The National Library and Archives is proud of its achievement and foresees innovation in the future

In conjunction with the month of innovation, the National Library and Archives “NLA” of the UAE organized, via interactive platforms, a virtual lecture entitled “The Role of the National Library and Archives in Innovation” in which Mr. Hamad Al Mutairi, Director of the Archives Department, reviewed the achievements made in terms of innovation during the last stage. He laid the main foundations for innovation and defined its key features during the following stage.

The lecturer said: “We have learned from our wise leadership that innovation is not an option but a necessity. It is not a culture, but a work style and it is not a luxury but a duty. Therefore, each staff member and official have to be innovative in order to improve business opportunities, promote his/ her achievements in the interest of our homeland and deliver an excellent performance. We have also learned from our leadership that nothing is impossible.”. He noted that innovation occurs in developing tasks and projects and foreseeing the future. The UAE Government has introduced several programs that enhance the culture of innovation.

He also reviewed significant milestones in the history of the NLA, which was founded in 1968. Since its inception, the NLA strived to fulfil its principal objective entrusted by the Late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan to preserve whatever pertaining to the history of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, the UAE and the Gulf region. It went through several stages of development, most notably the issuance of Federal Law No. (7) of 2008 under which the NLA was changed into a federal institution and then Federal Law No. (3) of 2021 on the incorporation of the National Library into the National Archives and the introduction of new objectives and functions.

The lecture discussed the NLA’s key functions: various forms of documents and historical records collection, processing to prolong their life and preservation in accordance with the latest standards as well as making them accessible. Furthermore, it tackled innovation in operations and procedures such the standard plan for identifying similar documents at government entities. It focused on the importance of innovation in modern technologies, which form the fundamental basis for the digital age we live in, and on making use of artificial intelligence in archives and libraries, the NLA achievements at this level and how it benefited from indexing, electronic data recognition, optical character recognition (OCR) and accessibility processes.

The Director of the Archives Department highlighted the challenges of innovation such as lack of positivity, initiative implementation and careful planning. Moreover, he emphasized the importance of innovation for the future and its requirements of strategies, projects, initiatives and enablers, noting that ambitious and smart strategies that conform with the UAE strategies require enablers and infrastructures to support projects and initiatives.

With regard to human resources training, qualification and empowerment, the lecture pointed out the collaboration with Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi in the professional certificate and the Bachelor and Master in archives and records management.

In addition, the lecture, attended by a large number of employees and interested persons, identified the main innovative projects and initiatives that bear testimony to the NLA achievements such as the Arabian Gulf Digital Archive “AGDA”, which is a digital portal that contains thousands of historical records, photos and multimedia of historical and cultural value. It is worth mentioning that AGDA have been developed and updated recently by the NLA. The innovative projects and initiatives also include the ICA Congress, which is the largest archival event to be hosted in Abu Dhabi in October 2023 under the slogan of “Empowering Knowledge Societies”.

The National Library and Archives is proud of its achievement and foresees innovation in the future

In conjunction with the month of innovation, the National Library and Archives “NLA” of the UAE organized, via interactive platforms, a virtual lecture entitled “The Role of the National Library and Archives in Innovation” in which Mr. Hamad Al Mutairi, Director of the Archives Department, reviewed the achievements made in terms of innovation during the last stage. He laid the main foundations for innovation and defined its key features during the following stage.
The lecturer said: “We have learned from our wise leadership that innovation is not an option but a necessity. It is not a culture, but a work style and it is not a luxury but a duty. Therefore, each staff member and official have to be innovative in order to improve business opportunities, promote his/ her achievements in the interest of our homeland and deliver an excellent performance. We have also learned from our leadership that nothing is impossible.”. He noted that innovation occurs in developing tasks and projects and foreseeing the future. The UAE Government has introduced several programs that enhance the culture of innovation.
He also reviewed significant milestones in the history of the NLA, which was founded in 1968. Since its inception, the NLA strived to fulfil its principal objective entrusted by the Late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan to preserve whatever pertaining to the history of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, the UAE and the Gulf region. It went through several stages of development, most notably the issuance of Federal Law No. (7) of 2008 under which the NLA was changed into a federal institution and then Federal Law No. (3) of 2021 on the incorporation of the National Library into the National Archives and the introduction of new objectives and functions.
The lecture discussed the NLA’s key functions: various forms of documents and historical records collection, processing to prolong their life and preservation in accordance with the latest standards as well as making them accessible. Furthermore, it tackled innovation in operations and procedures such the standard plan for identifying similar documents at government entities. It focused on the importance of innovation in modern technologies, which form the fundamental basis for the digital age we live in, and on making use of artificial intelligence in archives and libraries, the NLA achievements at this level and how it benefited from indexing, electronic data recognition, optical character recognition (OCR) and accessibility processes.
The Director of the Archives Department highlighted the challenges of innovation such as lack of positivity, initiative implementation and careful planning. Moreover, he emphasized the importance of innovation for the future and its requirements of strategies, projects, initiatives and enablers, noting that ambitious and smart strategies that conform with the UAE strategies require enablers and infrastructures to support projects and initiatives.
With regard to human resources training, qualification and empowerment, the lecture pointed out the collaboration with Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi in the professional certificate and the Bachelor and Master in archives and records management.
In addition, the lecture, attended by a large number of employees and interested persons, identified the main innovative projects and initiatives that bear testimony to the NLA achievements such as the Arabian Gulf Digital Archive “AGDA”, which is a digital portal that contains thousands of historical records, photos and multimedia of historical and cultural value. It is worth mentioning that AGDA have been developed and updated recently by the NLA. The innovative projects and initiatives also include the ICA Congress, which is the largest archival event to be hosted in Abu Dhabi in October 2023 under the slogan of “Empowering Knowledge Societies”.

The National Library and Archives showcases it collections at the Sheikh Zayed Festival using high technology

In keeping with the National Library and Archives’ interest in innovation as one of the necessary requirements without which excellence cannot be achieved, it furnished its Memory of the Nation pavilion at the Sheikh Zayed Festival 2022 with cutting edge technologies to display the sophisticated projects implemented over the last ten years, of which the UAE is proud, in an innovative and attractive way that is appealing to all festival visitors.

The higher than ten meters mammoth wall screens are one of the most eye-catching high-tech features in the NLA’s pavilion. Each screen displays a certain project’s photo and relevant brief information once a visitor steps on the circle to which it is connected. Thus, the National Library and Archives pavilion’s visitors of different segments and age-groups are engaged to gain useful information in an interesting way.

These screens display information about original projects starting from 2012-2021, namely, Etihad Museum, Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant, Dubai Metro, Dubai's Safauh Tram Line, the Government Summit, Khalifa Port, Louvre Abu Dhabi, Khalifa Sat, the journey of the first Emirati astronaut, the Hope Probe and Expo 2020.

The information about each of these projects, which are launched by the UAE, is introduced in a few lines read in a minute or two. A screen is dedicated to each year from 2012 to 2021, so when a visitor steps on the circle corresponding to the year about which he/she wants to obtain information, the blue screen illuminates displaying the relevant image, prominent events and data. For example, If the visitor stands on the circle of Khalifa Port, the following text appears: Khalifa Port is the latest Emirati port in Abu Dhabi with a characteristic deeper dock, which allows it to receive the largest international shipping liners. Khalifa Port is the widest gateway for transit trade to and from the emirate, and it is the only port that handles container cargo which has been completely diverted from Zayed Port since the end of December 2012.

Another screen introduces information about “KhalifaSat” saying it is one of the latest satellites designated to remote Earth observation imaging. It is designed and manufactured in the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Center in Dubai. It is the first fully Emirati satellite, which was launched into Earth orbit on October 30, 2018.

On the dedicated screen to the Dubai Tram, the visitor reads: The Dubai Tram is a tram line in Al Sufouh, Dubai, which extends for 14.5 km along Al-Sufouh Road from Dubai Marina to Palm Jumeirah. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai officially opened its first phase on November 11, 2014.

In addition to this innovative method of display, the National Library and Archives enriches its pavilion with other high-tech gadgets that display equally important NLA’s holdings, such as virtual reality binoculars, interactive display screens, and the digital visitor counter installed in the pavilion's majlis.

The National Library and Archives showcases it collections at the Sheikh Zayed Festival using high technology

In keeping with the National Library and Archives’ interest in innovation as one of the necessary requirements without which excellence cannot be achieved, it furnished its Memory of the Nation pavilion at the Sheikh Zayed Festival 2022 with cutting edge technologies to display the sophisticated projects implemented over the last ten years, of which the UAE is proud, in an innovative and attractive way that is appealing to all festival visitors.
The higher than ten meters mammoth wall screens are one of the most eye-catching high-tech features in the NLA’s pavilion. Each screen displays a certain project’s photo and relevant brief information once a visitor steps on the circle to which it is connected. Thus, the National Library and Archives pavilion’s visitors of different segments and age-groups are engaged to gain useful information in an interesting way.
These screens display information about original projects starting from 2012-2021, namely, Etihad Museum, Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant, Dubai Metro, Dubai's Safauh Tram Line, the Government Summit, Khalifa Port, Louvre Abu Dhabi, Khalifa Sat, the journey of the first Emirati astronaut, the Hope Probe and Expo 2020.
The information about each of these projects, which are launched by the UAE, is introduced in a few lines read in a minute or two. A screen is dedicated to each year from 2012 to 2021, so when a visitor steps on the circle corresponding to the year about which he/she wants to obtain information, the blue screen illuminates displaying the relevant image, prominent events and data. For example, If the visitor stands on the circle of Khalifa Port, the following text appears: Khalifa Port is the latest Emirati port in Abu Dhabi with a characteristic deeper dock, which allows it to receive the largest international shipping liners. Khalifa Port is the widest gateway for transit trade to and from the emirate, and it is the only port that handles container cargo which has been completely diverted from Zayed Port since the end of December 2012.
Another screen introduces information about “KhalifaSat” saying it is one of the latest satellites designated to remote Earth observation imaging. It is designed and manufactured in the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Center in Dubai. It is the first fully Emirati satellite, which was launched into Earth orbit on October 30, 2018.
On the dedicated screen to the Dubai Tram, the visitor reads: The Dubai Tram is a tram line in Al Sufouh, Dubai, which extends for 14.5 km along Al-Sufouh Road from Dubai Marina to Palm Jumeirah. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai officially opened its first phase on November 11, 2014.
In addition to this innovative method of display, the National Library and Archives enriches its pavilion with other high-tech gadgets that display equally important NLA’s holdings, such as virtual reality binoculars, interactive display screens, and the digital visitor counter installed in the pavilion's majlis.

Distinguished services and extensive experience in preserving and making the UAE history accessible,
The National Library and Archives continues its cultural program in conjunction with Cairo International Book Fair

The National Library and Archives “NLA” continues its cultural program for the second consecutive day in conjunction with Cairo International Book Fair. It focused on the NLA affairs. The first lecture tackled the NLA’s functions and national educational programs while the second one discussed its history, inception and role in preserving and making documents accessible. This interest emphasizes the importance of introducing the NLA’s new objectives and functions as the NLA is passing through a new stage following the issuance of Law No. (13) of 2021 by H.H. Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, on changing the name of the National Archives to the National Library and Archives.
The first lecture started by everlasting inspirational words by leaders who developed the UAE and brought prosperity to people and the place in record time. Later, Dr. Husniya Al Ali, Educational Programs Consultant at the NLA, talked about the NLA’s inception, vision, mission and values along with its strategic objectives. Moreover, she demonstrated its functions and regulations and explained in detail its role in archiving, restoration, genealogy and oral history. She also illustrated the government, community and educational services provided by the NLA as well as the collaboration agreements concluded with various vital sectors in the UAE.
In reviewing the history of the NLA, she pointed out its role in collecting the history of the UAE and the Gulf region, archiving valuable documents that are of a historical significance and making them accessible. After that she presented the services offered in the fields of archiving, documents preservation and restoration of documents that are about to be damaged. In this sense, she highlighted the types of documents for which this service is created and restoration kinds, stages and objective. She then moved to tracing lineages, methods adopted in this service and in recording lineages and genealogy studies objective. With regards to the oral history, she pointed out the targeted audience, role of specialists in this domain and oral history importance and purpose.
The Educational Programs Consultant stated that the NLA educational services are aimed to spread awareness about national values that foster the concepts of loyalty and belonging to the homeland, highlight ideal examples to generations, instill good behavior and positive habits among youngsters and activate the wise leadership’s initiatives and directives. The lecturer then tackled the NLA’s services and tools.
She concluded the lecture with the NLA’s community services and listed its accessible facilities.
Mr. Hamad Al Mutairi, Director of the Archives Department, and Mr. Hatem Younis, Archives Expert, delivered the second lecture about the NLA’s history, inception and role in preserving and making documents accessible. Al Mutairi provided a historical overview on the significant milestones of the NLA history, which is over 54 years and on Federal Law No. (7) of 2008 and the executive regulation thereof. He then explained in detail each stage of the archival chain at the NLA from documents collection to processing and preservation until making them accessible, which is the ultimate objective.
He also talked about the NLA’s role in preparing, qualifying and developing cadres in the field of records management and archival sciences, highlighting the collaboration with Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi in the following scientific and academic specializations: the Professional Certificate in Archives and Records Management, Bachelor in Records Management and Archival Science and Master in Records Management and Archival Studies.
The Director of the Archives Department concluded with an introduction to the ICA Congress to be hosted in Abu Dhabi in October 2023, noting that it is the largest archival event that is held every four years. The congress will discuss several subjects and core issues related to the archives future.
The Archives Expert explained the research methods of sources of information and documents pertaining to the UAE and the Arabian Gulf region, noting the importance of the electronic portal of the Arabian Gulf Digital Archive, which contains thousands of historical records and multimedia that are made available on the internet for free by the NLA, and the importance of exhibitions and museums in developing knowledge and historical awareness of the UAE.
Having defined documents and oral history and illustrated how to collect, preserve and making historical archives available, he presented the NLA’s role in converting documents into electronic form to become accessible to researchers and those who are interested in the history and heritage of the UAE and Gulf region.

Concurrently with Cairo International Book Fair

The National Library and Archives (NLA) begins its series of lectures with Artificial Intelligence and Machine Translation

The National Library and Archives (NLA) started the program of national and educational lectures virtually via communication technologies, concurrently with the Cairo International Book Fair, with a lecture entitled “Artificial Intelligence and Machine Translation: luxury and Difficulties.” The lecture confirmed that advanced artificial intelligence techniques have created machine translation, which is a revolution against traditional translation, and it relies on three disciplines: linguistics, mathematics, and computer science.

The lecture, presented by Professor Siddiq Gohar, a translation expert at the National Library and Archives, indicated that although machine translation faces various obstacles, it has made tremendous progress and has a bright future.

The lecture listed the advantages of machine translation; it indicated its usefulness in the quick translation of large content requiring merely the general meaning of the text without precision. However, since it is literal translation, it lacks accuracy, because the machine does not understand or perceive all words or context. Therefore, it cannot differentiate between the important or the non-important phrases, nor can it tell the symbolic or metaphoric expressions apart, consequently, it is defected as it generates an automated text block written by someone that does not understand the topic nor the context.

The lecture revealed the extent to which translators can benefit from machine translation, and pointed out that Google Translate has changed its approach from machine translation to neural translation, which uses an industrial or artificial neural network to predict the possibility of generating words successively to bridge the gap between human and machine translation, yet machine translation remains insignificant, and the quality of machine translation with regard to Qur'an verses is less than 22%.

The lecture concluded that machine translation remains unreliable despite its development, and human beings remain irreplaceable. When Google announced developments in the machine translation sector paving the way to do without translators, research confirmed its lack of reliability or credibility, pointing out that this misinformation aims at market monopoly, and despite the fact that machine translation systems will affect translators’ performance, translators and language editors would remain indispensable, and there will always be a need for translators to translate documents, books and reports which cannot be automatically translated.

It is worth mentioning that the National Library and Archives program, which coincides with the Cairo International Book Fair, includes other lectures namely, Introduction to Educational Services and Programs of the National Library and Archives, the National Library and Archives’ Role  in Document Preservation and Accessibility, Towards Tolerance and Fraternity: Approaches to the Dialogue of Civilizations, Zayed the Father, Zayed the Leader, The UAE: Homeland of Tolerance, and the UAE-Egyptian Relations: Exceptional and Eternal.

Concurrently with Cairo International Book Fair
The National Library and Archives (NLA) begins its series of lectures with Artificial Intelligence and Machine Translation

The National Library and Archives (NLA) started the program of national and educational lectures virtually via communication technologies, concurrently with the Cairo International Book Fair, with a lecture entitled “Artificial Intelligence and Machine Translation: luxury and Difficulties.” The lecture confirmed that advanced artificial intelligence techniques have created machine translation, which is a revolution against traditional translation, and it relies on three disciplines: linguistics, mathematics, and computer science.
The lecture, presented by Professor Siddiq Gohar, a translation expert at the National Library and Archives, indicated that although machine translation faces various obstacles, it has made tremendous progress and has a bright future.
The lecture listed the advantages of machine translation; it indicated its usefulness in the quick translation of large content requiring merely the general meaning of the text without precision. However, since it is literal translation, it lacks accuracy, because the machine does not understand or perceive all words or context. Therefore, it cannot differentiate between the important or the non-important phrases, nor can it tell the symbolic or metaphoric expressions apart, consequently, it is defected as it generates an automated text block written by someone that does not understand the topic nor the context.
The lecture revealed the extent to which translators can benefit from machine translation, and pointed out that Google Translate has changed its approach from machine translation to neural translation, which uses an industrial or artificial neural network to predict the possibility of generating words successively to bridge the gap between human and machine translation, yet machine translation remains insignificant, and the quality of machine translation with regard to Qur'an verses is less than 22%.
The lecture concluded that machine translation remains unreliable despite its development, and human beings remain irreplaceable. When Google announced developments in the machine translation sector paving the way to do without translators, research confirmed its lack of reliability or credibility, pointing out that this misinformation aims at market monopoly, and despite the fact that machine translation systems will affect translators’ performance, translators and language editors would remain indispensable, and there will always be a need for translators to translate documents, books and reports which cannot be automatically translated.
It is worth mentioning that the National Library and Archives program, which coincides with the Cairo International Book Fair, includes other lectures namely, Introduction to Educational Services and Programs of the National Library and Archives, the National Library and Archives’ Role  in Document Preservation and Accessibility, Towards Tolerance and Fraternity: Approaches to the Dialogue of Civilizations, Zayed the Father, Zayed the Leader, The UAE: Homeland of Tolerance, and the UAE-Egyptian Relations: Exceptional and Eternal.

The National Library and Archives participates in Cairo International Book Fair with distinguished publications and national and cultural lectures

The National Library and Archives participates in the 53rd Edition of the Cairo International Book Fair from January 26 to February 6, 2022, with a distinguished collection of publications documenting the history and heritage of the UAE and the Gulf region.  The National Library and Archives’ platform in the Cairo International Book Fair, which is one of the most important Arab and international fairs, reflects its keenness to bridge the distance between the reader and the memory of the Emirates, and to shed light on its cultural agenda and its important projects in the new phase of its rich history, which extends for nearly fifty-five years.

H.E. Abdullah Majid Al Ali, Acting Director General of the National Library and Archives said: "We are keen to participate in major book fairs with our publications which document our glorious history and heritage, and contain the accurate and documented information needed by researchers, academics and all those interested in the history and heritage of the UAE and the Gulf region. The National Library and Archives will not only showcase its unique publications in terms of content and form, but it will also hold a series of virtual national and cultural lectures which will be delivered by a number of researchers, experts and specialists, and broadcasted concurrently with the book fair, and the opportunity to follow them will be available to all interested people wherever they are. We will also participate in other cultural events on the sidelines of the exhibition.”

He added: "The National Library and Archives’ platform reflects its active presence as it will showcase our most prominent publications which we proudly present to the world through this great cultural forum, along with many photographs, historical documents and documentaries which enlighten the book fair's visitors about aspects of the UAE's documented past and bright present. Moreover, it underscores the importance of participating in this major cultural event where diverse civilizations and cultures converge to enrich and broaden the intellect and allow for cognitive exchange.

His Excellency stressed that this participation in the Cairo International Book Fair, and in major cultural forums, shows the extent to which the UAE, as a beacon of culture and thought, is interested in disseminating its culture and taking advantage of other cultures. It welcomes the civilized produce coming from different countries of the world, and at the same time offers the world its pioneering experience in building a modern state and shaping the edifice of its unity with confidence and pride.

It is worth mentioning that the National Library and Archives preserves the history and heritage of the UAE and the Gulf region and documents them in numerous books, periodicals and encyclopaedias, and that some publications review the biographies of the great leaders who founded and promoted the United Arab Emirates, and whose imprints are eternal, notably the Founder and Builder Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and his fellow the founding fathers. Furthermore, the National Library and Archives continues to document the lives of the Emirates loyal leaders in other publications as it is proud of their astounding achievements that dazzled the world.

The National Library and Archives participates in Cairo International Book Fair with distinguished publications and national and cultural lectures

The National Library and Archives participates in the 53rd Edition of the Cairo International Book Fair from January 26 to February 6, 2022, with a distinguished collection of publications documenting the history and heritage of the UAE and the Gulf region.  The National Library and Archives’ platform in the Cairo International Book Fair, which is one of the most important Arab and international fairs, reflects its keenness to bridge the distance between the reader and the memory of the Emirates, and to shed light on its cultural agenda and its important projects in the new phase of its rich history, which extends for nearly fifty-five years.
H.E. Abdullah Majid Al Ali, Acting Director General of the National Library and Archives said: "We are keen to participate in major book fairs with our publications which document our glorious history and heritage, and contain the accurate and documented information needed by researchers, academics and all those interested in the history and heritage of the UAE and the Gulf region. The National Library and Archives will not only showcase its unique publications in terms of content and form, but it will also hold a series of virtual national and cultural lectures which will be delivered by a number of researchers, experts and specialists, and broadcasted concurrently with the book fair, and the opportunity to follow them will be available to all interested people wherever they are. We will also participate in other cultural events on the sidelines of the exhibition.”
He added: "The National Library and Archives’ platform reflects its active presence as it will showcase our most prominent publications which we proudly present to the world through this great cultural forum, along with many photographs, historical documents and documentaries which enlighten the book fair's visitors about aspects of the UAE's documented past and bright present. Moreover, it underscores the importance of participating in this major cultural event where diverse civilizations and cultures converge to enrich and broaden the intellect and allow for cognitive exchange.
His Excellency stressed that this participation in the Cairo International Book Fair, and in major cultural forums, shows the extent to which the UAE, as a beacon of culture and thought, is interested in disseminating its culture and taking advantage of other cultures. It welcomes the civilized produce coming from different countries of the world, and at the same time offers the world its pioneering experience in building a modern state and shaping the edifice of its unity with confidence and pride.
It is worth mentioning that the National Library and Archives preserves the history and heritage of the UAE and the Gulf region and documents them in numerous books, periodicals and encyclopaedias, and that some publications review the biographies of the great leaders who founded and promoted the United Arab Emirates, and whose imprints are eternal, notably the Founder and Builder Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and his fellow the founding fathers. Furthermore, the National Library and Archives continues to document the lives of the Emirates loyal leaders in other publications as it is proud of their astounding achievements that dazzled the world.

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

The Memory of the Nation pavilion with which the National Library and Archives participates in the Sheikh Zayed Festival 2021-2022, receives its visitors with a large panel displaying the services provided by the National Library and Archives to the researchers as well as archival units in the country's archival institutions, which include providing its publications, diagnosing and organizing archives, advising and diagnosing, and considering the destruction of useless documents.
In keeping with the mission of the National Library and Archives in "preserving the documentary heritage, to provide decision makers and the public with trusted information, and enhance civic spirit and national identity", the most prominent services listed in the panel which attracts visitors of the "Memory of the Nation" pavilion was the Archival Materials Request service, which involves providing archival materials such as photographs, historical documents, films and maps dealing with the history and heritage of the UAE and the Gulf region to government institutions and researchers from inside and outside the country.
Services also include the Diagnose of Government Archives, which involves sending an archiving expert together with some staff members of the Government Archives section to assess the status of the archives, in light of the articles of federal law No. 7 of 2008 and its executive regulations. In this context, the National Library and Archives is interested in preserving the UAE’s documentary assets; thus, it provides the service of archiving and document management advice to government agencies in accordance with international standards adopted in the archive organization and document management.
As a partner in the national upbringing of generations, the National Library and Archives provides national educational packages that include delivering national lectures, supporting curriculum, special groups and people of determination, and organizing conferences, seminars, and workshops that promote the educational process to deepen values of loyalty and belonging to the homeland among students and all segments of society.
The National Library and Archives provides the necessary technical advice and scientific guidance in the field of oral history and genealogy, which includes delivering specialized lectures and training workshops for researchers, academics and students. Furthermore, it supports government agencies, academic institutions and embassies with its publications which cover history, heritage and national values, making them available for electronic sale, and in libraries. All these publications have been evaluated by experts and specialists before being issued.
The National Library and Archives welcomes research, studies and working papers that examine the history, heritage and values of the UAE and refers them to the Scientific Committee, which in turn permits publication based on the quality of the method, scientific approach, accuracy and sound language.
The National Library and Archives organizes exhibitions of historical documents and photographs with which it participates in national events with a view to raise awareness of the UAE’s history and heritage, some of which are organized at the request of third parties.
At the Emirates Library, the National Library and Archives provides researchers, academics, students and those Interested in UAE history with ample sources of information dealing with history of the UAE and the Gulf, references and sources, university research, rare books, and Arab and foreign periodicals in paper and electronic forms.
One of the most important services provided by the National Library and Archives is the destruction of useless documents in government archives and agencies, based on the articles of the law prohibiting the destruction of any document in government agencies without the approval of the National Library and Archives, which designated a committee for destruction affairs headed by the Director-General.
The National Library and Archives continues its efforts to upgrade its services, providing them in accordance with the latest standards and the most advanced technologies, and within the framework of its mission, functions and objectives.    

At the cusp of the next 50 years

The National Archives holds its leadership retreat and outlines its next strategic plan

The National Archives of the Ministry of Presidential Affairs held its leadership retreat 2021 under the theme "Accelerators and Transformational Projects", in which it stressed the importance of aligning its strategic plan with the strategy of the state and the guidance of the wise leadership that aspires the UAE to take the global lead on its centennial anniversary in 2071.

The retreat began with the speech of His Excellency Abdullah Majid Al Ali, Acting Director General of the National Archives, in which he said that this retreat is taking place at a pivotal stage, as we bid farewell to fifty years of civilized achievements which have impressed the world, and we are applying ourselves to continue the successful march in the next 50 years. We are all hopeful and optimistic that we will come up with creative ideas and future solutions consistent with the guidance of our wise leadership.

His Excellency appreciated the support provided by the Board of Directors to upgrade the National Archives and its future strategy, pointing out that the Leadership Retreat will discuss the transformational projects, adding that there will be stimulating creative ideas to shape the next stage in a creative and innovative style, and keep up with the great development that the UAE is experiencing while planning for a future in which it leads the world.

His Excellency praised the efforts of the employees and officials who made the National Archives a fortress of the memory of the nation, a national edifice, and a guide for all those who are interested in researching the UAE’s history and heritage, wishing this leadership retreat to achieve its desired goals.

The two-day leadership retreat stressed the importance of aligning the National Archives’ aspirations with the government's main goal of quality of life, integration with partner entities, and with what the UAE is achieving in the field of global competitiveness. It also underscored the need to continue its national role in light of the 10 principles adopted by His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, for the next 50 years, and the need to make the most of the fourth industrial revolution, and the UAE National Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2031 when the National Archives performs its duties in the future. Moreover, the retreat focused on the importance of providing digital services, developing human resources and qualifying leaders across the National Archives to achieve global leadership.

During the leadership retreat, the National Archives’ department directors presented their transformational projects, strategic and secondary objectives for the next phase and the new strategic plan 2022-2025, which will enhance the institutional reputation of the National Archives, archival, documentary and research work in the UAE, and achieve sustainability, creativity, innovation and excellence. Thus, the National Archives maintains the development of its institutional strategy and progress to keep its front row position on par with the world's leading archives.

The leadership retreat included some parallel events, as Mr. Ayman Attia reviewed future government trends, and Mrs. Hanan Al-Sammak spoke about quality of life and promoting mental health. Dr. Husniya Al Ali, Education Advisor, and Ms. Samar Al-Mashjari, Head of the Strategic Planning Office of the National Archives, shed light on their experience in the assessment field. The Al-Sayegh company gave a presentation entitled "National  Archives, Strategic Approach and Communication Plan.

At the cusp of the next 50 years
The National Archives holds its leadership retreat and outlines its next strategic plan

The National Archives of the Ministry of Presidential Affairs held its leadership retreat 2021 under the theme "Accelerators and Transformational Projects", in which it stressed the importance of aligning its strategic plan with the strategy of the state and the guidance of the wise leadership that aspires the UAE to take the global lead on its centennial anniversary in 2071.
The retreat began with the speech of His Excellency Abdullah Majid Al Ali, Acting Director General of the National Archives, in which he said that this retreat is taking place at a pivotal stage, as we bid farewell to fifty years of civilized achievements which have impressed the world, and we are applying ourselves to continue the successful march in the next 50 years. We are all hopeful and optimistic that we will come up with creative ideas and future solutions consistent with the guidance of our wise leadership.

His Excellency appreciated the support provided by the Board of Directors to upgrade the National Archives and its future strategy, pointing out that the Leadership Retreat will discuss the transformational projects, adding that there will be stimulating creative ideas to shape the next stage in a creative and innovative style, and keep up with the great development that the UAE is experiencing while planning for a future in which it leads the world.
His Excellency praised the efforts of the employees and officials who made the National Archives a fortress of the memory of the nation, a national edifice, and a guide for all those who are interested in researching the UAE’s history and heritage, wishing this leadership retreat to achieve its desired goals.

The two-day leadership retreat stressed the importance of aligning the National Archives’ aspirations with the government's main goal of quality of life, integration with partner entities, and with what the UAE is achieving in the field of global competitiveness. It also underscored the need to continue its national role in light of the 10 principles adopted by His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, for the next 50 years, and the need to make the most of the fourth industrial revolution, and the UAE National Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2031 when the National Archives performs its duties in the future. Moreover, the retreat focused on the importance of providing digital services, developing human resources and qualifying leaders across the National Archives to achieve global leadership.
During the leadership retreat, the National Archives’ department directors presented their transformational projects, strategic and secondary objectives for the next phase and the new strategic plan 2022-2025, which will enhance the institutional reputation of the National Archives, archival, documentary and research work in the UAE, and achieve sustainability, creativity, innovation and excellence. Thus, the National Archives maintains the development of its institutional strategy and progress to keep its front row position on par with the world's leading archives.
The leadership retreat included some parallel events, as Mr. Ayman Attia reviewed future government trends, and Mrs. Hanan Al-Sammak spoke about quality of life and promoting mental health. Dr. Husniya Al Ali, Education Advisor, and Ms. Samar Al-Mashjari, Head of the Strategic Planning Office of the National Archives, shed light on their experience in the assessment field. The Al-Sayegh company gave a presentation entitled "National  Archives, Strategic Approach and Communication Plan.