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.