Announcing the government records and information management statement to support innovation and excellence
The National Library and Archives celebrates the International Archives Week in the presence of a significant number of government archives directors and parties concerned with archiving in the UAE

His Excellency Abdulla Majed Al Ali, Director General of the NLA, confirmed that preserving and making the Nation’s memory accessible rank at the top of the NLA’s duties, and this fits in exactly with the objectives of the International Archives Day, which promotes awareness about the importance of preserving and safeguarding archives and ensuring accessibility to them.
The NLA held a ceremony in celebration of the International Archives Week under the slogan “The Importance of Organizing and Preserving Documentary Heritage”. In the opening speech, His Excellency stated: “As our main focus in the past was on traditional archives, today we need to double our efforts to cope with the global technological transformation in terms of archives digitization and preservation of their identity and specificity. Indeed, we go beyond that as we pave the way for artificial intelligence technologies and applications in the field of archiving, documentation and national memory preservation in order to bring a better future for the collection, analysis and preservation of history, which represents our culture.”
The forum included a lecture about the importance of preserving the national documentary heritage and organizing documents and records at the government entities. During the forum, the government records and information management statement to support innovation and excellence was announced in addition to approving the best practices for government information management as a national wealth.
Mr. Hamad Al Mutairi, Director of Archives Department, delivered a lecture on the importance of national documentary heritage preservation. He focused on the significance of organizing documents and archives at government entities, which requires legal compliance, support of decision makers, documentation of achievements and sustainability assurance, keeping up with global professional and technical developments, promoting administrative and organizational efficiency, preserving rights and ensuring accountability, documenting the collective and corporate memory and benefiting from previous experiences and knowledge.
Al Mutairi emphasized that the responsibility for preserving the documentary heritage lies on leaders, legists, employees in charge of documents and archives organization, strategic planning and information technology in addition to all staff members of the entity. He discussed, in detail, the duties and responsibilities of all mentioned parties.
Furthermore, he explained, in depth, the basic elements of implementation, including the establishment of an organizational unit for documents and archives, provision of infrastructure for physical archives preservation, building of a comprehensive electronic system for documents management and preservation, provision of technical tools and formulation of policies and procedures of inventory and transfer, preservation and accessibility and historical documents transfer to the NLA.
Additionally, Al Mutairi focused on the importance of protecting documents from leak, loss and unintentional damage, stressing that such issues would result in the Nation’s memory and researchers losing an important chapter in the Nation’s history.
He concluded the lecture by presenting the roadmap for the period up to 2027 and pointed out the responsibilities and duties, which the archiving entities have to shoulder to organize and preserve the documentary heritage.
It is worth mentioning that during the forum the government records and information management statement to support innovation and excellence was announced in addition to approving the best practices for government information management as a national wealth. The statement assured that the NLA supports innovation and excellence in accordance with the UAE’s official approach. It aims to encourage government entities to appoint an employee or expert to supervise and follow up the process of information and records management, make the required amendments, deal with government information and records as national assets, take effective measures to ensure protection of government information and records assets for long-term accessibility and transfer of historical records and information assets to the NLA’s custody in accordance with its executive regulation, etc.

The National Library and Archives Honors the Winners of the 14th Young Historian Award which contributes to enriching young people’s knowledge and enhances the NLA role in building and enriching knowledge societies.

The National Library and Archives organized an honouring ceremony for the winners of the Young Historian Award in its fourteenth edition which highlighted events, national values and concepts that ensure the sustainability of preserving the UAE history, culture and heritage. It also contributed to enriching young people’s knowledge of history and heritage as it focused on elements that solidify the Union’s foundations and the UAE’s global image. Its academic output contributed to spreading the culture of tolerance, coexistence, sustainability, and the values of the UAE society.
The award targeted fifth to twelfth graders. The Cycle 3 students from ninth to twelfth grades were required to write research papers, while fifth to eighth graders were required to prepare reports on the social, economic or geographical aspects of life in the UAE.
In his speech at the opening ceremony, His Excellency Abdul Allah Majed Al Ali, Director General of the National Library and Archives emphasized that our hopes are placed on students whose diligence and excellence enable them to demonstrate their love and belonging to the homeland, their loyalty to its wise leadership, and their absolute belief in the goals of the U.A.E., which continues the process of construction, progress, development and prosperity. He stressed that those who depend on young people are the undisputed winners, as they are the vital energy that elevates the homelands. He pointed out that we picked this up from the founder and builder, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who gave the youth great attention and urged them to work hard for the nation. His Excellency indicated that our wise leadership followed in the late Founder’s footsteps, believing in the need to qualify and empower them academically and professionally to enhance their role in sustainable development.
His Excellency congratulated the winners who proved the NLA success in performing its mission of enriching knowledge societies. He stressed that the 14th Young Historian Award substantiated the award’s role in discovering talented and creative students and opened a window for them to innovation and scientific creativity in school circles. He highlighted the hard work put in by the NLA to ensure the sound national upbringing of the youth and the efforts of the strategic partners who manage education as per their duties.
Dr. Aisha Belkhair, Chairperson of the Award Organizing Committee, delivered a speech in which she said that the Young Historian Award honours the winners for their exceptional efforts in studying history, which creates a link between the present with the past and manifests the development of humanity through the ages.
She focused on the importance of history which means understanding and appreciating our roots and held the youth responsible for preserving the UAE’s precious heritage, spreading awareness of the importance of their glorious history. She congratulated the participants and winners for their remarkable achievement.
After that, the National Library and Archives honoured the first, second and third place winners in the categories of Economic History, Emirati Studies, Geographical History, Social History, and the Exceptional Award. The honouring included Cycle 2 winners from Al Mirfa Schools, Emirates National Schools, Sheikh Zayed Private Academy for Girls, Al Kamal American School, and Al Dhait Primary School.
The Cycle 3 winners were also honoured; they included students from Emirates National Schools, Al Hudaiba, Al Nahda, Asma Bin Omays, Zeinat School, Al Maaref School and Sheikh Zayed Private Academy for Girls.
Finally, the National Library and Archives honoured other schools for their distinguished participation in the 14th Young Historian Award, as well as the members of the organizing committee of the Young Historian Award, and the supervisors.
It is worth mentioning that the National Library and Archives will publish the winners’ research papers in books for the benefit of students and those interested, and to enrich the libraries of students and youth.

The National Library and Archives trains the archives of government entities on document classification plan preparation

The National Library and Archives organized a virtual training course entitled ” Document Classification Plan Preparation in Government Entities”. The course comes within the framework of the NLA annual plan to train and qualify government employees on the approaches, methodologies and procedures used to organize documents in the UAE.
Lecturer and archiving expert Dr. Sofiane Bouhrat emphasized that this Knowledge transfer training course covers the methods of job classification plans based on the analysis and design stages of these necessary tools for document organization governance.
The course dealt with topics related to the classification objectives, legal aspects, and methodology for preparing a job classification plan and its application on paper and electronically. The lecturer displayed samples of different classification plans and shed light on the job classification plan for shared documents in federal entities.
More than 100 employees from various government agencies in the country participated in the training course and praised its rich scientific and applied information. They also expressed their desire to take advantage of more specialized courses in the field of archiving and documentation.

The National Library and Archives highlights inventory processes within the context of electronic documents organization

The National Library and Archives held a virtual specialized training course titled “Organization and Management of Electronic Documents at Government Entities” for the Federal National Council’s staff members. It reviewed the proper methods of electronic inventory within the context of electronic documents management.
The course, delivered by Mr. Hatem Younis, Electronic Archiving Expert at NLA, defined documents inventory as the process of identifying documents and specifying their preservation locations along with preparing the related approved lists. It also underlined the difference between a file and document. A file is a set of documents related to one subject. Mr. Hatim reviewed the formulation of both the classification plan and files preservation plan and the preparation of the related applicable lists in accordance with Law No. (7) on the National Library and Archives and its executive regulation.
The training course tackled the electronic documents inventory methods, which include identifying documents and their containing files at the organizational units of government entities and preparing the related approved lists in line with the template designed for this purpose. Furthermore, it highlighted the objective of electronic documents inventory and its importance in the stages of the historical, intermediate and current archives and to the Electronic Documents and Records Management System, which contains documents subject to the requirements of the classification plan, files preservation plan, and electronic files inventory. The mutual documents preservation plan at federal government entities has been discussed as well. The course was concluded with questions and inquiries by the participants.
The lecturer supported the provided information about electronic documents organization and inventory with illustrations, practical application of inventory methods and real instructive examples.

Numbers and field studies have shown impressive quantitative and qualitative results of the project

The National Library and Archives Announce the Results of its Pilot Project “Measuring the Impact of its Educational Programs on Generations”

The National Library and Archives (NLA), in cooperation with the Emirates National Schools Group (ENS), announces the results of its pilot project titled “Measuring the Impact of its Educational Programs on Generations”. This project represents a unique system over three years and aligns with the directives of our wise leadership, emphasizing the educational process’s crucial role in enhancing the spirit of belonging, national identity, fostering Emirati culture, preserving the Arabic language, and instilling authentic societal and national values, which the NLA has emphasized as importance. The outcomes of this project have shown outstanding progress and development in both quantitative and qualitative terms, particularly in how the educational programs provided by the NLA have enhanced knowledge, skills, and behaviours. Additionally, these programs have significantly influenced the optimal methodologies of national curriculum-support initiatives.

The success of this project comes in line with the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, in fostering efforts to keep pace with the evolution in the education field and elevating the educational process to meet the country’s ambitious plans for future generations and achieve comprehensive and sustainable development goals.

In his speech, H.E. Abdullah Majid Al Ali, Director General of the National Library and Archives, emphasized the importance of the project’s outcomes in setting guidelines for national identity programs in the country. He pointed out to the fact that this project, launched three years ago and implemented across more than 800 students in the ENS schools, aim to assess the impact of national educational programs in strengthening and promoting national identity, values, and principles.

Regarding this project, His Excellency noted: “This national project comes in line with the directives of His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Chairman of the Education and Human Resources Council, in which he called for the promotion of national identity and cultural values in educational institutions, along with the importance of enriching students’ knowledge. This project underscores the NLA’s role in building and enriching knowledge societies as a partner in the national upbringing of generations.”

He added: “Measuring the Impact of Educational Programs on Generations project is a comprehensive study integrating the benefits of both quantitative and qualitative research using multiple tools, including impression assessments, performance indicators, and evaluations of knowledge, skills, and behaviours before and after participation. This underscores our commitment to nurturing today’s students into future leaders aligned with the visionary directives of our leadership in preparing the nation’s youth to lead the future.”

His Excellency extended his thanks to the strategic partner, represented by the ENS schools, in which have numerous distinguished projects connected with the NLA. He also expressed gratitude to all those who contributed to the success of this project.

In his speech, Mr. Ahmed Al Bastaki, Deputy Director General of ENS schools, expressed pride in this ambitious national project implemented under the supervision of the NLA, with support from the ENS Board Members. He highlighted this as a crucial milestone towards realizing the vision of ENS schools in assessing and advancing their pioneering educational projects.

Mr. Al Bastaki added: “This project aligns with the directives of our wise leadership and is a testament to the successful cooperation between ENS schools and the NLA. This cooperation has opened unique opportunities and utilized expertise and resources to enhance and elevate the quality of education and academic performance. He also thanked the NLA and stressed the value of this partnership in this pilot project, marking a significant step forward in understanding of the effectiveness of educational programs and their positive impact on future generations.

Dr Husnia Al-Ali, NLA’s Educational Programs Consultant, presented the results of the Measuring the Impact of Educational Programs on Generations project 2021-2024. She emphasized the impact of this project in strengthening Emirati culture, promoting positive values, and preserving Arabic language, as well as its integration with curriculums, educational programs, teaching methods, activities and events.

The mechanism of this project aims to measure the impact of the NLA’s programs on students, enhancing their educational, behavioural and cognitive dimensions to qualify them as distinguished future national leaders.

Dr Al-Ali emphasized that the project highlights the educational program ability in fostering educational, behavioural and cognitive dimensions and optimizing methodologies for national curriculum support programs, as well as the responsibilities of those involved in the education sector and society, along with the use of innovative educational inputs and methods to achieve optimal performance outcomes. Additionally, efforts are made to integrate state institutions with educational sectors to strengthen Emirati identity and culture.

The NLA’s Education Consultant reviewed the study and implementation methodologies that been taken under the Kirkpatrick Model, a training evaluation tool in four levels: reaction, learning, behaviour, and results, pointing out that it has been applied on 801 students, 259 parents, and 60 teachers.

On a quantitative level, the project results confirmed significant improvements in national knowledge, an average increase of 11% in the area of state history, 13% in leadership and governmental system, 12% in government vision and millennium aspirations, 15% in ethical values, and 19% in awareness about the NLA.

Regarding educational attainment enhancement, this project showed positive growth in most school subjects including social studies, English language, mathematics, science, and Arabic language.

The educational programs were distinguished by their impact on community volunteerism, with a 48% improvement in volunteer programs and a remarkable 600% increase in reading hours. This significant rise in reading hours was also attributed to government initiatives and programs that promote reading. Additionally, 8 systematic research studies won research competitions.

In terms of stakeholder’s feedback, a survey of teachers showed a 91% improvement in 21st-century skills, while parents reported an 87% enhancement in the general behaviour. Students expressed a satisfaction rate of 94%.

Moreover, qualitative interviews with teachers, students, and parents across the ENS school branches revealed significant outcomes in fostering innovation, improving competitiveness indicators, aligning with government directives and aspirations, promoting entrepreneurship, and strengthening human relationships. Educational programs played a crucial role in reinforcing Emirati ethics and values, promoting sustainable self-education, volunteering, and community awareness.

Dr Husnia Al-Ali concluded the presentation by outlining future directions for the project, emphasizing its potential application in state schools and across different educational levels to instil values, enhance student research, establish student volunteering programs, and highlighted the accessibility of the NLA’s resources, services, and facilities for student benefit.

The Education Consultant noted that this study will be published as a book on the NLA in collaboration with ENS schools, serving as a reference for researchers and inspiring further studies and related res

Receiving a French delegation from key cultural institutions
New Areas of Cooperation between a French Delegation and the National Library and Archives
His Excellency Abdullah Majid Al Ali, Director General of the National Library and Archives, met with Hervé Barbaret, Director General of the French Museums, to explore potential cooperation between the two sides. They discussed means of enhancing communication, cooperation and coordination with the French institutions affiliated with museums, archives and libraries.
The National Library and Archives -at its headquarters- received Hervé Barbaret and the accompanying the French delegation. They were briefed on the pivotal role of the NLA in the current stage and its high expectations for the future. Barbaret emphasized the potentialities of their institution to serve as a bridge between the NLA and the French cultural institutions in the fields of museums, archives and libraries.
His Excellency, the Director General of the NLA, welcomed the collaboration with the French cultural institutions, emphasizing their role in fostering the exchange of successful and unique experiences and expertise, as well as enriching the NLA’s effort in building and enhancing knowledge societies.
His Excellency demonstrated the most important strategic projects of the NLA and opportunities for cooperation with French cultural institutions. His Excellency elaborated on various aspects of cooperation between the two friendly countries, such as the Louvre Museum, Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi, and other major projects and initiatives, which strengthened the bilateral ties between France and UAE. His Excellency affirmed that such projects hold promise for successful mutual cooperation between the NLA and French cultural institutions.
Additionally, His Excellency invited the French delegation to visit the National Library and Archives’ Center for preservation and Restoration. In the center, the delegation will be briefed on the preservation, restoration, and digitization methods, and will observe the institution’s efforts in preserving the memory of the nation according to the highest standards. The delegation will also witness the modern restoration laboratory’s work on various types of historical documents.
The two parties initially agreed to coordinate mutual virtual and in-person training programs aimed at strengthening ties between the NLA and the French cultural institutions in the same field. The two sides reached an agreement to organize a specialized library-training course next year, involving a member of the team from the National Library in France. This initiative, which benefits from the French expertise, aims to enhance the UAE’s National Library project, aspiring to establish it as a cultural institution comparable to leading national libraries worldwide.

The National Library and Archives Highlights
Data Protection Methods on Computers
The National Library and Archives, in collaboration with the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA), organized a virtual lecture titled “Protecting Your Computer”. The lecture was one of a series of lectures and events aimed at maintaining information security on laptops.
The lecture was delivered by Mr. Abdulla Al Zarooni from the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority. He spoke about the dangers threatening data stored on computers, starting with viruses. He explained that these programs, such as the “Trojan Horse” virus and other spyware, are designed to harm computers or steal copies of the data saved on them. Other threats include identity theft for financial gain, spam emails and malicious software.
The lecture also addressed the risks of external storage devices, such as hard disk drives (HDDs), and methods of connecting computers to external devices (USBs) to facilitate data transfer. He highlighted the dangers of ransomware and other harmful programs.
The lecture then shifted to methods of protecting the computer from threats through various means, such as firewall that prevents unauthorized incoming communications, updating the operating system to correct known vulnerabilities, updating programs and browsers, and using known and trusted antivirus programs to protect the computer from damage.
The lecture highlighted that a computer can be protected from threats by using various methods, including backups, complex passwords, encrypting sensitive files so that only the user can read them, downloading applications from trusted sources, and the importance of maintaining backups to restore data in case of loss or damage.
Al Zarooni provided tips accompanied by live examples, showed some awareness videos, recommended free effective programs, and spoke in detail about the characteristics of strong passwords that are difficult to crack and ways to save them.

Enrich Knowledge Societies, Reinforce Loyalty and Belonging, And Consolidate National Identity
The National Library and Archives Enrich Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival 2024 With Numerous Activities for Children

The National Library and Archives (NLA) continues its participation in the Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival (SCRF 2024) and welcomes students at The Emirates Schools Establishment (Taaleem) platform. It aims at enriching knowledge societies, reinforcing loyalty and belonging, and consolidating national identity. The NLA participated in this event as a genuine response to the wise leadership’s guidance, aiming to dedicate reading as a sustainable habit for youth, in addition to their role as a strategic partner in enhancing national awareness among future generations of students.
The NLA offers diverse activities that enrich knowledge societies, reinforce patriotism among students, and contribute to student character building, starting from painting workshops, where student participants colour some of the UAE’s landmarks, flag, map, and traditional vocabulary.
Moreover, one of the large screens at the (Taaleem) platform showcases cartoons produced by the NLA, aimed at instilling national identity, promoting document care, and preserving authentic Emirati customs and traditions.
The NLA presents reading sessions for children of stories from The Writers (71) initiative. Distinctive writers in this initiative read their inspiring and award-winning stories, which narrate, in a literary manner, the milestones of the UAE’s great achievements and experiences from its successful march.
The national reading workshops organized by the NLA are presented to student visitors of the festival, including “Zayed: From Challenges to Union”, which enriches student’s memory with additional information about the late founding father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, focusing on his education, upbringing, and exceptional efforts in establishing the union. Additionally, workshops were held for the books “Khalifa: Journey into the Future” and “Qasr Al Hosn, The History of The Rulers of Abu Dhabi 1793-1966”.
The NLA workshops and activities for students motivate them to embrace the values embodied by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, symbolizing courage and sacrifice for the nation and its people.

Also on display was the educational booklet “My Nation, The Emirates” (Watani Al Emarat) which contains documented information, exercises, activities, and interesting trainings, all related to the history of the UAE, its heritage, geography, and vibrant present.
Student visitors of the festival enjoyed participating in the national educational game “The Journey”, where they answered questions inspired by the life of the late founding father Shiekh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, as well as historical and heritage knowledge documented by the NLA’s publications, enriching students with reliable information.
Alongside these physical activities, a series of virtual events are being held in various fields such as: reading, painting, “The Journey” game, and lectures titled: “His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed: The Best Successor to the Best Predecessor”, “The Centenary of the UAE”, and “The UAE: A Homeland of Sustainability”, and others. A team of experts oversees these activities.
The participation of the National Library and Archives underscores the effectiveness of its integrated educational system. This system aims to channel students’ energies towards directed national programs that contribute to societal development, student character building, and the reinforcement and deepening of national values and ethics.

Through Inspiring Experiences and Advices for Sustaining Giving, Development and Progress
The National Library and Archives Organizes a Symposium on Entrepreneurship and Projects in its 2024 Cultural Season
Within its 2024 cultural season, the National Library and Archives organized a symposium entitled: “Entrepreneurship and Small Enterprises,” in which participants reviewed inspiring experiences aimed at sustaining progress and development on the personal and work levels. The symposium was held as the National Library and Archives believes that its topic would promote positive energy in the people.
The symposium, which was moderated by Ms. Iman Al-Bariki from the National Library and Archives, began with a talk by Mr. Tayseer Mohammed Ismail, Head of the Small and Medium Enterprises Data Section at the Department of Economic Development, on the concept of entrepreneurship and how to transform an idea into a business, by going through all the stages of establishment, growth, and financing in an effective and unconventional way, while ensuring continuity untill making profit and achieving financial independence.
He provided important details about the characteristics of an entrepreneur, the key criteria for selecting projects, the foundations for their success, and how to overcome challenges. He also reviewed entrepreneurship indicators in the UAE, both locally and internationally.
The second speaker at the symposium, Engineer Iman Ahmed Al-Thaqafi, founder of Avitek, a company specializing in the field of Metaverse, said: “A successful entrepreneur must have the ability to intelligently extrapolate and plan, and to seize every available opportunity to achieve his/her ambition. The success of small projects depends on the owner’s desire for change and development through hard work, guided by a vision that explores future horizons and turns dreams into reality, and the pursuit of overcoming all challenges faced.”.
Al-Thaqafi discussed the working conditions in the field of electrical engineering at Sharjah Electricity, Water, and Gas Authority. She pointed out that this opportunity allowed her to pursue her passion in the field of Metaverse. Consequently, she established a specialized company named Avitech, which is the first Emirati company founded by an Emirati engineer to apply it to an environment that can be simulated. This resulted in a professionally designed project, so realistic that it is difficult for people to distinguish it from the real world. The company specializes in the field of augmented virtual reality. Iman insisted on delving into the details by researching, learning, and attending most of the specialized training courses in this field. She mentioned that what distinguishes the startup is its ability to offer the best services in an innovative way, ensuring the provided programs are handled with high quality and at a competitive price.
The third speaker, Engineer Saleh Samhan Al Nuaimi, founder of small home-based businesses and a content creator for developing youth knowledge and skills in an easy and enjoyable manner, said: “Entrepreneurship is not an easy task. The challenges faced by entrepreneurs require a special ability and skill to overcome them and promote innovation. Success and excellence sometimes require a significant amount of change and risk-taking. A project owner needs to efficiently foresee the future of his/her project and manage it skillfully. The Entrepreneur also requires ambition and perseverance.”
Al Nuaimi mentioned that his motivation began while studying abroad. He continued to work and put in efforts until he earned an additional income, greatly aided by the encouragement of his family and friends. He started his home-based baking business during the summer vacation, and subsequent home projects followed on, untill he ventured into clothing design, perfumes and flowers.
He advised the audience not to hesitate in implementing any ideas come to their minds and to quickly start their business projects. He also emphasized that an entrepreneur should strive to use smart marketing for their projects’ products in order to gain others’ trust.

“Zayed, A Visual Journey”, Western Journeys, Reading Historical Documents and Others
The National Library and Archives Organizes a Rich Program of Cultural Lectures and Dialogue Seminars at Abu Dhabi International Book Fair

The National Library and Archives (NLA) organized several national cultural events in the 33rd edition of Abu Dhabi International Book Fair (ADIBF), The diversity of the events attracted the attention of visitors from different categories.
In the dialogue seminar on the book: “Zayed, A Visual Journey”, moderated by Mr. Waled Ghilan with Mrs. Nouf Al Junaibi, Chief Editor of Liwa Magazine. Al Junaibi stated: “This precious book, with its distinguished cover and valuable content, contains many pages that share historical pictures depicting the life and achievements of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.”
She pointed out that the book also documents aspects of the key role of the late Sheikh Tahnoon bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, as a companion to Shiekh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
Al Junaibi added: “The book, “Zayed, A Visual Journey”, consists 448 large-format pages, and has 640 precious photographs selected from the special collections held by the photo archive in the NLA. This has made the book a visual encyclopedia of rare photos of Sheikh Zayed, highlighting his great legacy, noble values, and love for his country.
In another seminar organized by the National Library and Archives entitled: “A Glimpse into Western Traveler literature and its impressions and observations”, researcher Dr. Mani Bu Naama reviewed the most significant and prominent works of Western travelers to the Gulf region and the Arabian Peninsula. These travelers came from diverse backgrounds and origins, including Portugal, the Netherlands, France, Britain, America, and others. He clearly discussed their goals, desires to venture, inspect, learn, and discover the Eastern magic, its culture, heritage, and rich ancient past with contains tales and stories.
These travelers have recorded their views, impressions, and collected much information, including cultural, social, political, and economic facts related to the diaries and life of the Gulf society, especially the Emirati society.
Dr. Bu Naama emphasized the discrepancy in the validity and variation of the information recorded by the travelers, as it was written according to the purpose and the need of writing it. He added that the writings of travelers are filled with many images stored in their memories, observations, and impressions about the region and the lives of its people, their culture, habits, and traditions, and what they found striking and what caught their attention. They delved into describing the land and its geography, terrain, climate, resources, land and sea, atmosphere, and its inhabitants, along with their political, social, and cultural status, customs, traditions, and practices.
The National Library and Archives platform also organized a dialogue seminar entitled “The Role of Translation Institutions in Enhancing Cultural Exchange and Dialogue of Civilizations: The National Library and Archives as a Model”. The seminar was presented by Professor Dr. Saddik Gouhar, the expert in translation at the National Library and Archives, and researcher Mr. Waleed Ghilan. The seminar reviewed the history of translation in Europe and the Arab and Islamic world, then they shifted to the current state of translation in the Arab world and its challenges.
The National Library and Archives has also hosted a lecture on reading historical documents, by Mrs. Fatma Al Mazrouei, Head of Historical Archive Section at the Archive Department in the National Library and Archives. She identified the historical document and emphasized its significance in preserving material and moral heritage and documenting the history of the development of cities and buildings, as well as the historical importance of economic, social, and cultural aspects of the societies and their development.
Moreover, she listed the types of documents and historical sources and spoke about the sources, which, the NLA relies on to obtain the historical documents.
The lecture showed a perfect model of the union records as an important and live example on the Arabian Gulf Digital Archive (AGDA) platform, aiming to provide researchers with documents, photos, maps … etc.

NLA Continues its Role in Documenting the UAE Inspiring Personalities
NLA Documented About 3000 Entries in Sheikh Tahnoun Diaries
The National Library and Archives Launches the Diaries of Sheikh Tahnoun bin Mohammed Al Nahyan at Abu Dhabi International Book Fair

The National Library and Archives launched at its platform in the 33rd edition of Abu Dhabi International Book Fair 2024, the book: The Diaries of Sheikh Tahnoun bin Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, the Ruler’s Representative in Al Ain region. Sheikh Tahnoun Al Nahyan had a biography full of achievements. He was a close companion of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founder and builder, and this blessed companionship had a distinct impact on his thinking and management. He gained practical experience, knowledge, and wisdom from Sheikh Zayed in making the right decisions and increased his closeness and communication with the people of Al Ain in their joys and occasions. He was among the men in whom Sheikh Zayed placed his utmost trust.
Commenting on the Diaries of Sheikh Tahnoun bin Muhammad Al Nahyan, His Excellency Abdulla Majid Al Ali, Director General of the National Library and Archives, says: “The accomplishments of the late Sheikh Tahnoun bin Mohammed are worthy of documentation and preservation in the nation’s memory for the future generations. His significant achievements highlight his major role both before and after the establishment of the Union. His eventful life further elevated his status in the history of the United Arab Emirates, enriching his biography with a distinctive patriotic character – as he was a close companion to the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.”
He added: “The Diaries of Sheikh Tahnoun bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, compiled by the National Library and Archives in Abu Dhabi, documented a series of events and daily activities. These diaries covered the period from 1966 to 2010, which was full of patriotic contributions.”
His Excellency said: “We, at the National Library and Archives are keen to document the biographies of the inspiring national figures. Therefore, we issued a series of diaries, starting with the diaries of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. These diaries are not only confined to the person’s journey; but they provide a picture of the establishment, development and prosperity of the United Arab Emirates. They will present a good help for the generations, and act as a beacon of light that will guide them on the path of choosing a role model in building the nation and preserving its achievements, and in continuing to hold the banner to put our dear UAE at the forefront of the countries of the world. We are following our wise leadership directives in this regard.”
The Diaries of Sheikh Tahnoun bin Muhammad contain the positions he held, his interests, and activities in the various areas of life. The shows the extent of development, growth and excellence the UAE has achieved, in a way that leads the researcher to adopt a comparative approach between the fundamentals upon which the UAE was founded. The diaries touch on various fields: political, social, economic, media, security, and sports…. They represent a smaller part of his deeds, which were compiled from what has been published in the daily newspapers: (Monitoring Bulletin, Al–Ittihad, Al-Khaleej, Al-Bayan, Al-Wahda, Al-Arab News, Al-Emarat Al-Youm newspapers, and the Official Gazette of the UAE Government).
The diaries come in four volumes. At the beginning of each volume is an index of its contents by years, followed by an introduction, then the diaries of Sheikh Tahnoun continue. At the end of each volume is a detailed, comprehensive index of all the diaries and photographs of Sheikh Tahnoun relevant to these diaries.
Volume 1: From 1966 to 1980.
Volume 2: From 1981 to 1990.
Volume 3: From 1991 to 2005.
Volume 4: from 2006 to 2010.
The diaries are compiled in a chronological order and documented in a way that facilitates reference to the origin, source, and date of the event to make it easier for researchers to access events they cited with reliable evidences.
The Diaries Document the Milestones in the Life of the Late Sheikh Tahnoun:
On September 11, 1966, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan issued Emiri Decree No. (2) of 1966 appointing Sheikh Tahnoun bin Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Nahyan as Chairman of the Department of Agriculture and Chairman of Al Ain Municipality. He was also appointed as a member in Abu Dhabi Planning Council. On May 1, 1969, he was appointed Chairman of the Municipality, Agriculture, Labor and Social Affairs Departments in the Eastern Region, and on May 1, 1971, he was appointed Deputy Ruler’s Representative in the Eastern Region.
On the August 6, 1969, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan – in his capacity as Chairman of the Planning Council – issued Resolution No. (1) of 1969 regarding the establishment of the Municipal Council of Al Ain region and the neighboring villages (Al Ain, Hili, Qattara, Al Jimi, Al Muwaiji, Al Masoudi, Murijib, Zakher and more). The council consists of twelve members: two to be nominated by the Municipal Council of Abu Dhabi from among its members, and the other ten members from Al Ain region to be nominated by: Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Chairman of the Defense Department, and Sheikh Tahnoun bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, Chairman of Municipality and Agriculture Departments. Labor and Social Affairs in the Eastern Region. The nomination list was presented to the Planning Council.
On August 7, 1970, Sheikh Zayed – in his capacity as Chairman of the Planning Council – issued Resolution No. (3) of 1970, vide which Sheikh Tahnoun bin Mohammed Al Nahyan was appointed Chairman of the Al Ain Municipal Council.
On July 1, 1971, Sheikh Zayed issued Emiri Decree No. (8) of 1971, forming the first ministry in the history of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, headed by Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and Sheikh Tahnoun bin Mohammed Al Nahyan was appointed Minister of Municipalities and Agriculture.
On August 9, 1971, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan issued Emiri Decree No. (26) of 1971 appointing Sheikh Tahnoun bin Mohammed Al Nahyan as the Ruler’s Representative in the Eastern Region.
On March 12, 1972, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan issued an order appointing Sheikh Tahnoun bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, the Ruler’s Representative in the Eastern Region and Minister of Municipalities and Agriculture in Abu Dhabi, as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Al Ain Agricultural Experiment Station.
On July 8, 1972, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan – as the Ruler of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi – issued Emiri Decree No. (31) of 1972, appointing Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan as the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Abu Dhabi Fund for Arab Economic Development, and Sheikh Tahnoun bin Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Nahyan as a member of the Board of Directors.
On July 16, 1973, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan – in his capacity the Ruler of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi – issued Emiri Decree No. (13) of 1973, appointing Sheikh Tahnoun bin Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, Minister of Municipalities and Agriculture, as the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Abu Dhabi National Oil Company.
On January 20, 1974, Sheikh Zayed – in his capacity as the Ruler of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi – issued Emiri Decree No. (2) of 1974 appointing Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan as Chairman of the Executive Council of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, and Sheikh Tahnoun bin Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Nahyan as Chairman of the Municipality and Agriculture Department in Al Ain.
On November 4, 1974, the Permanent Office of the Arab Towns Organization – with its headquarters in Kuwait – issued a unanimous decision selecting Sheikh Tahnoun bin Muhammad Al Nahyan, the Ruler’s Representative in the Eastern Region, as a member of its office.
On March 21, 1976, Sheikh Zayed – in his capacity as the Ruler of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi – issued Emiri Decree No. (6) of 1976 regarding the formation of the Board of Directors of Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, Chaired by Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, His Excellency Ahmed Khalifa Al Suwaidi as Vice Chairman, and Sheikh Tahnoun bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, as a member.
On January 9, 1977, Sheikh Zayed – in his capacity as the Ruler of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi – issued Emiri Decree No. (3) of 1977, appointing Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan as Chairman of the Executive Council of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, and Sheikh Tahnoun bin Mohammed Al Nahyan as Vice Chairman of the Executive Council, and Chairman of the Municipality and Agriculture Department in Al Ain.
On March 6, 1978, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan – in his capacity, as Ruler of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi – issued Emiri Decree No. (4) of 1978 appointing Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan as Chairman of the Board of Directors of Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, and Sheikh Tahnoun bin Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, as a member in it.
On July 20, 1982, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan – when he was the President of the United Arab Emirates and in his capacity as the Ruler of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi – issued Emiri Decree No. (9) of 1982 renewing the membership of the members of the Board of Directors of Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, Chaired by Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ahmed Khalifa Al Suwaidi as Vice Chairman of the Council, and Sheikh Tahnoun bin Mohammed Al Nahyan as a member.
On June 5, 1988, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan issued Emiri Decree No. (1) of 1988 regarding the formation of the Supreme Petroleum Council, Chaired by Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and Sheikh Tahnoun bin Mohammed Al Nahyan as a member. He also issued Emiri Decree No. (2) of 1988 appointing the Board of Directors of Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, chaired by Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ahmed Khalifa Al Suwaidi as a Deputy, and Sheikh Tahnoun bin Mohammed Al Nahyan as a member.
On November 25, 1991, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan in his capacity, as the Deputy Ruler of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi – issued Emiri Decree No. (8) of 1991 regarding the formation of the Executive Council of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, under his chairmanship, and appointing Sheikh Sultan bin Zayed Al Nahyan as Chairman of Abu Dhabi Public Works Department, and Sheikh Tahnoun bin Mohammed Al Nahyan as Vice Chairman of the Municipality and Agriculture Department in Al Ain.
On June 4, 1992, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan – in his capacity, as the Deputy Ruler of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi – issued Emiri Decree No. (4) of 1992, appointing Sheikh Tahnoun bin Mohammed Al Nahyan as Chairman of Municipality and Urban Planning Department in Al Ain, and the Department of Agriculture and Livestock in Al Ain.
On March 14, 2017, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan – in his capacity, as Ruler of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi – issued Law No. (7) of 2017, amending the name of the “Eastern Region” in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi to become “Al Ain Region”, and that Sheikh Tahnoun bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, the Ruler’s Representative in it.

With over 640 Photographs, Poems, and Quotes of Sheikh Zayed
The National Library and Archives Displayed its New Remarkable Publication “Zayed, A Visual Journey” at its Platform in Abu Dhabi International Book Fair 2024

The book: “Zayed, A Visual Journey” attracted the audience of Abu Dhabi International Book Fair (ADIBF) to the National Library and Archives (NLA) Platform. The book offers an interesting and valuable visual journey, sharing the life of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan from his early life till he became the Ruler’s Representative in Al Ain, during which it flourished. It also documents the period when he took up the reins of Abu Dhabi government and the renaissance that began since then, along with his presidency of the United Arab Emirates, which earned its place on the world map under his wise leadership.
The book: “Zayed, A Visual Journey”, consisting of 448 large-format pages, contains 640 precious photographs selected from the special collections held by the National Library and Archives. This has made the book a visual encyclopedia of rare photos of Sheikh Zayed, highlighting his great legacy, noble values and love for his country. This has made him immortal in the hearts of generations and a role model for them in patriotism and loyalty to the homeland.
The book provides the reader with a chance of diving into a valuable pictorial experience, as well as exploring the national values founded by Sheikh Zayed locally, regionally and globally.
The NLA has enriched the book: “Zayed, A Visual Journey” with many design patterns, traditional Islamic decorations. Additionally, some of the book’s pages present the poems of the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, written in Arabic that draws attention and combines the beautiful forms of calligraphy with profound meanings and wisdom.
Visitors availed the opportunity of watching a film documenting the distinguished method of printing the book on a large screen at the National Library and Archives’ platform at Abu Dhabi International Book Fair.
Its noteworthy that the book’s photos are sourced from Al-Ittihad Newspaper, the Associated Press, the British Petroleum Archive, the Royal Geographical Society Archive, the Pitt Rivers Museum, and the archives of the following familes: Kennedy, Wilfred Thesiger, Alan Hurd, Ronald Codray, Victor Hashem, Edrik Worsnop, John Wilkinson, Tug Wilson, Hermann Burchardt, Percy Cox, Roger Barcham, Anthony Rendle, Alastair Macaskill, Barbara Clark, and Philip Horniblow.