamad Alhamiri, Director of Research and Knowledge Services Department at the National Library and Archives said that the institutions engaged in the topics of the 33rd Conference of the Arab Federation for Libraries and Information are knowledge arenas, and they are among the most important edifices of knowledge, erudition, culture and civilization, so they are worthy of attention.
He added that the participants in the conference are specialists, experts, academics and officials coming from the largest local, Arab and international libraries. He stated that the NLA pins its hope on this conference, which constitutes a link with partners, and on the participants’ experiences and information.
Mr. Hamad Alhamiri confirmed that the NLA will hold a specialized professional dialogue session on the sidelines of the conference to provide an update on the decision to annex and establish the National Library, which is designed to be compatible with the largest national libraries worldwide, and a civilizational and cultural beacon for the United Arab Emirates, in accordance with the Federal Law No. 13 issued at the end of 2021, as its articles brought together the National Library and the National Archives under one umbrella.
Mr. Hamad Alhamiri indicated that, at the dialogue session, the NLA looks forward to discussing the partners’ needs for a plan to build up the National Library’s collection in a manner that contributes positively to the Knowledge economy to achieve sustainable development of societies. The NLA’s interests include enriching the National Library with paper and electronic research papers and dissertations especially those dealing with the history and heritage of the UAE and the Gulf region with a view to meeting the needs of scholars, academics, researchers, interested parties and the public.
Prof. Dr. Hassan Alsuraihi, Chairman of the Arab Federation for Libraries and Information indicated that the Federation is happy to hold its conference in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, which represents a civilizational and cultural beacon attracting international cultural events.
He added that the conference is concerned with scientific and knowledge content incorporated in innovative ideas, projects and initiatives, and gives the participants an opportunity to present their intellectual and cultural output within the framework of its themes; thus; the 33rd conference of the Arab Federation for Libraries and Information will certainly be rich and useful and a real contribution to the development of the knowledge economy. Besides, major international figures will attend it.
In its dialogue session, the conference will discuss the National Library Charter, which defines a policy for managing, developing and diversifying its cultural content, including books, periodicals, maps, multimedia, and others.
It is worth mentioning that various topics will be discussed at the 33rd conference of the Arab Federation for Libraries and Information, namely, National Library in the third millennium and its future role; National archives, documentation centers and museums in the third millennium and the future roles, policies and strategies of information and knowledge in the country; Information and knowledge institutions’ role in supporting national development plans and visions; National libraries and alliances with national, regional and international professional institutions; Integration of functions and tasks between national libraries, archives and museums; National libraries and their role in preserving national heritage, National libraries’ role in developing legislation and laws on information and knowledge; National libraries’ role in supporting national policies and strategies for the knowledge economy; New technologies’ role and impact on the functioning of national knowledge institutions (libraries, archives and museums); New trends in content management systems, digitization and management of national museums, archives and libraries, in addition to several workshops and specialized sessions that will take place at the conference.

استعرض أمام الوفود أبرز المحطات في تاريخه، وقدم عرضاً تفصيلياً عن AGDA
الأرشيف والمكتبة الوطنية يشارك في اجتماعات المؤتمر السنوي للمجلس الدولي للأرشيف في روما
يشارك الأرشيف والمكتبة الوطنية في اجتماعات المؤتمر السنوي التاسع للمجلس الدولي للأرشيف الذي تنعقد دورته الحالية في العاصمة الإيطالية "روما"، وتمثلت أولى المشاركات بعرض تقديمي عن تحضيرات كونجرس المجلس الدولي للأرشيف الذي ستستضيفه أبوظبي في أكتوبر 2023م، وعن رحلة الأرشيف والمكتبة الوطنية، وما يقدمه من خدمات أرشيفية وتوثيقية في دولة الإمارات العربية المتحدة، فضلاً عن دوره في حفظ ذاكرة الوطن وإتاحتها، وتزويد الباحثين وعامة الناس بالمعلومات الموثقة عن تاريخ وتراث دولة الإمارات العربية المتحدة ومنطقة الخليج.
وقد ركز العرض التقديمي في نشأة الأرشيف الرقمي للخليج العربي كواحدة من التجارب المميزة التي تهم الأرشيفيين؛ موضحاً كيف استثمرت دولة الإمارات العربية المتحدة ما يحويه أرشيفها الوطني من كنوز أرشيفية ومعرفية يمكنها أن تسهم في تعزيز الثقافة المحلية والانتماء الوطني، وأهمية الأرشيف الرقمي للخليج العربي AGDA وما يقدمه من معلومات أرشيفية.
واستعرض الأرشيف والمكتبة ا لوطنية أمام الوفود التي التقت في روما – تاريخه منذ تأسيسه عام 1968 بتوجيه من المؤسس والباني الشيخ زايد بن سلطان آل نهيان -طيب الله ثراه- لكي يدوّن تاريخ الإمارات التي كانت حينذاك مقبلة على مرحلة من النهضة والتطور والازدهار، ثم تطرق لأهم المراحل التي مر بها بدءاً من نشأته: مكتباً للوثائق والدراسات، إلى مركز الوثائق والدراسات، فمركز الوثائق والبحوث، ثم المركز الوطني للوثائق والبحوث، وصولاً للأرشيف الوطني، وفي أواخر عام 2021 وبناء على المرسوم الاتحادي رقم 13 حمل اسمه الحالي "الأرشيف والمكتبة الوطنية".
ثم تحول العرض إلى الأرشيف الرقمي للخليج العربي الذي أُنشئ على شبكة الإنترنت عام 2019 لعرض المواد التاريخية والثقافية التي تحكي قصة التاريخ الموثق والمثير للاهتمام للخليج العربي، وهو يوفر مواد رقمية باللغتين العربية والإنجليزية تشمل حقبة قرنين من الزمان، وتُوثَّق فيها الأحداث التاريخية، وتراجم الشخصيات، والمذكرات، والمخطوطات، والصور، والمراسلات الرسمية، وقد شهد الموقع الإلكتروني في مرحلته الثانية إضافة تقنيات متقدمة لقراءة بيانات المواد بجانب الصور، وإضافة خاصية خريطة العالم التي تعتبر مكمّلة لعملية البحث، والتي تسهّل -عن طريق البحث المرئي- معرفة الوثائق والصور للشخصيات التاريخية والقيادات المهمة في جميع دول العالم، ويواصل الأرشيف والمكتبة الوطنية العمل على تطوير الموقع الإلكتروني للخليج العربي على تقنيات متقدمة تساعد في التعرف الضوئي على الحروف والكلمات المفتاحية لكل ملف، ويمكن لزوار شبكة الإنترنت أينما كانوا الوصول إلى هذا الموقع عبر الرابط التالي:
   https://www.agda.ae
وأشار العرض إلى أسباب إنشاء الأرشيف الرقمي للخليج العربي، كبناء جسور ثقافية، وتقريب المسافات، كما تطرق إلى دعم الموقع بالتقنيات الرقمية المتطورة، وبالمعارض الإلكترونية الرقمية، وبالخريطة التي تظهر جهود الشيخ زايد بن سلطان آل نهيان – طيب الله ثراه- في بناء العلاقات مع شعوب العالم.
واختتم العرض بالإشارة إلى آفاق مستقبل الأرشيف الرقمي للخليج العربي بعد أن تم بناء منصة إلكترونية واسعة المحتوى، وما ستحمله المرحلة الثانية والثالثة من تطوير للموقع، والثقافة الجادة التي يقدمها هذا الموقع لزواره.
وأكد العرض اهتمام الأرشيف والمكتبة الوطنية بكونجرس المجلس الدولي للأرشيف الذي ستستضيفه أبوظبي في أكتوبر عام 2023 مظهراً أهمية الحدث محلياً وعربياً وعالمياً.

استعرض أمام الوفود أبرز المحطات في تاريخه، وقدم عرضاً تفصيلياً عن AGDA
الأرشيف والمكتبة الوطنية يشارك في اجتماعات المؤتمر السنوي للمجلس الدولي للأرشيف في روما
يشارك الأرشيف والمكتبة الوطنية في اجتماعات المؤتمر السنوي التاسع للمجلس الدولي للأرشيف الذي تنعقد دورته الحالية في العاصمة الإيطالية "روما"، وتمثلت أولى المشاركات بعرض تقديمي عن تحضيرات كونجرس المجلس الدولي للأرشيف الذي ستستضيفه أبوظبي في أكتوبر 2023م، وعن رحلة الأرشيف والمكتبة الوطنية، وما يقدمه من خدمات أرشيفية وتوثيقية في دولة الإمارات العربية المتحدة، فضلاً عن دوره في حفظ ذاكرة الوطن وإتاحتها، وتزويد الباحثين وعامة الناس بالمعلومات الموثقة عن تاريخ وتراث دولة الإمارات العربية المتحدة ومنطقة الخليج.
وقد ركز العرض التقديمي في نشأة الأرشيف الرقمي للخليج العربي كواحدة من التجارب المميزة التي تهم الأرشيفيين؛ موضحاً كيف استثمرت دولة الإمارات العربية المتحدة ما يحويه أرشيفها الوطني من كنوز أرشيفية ومعرفية يمكنها أن تسهم في تعزيز الثقافة المحلية والانتماء الوطني، وأهمية الأرشيف الرقمي للخليج العربي AGDA وما يقدمه من معلومات أرشيفية.
واستعرض الأرشيف والمكتبة ا لوطنية أمام الوفود التي التقت في روما – تاريخه منذ تأسيسه عام 1968 بتوجيه من المؤسس والباني الشيخ زايد بن سلطان آل نهيان -طيب الله ثراه- لكي يدوّن تاريخ الإمارات التي كانت حينذاك مقبلة على مرحلة من النهضة والتطور والازدهار، ثم تطرق لأهم المراحل التي مر بها بدءاً من نشأته: مكتباً للوثائق والدراسات، إلى مركز الوثائق والدراسات، فمركز الوثائق والبحوث، ثم المركز الوطني للوثائق والبحوث، وصولاً للأرشيف الوطني، وفي أواخر عام 2021 وبناء على المرسوم الاتحادي رقم 13 حمل اسمه الحالي "الأرشيف والمكتبة الوطنية".
ثم تحول العرض إلى الأرشيف الرقمي للخليج العربي الذي أُنشئ على شبكة الإنترنت عام 2019 لعرض المواد التاريخية والثقافية التي تحكي قصة التاريخ الموثق والمثير للاهتمام للخليج العربي، وهو يوفر مواد رقمية باللغتين العربية والإنجليزية تشمل حقبة قرنين من الزمان، وتُوثَّق فيها الأحداث التاريخية، وتراجم الشخصيات، والمذكرات، والمخطوطات، والصور، والمراسلات الرسمية، وقد شهد الموقع الإلكتروني في مرحلته الثانية إضافة تقنيات متقدمة لقراءة بيانات المواد بجانب الصور، وإضافة خاصية خريطة العالم التي تعتبر مكمّلة لعملية البحث، والتي تسهّل -عن طريق البحث المرئي- معرفة الوثائق والصور للشخصيات التاريخية والقيادات المهمة في جميع دول العالم، ويواصل الأرشيف والمكتبة الوطنية العمل على تطوير الموقع الإلكتروني للخليج العربي على تقنيات متقدمة تساعد في التعرف الضوئي على الحروف والكلمات المفتاحية لكل ملف، ويمكن لزوار شبكة الإنترنت أينما كانوا الوصول إلى هذا الموقع عبر الرابط التالي:
   https://www.agda.ae
وأشار العرض إلى أسباب إنشاء الأرشيف الرقمي للخليج العربي، كبناء جسور ثقافية، وتقريب المسافات، كما تطرق إلى دعم الموقع بالتقنيات الرقمية المتطورة، وبالمعارض الإلكترونية الرقمية، وبالخريطة التي تظهر جهود الشيخ زايد بن سلطان آل نهيان – طيب الله ثراه- في بناء العلاقات مع شعوب العالم.
واختتم العرض بالإشارة إلى آفاق مستقبل الأرشيف الرقمي للخليج العربي بعد أن تم بناء منصة إلكترونية واسعة المحتوى، وما ستحمله المرحلة الثانية والثالثة من تطوير للموقع، والثقافة الجادة التي يقدمها هذا الموقع لزواره.
وأكد العرض اهتمام الأرشيف والمكتبة الوطنية بكونجرس المجلس الدولي للأرشيف الذي ستستضيفه أبوظبي في أكتوبر عام 2023 مظهراً أهمية الحدث محلياً وعربياً وعالمياً.

استعرض أمام الوفود أبرز المحطات في تاريخه، وقدم عرضاً تفصيلياً عن AGDA
الأرشيف والمكتبة الوطنية يشارك في اجتماعات المؤتمر السنوي للمجلس الدولي للأرشيف في روما
يشارك الأرشيف والمكتبة الوطنية في اجتماعات المؤتمر السنوي التاسع للمجلس الدولي للأرشيف الذي تنعقد دورته الحالية في العاصمة الإيطالية "روما"، وتمثلت أولى المشاركات بعرض تقديمي عن تحضيرات كونجرس المجلس الدولي للأرشيف الذي ستستضيفه أبوظبي في أكتوبر 2023م، وعن رحلة الأرشيف والمكتبة الوطنية، وما يقدمه من خدمات أرشيفية وتوثيقية في دولة الإمارات العربية المتحدة، فضلاً عن دوره في حفظ ذاكرة الوطن وإتاحتها، وتزويد الباحثين وعامة الناس بالمعلومات الموثقة عن تاريخ وتراث دولة الإمارات العربية المتحدة ومنطقة الخليج.
وقد ركز العرض التقديمي في نشأة الأرشيف الرقمي للخليج العربي كواحدة من التجارب المميزة التي تهم الأرشيفيين؛ موضحاً كيف استثمرت دولة الإمارات العربية المتحدة ما يحويه أرشيفها الوطني من كنوز أرشيفية ومعرفية يمكنها أن تسهم في تعزيز الثقافة المحلية والانتماء الوطني، وأهمية الأرشيف الرقمي للخليج العربي AGDA وما يقدمه من معلومات أرشيفية.
واستعرض الأرشيف والمكتبة ا لوطنية أمام الوفود التي التقت في روما – تاريخه منذ تأسيسه عام 1968 بتوجيه من المؤسس والباني الشيخ زايد بن سلطان آل نهيان -طيب الله ثراه- لكي يدوّن تاريخ الإمارات التي كانت حينذاك مقبلة على مرحلة من النهضة والتطور والازدهار، ثم تطرق لأهم المراحل التي مر بها بدءاً من نشأته: مكتباً للوثائق والدراسات، إلى مركز الوثائق والدراسات، فمركز الوثائق والبحوث، ثم المركز الوطني للوثائق والبحوث، وصولاً للأرشيف الوطني، وفي أواخر عام 2021 وبناء على المرسوم الاتحادي رقم 13 حمل اسمه الحالي "الأرشيف والمكتبة الوطنية".
ثم تحول العرض إلى الأرشيف الرقمي للخليج العربي الذي أُنشئ على شبكة الإنترنت عام 2019 لعرض المواد التاريخية والثقافية التي تحكي قصة التاريخ الموثق والمثير للاهتمام للخليج العربي، وهو يوفر مواد رقمية باللغتين العربية والإنجليزية تشمل حقبة قرنين من الزمان، وتُوثَّق فيها الأحداث التاريخية، وتراجم الشخصيات، والمذكرات، والمخطوطات، والصور، والمراسلات الرسمية، وقد شهد الموقع الإلكتروني في مرحلته الثانية إضافة تقنيات متقدمة لقراءة بيانات المواد بجانب الصور، وإضافة خاصية خريطة العالم التي تعتبر مكمّلة لعملية البحث، والتي تسهّل -عن طريق البحث المرئي- معرفة الوثائق والصور للشخصيات التاريخية والقيادات المهمة في جميع دول العالم، ويواصل الأرشيف والمكتبة الوطنية العمل على تطوير الموقع الإلكتروني للخليج العربي على تقنيات متقدمة تساعد في التعرف الضوئي على الحروف والكلمات المفتاحية لكل ملف، ويمكن لزوار شبكة الإنترنت أينما كانوا الوصول إلى هذا الموقع عبر الرابط التالي:
   https://www.agda.ae
وأشار العرض إلى أسباب إنشاء الأرشيف الرقمي للخليج العربي، كبناء جسور ثقافية، وتقريب المسافات، كما تطرق إلى دعم الموقع بالتقنيات الرقمية المتطورة، وبالمعارض الإلكترونية الرقمية، وبالخريطة التي تظهر جهود الشيخ زايد بن سلطان آل نهيان – طيب الله ثراه- في بناء العلاقات مع شعوب العالم.
واختتم العرض بالإشارة إلى آفاق مستقبل الأرشيف الرقمي للخليج العربي بعد أن تم بناء منصة إلكترونية واسعة المحتوى، وما ستحمله المرحلة الثانية والثالثة من تطوير للموقع، والثقافة الجادة التي يقدمها هذا الموقع لزواره.
وأكد العرض اهتمام الأرشيف والمكتبة الوطنية بكونجرس المجلس الدولي للأرشيف الذي ستستضيفه أبوظبي في أكتوبر عام 2023 مظهراً أهمية الحدث محلياً وعربياً وعالمياً.

Concurrently with the launch of the eighth edition of the Professional Certificate in Archives and Records Management
The National Library and Archives highlights the bachelor’s degree of Archives and Records Management and welcomes new students at Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi
The National Library and Archives (NLA), in collaboration with the Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi, organized a reception for the fifth batch of the Archives and Records Management Bachelor program, where the administrative and teaching staff of the program highlighted the importance of  archiving and documentation sciences in preserving the memory of the nation for future generations, and consequently the role of academics whose knowledge, experience, and competence are equally important.

The reception coincides with the launch of the eighth Professional Certificate in Archives and Records Management, in which the National Library and Archives and the Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi, exert concerted efforts. The characteristic knowledge and scientific content of this certificate has proven its significance in terms of building competencies and sustainable development in the sectors of archives and its departments in the country. Thus, it contributes to qualifying graduates to benefit their institutions in the field of dealing with and processing documents, and preserving the historical heritage for generations in accordance with scientific and international standards.

The students’ reception was inaugurated by the NLA’s electronic archiving expert, Hatem Younis, who congratulated the first batch of graduates of the Bachelor of Archives and Records Management, on behalf of the National Library and Archives. He welcomed the new batch of students, and gave them a brief overview of the organized archives’ importance for institutions and individuals in accordance with international practices and the standard ISO.
The electronic archiving expert praised the scientific and practical materials which the program introduces to students in collaboration with the National Library and Archives. He also highlighted the great role played by the well-established Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi, pointing to the importance of the laboratory provided by the university to students in this developed sceintific program, which is one of the unique disciplines at the regional level.
Mr. Hassan Al Mesaabi, a technical expert at the National Library and Archives, Professor of Emirati Government and Private Institutions, spoke about the importance of this specialization for the Fourth Industrial Revolution and its compatibility with future trends towards a paperless government. He also underscored its development and alignment with the best technologies and practices in the world, which is in line with the development witnessed by the United Arab Emirates under its wise leadership, and the importance of documenting and preserving its remarkable development stages for future generations. The technical expert pointed out that job opportunities are available to graduates who have the knowledge and are good at processing the current abounding information.
Dr. Soufiane Bouharrat, the archivist at the National Library and Archives, spoke about the significance of the students’ induction to provide them with the necessary information about the Bachelor program of Archives and Records Management. He focused on current information, as it is the most essential in the management of institutions and should be managed properly to protect it from loss, and make it available to researchers and interested parties. He also emphasized the richness of this academic program, which is based on archival science principles and supported by the latest methodologies and technical sciences, and the implementation of Artificial Intelligence in document collection, preservation and accessibility.
The audience welcomed Mr. Shihab Al-Hafiti, the NLA’s staff member, who ranked first place among the first batch graduates. He spoke about his study experience in this specialization, pointing out the importance of excellence in the student's life, and the importance of this in the labor market.
At the end, the faculty members introduced themselves and answered their questions.

كيف تحولت العملات في الماضي إلى سلعة تجارية ولماذا؟
الأرشيف والمكتبة الوطنية يفتح صفحة في تاريخ العملات بمنطقة الإمارات

أكد الأرشيف والمكتبة الوطنية أهمية العملات التاريخية، والتي توثق تطور النشاط التجاري في دولة الإمارات، وتكشف تفاصيل تاريخية عن زمن سكها، وأسرار تزايد قيمتها، وأشار إلى أن العملات التاريخية غدت بحد ذاتها سلعة، وأنها كانت أحد محاور النشاط التجاري في منطقة الإمارات، وأن العملات النقدية المعدنية كانت تحمل قيمتها بذاتها، أي بقيمة المعدن الذي سُكت منه، ولذلك كان التجار يمعنون في فحص معدنها حين يشترونها.
 وردتْ هذه المعلومات في محاضرة بعنوان: "تحول العملة المعدنية إلى سلعة تجارية في إمارات الساحل الغربي للخليج العربي قبل سك العملة الوطنية" التي قدمتها الدكتورة خولة العليلي الباحثة في تاريخ الخليج العربي الحديث والمعاصر، وتابعها عدد كبير من داخل الأرشيف والمكتبة الوطنية وخارجه.
وقد جاءت هذه المحاضرة ضمن البرنامج الثقافي للأرشيف والمكتبة الوطنية الحافل بالمحاضرات والنشاطات الثقافية التي يشارك بها كبار الكتّاب والمثقفين، ويفتح فيها صفحات مهمة في تاريخ الإمارات المجيد وتراثها العريق، ويقدم معلومات موثقة تثري المعارف، وتعزز الانتماء للوطن والولاء لقيادته الرشيدة، وترسخ الهوية الوطنية في نفوس أبنائه.
وكشفت المحاضرة التاريخية عن الطلب المحلي المتزايد على العملات من أجل تمويل موسم الغوص، وتمويل تجارة التصدير، وصناعة السفن وتمويلها، وتمويل تجارة الاستيراد والتصدير والاستثمارات الخارجية، وتغطية المصاريف ونفقات معيشة السكان، وتمويل الاستثمارات الخارجية كشراء البساتين وغيرها. وقارنت بين العملة المعدنية المتطورة والمتخلفة من حيث سكها، وربطت ذلك بالقوة السياسية والاقتصادية وبضعفها، مشيرة إلى أن العملات قد كانت وسيلة للتجارة التي امتهنها أبناء الإمارات الذين كانوا تجاراً مهرة عبر التاريخ.
واستعرضت المحاضرة مراحل سك العملة المعدنية ومتطلباتها؛ مشيرة إلى أنها لم تكن متوفرة في إمارات الساحل، وهذا ما جعل "مرضوف القواسم" لم يصمد أمام العملات الأخرى الأكثر تطوراً وأكبر قيمة، ويعود ذلك بمجمله إلى أن إمارات الساحل كانت تتسم ببساطتها، وذلك جعل تجار الخليج يحتاجون إلى العملات المعتمدة في البلدان المجاورة أثناء تنقلهم طلباً للرزق، ما جعلهم يشترون العملات مثلما يشترون أي سلعة أخرى، كما أنهم كانوا يحتاجون العملات من أجل صناعة السفن، وتمويل رحلات الغوص، ولا سيما أن كل سفينة غوص كانت تكلف 85 ألف ربية هندية، ومن إمارة أبوظبي لوحدها كانت تخرج أكثر من 400 سفينة في موسم الغوص.
وفي الوقت الذي كانوا يحصلون فيه على العملة كقيمة لصادراتهم من اللؤلؤ والتمور وغيرها، كانوا يشترون ما يحتاجونه من العملات الأخرى المتداولة من موانئ الدول الأخرى، لا سيما وأن مواسم الغوص كانت ستفشل ما لم يتم تمويل صناعة السفن ورحلات الغوص.
وأما المصاريف المعيشية للسكان فإنها كانت تستدعي أن يمتلك الأفراد العملة لشراء الأقمشة والأدوات اللازمة للمعيشة وغيرها، وكان لكل شي ثمنه.
وتجدر الإشارة إلى أن المحاضرة قد حددت العوامل المختلفة التي أدت إلى تحول العملات المعدنية في منطقة الخليج من مجرد أداة لتحديد قيمة السلع إلى سلعة يُقبل المهتمون على شرائها بما لديهم من سلع أو خدمات أو عملات من صنف مختلف.