The National Library and Archives adds historical and heritage aspects to the Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition
The National Library and Archives adds historical and heritage aspects to the Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition
The National Library and Archives participated in the 20th edition of the Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition, held under the theme Sustainability and Heritage, A Reborn Aspiration. It shed light on the heritage sports and the related interest of the UAE sheikhs and leaders documenting their keenness on sustaining them. Through this participation, the National Library and Archives confirms its role in preserving the UAE’s ancient heritage.
The National Library and Archives provides the public with the opportunity to learn about important aspects of the UAE’s heritage and the wise leadership’s interest in sustaining this heritage of which the nation is proud. Thus, it provides the Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition, which has become a distinguished cultural, heritage and economic festival, with the documented historical aspect in hunting and equestrian.
The National Library and Archives enriched its platform with a plethora of historical photographs. They illustrate the UAE sheikhs and leaders’ interest in heritage sports, hunting and equestrian affairs, and depict them practicing these authentic hobbies inherited from parents and grandparents.
There are three large screens in the platform of the National Library and Archives, one of which displays documentaries on Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and his sons on falconry trips, giving ample details about this heritage sport.
The second screen informs the exhibition visitors about the Arabian Gulf Degital Archive (AGDA) and its importance as one of the sources of historical scientific research that the National Archives and Library makes available on the Internet. AGDA offers thousands of important and original historical documents about the history of the UAE and the Gulf, in addition to many virtual exhibitions. It documents Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan’s achievements, especially during the early years of assuming the reins of Al Ain in 1946. It also chronicles his efforts with his fellow rulers of the Emirates in establishing the United Arab Emirates and the beginning of its renaissance and displays the most important documents related to historical events in the Gulf region.
Through the third screen, visitors will learn about the global archival event, the International Council on Archives Congress, which will be hosted by Abu Dhabi under the theme “Enriching Knowledge Societies” from 9-13 October 2023. It is the first of its kind in the Arab region and the Middle East. It will deal with contemporary and future archival topics and issues and offer the opportunity to the exchange of innovative and sustainable ideas. The subthemes that will be discussed in the ICA Congress are: Peace and Tolerance, Emerging Technologies – Records and Electronic Solutions, Trust and Evidence, Access and Memories, and Sustainable Knowledge and Sustainable Planet, Archives and Climate Change.
The National Library and Archives provides the public with the opportunity to view its publications documenting the history and heritage of the United Arab Emirates and the Gulf region.
On a large panel, the National Library and Archives displays its most important services provided to researchers and to the archival units in archival institutions in the country. It also displays the NLA’s other services which include providing the said parties with its publications, diagnosing and organizing archives, providing advice, and considering the destruction of useless documents.