National Library and Archives

The National Library and Archives Organizes a National Symposium in Celebration of the Golden Jubilee of the Unification of the Armed Forces

In collaboration with the Ministry of Defence, the National Library and Archives (NLA) organized a national symposium titled “The Unification of the Armed Forces in the National Memory” to commemorate the Golden Jubilee of the UAE Armed Forces Unification. The symposium was held as part of the NLA role in documenting the nation’s history, preserving its national memory, highlighting pivotal milestones in the Union’s journey, and instilling the values of belonging and loyalty in future generations.
Hosted at Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy, the symposium opened with a documentary celebrating the unification of the Armed Forces, capturing its enduring legacy as a cornerstone of the nation’s history.
In his opening speech, His Excellency Dr. Abdullah Majid Al Ali emphasized that the decision to unify the Armed Forces was a historical step that contributed to consolidating the pillars of the Union and strengthening its foundations. He also highlighted the vital role of the Armed Forces in protecting the nation and safeguarding its achievements, noting that its high state of readiness and efficiency reflect the strategic vision of the wise leadership.
Furthermore, His Excellency expressed his gratitude to the wise leadership and to all ranks of the Armed Forces, who have shown the world the fortitude of the UAE and its profound capability to protect its land and national pride.
Staff Major General Saeed Salmeen Al Alawi, Commandant of the National Defence College and representative of the Ministry of Defence in the symposium, emphasized that the decision of the Armed Forces unification went far beyond a regulatory action. He underscored that it embodied the strategic vision of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and his fellow brothers, Rulers of the Emirates, who realized that the foundation of the Union rested upon a unified military.
He noted that this vision continues to be instilled today under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE. This is achieved by strengthening the readiness of the Armed Forces and upgrading their capabilities, enabling them to carry out their duties in defending the homeland and contributing to regional and international security and stability.
Serving as both moderator and speaker, Dr. Abdullatif Alsayyadi introduced the session’s speakers and emphasized that this year’s observance of the Armed Forces’ unification is of profound significance. Coinciding with the Golden Jubilee, the milestone underscores the powerful ascent of the UAE Armed Forces and their crucial role in deterring aggression with unmatched efficiency and exceptional professionalism. Showcasing capabilities that have garnered global admiration, the Armed Forces stand as an impenetrable shield and a stalwart fortress, steadfastly protecting the nation’s accomplishments.
Sheikh Faisal bin Sultan Al Qassimi praised the visionary foresight of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan regarding the significance of unifying the Armed Forces and traced the stages of their development from the pre-Union era to the present day.
He also affirmed that the decision to unify the Armed Forces, signed at Abu Mureikha in Abu Dhabi in 1976, was a pivotal milestone in state-building. He noted that the existing military formations across the Emirates were already prepared for integration into a unified force following the establishment of the United Arab Emirates.
Reflecting on the evolution of the Armed Forces since 1976, Staff Major General Saeed Salmeen Al Alawi highlighted the significant progress made in military doctrine, training, and armament. He emphasized that these continuous advancements have allowed the forces to align with international best practices and bolster their ability to protect the nation’s accomplishments, reflecting the strategic foresight of the wise leadership.
He also highlighted the integration of the Armed Forces’ role with the UAE’s diplomatic and humanitarian efforts, reviewing their participation in a number of humanitarian and relief missions across several countries, which reflects the nation’s approach of combining hard military power with soft power.
On the sidelines of the event, the National Library and Archives organized a photo exhibition documenting the key milestones in the establishment and development of the Armed Forces, alongside their national contributions and humanitarian roles.
The symposium shed light on important details surrounding the origins and evolution of the Armed Forces, their national and humanitarian roles, and the unification of the Armed Forces as one of the most significant historic achievements that contributed to consolidating the Union and advancing the development journey of the United Arab Emirates.

The National Library and Archives Celebrates UAE-Kuwaiti Relations
Coinciding with “UAE and Kuwait: Brothers Forever” Week

In line with the directives of the wise leadership and on the occasion of “UAE and Kuwait: Brothers Forever” Week, the National Library and Archives (NLA) continues to celebrate the longstanding fraternal ties between the United Arab Emirates and the sisterly State of Kuwait. This is being marked through a wide range of cultural and educational initiatives that reflect the depth of the historical, social, and diplomatic bonds between the two nations.
The celebration program includes a seminar on UAE-Kuwaiti social relations throughout history, marking the launch of the NLA’s 2026 cultural season. It also features a series of historical photo exhibitions documenting the trajectory of bilateral relations, as well as educational workshops and specialized lectures in Abu Dhabi schools and at ceremonial events.
The National Library and Archives is also publishing a documentary book titled: “UAE and Kuwait: A Nation’s Memory and Fraternal Relations.” The book documents bright milestones in the history of these strong ties, showcasing selected archival photos, documents, and testimonies that reflect decades of cooperation and integration between the two brotherly peoples.
The NLA’s activities within the week (running from January 29 to February 4, 2026) kicked off with a seminar titled “UAE-Kuwaiti Social Relations” held at the NLA headquarters. The seminar addressed the roots of social and fraternal relations and factors contributing to their growth. It underscored Kuwait’s pivotal role in supporting the UAE’s development journey prior to the Union, particularly in health and education. It also shed light on the UAE’s supportive stances toward Kuwait during various crises, which reinforced the solidity of the relationship.
Participants emphasized that UAE-Kuwaiti relations represent a steadfast model of authentic Gulf brotherhood, forged in a shared social and cultural environment and solidified by values of cohesion and a common destiny.
In parallel, the National Library and Archives (NLA) is organizing photo and document exhibitions across several prominent locations including the VIP Lounge at Zayed International Airport (Departures), the outdoor plaza of the Sheikh Zayed Festival in Al-Wathba, as well as Galleria Mall and the Mubadala Tower, in cooperation with Mubadala. The NLA is also enriching the Arabian Gulf Digital Archive (AGDA) through a virtual photo exhibition. These exhibitions collectively feature photographs documenting meetings between the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and the late Emirs of the State of Kuwait: Sheikh Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah, Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, and Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. They affirm the depth and continuous development of the ever-growing bilateral relations across all areas.
This narrative of fraternity was further extended to the 2026 Cairo International Book Fair, where a special supplement of the NLA’s Al-Maqta’ magazine titled “UAE and Kuwait: A Timeless Tale of Brotherhood” was distributed to a wide audience.
As part of the “UAE and Kuwait, Brothers Forever” week, the NLA has organized a series of art workshops and awareness lectures under the same theme. These activities were hosted by a number of schools, including Al-Manara Private School, Al-Taweela School, Al-Asala School, Emirates National and ADNOC schools, in addition to other schools and several kindergartens.
These sessions aim to educate younger generations about the deep-rooted bilateral relations between the UAE and Kuwait, highlighting Kuwait’s historical role in supporting the development of the UAE’s education and healthcare sectors, as well as its contributions to the media and cultural fields. They also underscore the UAE’s longstanding fraternal support and the sustainability of economic and trade cooperation between the two countries.
Moreover, specialized programs were organized under the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood initiative to instill in younger generations the values of brotherhood and a shared historical legacy.
The NLA has also launched a media campaign across its official social platforms, highlighting selected photographs, films, and historical documents that reflect the depth of UAE–Kuwait relations. This campaign allows the public to interact and engage, further strengthening the awareness of a shared history and the bonds of brotherhood between the two peoples.

Highlighting its Duty and Role in Affirming Rights and Preserving the Memory of the Nation,
The National Library and Archives Showcases Its Contribution to Support Scientific Research at Cairo International Book Fair 2026
The UAE National Library and Archives (NLA) participated in the 57th edition of the Cairo International Book Fair with a cultural symposium titled “The National Library and Archives: A Hub for Historical Research Movement in the UAE.” Held at its pavilion, the symposium highlighted the NLA’s pioneering role in supporting scientific research and serving researchers both within the UAE and internationally. This participation reflects its national and intellectual mission to preserve the memory of the nation and safeguard its history.
The symposium, presented by expert Dr. Abdullatif Al Sayyadi, affirmed that the National Library and Archives houses a unique wealth of historical and intellectual materials, including millions of documents and rare materials that document various aspects of political, social, economic and cultural life in the UAE and the Gulf region, dating from the sixteenth century to the modern era. These materials are preserved according to the latest scientific and technical standards and are also digitized and made accessible online to ensure their sustainability and ease of access.
Dr. Al Sayyadi explained that the NLA provides researchers with a wide range of historical sources in various languages including English, French, Portuguese, and Dutch. He Also affirmed that historical documents represent an authentic and reliable source of information, possessing high scientific and evidentiary value.
He indicated that these documents have contributed to supporting several cases currently pending before international arbitration and judicial forums. Serving as decisive evidence, they reinforce one party’s position in the dispute and help affirm rights and national sovereignty over the disputed territories.
The symposium also highlighted the NLA’s ongoing efforts to preserve the memory of the nation through the implementation of specialized projects aimed at acquiring governmental and personal documents, restoring and digitizing them. These efforts further extend to safeguarding the country’s cultural and national heritage and to active engagement in international institutions and organizations.
Dr. Al Sayyadi also stated that, under the Federal Law No. (13) of 2021, the National Library was integrated under the umbrella of the National Archives, becoming a comprehensive national reference and a leading cultural and informational centre. It is dedicated to preserving the intellectual and cultural heritage of the UAE and supporting research and knowledge, reflecting the UAE’s prominent role and leadership in safeguarding the memory and shaping the future.