National Library and Archives

The National Library and Archives Participates in a Photo Exhibition That Documents the Role of Emirati Women in Geneva

The National Library and Archives is participating in an exhibition of historical photographs in Geneva that document the role and giving of the Emirati women, and their achievements in all fields and sectors. The exhibition was organized on the side lines of the participation of the General Women’s Union in presenting the 4th national report within the framework of the comprehensive international review of human rights at the Human Rights Council in Geneva.  
The participation of the National Library and Archives in this exhibition confirms its great interest in the Emirati woman and its efforts for documenting her noble history and distinguished experience, her role alongside her fellow the man in building the society, the support she received, the leaps she was able to achieve, and the important transformations through her participation in all fields. Thanks to the confidence and empowerment the founder and builder Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan has attached to women, who built the renaissance of Emirati women. Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan had been the prime supporter of women who enhanced their contribution to the affairs of the nation and its renaissance.
The National Library and Archives shows in the photos it displays in Geneva the unprecedented historical role and the systematic strategic planning established by Sheikh Zayed for the advancement and empowerment of Emirati women and their attainment of a distinguished position regionally and globally. They also reflect Sheikh Zayed’s wise vision of the reality of women - during his auspicious era - as mothers, wives, sisters and human beings with their own aspirations, rights, and duties, therefore Emirati women have been able to advance in thought, knowledge and action.
The photos also document the aspects of the great support provided by Her Highness Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, the “Mother of the Emirates”, President of the General Women’s Union, Supreme Chairperson of the Family Development Foundation and President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood to advance Emirati women in particular and women all over the world in general. Her Highness spared no effort in the advancement and empowerment of Emirati women. Her Highness’ great care enabled Emirati women to reach a higher esteem position and made them a source of admiration for turning challenges into achievements.
It is noteworthy that the exhibition of historical photog organized by National Library and Archives was well received by a large audience of participants and visitors, and that the photos displayed were from the Photo Archive Section in the National Library and Archives, which keeps thousands of photos documenting the UAE’s renaissance at the hands of the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Thanks to the efforts of the wise leadership that followed his approach in building the people and the places.

Honoring Employees with outstanding performance,
The National Library and Archives organizing a forum to review its future strategic plan

The National Library and Archives organized a forum to review the future strategic plan and the latest updates as well as its performance in 2022. The forum serves as an evaluation of the last year performance and preparation for starting the next stage with its new strategy, vision and mission, which show great interest in enriching and empowering knowledge communities, and which are in line with the UAE’s vision and future plans.
H.E. Abdulla Majed Al Ali, the NLA Director-General, began the forum by stressing the importance of redoubling efforts to cope with the aspirations of the next stage of the NLA’s march, developments and requirements, noting that lack of innovation, development and ability to keep pace with modernity will lead organizations to decline. He added that renewing strategies is a requirement.
His Excellency has highly appreciated the NLA’s achievements in 2022. He called on all employees to be aware of the great responsibility, which everyone has to assume with honesty and integrity, ensuring further development at various levels, more distinctive projects and achievement of objectives in the next stage. He emphasized that the NLA is in need of young talents and the accumulated experience of the teams members.
Furthermore, he pointed out that technology is the key driver for future work, and reliance on it will be doubled in order to communicate with clients as per the modern inputs. He also tackled the latest updates on the establishment of the NLA project and building of its collections and advanced facilities in order to serve as a cultural beacon that constitutes an addition to the UAE’s accomplishments.
The Strategic Planning Office at the NLA reviewed the main strategic objectives, future initiatives of the next-stage strategy, the HR strategy and its development, the NLA strategy development schedule, internal and external environment analysis stage methodology, current status analysis, benchmarking report, future trends analysis, etc.
At the end of the forum, departments directors, section heads and team members were honored for their outstanding performance in 2022.

In a seminar of its cultural season 2023
The National Library and Archives sheds light on the Past, Present and Future of Al Dhafra

The National Library and Archives organized a seminar entitled "A Reading of the History of Al Dhafra”, as part of its cultural season 2023. The participants expressed their admiration for the progress and prosperity witnessed by the Al Dhafra region since the accession of the late Founder and Builder Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan to the rule of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. Many vital projects targeting the development of people and places were launched. Consequently, brilliant progress and sustainable development have become prominent features of the Al Dhafra region under the wise leadership.
The National Library and Archives’ interest in Al Dhafra Region emanates from its great role in documenting the glorious past of the UAE. It also stems from Al Dhafra’s significance in the history and heritage of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi because of its distinguished geographical location in the center of various civilizations. Today, Al Dhafra is a hub for various major projects.
Mr. Ali Ahmed Al Kindi Al Murar, a researcher in the history and heritage of Al Dhafra began the seminar which was held at the National Library and Archives’ headquarters, at the Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Virtual Reality Hall. He referred to the keen interest of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, which led to its comprehensive renaissance arising from the numerous projects that made it increasingly lively.
Al Marar said that Al Dhafra is one of the largest regions of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, and it is the stronghold of the Bin Yas tribe. He addressed the past and present of the Al Dhafra region, pointing to the stages it went through and to the lifestyle and interests of its residents in the past. He also shed light on the full-scale attention it received from the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
Ms. Asmaa Al Maamari from Mohamed bin Zayed University for Humanities reviewed the history of Al Dhafra in photos depicting its past, present, and future.  She indicated that Al Dhafra was special to the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and his interest in it inspired him to mention its regions in his poetry. She also pointed to the ancient references to the Al Dhafra region which came in the poetry of Rashid Alkhallawi and Almahedi bin Dhaher. She identified the location of Al Dhafra and its main areas, namely Al-Tuff and Baynouna, Al-Qafa and Al-Sahel, Al-Batinah and Liwa, Al-Hamra and Al-Maghreb "Western Ramla". She added that some areas belonged to Al-Dhafra in the past, such as Al-Majin, Al-Aqel, Sabkha Mati and Al-Kidn.
She touched on the historical roots of the Al Dhafra region, noting that some of its monuments date back to seven thousand years ago, adding that the world’s oldest pearl dating back to the Stone Age was discovered on Marawah Island.
Al Maamari pointed out the most prominent monuments of the Al Dhafra region, mainly the Al Dhafra Archaeological Fort and the Western Al Maryah Tower and others. She also touched on education in the past and present, and recalled the past of some Al Dhafra areas in contrast to their present-day reality. Besides, she spoke about the value and significance of palm trees to the people of Al Dhafra.
Al Maamari reckoned the most outstanding festivals and events that take place in Al Dhafra, such as Al Dhafra Festival for camel beauty, Liwa Date Festival, Liwa Agricultural Exhibition, Classic Cars Exhibition, and others.
The seminar was concluded with the presentation entitled "Al Dhafra  between the past, present and tomorrow" given by Mrs. Amna Al Marzouqi from  Al Dhafra Region Municipality. She reviewed the most important projects, and the development the region went through. She began the presentation with a documentary film featuring the successive visits the late Founder and Builder Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan paid to Al Dhafra indicating his genuine interest in the region and its residents.
It also featured the interest of the wise leadership that followed his approach in developing the area, creating gardens, and providing service facilities.  The modern Al Dhafra region has a distinguished road network with modern facilities which made it increasingly attractive to investors.  Al Dhafra and its regions are witnessing ongoing civil and service projects.
It is noteworthy that the National Library and Archives has published several books documenting the history and heritage of Al Dhafra, its location and regions, its castles and fortresses, its most important monuments and the lifestyle of its inhabitants throughout history. These publications loaded with documented historical and heritage information have attracted researchers and academics who are interested in the glorious history and heritage of the United Arab Emirates.