On the sidelines of the 56th edition of “Cairo International Book Fair”
The National Library and Archives Organizes a Specialized Seminar on the Concept of Archives’, Their Development, and Their Role in Supporting Development and Scientific Research.

The National Library and Archives (NLA), as part of its comprehensive program at the current edition of Cairo International Book Fair 2025, hosted a specialized seminar exploring the concept of archives, their development, and their critical role in supporting development and scientific research. The seminar shed light on the NLA pioneering efforts in enriching knowledge and advancing scientific research amidst the era of informational openness and technological innovation. Emphasizing the NLA’s experience the seminar highlighted that archives serve as the memory of nations and invaluable repositories of information, ensuring the continuity of knowledge transfer across generations. Archives were recognized as an indispensable resource for fostering development and advancing scientific research.

The seminar featured the participation of His Excellency Abdulla Majed Al Ali, Director General of the National Library and Archives, and Mr. Freed Zahran, Chairman of the Egyptian Publishers Association.

The discussions emphasized the pivotal role of Archives in promoting national identity and supporting sustainable development. The seminar highlighted that archives are fundamental tools for generating knowledge and driving progress. Investing in the preservation and advancement of archives was portrayed as an investment in the future of societies, as archives enable a deeper understanding of the past, the building of a better present, and the shaping of a more promising future. Furthermore, the seminar underscored that safeguarding archives is a national responsibility, vital for ensuring the continuity of development and enabling well-informed decision-making processes.

The seminar also highlighted that archives are not merely repositories of historical information but are essential resources that drive development and scientific research. It emphasized their role as dynamic tools for fostering progress and innovation. Among the most important types of archives discussed were: national archives, coporate archives, personal archives, and digital archives, and others.

The seminar emphasized that archives serve as a cornerstone for scientific research, providing a reliable source of accurate information. With the advancement of technology, archives have transformed to include diverse digital formats such as electronic documents, images, audio and video recordings, and extensive databases. The traditional notion of “place” has expanded beyond physical storage spaces and shelves to incorporate cloud storage systems and digital platforms, facilitating seamless remote access to documents.

The seminar also highlighted that technology has become an essential partner for archives in achieving their goals. It has made access to archives easier and faster. Digital archives help preserve old documents that may be at risk of damage or loss. Additionally, technology assists in data analysis, and advanced search tools, such as artificial intelligence, can now analyze documents and search for connections between them more quickly and accurately.

The seminar showcased the role of the National Library and Archives as a model for leveraging archives to support scientific research and development. It offers a comprehensive digital platform that grants researchers access to valuable historical documents and manuscripts, along with studies and well-documented reports on the history of the UAE and the Gulf region. This initiative enriches academic knowledge, aids students and researchers, and fosters historical research through the organization of scientific conferences, such as the Emirates International Oral History Conference, which plays a vital role in documenting unwritten historical narratives. In the field of development, the National Library and Archives promotes the national identity by documenting Emirati heritage, and preserving local culture, and this contributes to enhancing national belonging.

The seminar also emphasized the role of archives in international cooperation. It participates in international initiatives, organizes cultural fairs, exhibitions and events, and offers additional services such as documenting the local and international newspapers and magazines that cover the history of the UAE, as well as digitizing the local and international archives’ documents, ensuring their sustainability and ease of access. The seminar showed that the National Library and Archives places great importance on private archives.

The National Library and Archives Hosts a Media Forum on the sidelines of the Cairo International Book Fair (CIBF) 2025

In keeping with its annual tradition, the National Library and Archives (NLA) held a forum for media professionals alongside the 56th Cairo International Book Fair. The event aimed to highlighting the NLA’s key cultural and developmental initiatives, along with its significant contribution to the cultural and intellectual landscape among creators and to the enrichment of knowledge societies.
The forum saw the participation of His Excellency Mohamed Ahmed Al-Murr, Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of the National Library and Archives, along with various newspaper editors, editors-in-chief from Egyptian media outlets, and numerous media professionals.
His Excellency Abdulla Majed Al Ali, Director General of the National Library and Archives, inaugurated the forum with a speech emphasizing the significance of the Cairo International Book Fair. He extended congratulations to the sisterly Republic of Egypt for its remarkable success in organizing this prominent annual cultural event, which stands as one of the largest book fairs in the Middle East. He underscored that the NLA’s participation in CIBF 2025 reflects the strong ties between the United Arab Emirates and the Arab Republic of Egypt. These relations, nurtured by the wise leaderships and the peoples of both nations, continue to evolve, bolstered by new avenues of cooperation that foster prosperity and development for both countries.

His Excellency highlighted the significant advancements witnessed by the National Library and Archives at this stage, noting its emergence as a leading institution in the creation of serious and impactful cultural content. This progress is evident in the NLA’s influential role within the cultural landscape, serving as a hub of cultural dissemination that enhances libraries through its specialized publications, which provide documented and precise information. Additionally, the NLA organizes a variety of cultural events both within and beyond the borders of the United Arab Emirates, while also demonstrating a strong commitment to safeguarding the nation’s documentary heritage. His Excellency emphasized that concurrently, the National Library is focused on expanding its diverse cultural collection and ensuring its accessibility. He asserted that the overall cultural activity is undergoing a significant qualitative transformation, characterized by the integration of artificial intelligence and its applications, which will facilitate long-term preservation, digitization, and content availability, with the overarching aim of leveraging AI across all sectors.
His Excellency commended the vital role of media professionals and their significant contributions to the renaissance and advancement of the national development framework. He emphasized their role in fostering positive values, envisioning the future, cultivating generational culture, and reinforcing national identity. He expressed high regard for their constructive efforts and encouraged them to highlight the experiences of the National Library and Archives in the United Arab Emirates, which is dedicated to preserving heritage and history while promoting a culture that enriches, inspires, and empowers knowledge societies.
The forum took place at the Intercontinental City Stars Hotel in Cairo. It was attended by a large number of Egyptian media professionals, the National Library and Archives team participating in the activities of the Book Fair, representatives from the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates to the Republic of Egypt, along with distinguished writers and intellectuals.

The National Library and Archives is actively involved in the Cairo International Book Fair (CIBF) 2025, with a comprehensive schedule of seminars, cultural gatherings, and specialized events.

The National Library and Archives commenced its participation in the 56th Cairo International Book Fair (CIBF) with the event’s opening. The NLA is showcasing the milestones in its journey as it works to enrich knowledge societies and improves its services being an institution dedicated to documentation and archiving and a cultural edifice that launches publications documenting the history and heritage of the UAE and the Arabian Gulf region. Additionally, the NLA is hosting a large number of cultural events featuring prominent authors and intellectuals.
The National Library and Archives is committed to participating annually in the Cairo International Book Fair, a major cultural platform that introduces its visitors to the NLA’s cultural and intellectual production. This event serves as chance to strengthen relations with cultural and archival institutions.
At the opening ceremony, His Excellency Dr. Ahmed Fouad Hanno, Egyptian Minister of Culture, visited the National Library and Archives’ booth. He was received by His Excellency author Mohammed Ahmed Al-Murr, Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of the National Library and Archives, and His Excellency Abdullah Majed Al Ali, Director General. They presented His Excellency with two NLA publications: “Zayed’s Journey in Pictures” and “Um Kulthum in Abu Dhabi”. His Excellency received a brief overview on Zayed’s Journey in Pictures, which contains over 600 rare photos highlighting milestones in Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan’s life, from his assumption of power in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi to the establishment of the United Arab Emirates.
Regarding this participation, His Excellency Abdullah Majed Al Ali, Director General, remarked: “Our annual participation in the Cairo Book Fair is of great significance to us, since it serves as a worldwide cultural platform and a venue for civilizational and intellectual exchange. We are committed to establishing our presence in the regional and global cultural and literary arenas to showcase the contributions of the National Library and Archives to the cultural movement. This effort continues to inspire and enrich knowledge societies, making our participation in the Cairo International Book Fair one of our top priorities.”
He continued: “This participation lays the groundwork for reinforcing cultural ties and knowledge sharing with Egyptian cultural and archival institutions, given that their objectives align closely with ours. It is essential to acknowledge that the NLA has evolved beyond being solely a keeper of historical documents or a guardian of national memory; it has also become an integral player among those who shape culture.”
His Excellency highlighted that the NLA’s participation in the CIBF 2025 features a dynamic agenda that includes various cultural seminars and professional gatherings, specialized workshops, and activities aligned with its interests. The NLA’s booth showcases historical documents and films featuring the profound and brotherly ties between the United Arab Emirates and the Arab Republic of Egypt. He emphasized that the booth embodies the National Library and Archives’ strategy for the period leading up to 2032, reflecting its commitment to preserving documentary heritage and identifying future trends across various domains.

The National Library and Archives Explores Publishing Affairs and the Impact of Artificial Intelligence on it.

The National Library and Archives organized a virtual lecture titled “Utilizing Artificial Intelligence in the Publishing Sector,” as a key player in cultural production. The lecture addressed the transformation and developments witnessed in the world of publishing with the emergence of artificial intelligence and the evolution of publishing platforms. It also discussed the impact of AI on authors and readers, as well as the legal implications of AI-assisted publications.
The lecture included several topics covering aspects of the publishing sector and its influence by AI. The lecture featured the contribttions from Mrs. Fatima Al Hudaidi, Head of Publishing Unit at the NLA, and Mr. Jamal AL Shehhi, Emirati writer, publisher, and General Director of Kuttab Publishing House.
The lecture emphasized that more than 80% of authors rely on AI in their literary works. A skilled writer can use AI to develop ideas, organize and proofread, while an average writer can benefit from AI in enhancing their tools. AI acts as a technical assistant in writing research, but research that fully relies on it is easier to detect. Therefore, the future belongs to authors who leverage from AI assistance without fully relying on it.
AL Shehhi said: “Kuttab Publishing House prefers to deal with original content that reflect the writer’s ideas, style, and personal touch. However, reliance on AI has become a reality and a necessity, prompting publishing houses to acknowledge it and agree on a usage percetage not exceeding 20% as stipulated in the contract terms between authors and publishing house.” He also emphasized that they have their own methods for detecting the level of AI reliance on artificial intelligence in the material.”
The lecture pointed out that despite the significant impact of artificial intelligence on publishing, the publishing industry will remain ongoing and continue to play its role in the production of culture. It was noted that some global platforms, such as Amazon, indicate that certain works are labeled “written with the help of artificial intelligence,” meaning the author provided the ideas to AI, and the AI wrote them. While the reader has the freedom to purchase the book, the challenge lies in counterfeiting and false claims.
The lecture also revealed the role of artificial intelligence in evaluating and critiquing literary and cultural texts, making the challenge and competition not only between the writer and both technical and human publishers but also with critics. It highlighted that publishing houses also cater to readers’ commercial interests due to their significance, emphasizing the existing gap in writing for young readers, which receives attention from publishers. Additionally, there is a focus on attracting science fiction books and those related to space, in response to future aspirations, along with important translated works, and a focus on heritage and history books at certain stages.
Al-Shahhi emphasized the importance of encouraging researchers and authors, noting that this is vital for revitalizing the publishing sector. He pointed out that some countries view the publishing sector as an independent industry, while others consider it part of the cultural industry. In many cases, it is considered more of a task than an industry, much like the tourism industry, for example.
The lecture concluded that AI is not only reshaping publishing, but also empowering authorrs in the digital age. AI tools have contributed to reducing production time by more than 50%, thanks to the ease of publishing and global distributionThis has made books more readily available to readers faster than ever before. In short, AI benefits the book and the author more than the publisher.

The National Library and Archives Welcomes Visitors to its Platform at Sheikh Zayed Festival 2025
“Memory of the Nation” Takes Visitors on a Journey from the Desert to Space

The National Library and Archives has dedicated a special corner at its platform in Sheikh Zayed Festival 2025, to highlighting the UAE’s interest in space. The corner’s slogan is: “From the Desert to Space”. It showcases the UAE’s focus on space, which has now become a vital aspect of life of all nations. In 2014, the UAE officially embaked on its journey into outer space exploration.
The corner is a testament to the UAE’s remarkable achievements, which serve the nation’s best interest. In 1976, the late founder and builder, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, received a delegation from the United States’ Space Agency (NASA), where he commended the humanity’s greatest accomplishment of landing on the moon’s surface.
The corner, “From the Desert to Space”, documents the role and plans of the wise leadership and its plan for space exploration, highlighting the development of “KhalifaSat”, marking the first entirely Arab-manufactured satellite and ushering the Arab region into a new era of competition in space sciences and exploration. This was followed by the launch of the “Hope Probe” for space exploration, marking a historic milestone for the UAE with Emirati astronaut Hazza AlMansoori’s journey to the International Space Station, along with Dr. Sultan Al Neyadi’s six-month mission, which featured pioneering scientific experiments.
One of the most prominent displays presented on the large screens at the three facades of the hall is the description of Sheikh Zayed as being born in the heart of the desert, yet his vision shaped the UAE’s future. He saw beyond the horizon and dreamt of a united nation. The achievements he accomplished were never the result of force, but of wisdom and determination. Through his unwavering support, Sheikh Zayed laid the foundations for a modern nation, believing that the past is the cornerstone of a prosperous future.
The Hall, surrounded by screens, showcases aspects of the desert life and its profound impact on the character of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan the founder and builder, as well as the people of the UAE. It highlights his journey from the desert to establish the UAE, which has earned a prestigious position on the global map.
The corner, “From the Desert to Space”, documents the efforts of the visionary leadership that followed suit Sheikh Zayed’s path, continuing his successful journey, until the UAE reached space and secured its place in the global race for outer space exploration.
Additionally, the National Library and Archives provides a lecture within its educational package for students covering the same content, titled: “Zayed’s Ambition Embraces Space”.

During its cultural Season, the National Library and Archives sheds light on artificial intelligence and its applications in the realm of digital archiving and the modern media industry.
Recently, the National Library and Archives hosted a seminar titled “Digital Media and Artificial Intelligence: Archiving the Present and Shaping the Future”, which was the concluding event of its Cultural Season 2024. It focused on technological advancement as a crucial factor in fostering creativity and innovation within media and archiving. Additionally, it highlighted the vital role of AI in shaping the future of digital media, and the importance of media in recording, archiving, and ensuring the accessibility and preservation of past and present events for future generations. The seminar also examined advantages and disadvantages of AI in media archiving.

The seminar, presented by media pioneer Abdul Latif Al-Sayegh, emphasized the necessity for collaborative efforts between archives and digital media to effectively present, safeguard, and archive documented historical information. The speaker cautioned against allowing major corporations like Google and Meta, with their advanced technologies, to monopolize and control archives. He also urged attendees not to overly rely on the archival data these entities provide, despite their significant financial backing and influence.
The speaker pointed out that AI has begun to grasp human trends and needs, explaining that what appears on electronic search platforms is not by chance. He noted the crucial documentation done by large companies, such as Google Earth Legacy cameras, preserving cultural heritage and offering data which tracks global changes. He also mentioned Google Trends, which reveals public interests, and the remarkable services provided by “Chat GPT” that have become essential references for researchers across various disciplines.

The seminar reflected on the state of archives in the past, the tools once utilized, and the methods for regulating access to necessary documents, contrasting them with the current landscape where archives are readily accessible on media platforms. It addressed the most significant changes that have occurred, supported by examples from the collections of the British Library, the U.S. Library of Congress, and the BBC. It also spotlighted Google (knowledge archive), Meta (social life archive), and Twitter or (X) platform (real-time historical moments).
The seminar highlighted the vast potentials of large corporations that have not only developed communication platforms but have also created digital archives that aid in comprehending both the present and the future. These archives document life as it unfolds, analyse societal behaviours, and impact the evolution of human knowledge.
Furthermore, the symposium examined the effects of artificial intelligence on the creation of digital archives and the organization and categorization of extensive collections. It discussed the interdependent relationships between documenting current events and the global archives that documented history. This led to making everything available on major platforms including those interested in highlighting world cultural heritage.
The importance of government involvement in funding the digitization of archives was emphasized, alongside the encouragement of public participation, a focus on data protection, the documentation of cultural and national heritage, and the support of scientific research and knowledge advancement. The seminar also underscored future prospects for the relationship between digital media and the emerging archiving centres. It shed light on the development of robust national archiving platforms, the advantages of artificial intelligence tools and the benefits that AI offers in media archiving, such as restoring old audio recordings, enhancing images and videos, and recognizing ancient texts, as well as reviving historical figures.
Conversely, the seminar pointed out the drawbacks of utilizing artificial intelligence in media archiving, including the creation of fake videos, the alteration of historical images, misleading audio modifications, disinformation in research, and the fabrication of false historical events. In this respect, the national archives are held accountable for exposing such distortions and misinformation due to their detrimental effects.

At the Sheikh Zayed Festival,

The National Library and Archives Showcases the UAE’s Commitment to Sustainability and Educates Visitors at the Memory of the Nation Pavilion About its Significance

The National Library and Archives (NLA) attached great importance to sustainability at the Memory of the Nation pavilion at the Sheikh Zayed Festival 2024-2025. This was highlighted through historical photographs that affirm the leadership’s commitment to sustainability, in both rhetoric and action. The historical photographs and film materials at the pavilion depict the late founder and builder Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan’s care for environmental issues and the promotion of the sustainable development.

At the Memory of the Nation pavilion, the Sustainability Corner documents Sheikh Zayed’s interest in water resources as well as his agricultural brilliance, exemplified by the Saadiyat Island project and its yield. The corner also showcased his inspection of reclaimed agricultural areas and prospective reclamation projects in Al Ain and Al Dhafrah, in addition to his commitment to the maintenance of the Aflaj system, and the environment in the Emirates islands.

The Sustainability Corner features a section dedicated to a natural soil model, characterized by lush greenery adorned with some trees and plants.

Following the approach of the late founder and builder Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the wise leadership has embraced the duty of reinforcing sustainability, which has gradually evolved into an authentic element of the country’s cultural heritage. The leadership is committed to safeguarding this sustainability legacy and passing it on to future generations. In alignment with this effort, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, declared 2023 as the “Year of Sustainability” to highlight the country’s rich heritage in this field, and the initiative was further extended into 2024.

The NLA has curated a photo collection from the photo archives and the Presidential Archives section, alongside short film materials displayed on a huge screen at the Sustainability Corner. This setting highlights highlights the UAE’s commitment to implementing its environmental protection strategy, inspired by the late founder and builder Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan’s vision of sustainability. The photos also document the wise leadership’s care for the environment and its resources.

The Memory of the Nation pavilion emphasized that the UAE’s goal of creating a sustainable vision for future generations. It works to develop smart cities and innovate environmentally friendly solutions, implementing numerous policies and practices to enhance sustainable development.

The content of the platform demonstrates the age-old embraced sustainability in the UAE, as our forefathers successfully adapted to their surroundings and preserved natural resources. Historical photos and film materials, which document the continuous focus on sustainability, jointly achieve the platform’s goal of enhancing its audience’s knowledge and environmental awareness and promoting ways to preserve the environment.

Through Historical Photographs Showcasing Landmarks and Highlighting the Founder and Builder’s Commitment to its Environment

The National Library and Archives Celebrates Al Dhafra Region at Sheikh Zayed Festival
The National Library and Archives celebrated Al Dhafra Region at its “Memory of the Nation” platform during its participation in Sheikh Zayed Festival 2024-2025. The National Library and Archives showcased photographs documenting the region’s most prominent heritage and historical landmarks, highlighting the care and attention it received from the Founder and Builder, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and how his vision of development transformed Al Dhafra into a civilizational oasis where heritage and modernity intertwine.
The renaissance of Al Dhafra Region becomes clear when comparing its present with its past. At its platform, the NLA documented aspects of the region’s history and importance, and in previous events highlighted Al Dhafra’s development journey made possible through the continued attention and support of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE. His Highness’s directives have advanced the region’s growth and prosperity while reinforcing its heritage and sustainability, thus continuing the path set by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
The National Library and Archives’s platform showcased historical photographs capturing aspects of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan’s inspection tours of citizens’ farms in Liwa during the 1970s and 1980s, where he observed the produce of fruits and vegetables. These images reflect the Founder and Builder’s early attention to the environment and its sustainability across the UAE. His care, was not limited to places, but centered above all on people, out of his belief that it is man’s will that shapes civilization and drives progress and prosperity. By staying close to his people, he instilled in them the values of love and loyalty. He was always keen to remain well informed about citizens’ concerns, engaging in direct communication and consultation with them without barriers. During his field tours, he consistently followed up on urban and developmental projects across the nation.
The platform also presented historical photographs for its visitors, documenting Sheikh Zayed’s visits and inspection tours of citizens’ farms and their produce in Al Mariyah, Muzeira’a, and other areas across Al Dhafra Region.
Moreover, the National Library and Archives’s platform presented a historical photograph of the massive old circular tower of Al Mariyah located in Al Mariyah Al Sharqiya (Eastern), along with a photograph of Qutuf Fort in Qutuf village, both are situated in Liwa.
The platform also displays historical social photographs that illustrate lifestyles and transportation methods in the Liwa region, as well as people’s interest in palm trees, palm oases, and old houses in the 1960s and 1970s. The photographs are arranged in a series to document the progress made in citizens’ housing in Liwa.
The National Library and Archives’ interest in Al Dhafra Region is not confined to Sheikh Zayed Festival but also extends to its participation in the various heritage events held in the region. These include Liwa Date Festival, where it showcases the services it provides to preserve the memory of the nation and collects oral history through interviews with senior citizens, Al Dhafra Book Festival, where it inclodes its publications containing accurate and well-documented historical information about the region. Among the most prominent of these publications are: Al Dhafra Fort; Al Dhafra Region in the Note of the United Kingdom Government’s Political Agent in 1955; Historical Water Resources in Al Dhafra Region; Dictionary of Places in the Poetry of the People of Al Dhafra; and Forts and Towers in Al Dhafra, among others.
In addition, the National Library and Archives has previously organized numerous events dedicated to Al Dhafra Region, and inaugurated at the new “Western Hotel Liwa” in Al Dhafra a permanent exhibition of historical photographs that document memorable moments in the UAE’s collective memory, along with a library housing many of its publications that highlight various aspects of the history of the United Arab Emirates in general, and the history of Al Dhafra Region in particular.

Sustainability and Outstanding Experiences are the Two Main Pillars of the Conference.

The National Library and Archives Affirms the Importance of the Recommendations of the 30^th Edition of the Conference of Directors of National Libraries in Asia and Oceania, and Their Impact on Advancing Libraries

The National Library and Archives (NLA) emphasized the importance of the recommendations resulting from the 30^th Edition of the Conference of Directors of National Libraries in Asia and Oceania (CDNLAO), held under the theme “Libraries and Sustainability”, and the NLA being hosted at the Mohammed bin Rashid Library in conjugation with the activities of the first session of Dubai International Library Conference 2024.

The significance of the conference recommendations—presented during its sessions from November 15 to 17, 2024—stemmed from the wealth of expertise, library skills, and distinguished experiences shared in its specialized discussions, at a time when the National Library and Archives continues its efforts to advance the national library into a cultural and civilizational beacon, further enriching the achievements of the United Arab Emirates.

The recommendations derived their importance from the conference’s focus on modern technologies introduced into libraries, which have enhanced their status and developed them in both form and content, transforming them from their traditional model into social hubs for visitors of all ages and cultural backgrounds. This, in turn, has strengthened their role in enriching knowledge communities and made them the preferred destination for seekers of culture and knowledge.

It is worth noting that the conference recommendations resulted from sessions that discussed the sustainability efforts and initiatives of national libraries from Asia and Oceania, along with their societal contributions that reinforced the concept of sustainability. Accordingly, the conference emphasized the importance of sustainability in libraries, placing it among the top priorities of the participating national libraries. Sustainability practices extended to upgrading infrastructure, optimizing resource utilization, and adopting green building standards, with participants contributing to the development of a sustainability strategy for libraries.

Within the same framework, national libraries have adopted sustainable development practices and assumed the responsibility of advancing library development in developing countries. They have also prioritized fostering cooperation and establishing agreements between libraries and various institutions dedicated to collecting and preserving cultural memory.

In this regard, and based on the discussions held during the conference, national libraries have enhanced the use of smart technologies to support future library services in innovative ways, in line with the future direction of artificial intelligence (AI) in information management.

The conference focused on three main themes: supporting sustainability goals, green libraries and sustainability, and raising community awareness of sustainability. Its sessions served as an open platform for exchanging expertise, knowledge, and specialized experiences in library affairs, resulting in significant and constructive outcomes in terms of development and sustainability. They also promoted the concept of the green library, designed to reduce negative impacts on the natural environment through the use of clean technology, eco-friendly energy, and sound management—especially as countries around the world compete in green library projects.

It is noteworthy that the Conference of Directors of National Libraries in Asia and Oceania began in 1979, when Australia hosted the first meeting in Canberra, while the UAE hosted it for the first time in its 30^th edition.

Enriched with pioneering ideas and innovative initiatives
The Youth of the National Library and Archives organized a Special Retreat to Discuss Their Plans for the Coming Year

The Youth Council of the National Library and Archives held a retreat to discuss its 2025 work plan, aligned with the objectives of the Federal Youth Authority. During the retreat, participants exchanged ideas that would contribute to achieving the national goals of the National Library and Archives, anticipating the future, and addressing challenges.
The retreat was rich with proposed initiatives and projects focused on youth programs. Its agenda included several themes related to the Council’s work plan, proposed projects, initiatives, and events for 2025. The youth’s strong interest in artificial intelligence and its applications was evident throughout the discussions, along with their commitment to achieving sustainable development, providing practical solutions, and generating innovative ideas. The retreat also included discussions on the Council’s budget for the coming year.
In this regard, Mr. Mohammad Al Bishir, Chairman of the National Library and Archives Youth Council, emphasized the importance of enhancing youth skills and strengthening their communication with decision-makers, in order to support and empower them to face future challenges, encourage them to develop their ideas, and launch their pioneering and innovative projects.
The Council expressed its deep gratitude to His Excellency Abdulla Majid Al Ali, Director General of the National Library and Archives, for his continuous support of the Council’s creative initiatives, which enrich the national agenda with fresh contributions. They stressed that youth are the new driving force invigorating the institution’s journey, the fundamental pillar in building the future, and a guarantee for progress.

The National Library and Archives Presents Its Distinguished Experience in Collecting, Preserving, and Documenting Oral History at the Conference of the American Oral History Association

The National Library and Archives participated in the Annual conference of the American Oral History Association with a paper titled: “Oral History: Redefining and Documenting the Past: The Experience of the UAE as a Model”. This participation highlights the significance of the UAE’s successful and distinguished efforts in documenting historical events that were not preserved in written records.
As a permanent member of this esteemed association, the National Library and Archives remains committed to participating annually in these meetings. This engagement sheds light on the unique characteristics of UAE society and its rich heritage, drawing the attention of researchers and academics to explore the nation’s achievements and encouraging further study of the UAE development and progress.
At the conference, held in Cincinnati, Ohio, Dr. Aisha Bilkhair, Research Consultant at the National Library and Archives, presented a scholarly paper reviewing the methodology employed in documenting oral history in the UAE and the practices utilized during the collection process. She emphasized the significance of considering the distinctive attributes of UAE society in oral history collection, which differ from practices elsewhere in the world. In the UAE, human relationships are deeply intertwined with cultural and social heritage, prompting narrators to recount these traditions with meticulous detail, accuracy, and authenticity.
Dr. Bilkhair’s paper highlighted the critical role of oral history as a fundamental pillar for understanding the evolution of society and its culture over time. Through oral history, the stories and memories of senior individuals who witnessed the nation’s development are documented, offering future generations valuable insights and lessons to help shape a bright future for both individuals and the nation.
Dr. Bilkhair also emphasized the importance of the connection between UAE society—both citizens and resident expatriates to the nation’s authentic cultural heritage. This heritage encompasses values, customs, and principles that sustain the national identity. She explained how this connection fosters a distinctive identity for the people of the UAE and creates a clear influence on expatriates, who view the UAE as a source of inspiration and an extension of civilization and culture, deserving of preservation with pride and honor.
Additionally, Madya Al-Mehairbi, a researcher in oral history at the National Library and Archives, presented a poster titled: “A Bridge between the Past, Present, and Future: The National Library and Archives as a Model.” In her presentation, she provided an overview of the oral history initiatives undertaken by the National Library and Archives and emphasized the importance of preserving oral history as a cornerstone of the UAE’s national and cultural identity.
Al-Mehairbi highlighted the role of the National Library and Archives in collecting and documenting oral narratives, positioning them as vital sources of knowledge for future generations. She also elaborated on the significance of oral history in safeguarding traditional knowledge and experiences, enriching the collective understanding of UAE identity and its inherent values.
It is noteworthy that a significant number of conference attendees visited the exhibition, praised the poster, and commended the National Library and Archives for its dedicated efforts in collecting and preserving oral history. They also lauded its pivotal role in promoting Emirati culture both locally and internationally.
The National Library and Archives has published three volumes of the “Their Memory, Our History” series, drawing on interviews conducted with senior UAE citizens. These volumes document their memories, ensuring their preservation for future generations and serving as valuable references for understanding the nation’s heritage.

The National Library and Archives Enriches Formula 1 Halls with a Collection of Historical Photographs

The National Library and Archives participated in the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix by displaying a collection of historical photographs in Abu Dhabi’s halls 2024. This participation reflects its commitment to enriching this global sporting event with significant historical images relevant to the Grand Prix.
The photographs displayed by the National Library and Archives at this major sporting event highlight moments of the UAE’s founder and builder, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan – may he rest in peace – personally driving his car. He was well known for this practice, especially during his inspections of construction projects and citizens’ living conditions when he served as the Ruler’s Representative in Al Ain and later as the Ruler of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. Some of the photographs display the progress and prosperity achieved by the United Arab Emirates under his visionary leadership and through the efforts of the great leaders who carried forward his legacy of building, development, and growth.
Each photograph displayed in the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix halls carries its own historical significance, marking key stages of the UAE’s journey and evolution. The diversity of cars featured in these images, carefully preserved in the archives reflect their connection to the nation’s illustrious history and the remarkable leaders who shaped it.
The participation of the National Library and Archives in this sporting event underscores the importance of Formula 1 as the pinnacle of motorsport, which has made Abu Dhabi an international destination for motorsport enthusiasts.
With thousands of historical photographs in its collections, including the Presidential Archives, the National Library and Archives remained equipped to present the UAE rich historical narrative on various occasions. For this prestigious event, it selected a curated set of photographs that add historical depth and cultural significance to the Formula 1 experience.