Reviewing the Progress of Chess in the UAE Through a Photo Exhibition and a Special Lecutre
The National Library and Archives Participates with Sharjah Cultural & Chess Club in its activities on International Chess Day 2024

In celebration of the International Chess Day, the National Library and Archives (NLA) participated in Sharjah Cultural & Chess Club in a number of events. The NLA organized a photo exhibition documenting some aspects of chess history in the UAE, including the most significant tournaments in which the UAE has participated, photograps of champions, and their award cermonies. The exhibition also showcased photos of UAE’s involvements in numerous local, Gulf, Arab and international chess tournaments that have had a substantial impact, additionally it higlighted the UAE leaders’ receptions of participants and winners in chess tournaments and their trophies, and that reflects the leadership’s interest in developing and promoting this game.
On this occasion, Mrs. Fatima Al Mazrouei, Head of the Historical Archives Section at the National Library and Archives, presented a lecture titled “The Progress of Chess on the UAE”, in which she reviewed the history of chess worldwide and highlightes some significant events in the history of this game. She also discussed the legends associated with chess and the profounf impact of this game, which changed the path of some individuals and added important dimensions to their careers.
Al Mazrouei reviewed the history of the establishment of the The UAE Chess Federation in 1976, and its responsibility for organizing their chess competitions within the UAE most important of its clubs. She noted that that the federation is affiliated with the International Chess Federation. She spoke about the significant achievement of Saeed Ahmed Saeed, who represented the UAE and won the Youth Chess Championship in 1979 by defeating Mexico. His victory was celebrated by Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, highlighting the importance of the role of youth in building the UAE and fostering its intellectual development. The lecture shed light on the UAE’s hosting of the 27th Chess Olympiad and the key decisions, decrees and laws under which federations, associations and clubs were established since its establishment under the umbrella of the UAE Chess Federation since its inception.
It is noteworthy that the National Library and Archives organizes numerous exhibitions of historical photos during official events and national occasions to provide them with a historical dimension and enhance national awareness among the generations.
additionally, the National Library and Archives enriches the knowledge of generations through lectures presented by experts and specialists, shedding light on events, occasions and activities it participates in.

The National Library and Archives confirmed that the translation of Sheikh Zayed’s poetry into English would enhance the UAE’s image on the global cultural map.

The National Library and Archives organized a lecture entitled: “Emirati Literature in Global Contexts: Translating Sheikh Zayed’s Poetry into English as a Model”. The lecture stressed the importance of translating Emirati heritage into English to enhance the image of the UAE on the global cultural map. The lecture pointed out that at the forefront of Emirati literature are the poems of the founder and builder, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan – may God rest his soul. From this standpoint, the lecture shed light on Zayed’s Nabati poetry, inspired by his exploits and noble morals, and stemming from his soul, and his yearning for glory. Apparently, Zayed’s Nabati poetry sprang from the glorious history of the UAE and its ancient cultural heritage.

The lecture, presented by Professor Saddik Gohar, the National Library and Archives translation expert, who confirmed that there are similarities between Sheikh Zayed’s poetry and the poems of major British poets. This affinity enhances the importance of the translation Sheikh Zayed’s poetry into English due to the depth of its meanings and the accuracy of its connotations. Gohar demonstrated that the translation would locate the UAE authentic popular literature in its appropriate place within global cultural contexts and on academic research platforms affiliated with historical and cultural studies. Since the Nabati poetry of Sheikh Zayed is a reflection of the Emirati oral heritage, its translation will inevitably open new horizons for critical research in the fields of oral literature and Emirati studies.

The lecture reviewed the original and authentic cultural sources of Sheikh Zayed’s poetry illustrating his learning journey, which started in the mosque school (Kuttab) at the hands of Al-Mutawa. He learned the Qur’an, the biography of the Prophet, the fundamentals of religion, and the Arabic language. On the other hand, he derived the culture of his society from his father’s gatherings, where he learned customs and traditions, listened to poetry, and excelled in memorizing and composing Nabataean poetry. This increased his closeness to the poets with whom he entered into poetic dialogues. This rich background distinguished his poems as intellectual and cultural masterpieces depicting the Emirati cultural and civilizational diversity, and reflecting his insightful vision of life in the desert, oases, and various other environments in the Emirates.
Sheikh Zayed infused his poems with a local specificity that highlights the importance of preserving heritage, pride in the cultural achievements of the Emirates, and pride in local national traditions and heritage. Sheikh Zayed’s poems express his interest in horses, camels and falcons, and reveal his early interest in environmental issues, and some of them are full of advice directed to the young generations. Most of Sheikh Zayed’s poems overflow with wisdom and aim to strengthen the ties between various segments of the Emirati society, and this is what gives his poetry distinction paving the way for its translation into English as a historical archive and literary record of local cultural heritage.
The lecture emphasized that Sheikh Zayed’s poetry highlights his courage, chivalry, and exploits that make him a role model for generations, in addition to his love for his country, his loyalty to his people, and the tremendous efforts he made throughout his life to elevate his people and nation, and take pride in national identity.
The lecture presented a number of Nabataean poems selected from the poetry of Sheikh Zayed in English translation. The lecture highlighted their similarities- in terms of the main ideas and themes in poetry, interest in the local environment, and pride in the homeland and its heritage- with the poems of the most important British poets during the Elizabethan era who were concerned with environmental issues in their poems during the seventeenth century. The lecture illustrated that this similarity gives Sheikh Zayed’s poetry a global dimension and an international reputation.

In the aftermath of attracting more than 100,000 subscribers, and broadcasting more than 500 films and visual materials the NLA YouTube channel won the Silver Trophy.

The NLA YouTube channel obtained the Silver Trophy from the YouTube management of the global Google Foundation, as the number of channel subscribers exceeded 100,000. This was due to the trust enjoyed by the NLA YouTube channel as an important reference for researchers and those interested in the history of the United Arab Emirates. The NLA YouTube channel broadcasted accurate and documented information.

Regarding this achievement, His Excellency Abdullah Majid Al Ali, the NLA Director General stated that the National Library and Archives aimed to develop, update, enrich and nourish the NLA YouTube channel constantly. Therefore, the NLA specialized channel won the Silver Trophy in record time due to careful and responsible follow-up.
His Excellency stated that the National Library and Archives implemented a systematic strategic plan that facilitated access of Internet visitors to the NLA YouTube channel. This enabled the Internet visitors to find national documentaries and videos that support the NLA institutional identity and enhance its institutional reputation.

The NLA aimed to confirm to its audience its keenness to collect, preserve and make available the nation’s memory to all the viewers and followers. His Excellency stressed that the content contained in the NLA’s YouTube channel is in the interest of the institution’s objectives, and was uploaded on the channel in a conscious manner that would attract the largest number of Internet pioneers and those searching for documented historical and accurate historical information.

His Excellency praised the efforts of those responsible for managing, nourishing and developing this channel, stressing that continuing to make these sincere efforts will enable the channel maintain its leadership and distinction, and calls for optimism in obtaining the Golden Trophy.
It is worth noting that the content of the NLA YouTube channel – which is one of the NLA’s seven social media channels-, has received interaction from the public since it revolves around the history and heritage of the United Arab Emirates, and reviews the most prominent activities of the National Library and Archives. The content of the NLA YouTube channel enhanced the NLA’s pioneering national role, and contributed to enrichment and empowerment of the knowledge societies.

Suroor bin Mohammed Reviews the National Library and Archives’ Strategic Plan and Praises Its
Role in Preserving the Memory of the Nation

His Highness Sheikh Surour bin Mohammed Al Nahyan visited the National Library and Archives, where he was received by His Excellency Hamad bin Abdul Rahman Al Midfa, Chairman of the Board of Directors. His Highness toured Sheikh Surour Hall and reviewed the progress of its preparation. This hall chronicles a significant phase in the history of the UAE during its building and founding stages. It also presents documentary films that highlight aspects of his march alongside the founder and builder, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. His Highness gained the trust of Sheikh Zayed since he assumed the rule of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.
His Highness and his accompanying delegation listened to a detailed explanation from His Excellency Abdullah Majed Al Ali, Director-General of the National Library and Archives, about the design and contents of the hall, the most important achievements of the National Library and Archives, its strategic plan which extends to 2032, and the most prominent future projects and initiatives.
The visit included a tour of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Hall, in which His Highness was accompanied by His Excellency Zaki Nusseibeh, the Cultural Advisor to His Highness the President of the UAE, and Chancellor of the United Arab Emirates University. This hall embraces the past, documents the present, and anticipates the future by utilizing the latest innovative technologies and display methods to provide the visitors with the information that enhance the belonging to the homeland and the loyalty to the wise leadership. It also impresses visitors with the progress, development, and prosperity the UAE had achieved.
His Highness Sheikh Surour bin Mohammed Al Nahyan praised the role played by the National Library and Archives in documenting the memory of the nation, and in making it accessible, and preserving it for the future generations.

TRENDS hosts the Director General of the National Library and Archives in a conversation session on the role of libraries in scientific research

In a distinguished conversation, TRENDS Research and Advisory hosted His Excellency Abdullah Majid Al Ali, Director General of the National Library and Archives. The session focused on the importance of libraries, their pivotal role in supporting scientific research, and ways to enhance cooperation between think tanks and national libraries to serve researchers and society.
During the session, participants stressed the role of modern libraries in promoting the culture of scientific research and explained the challenges faced by libraries in the digital age and the new opportunities offered by modern technology to serve researchers and readers.
After the conversation session, Dr. Abdullah Majed toured TRENDS’ departments and was briefed on the various services provided by TRENDS to researchers and the community, including TRENDS’ library, which houses a wide collection of books, periodicals and electronic materials in various fields; TRENDS’ Smart Lab, which constitutes an incubating environment for creative ideas and through which designs, videos and infographics are prepared; the Conference Hall, which provides a convenient space for holding conferences, symposiums and research events; in addition to a number of TRENDS’ sectors, including the Research Sector, which boasts a team of researchers who are specialized in various fields and conduct research and studies on issues of strategic importance.
It is worth mentioning that an agreement was signed between TRENDS and the National Library and Archives aimed at enhancing prospects for cooperation between the two sides in the scientific and research fields, sharing expertise and successful experiences, exchanging scientific publications, and conducting events in areas of common interest with a view to achieving the goals envisaged in the strategies of both sides.

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN) Centre Announces UAE’s Membership
In coordination and support by the UAE National Commission for Education, Culture, and Science
The National Library and Archives, Representing the UAE, Signs
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) With the ISSN International Centre

The International Standard Serial Number (ISSN) Centre announced the UAE’s Membership, represented by the National Library and Archives.
The National Library and Archives (NLA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the ISSN International Centre, part of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). This MoU confirms the UAE’s Membership in the ISSN International Centre, represented by the NLA, supported by the UAE National Commission for Education, Culture, and Science.
The MoU was signed virtually by His Excellency Abdulla Majed Al Ali, Director General of the NLA, and Dr. Gaelle Bequet, Director of the ISSN International Centre in Paris.
On this occasion, His Excellency the Director-General expressed his happiness with the signing of the memorandum, considering this event as support for the role played by the National Library and Archives in preserving the memory of the nation and its contribution to building and enriching knowledge societies. By this agreement, the National Library and Archives becomes the authorized entity to assign each periodical a unique number that does not repeat or resemble any other periodical. This number distinguishes the periodical from others and is used by publishing authorities.
His Excellency said: “Assigning the international standard serial number (ISSN) to the periodicals issued in the United Arab Emirates will ensure the regulation of intellectual production in the country. It will help the National Library and Archives to promote this cultural and intellectual output, and contribute to making researchers, interested parties, and beneficiaries inside and outside the UAE aware of the content of these periodicals. The benefits are not limited to researchers and beneficiaries of the periodicals’ content; they also extend to the periodicals themselves, which will gain more widespread recognition and increased demand.”
He added: “Cataloging both printed and electronic periodicals will enable their cultural and intellectual content to be indexed and included in databases. This content will primarily highlights the establishment of the United Arab Emirates, its march of progress, development, and prosperity under our wise leadership”.
Dr. Gaelle Piquet, Director of the International Standard Numbering Center, thanked the National Library and Archives and expressed her optimism for further cooperation between the two parties. She emphasized that the Memorandum of Understanding marks a milestone in the relationship between the National Library and Archives and the ISSN Centre. It stands as a testament to their shared vision and commitment, serving as a starting point for diligent work by all concerned parties. This collaboration underscores their aspiration for excellence and dedication to achieving satisfactory results in the cataloging and indexing of periodicals published in the UAE.
The UAE National Commission for Education, Culture, and Science played a crucial role in submitting the dossier to UNESCO and nominating the NLA. The Commission provided information about the NLA’s work and status and explained the significance of entrusting the NLA with this responsibility for its pioneering role in advancing the local cultural scene.
This effort by the commission reflects the Ministry of Culture’s keen commitment to achieving the vision of the wise leadership, that aims to integrate the performance among the various government agencies and institutions and the cooperation with international organizations. This enhances competitiveness and fulfills the national agenda and help achieve the goals of sustainable development.
The NLA will inform its customers about the commencement of the International Standard Serial Number (ISSN) process after preparing the requirements for activating the UAE’s International Standard Serial Number Center.

The National Library and Archives Honours the Winning Students in The UAE Students’ Creative Arts Festival, in Collaboration with The Emirates Schools Establishment
The National Library and Archives, at its headquarters, hosted the third edition of the UAE Students’ Creative Arts Festival under the initiative “Gateway to Talent”. This significant initiative, sponsored by the NLA in collaboration with the Emirates Schools Establishment (ESE), aims at activating the theatre movement among kindergartens and primary schools nationwide. The ceremony featured a play performed by children titled “My Grandpa’s Rug”, along with other delightful folkloric performances drawn from heritage. The event concluded with the honouring of creative student talents from kindergartens and primary schools involved in the school theatre activities.
In his opening remarks, Mr. Farhan Al Marzouqi, Director of the Corporate and Community Outreach Department at the NLA, stressed that the National Library and Archives is a strategic partner in shaping the nation’s future generations. He highlighted the NLA’s commitment to promoting patriotism and loyalty to the UAE wise leadership, and instilling national values in youth through noteworthy events and activities, in collaboration with the “Gateway to Talent” initiative. Al Marzouqi underscored the importance of theatre for all segments of society, particularly children, and praised schools for their role in discovering and developing students’ talents. He illustrated that school theaters and children’s theaters have become leaders in supporting and complementing the educational process.
Al Marzouqi also pointed out that the importance of serious and purposeful theater lies in implanting positive values and national principles in the minds of generations, as well as its ability to address improper behaviours and increase awareness among students. This notion id affirmed by the English playwright William Shakespeare, who said, “Give me a stage and I’ll give you a nation.”
Al Marzouqi honoured the participating schools and the winning students in the third edition of the UAE Students’ Creative Arts Festival affiliated with the initiative “Gateway to Talent”. Additionally, he expressed gratitude for the judging committee, supervisors, and parents who supported the students until they achieved success and excellence on the stage. He highly praised the efforts of the strategic partners, affirming that collaborative efforts are capable of elevating children’s theater to become a real tributary in enriching Knowledge Societies, the motto of the NLA in the upcoming phase.
Before the honouring ceremony, a group of children from Khalifa School presented their purposeful play titled “My Grandpa’s Rug”, which combines realism and symbolism. The play received positive feedback from the audience for its portrayal of the UAE in the past, the present and what it will become in the future.
Furthermore, the NLA honoured the ESE Groups, members of the judging committee, and the target audience from kindergartens and primary schools’ students. The winners from Dubai and the Northern Emirates are: Juwayriyah Bint Al Harith Primary School, securing first place for their play the “Garden of Secrets”. Al Thameed School students came in the second position for their play “Dolls in a landfill”. The third place went to Nad Al Hamar Kindergarten students, for their play “Nahulah and Zahrat Al Khair” (A little bee and the flower of goodness).
At the level of Abu Dhabi kindergarten schools came Al Shamkha Kindergarten students in the first place for their play “Fakhr Zayed” (Zayed’s pride). Al Yahar Kindergarten students won second place for their play “Ahmed Al Helou” (Ahmed, Sweet Boy). Al Shatha Kindergarten students won the third place for their play “My Children are Digitally Safe”.
For the school level in Abu Dhabi: Madinat Khalifa School won first place for their play “My Grandpa’s Rug”, which was also performed at the closing ceremony. Ahmed Bin Zayed School came in second for their play “He Returned Empty-Handed”. Finally, Al Tafawuq School won third place for their play “Sailors’ Bridge”.

Completing the written history, the essence of the books is derived from Oral History interviews
The National Library and Archives Holds a Virtual Reading Session within the Book Series: “Their Memory—–Our History”.
The National Library and Archives (NLA) held a reading session of within the context of the Book Series: “Their Memory—–Our History”, which contains the Oral History interviews with elderly individuals from the UAE. The session underscored the series’ importance and examined its characters, sections, subjects, and features. It also illustrated that the Oral History interviews in the book “Their Memory—–Our History” enriched numerous historical documents and old photographs, identified by their owners and offered to be added to the NLA’s collection.
During the virtual session, Maitha Al Zaabi, Head of the Oral History Section, stated that the NLA has enriched its universal archives with oral narratives provided by individuals, who were witnesses of the era as complementation of historical documents. Additionally, these oral narratives enrich the local memory with the exploits of our ancestors, depicting their lifestyle in the desert and at sea, as well as their travels and activities. She added that these narratives also documented Emirati customs and traditions and recognized the spoken local dialect, contributing to instilling ancient values and fostering a sense of belonging and loyalty to the wise leadership.
Al Zaabi pointed out that the NLA planned to release the fourth part of the “Their Memory—-Our History” series to document more of the vivid memories and revelations of eyewitnesses, providing descriptions of significant events that occurred before and after the UAE Union, in addition to incidents that have been overlooked by the younger generation.
The session highlighted that the characters of the book “Their Memory—-Our History” constituted 36 individuals including 29 men and 7 women from across the Emirates. The Oral History Section at the NLA adapted specific methods and rules in accordance with international standards to conduct interviews with these Emirati figures, who possess rich information about the past, emphasizing the NLA’s initiative to interview elderly individuals who have witnessed significant events before and after the Union in order to enrich the book series :“Their Memory—-Our History”.
The session covered the topics of the book-:“Their Memory—-Our History”- in its three parts, total of 1405 pages. Among its prominent themes introducing the speaker, highlighting the sheikhs and leaders, historical events, personal narrators’ experiences in work outside the UAE, education and important aspects of heritage, agriculture and Aflaj system, folk medicine and traditional treatments, women’s conditions, industries and professions, construction and homes, life before and after the Union, and terminolo

The National Library and Archives urges students to benefit from its knowlegde treasures and publications, and encourages them to be interested in Artificial Intelligence and Digital Solutions.
The National Library and Archives Honors Al Dar Education Group and the Winning Students in National Identity Projects

The National Library and Archives – in cooperation with Al Dar Education Group – organized a ceremony concluding the activities of the National Identity Projects of the academic year (2023-2024), which were held under the theme: “The Year of Sustainability .. Today for Tomorrow.”
The ceremony was opened by Mr. Farhan Al Marzooqi, Director of Corporate and Community Outreach Department at the National Library and Archives, with a speech in which he praised the efforts made by Al Dar Education Group in preparing a generation who is able to keeping pace with the future. He highly valued the students’ research papers submitted for the National Identity Projects, as they have shown an excellent awareness of the importance of sustainability in development and prosperity. He pointed out that students’ research papers are important in spreading awareness of sustainability for the creative and innovative ideas they provide.
Al Marzooqi stressed the need for paying attention to the rapid technological development the world witnesses, and to the technical solutions and artificial intelligence, while preserving the deep-rooted UAE heritage, which is considered a solid foundation from which the generations shall move towards the future with confidence and ability, to raise the the flag of the UAE and to place the UAE at the forefront.
He called on the students to benefit from the knowledge treasures of the National Library and Archives, such as the historical documents, the sources and references available in its library, in addition to its publications that document the history of the UAE. He requested them to be ambassadors for the National Library and Archives, which exerts great efforts to enrich knowledge societies.
Mrs. Hanadi Mustafa, Head of the Compulsory Subjects Development Section, delivered a speech on behalf of Al Dar Education Group, in which she thanked the National Library and Archives for its valuable contribution in the national upbringing, and its genuine attention to the generations of students, to enhance their scientific research capabilities and skills. She praised the students’ contributions and their research papers in the 2024 National Identity Project.
She pointed out that the students’ research papers and projects are characterized by a highly sense of patriotism and national values. She said the research papers demonstrate the students’ sense of responsibility. She stressed that Al Dar Education Group is proud of its students’ achievements, that their research papers have shown the extent of their sense of belonging to the homeland and their loyalty to its wise leadership. She added that these scientific initiatives will strengthen the national identity and enhance the students Arabic language, their positive values and will integrate with school curricula.
The ceremony witnessed the honoring of the winning projects in the 2024 National Identity Projects competitions. The National Library and Archives honored Al Dar Education Group and the winning students. The first place went to students’ project titled: “Investing in Minds” by Al Bateen International Academy. The second place went to “Sustainability…Vision of the Future” project by the students of Yasmina British Academy. “Today for Tomorrow” project by Al Ain British Academy’s students also came in second place, and the third place went to “Today for Tomorrow” project by Al Ain British Academy’s students. “Made in the UAE” by the students of Mamoura British Academy, the “UAE Heritage and Culture” project by the students of ADNOC Schools in Ruwais came in fourth place. “Sustainable Development… Combating Poverty” project by the students of Cranleigh Abu Dhabi came in fifth place, and “Health in the UAE” project by the students of Yas American Academy also came in fifth place.
The National Library and Archives, and Al Dar Education Group honored the jury.

In addition to numerous innovative projects related to Artificial Intelligence

The National Library and Archives Launches Its Main Electronic Application with Modern Features and Services

The National Library and Archives (NLA) launched its main electronic application in its modern and most developed form. The application offers a wide range of new services and features for customers and staff members as well. These services are further enhanced with advanced digital solutions empowered by artificial intelligence (AI). Additionally, some platforms have been added to strengthen the connection between the NLA and the beneficiaries.

This took place at an IT forum held at the National Library and Archives, innagurated by His Excellency Abdullah Majid Al Ali, the Director General, in which he emphasized the NLA’s efforts to enrich knowledge societies and focus on the future by building the knowledge economy. Therefore, NLA recognizes the importance of artificial intelligence, which has become a necessity rather than a luxury, as its impacts extend to various fields of knowledge.

He added that AI, featured with digital services and technology, plays a crucial role in preserving the memory of the nation, making it accessible to researchers, and preserving it for future generations. It also covers the various tasks and services performed by the NLA.

Mrs. Salma Al Mansouri, Director of Support Services, delivered a speech in which she highlighted that the National Library and Archives always strives for proactivity and leadership, and it fully understands that technology is not merely a set of tools to be used, but drivers of change towards a more advanced and innovative future. She noted that the IT Section exerts significant efforts to develop various systems and applications that contribute to fulfilling the mission of the National Library and Archives in preserving the documentary heritage, making it accessible, and enhancing its value through innovation, accessibility and proactivity.

Abdulazez Al-Amim, Head of the Information Technology Section at the NLA, reviewed the achievements of the National Library and Archives in this regard. He highlighted the launch of the main application of the National Library and Archives, which stands out by integrating 13 applications into a single app, and offers a unique and user-friendly experience. He also showcased the improvements made to the intranet. Dr. Aisha Bilkhair, Research Advisor, shed light on the newly developed “Olumokum” platform, which focuses on heritage and its terminology. She emphasized the National Library and Archives’ dedication to promoting its publications and Sheikh Zayed Audio Library in addition to the introduction of features in it that cater to people of determination, the user journey, etc.

Al-Amim praised the efforts of specialists in keeping the NLA a sustainable knowledge platform that applies AI and digitization, in commensuration with its cooperate identity in the next phase. He pointed out that the NLA engages in educating its staff, continues to provide them with training courses, harnesses their experience to gain competencies and skills, and investing in enhancing technological innovation.

The National Library and Archives relies on its specialized staff to keep up with rapid technological advancements. This is evidenced by the innovative ideas being practically applied, most notably the modern and advanced computer system known for its precision and high speed. This demonstrates that the institution not only keeps pace with development but also strives for proactive performance in technology, believing that technology is one of the main drivers in the process of development and the efficient and confident move towards the future.

The National Library and Archives reviews Percy Cox’s impact on British policy in the Arabian Gulf, which is an important page in the history of the Arabian Gulf region.

Within the framework of its aspirations to enrich knowledge societies, the National Library and Archives organized a lecture entitled Percy Cox and British Policy in the Arabian Gulf. Political Agent Percy Cox influenced British policy and left his mark on British plans and goals, prompting the British government to hold conferences and send British envoys to the Arabian Gulf sheikhs to win them over to the side of Britain. The lecture shed light on Cox’s activities, which took multiple manifestations to implement British policy and achieve its goals.
The lecture was delivered by Mr. Mustafa Al-Khatib, a researcher on the history of the Gulf and the Arabian Peninsula. He shed light on Percy Cox’s early diplomatic work in the Arabian Gulf and indicated that he worked as a Political Agent in Muscat from 1899 to 1904.
The researcher pointed out that the impact left by Cox signifies how political personalities influenced the course of British politics. He took advantage of the NLA’s documents and publications to support the facts included in his lecture. In fact, this enhanced the reliability of the information and the importance of this historical and political stage.
The lecturer stressed that Cox’s success in his mission in the Gulf region resonated greatly in London qualifying him to become a political resident in Bushire. Throughout his tenure, he played an important role in ensuring Britain’s victory in the wars fought in the region during the WWI.
It is worth noting that the NLA’s lectures, seminars and specialized publications abound with accurate and documented information about the history of the UAE and the Gulf region, on which this lecture specifically shed light.

The National Library and Archives Publishes a New Issue of Liwa Filled with Historical Research, Enriching Readers’ Knowledge
The National Library and Archives has published a new issue of the historical refereed Liwa journal. This issue is abundant with topics related to the history and heritage of the UAE, the Arabian Gulf region and the Arabian Peninsula.
Through the historical, geographical, and archaeological gateway of the city of Tawam (Tu’am), readers enter the new issue. It begins with research written by Dhia Al Deen Abdullah Al Tawalba on the meaning of ” Tu’am” or “Tawam” as found in Arabic dictionaries. Then, it explores what al-Zamakhshari wrote about it in his book “al-Jibal wa-al-amkinah wa-al-miyah” (Mountains, Places, and Waters), and by Yaqut al-Hamawi in his book “Mu’jam al-Buldan” (The Dictionary of Countries), alongside writings by historians in their works. The research then delves into archaeological findings, leading to the oasis of Al Ain and its settlement sequence since the period of Wadi Suq (2000-1600 BC), affirming that Tawam flourished in the pre-Islamic and early Islamic periods.
The second research is by Dr. Mabrouk Mohammed al-Dhamaari in which he investigates archaeological study titled “The Ribat School in Rada’a in Yemen”. He emphasizes the significant attention and scholarly interest in schools across Islamic countries, highlighting Yemen’s extensive role in establishing these institutions in its cities and villages. The architectural diversity of these schools has sparked significant interest among scholars.
Al-Dhamaari traces the history of the Ribat school back to the Tahirid dynasty of Yemen (858-923 H). The Rabat school holds historical, aesthetic, and heritage significant as one of the prominent Islamic buildings contributing to the urban fabric of Rada’a city. Today, the school continues to function as a mosque where daily prayers are performed. The research not only present the school’s history and its purpose, but also provides insights into its architectural design as both a school and a mosque.
The third research written by Dr. Ahmed Al Saidi explores a rare journey of an unknown Moroccan author to Hejaz in 1934 AD /1352 H. Meanwhile, Dr. Khawla Al-Alili contributed with the fourth research, titled “The Historical Stages of The Development of Education in The United Arab Emirates to The Beginning of The Union”. The research indicates that tracing the evolution of education in the UAE reveals ancient teaching methods and genuine progress. It did not occur suddenly or independently of the surrounding conditions of Emirati society at that time; rather, it passed through several stages and was influenced by various factors that contributed to its development.
Dr. Ali Afifi Ali Ghazi enriches the issue with his research titled “The Importance of The Ottoman Archives In Documenting The History of The Gulf and The Arabian Peninsula”, referring to the richness of Turkish archives with a vast amount of documents that contribute to documenting the Arab region; because the Ottoman Empire occupied and administered the Arab region from the era of Sultan Selim I (1512-1520) until the outbreak of World War I (1914-1918).
In this issue of Liwa, readers are introduced to the contents of Emad bin Jassim Al Baharani’s book “Characteristics of Portuguese Rule in the Arabian Gulf and Oman 1521-1622 AD.”
Furthermore, the journal features several English-language research articles, including “The Historical Origins of The Emirate of Abu Dhabi” written by the Researcher Hamdan Al Darei’s, and the Researcher Moza Al Hammadi’s examination of “The United Arab Emirates, the Arabian Gulf, and France: Cultural Openness and Diplomatic History from 1950 to the present,” among other scholarly contributions.