The National Library and Archives participates with numerous schools in welcoming students to the new school year with national information in a joyful manner

The National Library and Archives shares school children’s joy at the beginning of the new academic year 2022-2023, through educational national lectures, and heritage and national icons coloring workshops, encouraging children to exert more effort to seek knowledge through employing joyous and delightful cartoon characters created by the National Library and Archives that are dear to students’ hearts. This purposeful task is carried out by some National Library and Archives’ specialists.
The National Library and Archives delegations visited many of Abu Dhabi schools to participate in receiving students at the beginning of the school year, at the forefront of these schools were: Baniyas City School, Al Shawamekh School, Fatima Bint Mubarak School, Emirates Foundation for School Education, Al Dhabianiya School, Emirates Kindergarten, Al Shamkha Kindergarten, and Al Asala School... among others.

Since the beginning of the school year, the National Library and Archives’ purposefully designed activities, greatly attracted students’ attention and interest as they actively interacted with the national information provided by the National Library and Archives. The schools’ administrative and teaching staff welcomed and appreciated this constructive participation, which contributes to children’s sound civic education in a beneficial and fun filled manner by the specialists and cartoon characters. Thus, the various schools highly valued and commended this noble national and humanitarian role played by the NLA.

The meetings with children mostly began by introducing the National library and Archives, its tasks and national role in preserving historical documents on the UAE in a simple manner consistent with children’s ability to gain and memorize knowledge and information. The meetings introduced national information on the UAE Builder and Founding Father, the Late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the UAE establishment, and development under its wise leadership. The meetings with children included coloring national and heritage icons, and drawings stemming from Emirati "Sana" or etiquette in a manner befitting the participating age group capabilities.
It is noteworthy that the cartoon characters, namely: (Hamad, Hessa, and the grandfather) accompanied the National Library and Archives’ delegation during the school visits, and attracted students' attention and interest as reflected through their active interaction, and prompt answering of their purposeful national questions, then finally taking souvenir photos with these joyous characters that are dear to all children’s hearts.

In cooperation with Emirates National Schools, and by selecting ninth grade students
The National Archives and Library launches its national project, "Measuring the impact of its educational programs on generations."

The Archive and the National Library, in cooperation with the Emirates National Schools Group, launched a pilot project to measure the impact of the national educational programs that it provides for generations. This project represents a unique system that is applied for the first time with the aim of measuring the educational, behavioral and cognitive dimensions of students before receiving educational programs, during them and after three years. who received it.
The Archives and the National Library apply this system to a large segment of Emirates National Schools students. With the aim of ensuring its significant impact on the consolidation and promotion of national identity and national values such as good citizenship and authentic societal values derived from the past of the United Arab Emirates and the Gulf region.
This national project comes in line with the directives of His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Chairman of the Education and Human Resources Council, in which he called for the promotion of national identity and cultural values in educational institutions, and stressed the importance of enriching students' knowledge with the achievements of national history. And experiences and success stories that can enrich the knowledge of students, and provide them with lessons, positive values, skills and wisdom in making decisions to be leaders of the future and effective elements in the Emirati society. His Highness stressed the importance of benefiting from the experiences and experiences of prominent national figures who have an awareness of the history of the UAE, knowledge of the Emirati identity and culture, customs, traditions and positive values, and highlighting their role in preparing a generation that carries the flag, clings to the identity and participates in shaping the future of the country.
Regarding this project, His Excellency Abdullah Majid Al Ali, Director General, said: The Archives and the National Library are among the first entities to offer such a scientific system that aims to measure the impact of educational programs and their impact on promoting the Emirati national and cultural identity and positive values among students in accordance with the directives of our wise leadership, which it places within its priorities.
His Excellency stressed that the Archive and the National Library deserve the role it plays in the national upbringing of generations, because it is the custodian of the nation’s memory and a history full of achievements, championships and success stories that instill positive values in the hearts of generations, and qualify them to be future leaders who preserve the country’s gains and capabilities, and inform students of the experiences of leaders. The homeland and national personalities and their experiences that enhance their knowledge, love of the homeland and loyalty to its great leaders.
He added: What increases the importance of applying the archive and the national library to measurement processes according to this system is that it is in line with its future dimension with the directions of our wise leadership, which bet on the role of the youth of the country in the field of developing their national culture, their skills and upgrading their capabilities, in order to enable them to lead the future, and an emphasis on The National Archives and Library follows scientific methods and methodologies to achieve successful results that depend on well-studied plans.
He pointed out that the Archive and the National Library have reached with its message aimed at enhancing the spirit of belonging and national identity to more than two and a half million beneficiaries of its targeted national educational programs within eight years, indicating that these organized efforts and fruitful partnerships confirm our appreciation for our students and their great role in shouldering responsibility. and the National Secretariat.
Dr. confirmed. Shawn Daily, Director General of Emirates National Schools, stressed that the national identity projects that are organized annually in cooperation with the Archive and the National Library for ninth grade students, which translate the vision of Emirates National Schools to prepare leaders for the future and to achieve and apply the highest quality standards to be able to prepare qualified future leaders who can take responsibility and achieve The vision of our wise government in the next fifty years.
These projects aim to help ninth grade students to develop integratedly by broadening the scope of the concept of education to more than just acquiring academic knowledge from the textbook, by focusing on developing research, communication, social skills, self-management skills, and thinking skills at all levels and types.
Regarding the mechanism of the system for measuring the impact of educational programs provided by the Archives and the National Library, Farhan Al Marzouqi, Director of the Institutional and Community Communication Department, said: We look forward through this system to measuring the dynamism of educational programs, and the extent of their benefit after a period of time has passed, which is the period of measurement, and the results will contribute to a review programs or generalization in the future.
He added: The measurement process will be applied to a specific sample of students, and according to a specific scientific methodology to see the impact of the various national educational programs offered by the Archives and the National Library, which include: lectures, interactive workshops, educational games and reading workshops, and physical and virtual visit programs that give students the opportunity to visit. The Emirates Library in the Archives and the National Library, Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Hall, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Hall for Virtual Reality... and others
Regarding this measurement system, he said: The Archive and the National Library apply this innovative measurement system due to its interest in the audience of beneficiaries, and because of the importance of this system in revealing the extent of their reception and absorption of programs to enhance national identity, which effectively contribute to the sound national upbringing of the individual, who is considered the basic building block in building The community, which bears its responsibilities in following up the future construction and development process.
Al-Marzouqi explained: The current measurement tools are real-time, and they measure the extent of the recipient's understanding of the provided educational program course, while the new system measures a deeper understanding of these programs, which are expected to affect the recipient's behavior, values, and role in society and support the state's directions. The application of this system is capable of shedding light on many important improvement opportunities in the performance of the National Archives and Library. It works in order to make the memory of the nation available for generations, and in order to ensure that the history and heritage of the fathers and grandfathers, of which we are proud, are transmitted to the children. Pointing out that the National Archives and Library relies on experts and specialists whom it trusts in implementing its national programmes, in implementing this system.
Professor Amina Al-Jabri, Head of the National Curriculum Department, confirmed that the ninth grade national identity projects have become an integral part of the enrichment curriculum of the national education and social studies curriculum, and were included under the umbrella of community projects for the Middle Years Program of the International Baccalaureate, which contributed to the innovation and implementation of a new method of teaching and assessment. The authentic one that is linked to reality and that combines education and assessment based on performance, and the other one that is based on projects, as well as one that is based on natural phenomena.
She added, "Through these projects, we seek to bring about a qualitative shift in students' orientation for volunteer work and community service, by spreading awareness of the importance of volunteer work as an essential component of national loyalty, and through innovation in developing students' educational competencies and capabilities, in both cognitive and performance aspects. This was the slogan of the projects." The year is: “Our original principles, the secret of our success in fifty years.” We focused the axes of students’ choices on topics related to the ten principles of fifty, which were launched by Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed - may God have mercy on him - in an effort to inculcate these original principles and teach them to our students. The students excelled in dealing with issues And related topics, where one hundred and thirty-four voluntary projects were produced, with the participation of eight hundred and thirteen male and female students from all our branches.
Dr. Husnia Al-Ali, Educational Programs Consultant, reviewed the role played by the Archive and the National Library in terms of supporting the educational process, and what it has achieved in this regard, optimistic about the outcome of this project, which will motivate students and schools to more demand for national educational programs that promote loyalty and belonging, and consolidate national identity and values. And national principles, and at the same time it is considered a supplement to the subjects of history and national education that students receive at school.
The Education Consultant in the Archives and the National Library gave a detailed explanation of the system for measuring the impact of educational programs on students, the scientific foundations on which it relies, the mechanism by which this system operates, and what the outcome of this project will have on the archives and the National Library in supporting the students’ national culture, pointing out This contributes to building future leaders and the knowledge economy of the Emirati society, and this in itself is a lofty goal that everyone aspires to.
It should be noted that this project, which is being launched by the Archives and the National Library in cooperation with Emirates National Schools, will soon begin by selecting a sample of ninth grade students in Emirates National Schools in the country, and applying tests to identify specific aspects of the sample. Such as the behavioral aspects, the educational aspects, and national knowledge. Among these aspects, the tests reach the students’ knowledge in the field of history, the knowledge of national responsibilities and duties, the principles of good citizenship, the students’ behaviors, their commitment and their values through their knowledge of the “Al-Sana’” customs, and the results are sufficient to show The methods, practices and mechanisms that the archives and the national library should follow in transferring knowledge to them in order to achieve the best outputs.
This measurement process monitors the impact achieved by the program on the level of national upbringing for students, and the knowledge richness achieved by the sample members from these programmes. The archive and the national library measure the extent to which the messages of the educational programs reach the participants. Based on the results of this project, the archive and the national library work on reviewing and amending the educational programs. To suit the needs of the beneficiaries, the project is supported by innovative programs that enhance the national identity of the participants based on the directives of the wise leadership.   
The second test of the project provides knowledge of the impact of educational programs on students' commitment to ideal behaviors in which the student is keen to perform his responsibilities towards his country to the fullest. Where the level of historical perception of the students will be considered after the program, and their interaction with learning and self-development will be considered by looking at the level of their academic achievement, their lack of absence, and their turnout for national events and volunteer work.
On the other hand, the measurement process is expected to result in a review of the outputs, the methods of presenting educational programs, the embodiment of the outputs on the ground, and the contribution to building an empowered generation that is aware of its national identity and is able to reflect national principles in all its actions.
Through this project - which follows the latest scientific methods in the processes of measuring the impact of its educational programs - the Archives and the National Library aim to lead in developing the experiences and skills of generations, and to identify opportunities for improvement on the way to enriching their national culture and developing their scientific capabilities to be worthy of carrying their national responsibilities on the way to achieving the goals of the state in the next fifty years.

With a view of identifying the best practices within the framework of promoting the benchmarking concept
The National Library and Archives receives a delegation from Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
At its headquarters in Abu Dhabi, the National Library and Archives (NLA) received a delegation from the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Center with the aim of identifying the best practices in archiving and documentation field, in the major events and conferences it organizes and participates, and in exchanging experiences with the  Emirates Library in terms of acquisition and accessibility of resources, references,  rare books, in addition to the whole impact of this on the quality of work and services provided to the public.
This visit came within the framework of promoting the benchmarking concept as well as exchanging experiences, and distinctive and successful practices applied by government agencies in common fields. The program of the visit included watching a historical documentary in the Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Virtual Reality Hall on "The Establishment of the  Union", which sheds light on the most important milestones in  the dream of building a federal state which the founding leader Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan and his fellow Rulers, the founding fathers, turned into reality.
In the presence of H.E. Abdullah Majed Al Ali, Director General of the National Library and Archives, and H.E. Dr. Yousef Al Obaidli, Director General of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Center, the Corporate and Community Outreach Department, the Archives Department and the Research and Knowledge Services Department delivered a comprehensive presentation on the National Library and Archives, its eventful agenda, and its great role in collecting and preserving the memory of the nation for generations.
The presentation focused on the establishment of the National Library and Archives, its vision and mission, the archive organization stages, the archival achievements, and the most important projects, namely the Arab Gulf Digital Archives (AGDA), the Centre for Preservation and Restoration, the Educational Programs Project with Sorbonne University, and other international strategic projects.
The presentation also shed light on the archive sequence that consists of collecting records from entities, individuals and archives around the world, next treating and conserving any damaged historical documents, then digitizing and indexing them, then preserving them, whether they are paper or electronic, and finally making them available to researchers, historians and the public via the Internet and smart platforms. The presentation also highlighted the historical importance of the ICA Congress which Abu Dhabi will host in 2023.
Furthermore, the presentation focused on the NLA’s publications which document important aspects of the history and heritage of the United Arab Emirates. They include more than 150 books with accurate contents and documented information, in multiple languages. It also highlighted the Young Historian Award, oral history interviews, and government projects.
The presentation also shed light on the National Library, which is currently being established to be on par with the largest national libraries in the world and to be a civilizational and cultural beacon for the United Arab Emirates. Additionally, it indicated that the 33rd edition of the  Conference of the Arab Federation for Libraries and Information will be held in collaboration with the National Library and Archives in Abu Dhabi, under the theme “Integration of  National Information and Knowledge Institutions in the State: Libraries, Archives and Museums,” noting that this cooperation stems from the NLA’s interest in ensuring effective participation, strengthening cooperation and concerted efforts to serve sustainable development.

At the end of the visit, the delegation explored the Emirates Library, which contains more than 75,000 books and aims to support researchers and those interested in the history and heritage of the UAE and the Gulf region. The delegation was briefed on the rare books, many of which are available within the Arab Collections on the Internet Project, accessible through its platform on New York University website.
It is noteworthy that the required precautionary and preventive measures were observed and applied during the visit.

In Supporting Youth, Empowering Them and Unleashing Their Creativity
The National Library and Archives Launches the Youth Council

The National Library and Archives launched the Youth Council, which aims to support and empower the UAE Youth in order to shape the future in archives and libraries.
The National Library and Archives hopes that the Youth Council would provide the right environment for the innovative ideas of the Youth in the National Library and Archives, develop their leadership capabilities, disseminate archival culture and prepare events and conferences for youth.
About the National Library and Archives’ Youth Council, His Excellency Abdulla Majed Al Ali, the Director General said: It is undeniable that youth are the mainstay of the present and the center of its renaissance, the vital engine of development, and the secret of sustainable development that we seek. Whoever puts hope on youth and works to empower them, he/she devintely will create a brighter and prosperous future.
H.E. added: The Youth Council in the National Library and Archives is one of the frontages on which we attach great hopes, and we look forward with great anticipation to their creative ideas, solid will and determination to excel and be innovative in building and development. We will provide them with support and endorsement to assist them to achieve the desired goals that are in the interest of our dear country under its wise leadership.
His Excellency pointed out that the support of youth in their ambitious journey in the National Library and Archives is not a result of today; H.E. said: “We have realized their potential and capabilities, and worked to employ them to serve the country. Their creative initiatives and projects occupy a distinguished place in the documented march of the National Library and Archives. Our youth were able to assume many leadership positions, and we really hope that they continue their efforts with skills and proficiency in line with the next phase of the life of the National Library and Archives.
His Excellency asked the youth to develop their capabilities and knowledge and to increase their giving for the nation’s advancement, and to use their talents and successes to reach the horizons beyond the National Library and Archives and the UAE; as they represent the hope of both the present and the future.
On her appointment as Chairperson of the National Library and Archives’ Youth Council, Madya Al Mehairbi expressed her happiness with the confidence placed on her by the National Library and Archives. She undertook to work towards achieving the Council’s missions. She said that she will work with all the members of the Youth Council to enhance their role in serving the nation’s memory, preserving it for the generations to come and to encourage them to present more of their creative ideas that consolidate their position in the UAE’s march, in which it aspires to globally establish its mark in the various fields in the next fifty years.
She added: We - the youth of the UAE - are aware of the role entrusted to us by our wise leadership, which requires us to be an exemple and a role model for the youth of the world in all the various fields. This holds us responsible to increase our efforts at work and to acquire all types of knowledge that qualify us to reach the future that the UAE wishes to to achive. It also makes it imperative on us to carry dialogue with the others, build bridges to exchange distinguished and successful mutual experiences, which will enable us to overcome all the challenges.

The National Library and Archives Hosts the 33rd Conference of the Arab Federation of Libraries and Information in Abu Dhabi

Hosted in Abu Dhabi, the 33rd conference of the Arab Federation of Libraries and Information is held in collaboration with the National Library and Archives (NLA), under the theme "Integration of National Information and Knowledge Institutions in the UAE: Libraries, Archives and Museums".  The cooperation stems from the NLA’s desire to establish effective partnerships, strengthen cooperation and joint efforts for sustainable development as work began to establish an Emirati national library that is comparable to the largest national libraries in the world, and that will be a civilizational and cultural beacon for the United Arab Emirates
On the NLA’s interest in the 33rd Conference of the Arab Federation of Libraries and Information, H.E. Abdullah Majid Al Ali, Director General of the National Library and Archives, said: “We attach great importance to this conference as the next stage will see the establishment of a distinguished national library and we consider libraries as reading oases and essential pillar and component of knowledge. We hope to attract experts and specialists to this conference and to the results of its meetings, which will discuss the role of libraries, national documentation information centers, national archives and museums, the status of national information and knowledge institutions in countries, their interest in preserving, managing, making available and serving knowledge and heritage, and the memory of the nation, especially in light of the technical developments and other influential variables.
He added that the development of information and knowledge institutions’ functions contributes mainly to the consolidation of the knowledge economy to meet the future and maintain progress, and this development requires the cooperation and integration of these important institutions to carry on their successful activities. He indicated that this makes the conference an important opportunity to hold discussion and dialogue, and explore advanced knowledge and skills and successful experiences, which are catalysts for development and progress in this field.
His Excellency underlined that the National Archives and Library will take advantage of the conference and the participation of high-level experts and professionals to integrate future visions and goals, lay the solid foundations of the National Library and integrate roles to serve culture in the UAE, which is an integral part of the world cultural scene.
It is worth mentioning that various topics will be discussed at the 33rd conference of the Arab Federation of 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.

The National Library and Archives discusses enhancing cooperation with Syrian cultural institutions

H.E. Abdullah Majed Al Ali, Director General of the National Library and Archives (NLA), and H.E. Ambassador Dr. Ghassan Abbas, Chargé d'affaires of the Embassy of the Syrian Arab Republic to the United Arab Emirates, discussed enhancing cooperation and coordination in the cultural fields, archiving and documentation, methods of collecting and preserving the memory of the nation for generations, especially intangible cultural heritage. Topics discussed during the NLA’s reception of H.E. Dr. Ghassan Abbas and his companions at its headquarters included organizing joint events by the two brotherly countries, and cultural achievement integration, especially meaningful and significant translation.

H.E. the Director General highlighted the role of the National Library and Archives in preserving resources and references, and the importance of preserving valuable cultural treasures and making them accessible to researchers, academics, students and others in light of the digital transformation. He pointed out that knowledge in all its forms contributes to balancing the knowledge economy in order to meet the future and maintain the march of progress. His Excellency also emphasized the significance of the bilateral relations between the National Library and Archives and cultural and archival institutions in Syria. Moreover, he presented the NLA’s publications, which document the history and heritage of the United Arab Emirates and the Gulf region, to Al-Assad National Library in Damascus so that its researchers and those interested in the history of the UAE, its pioneering unification experience and its bright present take advantage of them.
Both sides stressed the importance of preserving cultural heritage as a fundamental pillar of national cultural identity and the main supporter of knowledge economy policies and strategies. Thus, it must be preserved and sustained through documenting and preserving it for future generations.
His Excellency pointed out the importance of twinning and exchange of publications between the National Library and Archives of the United Arab Emirates and the institutions concerned with archives, heritage and culture in the Arab Republic of Syria. He underscored the cultural participation of pioneers of thought and knowledge and Syrian talents in the major events and activities, which the NLA plans to organize, emphasizing the importance of signing a memorandum of understanding that enhances cultural cooperation between the two brotherly countries.
The Syrian Ambassador praised the NLA’s role in preserving the memory of the nation and its provision of documented historical information about the United Arab Emirates in its qualitative publications which enrich the Arab library and preserve the history of the UAE and the Gulf region for posterity.

He presented the new teachers with an integrated and honorable picture of the Emirati society in its past and present
The National Archives and Library organizes a forum for new teachers in preparation for the new academic year

The Archives and the National Library received a large number of new teachers at the ninth annual forum for foreign teachers, which it organizes in preparation for the new academic year 2022-2023 AD, with the aim of enriching their knowledge with information from the glorious history and ancient heritage of the UAE, and enhancing their experiences with the values of the Emirati society, and its values of tolerance and human coexistence. between the various nationalities hosted by the United Arab Emirates.
The forum, which was organized by the Archives and the National Library in cooperation with the Emirates National Schools, witnessed a national lecture presented by Dr. Aisha Belkhair, Research Consultant, in which she reviewed important milestones in the history of the Emirates, and a brief introduction to the most prominent influential leadership figures in Emirati society, in the context of her talk about Sanaa and the most prominent customs, traditions, values and prevailing norms. Which he inherited and is proud of, and thus the new teachers pass through the Emirati culture gate, which is an important entry point for them before they reach the teaching classes and contribute to the upbringing of generations and the preparation of future leaders.
It should be noted that the Teachers' Forum has proven its role in enhancing teachers' knowledge of the history and heritage of the Emirates, and its usefulness in reducing the distance between new teachers, students and parents, and between the field of education and cultural services provided by the Archives and the National Library to students and researchers in the history and heritage of the Emirates and the Gulf region, and at the same time Confirms the true partnership of the National Archives and Library in the national upbringing of generations.
The lecture given by the Research Consultant in the Archives and the National Library touched on the development of education in the United Arab Emirates from “Katatib” to formal education, passing through semi-formal education, and ending with highly developed educational circles that stimulate creativity, innovation and artificial intelligence, in addition to its enjoyment of global competitiveness and its harmony with international standards. The requirements of the times have led to the proliferation of advanced universities in various traditional and modern disciplines, and this is supported by the labor market with distinguished graduates.
The lecture shed light on the reality of Emirati women and the support they receive from Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak - may God protect her - President of the General Women's Union, President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, Supreme Chair of the Family Development Foundation - and Her Highness paved the way for Emirati women to achieve achievements and gains that made them reach higher levels. The centers are making progress at the local, regional and international levels, with the unlimited support of our wise leadership.
Dr. Aisha Belkhair stressed the importance of future accelerators that have a significant impact on the sustainability of development in the Emirati society, such as: moral values, social justice, and the existence of a good example represented by the values of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan - may God rest his soul - and his national principles, and the human approach that it follows. Good leadership. The lecture touched on the massive digital transformation that made the United Arab Emirates one of the first countries to start providing electronic services since 2013, then the business administration shifted from traditional management to electronic and from there to smart management, which became accessible to all, all at the behest of its wise leadership, and this is what Facilitated business continuity during the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic, and the National Archives and Library was a typical example of this; As its cadres were able to continue working and providing services remotely.   To manage business and ensure its continuity in force majeure, especially disasters and crises, and this indicates good planning and management.
The lecture presented wonderful pictures of the UAE's past and present, pointing to the importance of hospitality among the people of the Emirates, fear, respect for the elderly and kindness to the young, appreciation of volunteer work, etiquette of speaking in councils, respect for grace, and preserving the environment. And others.
The Teachers’ Forum in its current version was distinguished by the fact that it was held in attendance at (Liwa) Hall at the Archives and National Library headquarters, amid application of the required precautionary measures and preventive measures. As it was by default in the previous session.

Its paper focuses on its initiatives and projects pertaining to translation,
The National Library and Archives participates in an international conference on translation in Lithuania
The National Library and Archives intends to participate in the International Translation Conference to be organized by the Department of Translation and Interpreting Studies at the Faculty of Philology of Vilnius University in the Republic of Lithuania, under the slogan of “Translation, Ideology and Ethics: Response and Credibility”, with a research paper entitled “Towards Promoting the Translation Movement in the Middle East: The UAE’s National Library and Archives Initiatives as a Model”. This signifies a qualitative step by the NLA towards reviewing important aspects of its national activities and achievements in international cultural circles.
The research paper to be presented by Prof. Saddik Gohar, Translation Expert at the NLA, in September 2022, aims to shed the light on the NLA’s outstanding efforts to enhance the translation movement at all human, civilizational, knowledge, social, professional, historical and educational levels.
Hamad Al Hamiri, Director of the Research and Knowledge Services Department, says  about this participation: “Translation is a means of education, dialogue and building bridges between civilizations and cultures through the ages. Given the role of the NLA in the field of translation, it becomes worthy of being presented as an ideal model in this international conference as we attach considerable importance to translation. Most of our publications were not translated into English only, but also to many other languages. Furthermore, we also translated the main international publications related to the NLA’s specializations into Arabic. This is in addition to our conferences, symposiums and lectures relevant to this field.”
“The NLA’s role in the field of translation is totally in line with the UAE’s approach as translation is deemed as one of the most critical bases for advancement, and it opens the door for all types of knowledge and sciences. Translation receives special interest in the UAE, which is evidenced by projects and initiatives that aim to promote translation.”, he added.
Moreover, the NLA’s paper tackles also the linguistic and cultural challenges and obstacles faced by translators working on various translation projects at the NLA. It focuses on machine translation issues, artificial intelligence outcomes and mechanisms and how to make use of them to support translation from foreign languages into Arabic.
In his research paper, Prof. Gohar discusses the UAE’s pioneering role in promoting the value of translation as the cornerstone of the cultural life of every civilized people. He presents the NLA as a model, highlighting the translation boom in the UAE, which strives to benefit from translation in enriching the Arab library with the best international contributions and in highlighting the UAE’s civilized image by translating the most creative Arab accomplishments into the world’s languages.
The paper points out that the translation movement in the Arab World and Middle East suffered recently from setbacks at different levels. Consequently, the NLA adopted a number of academic initiatives and endeavors, most prominently “Tarjamat” project, which enhances academic participation in conferences and supports translation movement locally, regionally and internationally. The paper also reviews the most significant international conferences, which were organized by the NLA and in which an elite of translation professors from international universities participated. It emphasized that the NLA in all its events called for a multi-disciplinary internal and academic research approach as it took critical steps towards enhancing cultural intermingling through successive translation initiatives and multilingual translation projects that aim to translate historical, heritage and cultural text from and into most of the world’s languages.
It is worth mentioning that the Vilnius University, which will organize this international conference is one of the oldest and most prestigious European universities. It was founded in 1579.

"The UAE … the civilization of a people, the history of a nation”, and “The Supreme National Values"
The National Library and Archives participated with two lectures with the Mohammed bin Khalid Al Nahyan Future Generation Society

 The National Library and Archives participated in the 18th edition of the program entitled “Ya Zain Saifna”, organized by the Mohammed bin Khalid Al Nahyan Future Generation Society, with two virtual national lectures. The first of which is entitled: "The UAE .. a civilization of a people and the history of a nation", while the second is entitled: "The Supreme National Values."
The first lecture, entitled "The UAE … the Civilization of a People and the History of a Nation", presented by Hind Al Zaabi, Educational Programs’ Specialist at the National Library and Archives, began with the Late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the UAE Founder and Builder’s famous quote: "He who does not know his past cannot make the best of his present and future." This wise quote indicates that a nation that does not know or document its past shall not be able to lead its present or shape its future. She also highlighted the words of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai,: "We are not a new nation in history" noting that the UAE history goes back about seven thousand years according to the inscriptions, drawings, and archaeological finds of international missions, which indicate that the UAE history is not limited to the establishment or inception of the union of the seven Emirates: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm al-Quwain, Fujairah and Ras al-Khaimah; and that it is a historical milestone in the Trucial Coast region. With the success of this union, the UAE became a renowned modern state, with a great history and civilization, as indicated by historical documents and discovered archaeological finds.
In the context of that educational national program, the Researcher and Lecturer, Muhammad Ismail Abdullah, Educational Programs’ Specialist at the National Library and Archives presented another lecture in which he emphasized that the values of national identity, loyalty and belonging are key national pillars and concepts that should be instilled in all society members, as a necessary prerequisite for good citizenship and a means of protecting the UAE achievements, and promoting unity and solidarity among its citizens.

The National Library and Archives highlighted the significant role of those three national values in instilling and promoting national identity, good citizenship, loyalty, and belonging to the UAE and its wise leadership as they contribute to establishing a society which reflects unity and solidarity and a fully dedicated generation which spares no effort or sacrifice for the sake of its nation and fully guards and supports its achievements. It is noteworthy that the National Library and Archives, through this joint constructive cooperation with the Mohammed bin Khalid Al Nahyan Future Generation Society, aims at raising an enlightened and wise future generation which is quite capable of assuming its great national responsibilities.

The National Library and Archives issues the book of "The Second International Translation Conference" which tackles the image of the UAE in cultures, literature and world intellectual heritage

The National Library and Archives is about to issue its most recent publication, the book of the peer reviewed research papers presented at the Second International Translation Conference 2022 organized and virtually held by the National Library and Archives from 9-13 May 2022, under the slogan: (Translation and Preserving the Memory of the Nation… The Image of the UAE in Cultures, Literatures and World Intellectual Heritage) The program included more than 67 research papers which were externally peer-reviewed after the conference to select the papers situable for publication, eventually 20 research papers in Arabic and 20 in various foreign languages were selected and published in two volumes.
In this context, Mr. Hamad Al-Hamiri, Director of Research and Knowledge Services Department, said: The second international translation conference and its theme came in line with the National Library and Archives’ objectives including promoting and highlighting the image of the UAE in cultures, literature and global intellectual heritage, with the stated aim of monitoring all written and translated papers on the ancient Emirati history and contemporary Emirati achievements in various foreign languages through inviting over 70 Researchers and Specialists from major universities and research centers, who presented their research papers in Arabic, and many other foreign languages, including English, French, German, Spanish, Portuguese, Polish, Slovenian, Albanian, Swedish, Japanese, Hebrew and Dutch among others.
Mr. Al-Hamiri added: The conference sessions were very popular and well received by followers from all over the world; We issued a book including peer reviewed and documented research papers for researchers and all interested in the history of the UAE. This two-volume book which resulted from the translation conference, and its unique topics shall doubtlessly enrich the Emirati, Arab and international libraries.
He pointed out that the first section of the book includes: the inaugural conference speech of His Excellency Abdulla Majid Al Ali, Acting Director General of the National Library and Archives, and the closing speech, in which His Excellency announced the third edition of the International Translation Conference’s date and slogan, and the research papers in Arabic in the first volume, whereas, the second volume includes research papers in various other foreign languages.
It is noteworthy that the main Arabic research papers received and approved by the book supervising committee are those of : Dr. Saddik Gohar, National Library and Archives translation Expert, entitled: “ Journey into the Memory of the Emirates in Many Languages: The National Poetry of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum between History and Legend.”, UAE University Professor, Yahya Mohamed Mahmoud Ahmed entitled “Sir Wilfred Patrick Thesiger and his Translation of the Emirati Bedouin Heritage in the Mid-Twentieth Century”, Professor Haj Muhammad Al-Habib, (Center for Scientific and Technical Research for the Development of the Arabic Language - Algeria, entitled “The Toponymy of the United Arab Emirates”. Professor Mohamed Abdel Hamid Khalifa, (Chair of the Arabic Language Department - Damanhour University - ARE) entitled “Modernity or Modernization in the UAE between the Translation of the Term and the Specificity of Culture”, Dr. Ahmed Afifi, (Professor of Linguistics - Cairo University - ARE) entitled “The Impact of translation in Achieving Civilized Communication between Nations”, Ms. Eman Alrami, (Mohammed V University, Rabat, Morocco) entitled “The Role of the Arab League in Developing Translation and Proceeding towards a Knowledge Society”, Dr. Shahira Zarnaji, (University of Mohamed Khider- Biskra- (Algeria) entitled “The Dangers and Slips of Machine Translation - The Arabic translation of Virginia Woolf's Novel (Mrs. Dalloway) as a model”, Dr. Mohamed Mansour El-Hoodwy, (Lecturer of Arabic and Islamic Studies - Doha - Qatar): entitled "Kalima" project as a Linking Point of Knowledge and Cultural Communication between Civilizations and Nations”, Dr. Elham Mahmoud Mohamed Badr, (Ain Shams University - Cairo – A.R.E. entitled “Machine Translation and its Role in the Digitization of the Arabic Language: Improving the Quality of Machine Translation from Hebrew to Arabic, Dr. Emad Khalaf (Translator- Sharjah- UAE entitled “Machine Translation between Arabic and Persian: An Analytical Study and Criteria for a Better Translation”, Professor Yahya Abdel-Tawab, (from the Theatre Institute- Kuwait) entitled “Translation and Culture in the Era of Globalization”, Professor Hassan bin Saeed Ghazala, (Umm Al-Qura University- KSA) and Dr. Naima Al-Ghamdi, (Imam Abdul Rahman bin Faisal University- KSA) entitled “exploring Linguistic, Cognitive, Communicative, Cultural and Technological Dimensions of Translation: An Integrative Approach”, Professor Labidi Bouabdallah and Dr. Haitham Zeinhom Morsi, (Mohammed bin Zayed University for Human Sciences - Abu Dhabi - UAE) entitled “The Role of Semantic Space in Solving Machine Translation Problems: Construction and Description of a New Applied Technical Model”, Mr. Khaled Arafa Salem, (Researcher in Translation Studies- Ajman- UAE) entitled “Screen Translation between the Past and Present: A Historic Approach”, and of Prof. Dr. Maher El-Sherbiny, from the Japanese Language Department at Cairo University, entitled: "The problems of translating proper names from the Japanese to Arabic language."

The National Library and Archives held its seventh symposium of its 2022 cultural season on the various "Means of Employing Oral Memory in Preserving History"
 The National Library and Archives held its seventh virtual symposium as part of its 2022 cultural season, entitled: “Means of Employing Oral Memory in Preserving History” on August 24th, with the participation of various Experts, Researchers and Specialists. It highlights the importance of oral history in documenting various historical events preserved in the memory of the narrators and senior citizens who witnessed such events prior to the union’s establishment, employing the National Library and Archives’ vast and leading experience in this field.

This virtual symposium aims at out-reaching all interested audience to encourage senior citizens and residents to out-pour and document their preserved memories through the National Library and Archives’ Oral History Archives, to serve and contribute to the glorious history and heritage of the UAE, and to the preservation of its cherished values, principles, customs and traditions in which the UAE community takes great pride. Since oral history is concerned with recording and documenting the intangible UAE history and heritage, through oral narratives and accounts preserved through the memories of senior citizens and figures’ who witnessed those historical events in the past. The National Library and Archives has attached great interest and significance to Oral history as it constitutes an integral part of the memory of the nation, and a key source and reference for the UAE and the region’s history and heritage.

The National Library and Archives’ keen interest in enriching the oral history archives with hundreds of interviews aims at raising young generations’ awareness of the various UAE regions’ ways of life in the past and the stages of its development before and after the union’s establishment. It is note-worthy that the National Library and Archives experts and specialists also conduct audio and audio-visual interviews. The National Library and Archives delegations of oral history specialists are always welcomed and appreciated by many senior citizens who facilitate their tasks and provide them with highly important information on the early stages of the UAE establishment at the hands of its founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and his fellow Rulers of the Emirates.

The National Library and Archives Participates in the Traditional Music Conference and the (IFLA) Congress.

The National Library and Archives participated in the International Council for Traditional Music Conference, held in Lisbon, in the Portuguese Republic, from 21-27 July 2022. In its discussion session entitled: “Musical Mobility in the world of Arabia and the Gulf” Dr. Aisha Bilkhair, Research Advisor at the National Library and Archives presented a Paper entitled: “The Role of Women in Transmitting Heritage and promoting Creativity,” in which she tackled the influence of music and work songs on social and economic life and through various life stages and successive generations as the Emirati musical production became distinguished by its creativity, modernity and diverse styles. This is a phenomenon that combines different elements to produce a heritage with a national identity that has been passed on through generations and preserved by their oral memory.  
The attendees appreciated and commended the presented lecture, which briefed the participants and attendees on the role of women and music innovation in the UAE. The lecture was followed by interactive questions, which promoted knowledge dissemination and exchange.
A delegation from the National Library and Archives participated in the 87th IFLA World Library and Information Congress held in Dublin, Ireland.
The delegation which included Hamad Al Hamiri, Director of Research and Knowledge Services Department, and Riad Bin Lalam from the Emirates Library of the National Library and Archives - was briefed on library and information systems’ main practices, especially experiences relating to national libraries. The delegation also visited the exhibition of companies and institutions specialized in the field of libraries.
The National Library and Archives delegation took advantage of its participation in the IFLA 87th General Conference and invited key participating Experts and Specialists to the 33rd Conference of the Arab Federation for Libraries and Information (IFLA), which will be hosted by Abu Dhabi from October 31 to November 2, 2022.