Within the Initiatives of the GCC Documentation and Research Centers General Secretariat

The National Library and Archives Emphasized the Significance of Narratives in Sustaining Heritage Based on Its Distinguished Experience in Collecting and Preserving Oral History

As part of the initiatives of the GCC Documentation and Research Centers General Secretariat, the National Library and Archives, one of the prominent members of the General Secretariat, organized a lecture titled: “Memory’s Echoes: The Role of Documenting Narratives in Sustaining Heritage”. The lecture highlighted the cultural similarities and enduring connections among GCC communities and peoples, reflecting the unity of their roots, culture, heritage, and history. It emphasized the need to collect and document oral narratives through audio-visual records as part of oral history activities, complementing written history for future generations.

The lecture, presented by Dr. Aisha Bilkhair, Research Advisor at the National Library and Archives, began with an introduction to the concept of oral history, addressing mental memory—where events are retained and recalled when needed—and explaining how this memory depends on the narrator’s intelligence and skills. She also highlighted that memories are preserved in the mind, particularly those tied to emotions and tangible elements. Dr. Bilkhair explained that when memory and recollection merge, oral history emerges, defined as the documentation of individuals’ life stories and memories in audio and visual form. In this way, it provides a vision of reality, investigates facts, and preserves the memory of time and place, complementing what written documents may lack and allowing it to be passed on across generations to enrich the history of the nation.

The lecture also explored the concept of water memory, genetic memory, and the reading of the journey of time, along with collective memory, which retains knowledge and behaviors that continue to shape community life and social development.

Dr. Bilkhair stressed the strategic importance of the Executive Regulation of Federal Law No. (7) of 2008 concerning the National Library and Archives, which placed oral history at the core of its first article. The law defined oral material as information collected verbally, recorded by sound and writing, to complement or replace missing information, and incorporate that into  the Archives’ holdings after being officially documented.

She highlighted that the National Library and Archives has modeled its oral history system on the University of California, Berkeley, which has prioritized oral history since 1953. She described the methodology, beginning with identifying interview topics, setting criteria for selecting narrators, applying best practices in collecting audio-visual materials with digital equipment, classifying content, reviewing narratives to ensure coherence and clarify colloquial terms, editing for linguistic accuracy, and archiving interviews in a multimedia system.

Dr. Bilkhair emphasized that since 2009, the National Library and Archives’ Oral History Project has been the only projrct affiliated with multiple international bodies, adhering to globally recognized standards and scientific and legal principles.

She outlined the criteria for selecting narrators, often senior citizens considered living treasures of the UAE, and detailed the process of preparing for interviews—gathering background information, drafting questions, building rapport, scheduling, testing recording equipment, and ensuring technical quality.

She also addressed interview ethics, the researcher’s responsibilities during the session, and the goals of documenting oral narratives.

Dr. Aisha Bilkhair’s lecture was enriched with practical examples from her fieldwork, including methods for verifying newly revealed information. She stressed that most interviews undergo historical verification supported by photographs and documents to enhance the credibility of oral narratives. This process enables skilled researchers to add robust and accurate information that fills gaps in the written historical record.

In collaboration with Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination,
The National Library and Archives organizes a Back-to-school Community Initiative for People of Determination

As part of its active community engagement during the Year of Community, and in collaboration with Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination, the National Library and Archives organized a back-to-school community initiative for People of Determination. The initiative included distributing numerous motivational gifts to students of determination, with the aim of bringing joy to their hearts and strengthening their confidence and determination.
The National Library and Archives is keen to involve People of Determination in numerous community events and activities. providing them with support in line with its national and social responsibility toward this vital segment of society. This commitment reflects the importance of coordinating efforts with relevant entities to raise public awareness, ensure their effective inclusion in society, and empower them across the different educational stages, while bringing them joy and happiness.
Students of Determination expressed their happiness with the National Library and Archives’ participation in this initiative, which had a positive impact on activating their role, boosting their confidence and determination, and supporting their ambitious journey toward learning and habilitation.
At the conclusion of the initiative, Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination extended its gratitude to the National Library and Archives on its societal role and collaboration in bringing joy to People of Determination, reinforcing their presence, and encouraging their active contribution to community development.
It is noteworthy that the National Library and Archives has given considerable attention to the People of Determination. It has published summaries of its key publications in Braille for students with visual impairments who read in Braille. These include: “Zayed: From Challenges to Union”, “Khalifa: Journey into the Future”, and “Qasr Al Hosn 1795 – 1966”. As part of its continued support, it also provided them with a special device for reading Braille.

With Activities that Strengthen Loyalty and Belonging and Consolidate National Identity
The National Library and Archives Enriches Students’ Summer Camps

In line with its role as a strategic partner in fostering proper national upbringing for future generations, the National Library and Archives (NLA) participated in the students’ summer camps organized by the relevant entities to help students make the most of their summer break – with a wide range of activities. The activities included programs aim to deepen the sense of belonging to the homeland, reinforce loyalty to the wise leadership, and promote strong national identity among youth.
The NLA participated in various locations, organizing 71 activities that benefited more than 3,777 individuals. The first venue was the NLA headquarters, where it hosted the students, offered them lectures on national topics. NLA specialist staff took them on tours in Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Hall, Sheikh Suroor Hall, and the library halls, where they explored key milestones in the history of the UAE, along with important references and sources they can rely on.
NLA specialists visited students’ summer camps affiliated with Sandooq Al Watan program, where they delivered art workshops focused on landmarks of the UAE, in addition to lectures on national identity and Emirati values.
The NLA joined the summer camp of the National Rehabilitation Center and participated in programs aimed at developing students’ life skills. It delivered a lecture on the Union era of that highlighted the importance of 18 July 1971, in the march toward federation established by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and his fellow Founding Fathers. Students also participated in the Journey Game, a popular activity that enriches their knowledge with documented information. This national game was inspired from the life of the Founder and Builder, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, as well as by the historical and heritage knowledge documented in NLA’s publications.
Furthermore, the NLA participated in the Juvenile Care Center’ summer camp, where it presented workshops based on the educational booklet “Watani Al Emarat” (My Nation, The Emirates). The booklet contains documented information, exercises, activities, and interesting training, all related to the history of the UAE, its heritage, geography, and vibrant present. Then the NLA delivered lectures on Emirati values.
The NLA also took part in the Ministry of Education’s top ten summer camps, delivering lectures on national identity and holding art workshops for children.
It is noteworthy that the NLA played a key role in introducing summer camp participants to the concept of Emirati values and underscoring their importance in deepening national identity, loyalty, and belonging to the homeland. The NLA encouraged participants to uphold and spread these values as a cornerstone of sustainable development. These activities also contributed to fostering a sense of citizenship and instilling sound behavioral patterns among participants.
Through its diverse national and community activities, the NLA remains committed to sharing knowledge, instilling values of cooperation and belonging, preserving cultural heritage, enhancing intergenerational ties, and laying the foundations for sustainable growth, in line with the principles affirmed by the Year of Community 2025.

Within the Framework of Enriching Knowledge Societies,
The National Library and Archives Organizes a Lecture on Al-Ramsa … Repository of Identity and Memory

As part of its cultural season, the National Library and Archives organized a national educational lecture titled: “Al-Ramsa: Repository of Identity and Memory”. The lecture emphasized that Al-Ramsa—or speech—plays an important role in social communication and in instilling national identity, as it is part of the cultural heritage that reflects the values, customs, and traditions of the society, and contributes to promoting the dense of belonging.
In a style that blended images with words, their meanings, and connotations, Dr. Aisha Bilkhair, Research Advisor at the National Library and Archives, took participants on a journey into the depths of the Emirati dialect (Al-Ramsa), stressing the importance of paying attention to it and preserving it. She pointed out that words—or Ramsa—play a vital role in satisfying curiosity, acquiring knowledge, analysis and classification, and facilitating communication among individuals and groups. She noted that in Lisan al-Arab Lexicon, Ramsa means “hushed speech,” while Ramsat refers to sayings, and Ramis means “the speaker.” She also revealed the direct uses of Ramsa as a social term among Emiratis, such as “Ramees” and “Ramas,” and highlighted expressions like “Hathraban” and “Hidmah” are used to describe an excessive talker, and other expressions.
Held at Liwa Hall at the headquarters of the National Library and Archives, the lecture explored the (ramsat) phrases of courtesy and social communication used within members of the society. Among the most deeply rooted phrases in the cultural and societal heritage is “La Tsheloon Hamm” (meaning ‘don’t worry’), along with many other customs and traditions connected to the Emirati dialect, puns, or forms of cryptic language used among members of the society in obscure words and phrases with indirect meanings. Dr. Bilkhair highlighted the appropriate responses and answers in various occasions such as congratulations of Eid and weddings, success, apologies, and gratitude. She emphasized that individuals acquire dialectal terms from their mothers, environment and peers, as well as through exposure to poetry, sayings and proverbs. Furthermore, she examined the loan words and phrases in the Emirati dialect, highlighting the importance of selecting a word before pronouncing it and knowing its dimensions, as every context has a saying.
Dr. Aisha Bilkhair cited some verses of poetry by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and Sheikh Sultan bin Zayed the First, may they rest in peace, revealing their creativity and refined taste in selecting words rooted in classical Arabic with profound meanings. These poems reflected not only elevated language and eloquent expressions but also tender emotions blended with wisdom.
The Research Advisor also discussed the role of poetry in everyday speech, recalling a number of popular proverbs and traditional terms and expressions once familiar in Emirati communities.
She emphasized the importance of preserving the Emirati Ramsa, sustaining the cultural heritage, and passing it on to future generations, describing the process as a sacred mission to be carried out with pride and honor.

In a Lecture Predented by the National Library and Archives,
Dubai and Its Palace and Towers… From Roots to Global Prominence

As part of its cultural season, the National Library and Archives (NLA) organized a virtual lecture on Dubai palace and towers, highlighting the historical roots of the Emirate of Dubai, which has since evolved into a global city. The lecture shed light on Dubai’s remarkable journey of progress and prosperity within a short span of time—an impressive transformation for all who contemplate it.
The lecture, delivered by Mr. Saeed Khamis Al Suwaidi, Research Expert at the NLA, began by exploring Dubai in 1822. when the city was enclosed by a short wall made of gravel and clay, fortified with towers for protection. The wall surrounded the city from all directions except the north, which opened onto the Creek.
The lecturer highlighted Al-Neif Tower, notable for its elevated position above the water, exposing the area from all directions. The tower was located near the British Bank and offered a clear view of the creek extending to its far end.
The second landmark was Murabba‘at Al Qurayshat, also known as Murabba‘at Al Niyaf, followed by the third landmark, Burj Al Uqaydat, named after the Al Uqayda family of Al Bu Falasah tribe. This tower overlooked the southern area and was used to guard palm groves and water wells. From these landmarks, the speaker transitioned to Al Hamriyah, an area named after a variety of palm trees known as Al Himri.
The main landmark discussed was Dubai Palace, which, according to the lecturer’s sources, may have been a separate structure from Al Fahidi Fort. It was described by M. Hutton as a square-shaped fort with a dilapidated tower at one of its corners.
The central landmark, however, was Dubai Palace, which, according to the lecturer’s sources, may have been a different structure from Al Fahidi Fort. Engineer Hutton described it as a square-shaped fortress with a deteriorating tower at one corner.
Al Suwaidi noted that in 1841, when a fever epidemic swept the area, residents were compelled to move outside the walls of Dubai for the purpose of isolation and to prevent the spread of the disease. He further mentioned that Al Fahidi Fort was built to the north of Dubai Palace during the reign of Sheikh Hasher bin Maktoum (1859–1886), where he and his descendants resided thereafter.
Later, Al Fahidi Fort was repurposed as a prison to discipline those who broke customs and laws after the ruling family moved to Al Shindagha. In 1971, Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed converted it into a museum.
It is noteworthy that the lecturer based his presentation on several sources, foremost among them a sketch by Lieutenant Robert Cogan depicting the city of Dubai, its palm groves, Al Ras, and Al Shindagha. However, in 1829 the city underwent a restoration of its entire wall, towers, and palace.

With the Aim of Enriching the Memory of the Nation on Social Media and Promoting Loyalty and Belonging
The National Library and Archives Celebrates Union Day with a Series of National Events

To commemorate the Union Day when the UAE—under the leadership of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and his fellow Founding Fathers—embarked on its historic union, the National Library and Archives, in cooperation with its strategic partners, has prepared an extensive program of events and activities with a strong national focus.
The initiatives, designed to strengthen loyalty to the wise leadership and promote belonging to the nation, feature documented historical information shared with numerous official entities to promote the values and principles instilled by the Founding Fathers. The program also includes a lecture titled: “Union Day in the Journey of the Establishment of the UAE” and a series of workshops for young people and children, highlighting the values of that momentous day.
On a related context, the National Library and Archives provided a number of UAE institutions and official bodies with historical documents related to July 18, 1971, to enrich the documentary exhibitions they have organized at their headquarters, or to include the same on their websites and social media channels.
Through its activities, the National Library and Archives highlights the importance of this day, which represents a pivotal moment in the history of the United Arab Emirates—a moment that laid the foundations of the union and cemented the vision of a unified and strong nation. On this day, the rulers of the Emirates signed the Union Document and the UAE’s Constitution, officially proclaiming the name of the United Arab Emirates, in a step that preceded the formal declaration of the union on December 2 of the same year.
The National Library and Archives affirms that “Union Day” is an annual occasion for pride in our national identity and a renewal of loyalty and belonging. It is a constant source of inspiration, reflecting the UAE’s determination to move forward, under the guidance of its wise leadership, towards strengthening its position in various fields of development, while preserving the authentic values instilled in the conscience of the nation by its founder and builder, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may Allah rest his soul in peace.

Organizing a seminar on the national library as a strategic institution for building a knowledge society,
The National Library and Archives Emphasizes the Role of the National Library in Supporting Innovation and Entrepreneurship

The National Library and Archives organized a seminar titled “The National Library: A Strategic Institution for Building a Knowledge Society”. It underscored the importance of the national library in providing access to information and knowledge, supporting scientific research, and promoting culture and knowledge.
The seminar, presented by Professor Dr. Hassan Al-Sereihi, explored the defining characteristics of a knowledge society and the pivotal role that societal institutions play in its advancement. It also provided an insightful overview of the contributions national libraries make to this development.
Mr. Hamad Al-Hamiri, Director of the Research and Knowledge Services Department at the National Library and Archives, emphasized the responsibility entrusted to national libraries in the production of knowledge. He noted that this responsibility aligns with the great attention paid by our wise leadership to enriching minds and supporting innovation and entrepreneurship in an era of rapid technological advancement and digital transformation. He emphasized that libraries have evolved beyond simply being repositories for books; they are now dynamic centres for innovation and community engagement. He added that as libraries continue to be essential sources of knowledge, they are also undergoing a significant transformation driven by the influence of artificial intelligence.
Mr. Al-Hamiri also praised Dr. Hassan Al-Sereihi, Professor of Libraries and Information Science, for his strategic vision regarding the development of libraries and the future of the knowledge and information sector in light of the accelerating technological progress and digital transformation.
Held in Liwa Hall at the headquarters of the National Library and Archives, the seminar began by defining a knowledge society as one that efficiently disseminates, produces, and utilizes knowledge across all areas of community activity. It highlighted the role of knowledge as vital, influential, and effective resource in the daily lives of individuals, society, and public policy. The seminar also noted that knowledge grows and evolves through the participation and engagement of multiple users.
Attended by a large number of experts in library science, the seminar described knowledge society as a globalized society that transcends borders in its production, dissemination and use of information and knowledge for the sake of human development. It outlined the key characteristics of knowledge society, notably its drive for continuous evolution and improvement, its effective use of modern communication technologies for easy and efficient access of information resources and its function within the framework of the information economy. The seminar also underscored the skilful engagement of the knowledge society with smart tools as knowledge is a source of power while humans are the source of production and creativity.
The seminar then addressed the role of national libraries in the development of knowledge society, emphasizing that they are no longer mere warehouses of resources, but dynamic institutions that empower individuals, foster innovation, and preserve collective wisdom. They aim to meet the needs of society, contribute to sustainable development, and cultivate enlightened citizens.
Dr. Al-Sereihi focused on the role and significance of national libraries in advancing the knowledge society. He highlighted their contribution to preserving national heritage, cultural memory, manuscripts, documents, and archives. He indicated that national libraries also facilitate access to information, promote digital literacy, and support learning, teaching and research. Beyond collaborating with universities and research centres, they promote digital inclusion and innovation and lead digitization projects and the development of digital repositories.
National libraries hold significant cultural importance by promoting the information economy and supporting entrepreneurship and open data initiatives. They facilitate free access to information and foster international collaboration with other libraries and institutions. National libraries also contribute to the standardization of indexing systems, standard specifications and practices, while providing education on intellectual property rights. Furthermore, they support the publishing movement, document knowledge, and adopt awareness and education programs on artificial intelligence and its tools. They also play a role in shaping legislation and policies related to knowledge accessibility, availability, and digital standardization.
The seminar also highlighted universities as a key model for the development and progress of the knowledge society. In this context, Dr. Al-Sereihi offered several recommendations to strengthen the role of national libraries. These included developing strategies aligned with new trends, training and developing information and knowledge specialists, creating information and knowledge awareness programs for the public, implementing joint programs, fostering collaboration with community institutions, and enhancing policies and standards to promote excellence and quality.
Dr. Al-Sereihi concluded the seminar by reiterating that while knowledge is indeed a source of power, its true strength is realized through sharing. He emphasized the role of the libraries in increasing information and knowledge culture and empowering individuals to effectively access and utilize knowledge.

Ensuring the Security and Protection of Institutional Information,

The National Library and Archives Highlights the
Importance of Email Security

The National Library and Archives organized a virtual lecture on “Email Security” as part of its commitment to information security in the face of technological advancements and the constantly evolving digital world. The National Library and Archives emphasizes the importance of email security as a fundamental component of institutional communication, used across various devices and environments, it is therefore essential to protect its accounts from loss or unauthorized access.
The lecture, presented by Mr. Abdalla Mohammed Abdul-Rahman Al Zarooni from the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA), began by highlighting the importance of reporting any email phishing or hacking incidents to the organization’s IT department. He demonstrated by giving an example of one of the European economic cities that suffered from cyberattacks resulting in losses estimated at millions of dollars, all because a single employee clicked on a link. That simple action opened the door for viruses to infiltrate his computer and spread to the organization’s IT systems, leading to a major cybersecurity crisis – demonstrating how a major digital disaster can result from a very simple mistake. Therefore, even seemingly minor issues should not be underestimated.
The lecturer provided several examples of how hackers can access information to reach their victims. Hackers are persistent and may use phone calls or create fake websites; he noted that over one and a half million phishing sites are created every month. Therefore, it is essential to remain vigilant against email threats such as phishing, malicious attachments, spam, and others.
The lecture emphasized the importance of email security for the following reasons: maintaining the credibility of both sender and recipient, avoiding unwanted emails, and protecting the organization’s reputation..
Mr. Al Zarooni also emphasized the importance of not sharing the OTP (One-Time Password) codes with anyone. Short videos were shown demonstrating how some individuals fall victim to phishing, and various phishing techniques were explained. For example, an attacker may pose as a trusted person, exploiting trust to obtain sensitive information such as identity details or bank account information. Victims may also be targeted through websites resembling well-known sites or asked to provide personal or credit card information in exchange for enticing rewards.
The lecture also introduced safe email practices, including using encryption, complex passwords, not sharing passwords with anyone, and logging out properly.
The lecture received strong interest from participants, who enriched it through their engagement, ideas, and shared experiences.

In Its 2025 Cultural Season
The National Library and Archives Highlights the Importance of Social Innovation in Building Sustainable Societies
As part of its 2025 cultural season, and in coordination with the Institutional Innovation Committee, the National Library and Archives organized a seminar titled: “Social Innovation for Building Sustainable Societies”. The seminar aimed to promote individual initiatives and group practices that contribute to improving the quality of life, enhancing sustainable development, and creating a positive change in societies by finding and developing innovative solutions.
The seminar began with a talk by Dr. Shafea Al Neyadi, an expert in human development, who emphasized the importance of proper upbringing and sound education in preparing the younger generation to innovate. He stressed that innovation cannot flourish in an environment of intimidation; therefore, education must be grounded in values and ethics, alongside the freedom to ask questions and engage in dialogue, since these are gateways to knowledge and innovation. He warned that if we fail to listen to our children, they will turn instead to the internet and smart applications, which often lead to undesirable consequences. Dr. Al Neyadi also pointed out that adolescence consist of three stages: acceptance, resistance, and balance.
Dr. Al Neyadi noted that responding to our children’s questions with simple yes or no answers is not enough; instead, responses should be enriched with narratives, examples, experiences, and stories. He emphasized the importance of involving children in decision-making to help them develop their own character as a starting point for innovation. He also stressed that parents serve as a role model for their children in how they navigate life, and that family is not merely a shelter, but rather an intellectual and innovative environment where making mistakes is natural and essential to learning.
Dr. Shaikha Nasser Al Karbi, an Emirati researcher and Assistant Professor at Mohamed Bin Zayed University for Humanities specialized in applied sociology, affirmed the importance of the seminar’s topic, describing it as a cornerstone of every contemporary development project. In her speech, she focused on social innovation in building sustainable societies, stemmed from the vision of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, which continues to guide the UAE toward sustainability. She also highlighted the concept of social innovation and its intellectual roots in Sheikh Zayed’s thought.
Dr. Al Karbi emphasized that the concept of social innovation appeared to reflect the societies’ ability to create new solution for chronic and complex social challenges. In the UAE, social innovation is intertwined with the character of the Founder and Builder, Sheikh Zayed, who’s vision was the foundation of this approach since the beginning of the establishment of the union. The late Sheikh Zayed believed that genuine development begins with building the human being, consistently affirming that the true wealth of any progressive nation lies in its educated citizens, and that the advancement of peoples and nations is measured by the level and spread of learning. His forward-thinking vision was clearly reflected in his pioneering social policies that were ahead of their time—from building schools and hospitals, providing housing and social care, and instilling the values of participation, consultation, and social justice in the governance of the UAE. The researcher emphasized that Sheikh Zayed’s vision continues to shape the journey of the United Arab Emirates, that witnesses progress and flourishes across all areas of life.
The seminar, held at Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Hall at the headquarters of the National Library and Archives, and attended by a large audience from the National Academy for Childhood Development, was moderated by Mr. Abdallah Al Bastaki, a member of the Institutional Innovation Committee at the National Library and Archives. The session witnessed great interaction from the audience. Both speakers at the seminar agreed that the family is the fertile ground for social innovation, and that its role is affirmed throughout UAE society as a fundamental pillar in building a strong and prosperous community.

The National Library and Archives Highlights the History of UAE–China Relations in a cultural session held in Beijing

The National Library and Archives (NLA) organized a cultural session in Beijing that shed light on the historical and diplomatic ties between the United Arab Emirates and the People’s Republic of China. The session featured the NLA’s key official documents and historical photographs reflecting the strong ties between the two friendly nations.
Delivered by Ms. Iman Al-Breiki from the National Library and Archives, the session traced the early beginnings of diplomatic relations following the establishment of the UAE in December 1971. At that time, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan sent a telegram announcing the foundation of the new state to Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai, who replied with a congratulatory message confirming China’s official recognition of the UAE. Subsequent diplomatic visits between the two sides paved the way for stronger ties, culminating in the opening of the Chinese Embassy in Abu Dhabi and later the UAE Embassy in Beijing. The session also highlighted the steady development of relations over the past four decades, which have expanded to include diverse fields such as economy, culture, education, energy, and innovation.
Al-Breiki also presented a collection of photographs documenting official visits by leaders of both countries—milestones that marked turning points in bilateral relations. These visits offered a successful model of international cooperation founded on mutual respect and common interests. She emphasized the NLA’s vital role in recording and preserving this shared history for future generations.
Held as part of the National Library and Archives’ participation in the Beijing International Book Fair 2025, the session received wide engagement from attendees, including staff of the UAE Embassy in China and a distinguished Chinese audience. Participants expressed their appreciation for the NLA’s efforts in safeguarding the memory of the nation and presenting it in modern ways that contribute to strengthening bonds between peoples.

Participation of Library Science Students in the American Library Association Conference
Students from the Scholarships Office, sponsored by the National Library and Archives (NLA), participated in the 2025 American Library Association (ALA) conference in Philadelphia. The conference, a platform for exchanging ideas and technological innovations in the field of libraries, brought together over 25,000 professionals and was coordinated between the NLA and the Scholarships Office.
On the sidelines of the event, His Excellency Dr. Abdullah Majid Al Ali, Director-General of the NLA, met with Brigitte Weinsteiger, Director of the University of Pennsylvania Libraries. His Excellency provided a brief overview of the NLA’s objectives, role in preserving memory of the nation and vision of collecting and archiving documents according to scientific principles.
The two parties explored opportunities for collaboration to exchange expertise, valuable scientific and practical experiences, and specialized publications. They also discussed adopting modern methods for collecting and preserving oral history to promote global information sustainability.
His Excellency highlighted this opportunity as a valuable gesture from the wise leadership toward students specializing in library science and praised their dedication to acquiring knowledge and learning about the latest practices in the field.
The students visited several libraries in Philadelphia, including the University of Pennsylvania Library, where they saw unique collections. They also visited the conference exhibition, which showcased the latest innovations in library technology and smart applications. In addition, the students toured the Library of Congress and the U.S. National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) to study the latest methods for cataloging, classifying, and preserving records.
His Excellency Dr. Abdullah Al Ali affirmed that the wise leadership has established an approach to support and qualify the nation’s youth to enrich knowledge societies, thereby enabling the National Library and other local libraries to keep pace with the latest technologies, digital transformation, and the use of artificial intelligence applications.
Mr. Juma Atiq Al Rumaithi, Director of the Scholarships Office, commended the wise leadership’s directives to invest in young national talent. He noted that this aligns with the mission of the office to qualify a new generation of leaders by providing educational opportunities for academically outstanding Emirati students at prestigious international universities. This program aims to keep pace with the latest developments in library science, contributing to a sustainable knowledge economy and preparing the nation’s libraries for the future.

As Part of its Activities Aimed at Enhancing the Skills and Expertise of Archivists in the Governments Entities,
The National Library and Archives Organizes a Training Course on Preparing a Documents Preservation Plan in Government Entities

In line with its ongoing efforts to enhance the skills and expertise of archivists and organizing government documents and records, and in accordance with Federal Law No. (7) of 2008 Concerning the National Archives and Library and Its Executive Regulations, the National Library and Archives organized a virtual training course for employees of government entities in the United Arab Emirates. The course aimed to train specialists on how to prepare the tools used in records management, particularly the mechanism for developing a records retention schedule, which helps determine the retention period of documents at each stage of their lifecycle within the government entity. This mechanism serves as a means to track documents from their creation and regulate the process of permanent preservation or disposal of documents that are no longer useful.
The course, which was delivered by Mr. Ahmed Mujib, Technical Expert, focused on the Record Management System and addressed challenges of records in modern management. He provided detailed explanations of document preservation plan, its significance, objectives, and the process of its preparation. He also reviewed how the plan is reflected in the executive regulations of the National Library and Archives Law.
The course reviewed the joint document preservation plan in federal government entities prepared by the National Library and Archives to determine the retention periods for identical documents across government entities, thereby regulating their disposal. As a technical and legal tool, it enables government entities to monitor the retention period of both incoming and outgoing documents based on their value and legal conditions. It also determines their final fate, whether permanent preservation at the National Library and Archives or destruction, in accordance with the approved legal procedures.
Participants expressed strong interest in this type of course, recognizing its valuable contribution to enhancing their professional skills in their field of specialization and work.