On the sidelines of the 56th edition of “Cairo International Book Fair”
The National Library and Archives Organizes a Specialized Seminar on the Concept of Archives’, Their Development, and Their Role in Supporting Development and Scientific Research.

The National Library and Archives (NLA), as part of its comprehensive program at the current edition of Cairo International Book Fair 2025, hosted a specialized seminar exploring the concept of archives, their development, and their critical role in supporting development and scientific research. The seminar shed light on the NLA pioneering efforts in enriching knowledge and advancing scientific research amidst the era of informational openness and technological innovation. Emphasizing the NLA’s experience the seminar highlighted that archives serve as the memory of nations and invaluable repositories of information, ensuring the continuity of knowledge transfer across generations. Archives were recognized as an indispensable resource for fostering development and advancing scientific research.

The seminar featured the participation of His Excellency Abdulla Majed Al Ali, Director General of the National Library and Archives, and Mr. Freed Zahran, Chairman of the Egyptian Publishers Association.

The discussions emphasized the pivotal role of Archives in promoting national identity and supporting sustainable development. The seminar highlighted that archives are fundamental tools for generating knowledge and driving progress. Investing in the preservation and advancement of archives was portrayed as an investment in the future of societies, as archives enable a deeper understanding of the past, the building of a better present, and the shaping of a more promising future. Furthermore, the seminar underscored that safeguarding archives is a national responsibility, vital for ensuring the continuity of development and enabling well-informed decision-making processes.

The seminar also highlighted that archives are not merely repositories of historical information but are essential resources that drive development and scientific research. It emphasized their role as dynamic tools for fostering progress and innovation. Among the most important types of archives discussed were: national archives, coporate archives, personal archives, and digital archives, and others.

The seminar emphasized that archives serve as a cornerstone for scientific research, providing a reliable source of accurate information. With the advancement of technology, archives have transformed to include diverse digital formats such as electronic documents, images, audio and video recordings, and extensive databases. The traditional notion of “place” has expanded beyond physical storage spaces and shelves to incorporate cloud storage systems and digital platforms, facilitating seamless remote access to documents.

The seminar also highlighted that technology has become an essential partner for archives in achieving their goals. It has made access to archives easier and faster. Digital archives help preserve old documents that may be at risk of damage or loss. Additionally, technology assists in data analysis, and advanced search tools, such as artificial intelligence, can now analyze documents and search for connections between them more quickly and accurately.

The seminar showcased the role of the National Library and Archives as a model for leveraging archives to support scientific research and development. It offers a comprehensive digital platform that grants researchers access to valuable historical documents and manuscripts, along with studies and well-documented reports on the history of the UAE and the Gulf region. This initiative enriches academic knowledge, aids students and researchers, and fosters historical research through the organization of scientific conferences, such as the Emirates International Oral History Conference, which plays a vital role in documenting unwritten historical narratives. In the field of development, the National Library and Archives promotes the national identity by documenting Emirati heritage, and preserving local culture, and this contributes to enhancing national belonging.

The seminar also emphasized the role of archives in international cooperation. It participates in international initiatives, organizes cultural fairs, exhibitions and events, and offers additional services such as documenting the local and international newspapers and magazines that cover the history of the UAE, as well as digitizing the local and international archives’ documents, ensuring their sustainability and ease of access. The seminar showed that the National Library and Archives places great importance on private archives.

The National Library and Archives Hosts a Media Forum on the sidelines of the Cairo International Book Fair (CIBF) 2025

In keeping with its annual tradition, the National Library and Archives (NLA) held a forum for media professionals alongside the 56th Cairo International Book Fair. The event aimed to highlighting the NLA’s key cultural and developmental initiatives, along with its significant contribution to the cultural and intellectual landscape among creators and to the enrichment of knowledge societies.
The forum saw the participation of His Excellency Mohamed Ahmed Al-Murr, Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of the National Library and Archives, along with various newspaper editors, editors-in-chief from Egyptian media outlets, and numerous media professionals.
His Excellency Abdulla Majed Al Ali, Director General of the National Library and Archives, inaugurated the forum with a speech emphasizing the significance of the Cairo International Book Fair. He extended congratulations to the sisterly Republic of Egypt for its remarkable success in organizing this prominent annual cultural event, which stands as one of the largest book fairs in the Middle East. He underscored that the NLA’s participation in CIBF 2025 reflects the strong ties between the United Arab Emirates and the Arab Republic of Egypt. These relations, nurtured by the wise leaderships and the peoples of both nations, continue to evolve, bolstered by new avenues of cooperation that foster prosperity and development for both countries.

His Excellency highlighted the significant advancements witnessed by the National Library and Archives at this stage, noting its emergence as a leading institution in the creation of serious and impactful cultural content. This progress is evident in the NLA’s influential role within the cultural landscape, serving as a hub of cultural dissemination that enhances libraries through its specialized publications, which provide documented and precise information. Additionally, the NLA organizes a variety of cultural events both within and beyond the borders of the United Arab Emirates, while also demonstrating a strong commitment to safeguarding the nation’s documentary heritage. His Excellency emphasized that concurrently, the National Library is focused on expanding its diverse cultural collection and ensuring its accessibility. He asserted that the overall cultural activity is undergoing a significant qualitative transformation, characterized by the integration of artificial intelligence and its applications, which will facilitate long-term preservation, digitization, and content availability, with the overarching aim of leveraging AI across all sectors.
His Excellency commended the vital role of media professionals and their significant contributions to the renaissance and advancement of the national development framework. He emphasized their role in fostering positive values, envisioning the future, cultivating generational culture, and reinforcing national identity. He expressed high regard for their constructive efforts and encouraged them to highlight the experiences of the National Library and Archives in the United Arab Emirates, which is dedicated to preserving heritage and history while promoting a culture that enriches, inspires, and empowers knowledge societies.
The forum took place at the Intercontinental City Stars Hotel in Cairo. It was attended by a large number of Egyptian media professionals, the National Library and Archives team participating in the activities of the Book Fair, representatives from the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates to the Republic of Egypt, along with distinguished writers and intellectuals.

The National Library and Archives is actively involved in the Cairo International Book Fair (CIBF) 2025, with a comprehensive schedule of seminars, cultural gatherings, and specialized events.

The National Library and Archives commenced its participation in the 56th Cairo International Book Fair (CIBF) with the event’s opening. The NLA is showcasing the milestones in its journey as it works to enrich knowledge societies and improves its services being an institution dedicated to documentation and archiving and a cultural edifice that launches publications documenting the history and heritage of the UAE and the Arabian Gulf region. Additionally, the NLA is hosting a large number of cultural events featuring prominent authors and intellectuals.
The National Library and Archives is committed to participating annually in the Cairo International Book Fair, a major cultural platform that introduces its visitors to the NLA’s cultural and intellectual production. This event serves as chance to strengthen relations with cultural and archival institutions.
At the opening ceremony, His Excellency Dr. Ahmed Fouad Hanno, Egyptian Minister of Culture, visited the National Library and Archives’ booth. He was received by His Excellency author Mohammed Ahmed Al-Murr, Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of the National Library and Archives, and His Excellency Abdullah Majed Al Ali, Director General. They presented His Excellency with two NLA publications: “Zayed’s Journey in Pictures” and “Um Kulthum in Abu Dhabi”. His Excellency received a brief overview on Zayed’s Journey in Pictures, which contains over 600 rare photos highlighting milestones in Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan’s life, from his assumption of power in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi to the establishment of the United Arab Emirates.
Regarding this participation, His Excellency Abdullah Majed Al Ali, Director General, remarked: “Our annual participation in the Cairo Book Fair is of great significance to us, since it serves as a worldwide cultural platform and a venue for civilizational and intellectual exchange. We are committed to establishing our presence in the regional and global cultural and literary arenas to showcase the contributions of the National Library and Archives to the cultural movement. This effort continues to inspire and enrich knowledge societies, making our participation in the Cairo International Book Fair one of our top priorities.”
He continued: “This participation lays the groundwork for reinforcing cultural ties and knowledge sharing with Egyptian cultural and archival institutions, given that their objectives align closely with ours. It is essential to acknowledge that the NLA has evolved beyond being solely a keeper of historical documents or a guardian of national memory; it has also become an integral player among those who shape culture.”
His Excellency highlighted that the NLA’s participation in the CIBF 2025 features a dynamic agenda that includes various cultural seminars and professional gatherings, specialized workshops, and activities aligned with its interests. The NLA’s booth showcases historical documents and films featuring the profound and brotherly ties between the United Arab Emirates and the Arab Republic of Egypt. He emphasized that the booth embodies the National Library and Archives’ strategy for the period leading up to 2032, reflecting its commitment to preserving documentary heritage and identifying future trends across various domains.

The National Library and Archives Explores Publishing Affairs and the Impact of Artificial Intelligence on it.

The National Library and Archives organized a virtual lecture titled “Utilizing Artificial Intelligence in the Publishing Sector,” as a key player in cultural production. The lecture addressed the transformation and developments witnessed in the world of publishing with the emergence of artificial intelligence and the evolution of publishing platforms. It also discussed the impact of AI on authors and readers, as well as the legal implications of AI-assisted publications.
The lecture included several topics covering aspects of the publishing sector and its influence by AI. The lecture featured the contribttions from Mrs. Fatima Al Hudaidi, Head of Publishing Unit at the NLA, and Mr. Jamal AL Shehhi, Emirati writer, publisher, and General Director of Kuttab Publishing House.
The lecture emphasized that more than 80% of authors rely on AI in their literary works. A skilled writer can use AI to develop ideas, organize and proofread, while an average writer can benefit from AI in enhancing their tools. AI acts as a technical assistant in writing research, but research that fully relies on it is easier to detect. Therefore, the future belongs to authors who leverage from AI assistance without fully relying on it.
AL Shehhi said: “Kuttab Publishing House prefers to deal with original content that reflect the writer’s ideas, style, and personal touch. However, reliance on AI has become a reality and a necessity, prompting publishing houses to acknowledge it and agree on a usage percetage not exceeding 20% as stipulated in the contract terms between authors and publishing house.” He also emphasized that they have their own methods for detecting the level of AI reliance on artificial intelligence in the material.”
The lecture pointed out that despite the significant impact of artificial intelligence on publishing, the publishing industry will remain ongoing and continue to play its role in the production of culture. It was noted that some global platforms, such as Amazon, indicate that certain works are labeled “written with the help of artificial intelligence,” meaning the author provided the ideas to AI, and the AI wrote them. While the reader has the freedom to purchase the book, the challenge lies in counterfeiting and false claims.
The lecture also revealed the role of artificial intelligence in evaluating and critiquing literary and cultural texts, making the challenge and competition not only between the writer and both technical and human publishers but also with critics. It highlighted that publishing houses also cater to readers’ commercial interests due to their significance, emphasizing the existing gap in writing for young readers, which receives attention from publishers. Additionally, there is a focus on attracting science fiction books and those related to space, in response to future aspirations, along with important translated works, and a focus on heritage and history books at certain stages.
Al-Shahhi emphasized the importance of encouraging researchers and authors, noting that this is vital for revitalizing the publishing sector. He pointed out that some countries view the publishing sector as an independent industry, while others consider it part of the cultural industry. In many cases, it is considered more of a task than an industry, much like the tourism industry, for example.
The lecture concluded that AI is not only reshaping publishing, but also empowering authorrs in the digital age. AI tools have contributed to reducing production time by more than 50%, thanks to the ease of publishing and global distributionThis has made books more readily available to readers faster than ever before. In short, AI benefits the book and the author more than the publisher.

The National Library and Archives Welcomes Visitors to its Platform at Sheikh Zayed Festival 2025
“Memory of the Nation” Takes Visitors on a Journey from the Desert to Space

The National Library and Archives has dedicated a special corner at its platform in Sheikh Zayed Festival 2025, to highlighting the UAE’s interest in space. The corner’s slogan is: “From the Desert to Space”. It showcases the UAE’s focus on space, which has now become a vital aspect of life of all nations. In 2014, the UAE officially embaked on its journey into outer space exploration.
The corner is a testament to the UAE’s remarkable achievements, which serve the nation’s best interest. In 1976, the late founder and builder, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, received a delegation from the United States’ Space Agency (NASA), where he commended the humanity’s greatest accomplishment of landing on the moon’s surface.
The corner, “From the Desert to Space”, documents the role and plans of the wise leadership and its plan for space exploration, highlighting the development of “KhalifaSat”, marking the first entirely Arab-manufactured satellite and ushering the Arab region into a new era of competition in space sciences and exploration. This was followed by the launch of the “Hope Probe” for space exploration, marking a historic milestone for the UAE with Emirati astronaut Hazza AlMansoori’s journey to the International Space Station, along with Dr. Sultan Al Neyadi’s six-month mission, which featured pioneering scientific experiments.
One of the most prominent displays presented on the large screens at the three facades of the hall is the description of Sheikh Zayed as being born in the heart of the desert, yet his vision shaped the UAE’s future. He saw beyond the horizon and dreamt of a united nation. The achievements he accomplished were never the result of force, but of wisdom and determination. Through his unwavering support, Sheikh Zayed laid the foundations for a modern nation, believing that the past is the cornerstone of a prosperous future.
The Hall, surrounded by screens, showcases aspects of the desert life and its profound impact on the character of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan the founder and builder, as well as the people of the UAE. It highlights his journey from the desert to establish the UAE, which has earned a prestigious position on the global map.
The corner, “From the Desert to Space”, documents the efforts of the visionary leadership that followed suit Sheikh Zayed’s path, continuing his successful journey, until the UAE reached space and secured its place in the global race for outer space exploration.
Additionally, the National Library and Archives provides a lecture within its educational package for students covering the same content, titled: “Zayed’s Ambition Embraces Space”.

During its cultural Season, the National Library and Archives sheds light on artificial intelligence and its applications in the realm of digital archiving and the modern media industry.
Recently, the National Library and Archives hosted a seminar titled “Digital Media and Artificial Intelligence: Archiving the Present and Shaping the Future”, which was the concluding event of its Cultural Season 2024. It focused on technological advancement as a crucial factor in fostering creativity and innovation within media and archiving. Additionally, it highlighted the vital role of AI in shaping the future of digital media, and the importance of media in recording, archiving, and ensuring the accessibility and preservation of past and present events for future generations. The seminar also examined advantages and disadvantages of AI in media archiving.

The seminar, presented by media pioneer Abdul Latif Al-Sayegh, emphasized the necessity for collaborative efforts between archives and digital media to effectively present, safeguard, and archive documented historical information. The speaker cautioned against allowing major corporations like Google and Meta, with their advanced technologies, to monopolize and control archives. He also urged attendees not to overly rely on the archival data these entities provide, despite their significant financial backing and influence.
The speaker pointed out that AI has begun to grasp human trends and needs, explaining that what appears on electronic search platforms is not by chance. He noted the crucial documentation done by large companies, such as Google Earth Legacy cameras, preserving cultural heritage and offering data which tracks global changes. He also mentioned Google Trends, which reveals public interests, and the remarkable services provided by “Chat GPT” that have become essential references for researchers across various disciplines.

The seminar reflected on the state of archives in the past, the tools once utilized, and the methods for regulating access to necessary documents, contrasting them with the current landscape where archives are readily accessible on media platforms. It addressed the most significant changes that have occurred, supported by examples from the collections of the British Library, the U.S. Library of Congress, and the BBC. It also spotlighted Google (knowledge archive), Meta (social life archive), and Twitter or (X) platform (real-time historical moments).
The seminar highlighted the vast potentials of large corporations that have not only developed communication platforms but have also created digital archives that aid in comprehending both the present and the future. These archives document life as it unfolds, analyse societal behaviours, and impact the evolution of human knowledge.
Furthermore, the symposium examined the effects of artificial intelligence on the creation of digital archives and the organization and categorization of extensive collections. It discussed the interdependent relationships between documenting current events and the global archives that documented history. This led to making everything available on major platforms including those interested in highlighting world cultural heritage.
The importance of government involvement in funding the digitization of archives was emphasized, alongside the encouragement of public participation, a focus on data protection, the documentation of cultural and national heritage, and the support of scientific research and knowledge advancement. The seminar also underscored future prospects for the relationship between digital media and the emerging archiving centres. It shed light on the development of robust national archiving platforms, the advantages of artificial intelligence tools and the benefits that AI offers in media archiving, such as restoring old audio recordings, enhancing images and videos, and recognizing ancient texts, as well as reviving historical figures.
Conversely, the seminar pointed out the drawbacks of utilizing artificial intelligence in media archiving, including the creation of fake videos, the alteration of historical images, misleading audio modifications, disinformation in research, and the fabrication of false historical events. In this respect, the national archives are held accountable for exposing such distortions and misinformation due to their detrimental effects.

At the Sheikh Zayed Festival,

The National Library and Archives Showcases the UAE’s Commitment to Sustainability and Educates Visitors at the Memory of the Nation Pavilion About its Significance

The National Library and Archives (NLA) attached great importance to sustainability at the Memory of the Nation pavilion at the Sheikh Zayed Festival 2024-2025. This was highlighted through historical photographs that affirm the leadership’s commitment to sustainability, in both rhetoric and action. The historical photographs and film materials at the pavilion depict the late founder and builder Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan’s care for environmental issues and the promotion of the sustainable development.

At the Memory of the Nation pavilion, the Sustainability Corner documents Sheikh Zayed’s interest in water resources as well as his agricultural brilliance, exemplified by the Saadiyat Island project and its yield. The corner also showcased his inspection of reclaimed agricultural areas and prospective reclamation projects in Al Ain and Al Dhafrah, in addition to his commitment to the maintenance of the Aflaj system, and the environment in the Emirates islands.

The Sustainability Corner features a section dedicated to a natural soil model, characterized by lush greenery adorned with some trees and plants.

Following the approach of the late founder and builder Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the wise leadership has embraced the duty of reinforcing sustainability, which has gradually evolved into an authentic element of the country’s cultural heritage. The leadership is committed to safeguarding this sustainability legacy and passing it on to future generations. In alignment with this effort, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, declared 2023 as the “Year of Sustainability” to highlight the country’s rich heritage in this field, and the initiative was further extended into 2024.

The NLA has curated a photo collection from the photo archives and the Presidential Archives section, alongside short film materials displayed on a huge screen at the Sustainability Corner. This setting highlights highlights the UAE’s commitment to implementing its environmental protection strategy, inspired by the late founder and builder Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan’s vision of sustainability. The photos also document the wise leadership’s care for the environment and its resources.

The Memory of the Nation pavilion emphasized that the UAE’s goal of creating a sustainable vision for future generations. It works to develop smart cities and innovate environmentally friendly solutions, implementing numerous policies and practices to enhance sustainable development.

The content of the platform demonstrates the age-old embraced sustainability in the UAE, as our forefathers successfully adapted to their surroundings and preserved natural resources. Historical photos and film materials, which document the continuous focus on sustainability, jointly achieve the platform’s goal of enhancing its audience’s knowledge and environmental awareness and promoting ways to preserve the environment.

The National Library and Archives Presents Its Distinguished Experience in Collecting, Preserving, and Documenting Oral History at the Conference of the American Oral History Association

The National Library and Archives participated in the Annual conference of the American Oral History Association with a paper titled: “Oral History: Redefining and Documenting the Past: The Experience of the UAE as a Model”. This participation highlights the significance of the UAE’s successful and distinguished efforts in documenting historical events that were not preserved in written records.
As a permanent member of this esteemed association, the National Library and Archives remains committed to participating annually in these meetings. This engagement sheds light on the unique characteristics of UAE society and its rich heritage, drawing the attention of researchers and academics to explore the nation’s achievements and encouraging further study of the UAE development and progress.
At the conference, held in Cincinnati, Ohio, Dr. Aisha Bilkhair, Research Consultant at the National Library and Archives, presented a scholarly paper reviewing the methodology employed in documenting oral history in the UAE and the practices utilized during the collection process. She emphasized the significance of considering the distinctive attributes of UAE society in oral history collection, which differ from practices elsewhere in the world. In the UAE, human relationships are deeply intertwined with cultural and social heritage, prompting narrators to recount these traditions with meticulous detail, accuracy, and authenticity.
Dr. Bilkhair’s paper highlighted the critical role of oral history as a fundamental pillar for understanding the evolution of society and its culture over time. Through oral history, the stories and memories of senior individuals who witnessed the nation’s development are documented, offering future generations valuable insights and lessons to help shape a bright future for both individuals and the nation.
Dr. Bilkhair also emphasized the importance of the connection between UAE society—both citizens and resident expatriates to the nation’s authentic cultural heritage. This heritage encompasses values, customs, and principles that sustain the national identity. She explained how this connection fosters a distinctive identity for the people of the UAE and creates a clear influence on expatriates, who view the UAE as a source of inspiration and an extension of civilization and culture, deserving of preservation with pride and honor.
Additionally, Madya Al-Mehairbi, a researcher in oral history at the National Library and Archives, presented a poster titled: “A Bridge between the Past, Present, and Future: The National Library and Archives as a Model.” In her presentation, she provided an overview of the oral history initiatives undertaken by the National Library and Archives and emphasized the importance of preserving oral history as a cornerstone of the UAE’s national and cultural identity.
Al-Mehairbi highlighted the role of the National Library and Archives in collecting and documenting oral narratives, positioning them as vital sources of knowledge for future generations. She also elaborated on the significance of oral history in safeguarding traditional knowledge and experiences, enriching the collective understanding of UAE identity and its inherent values.
It is noteworthy that a significant number of conference attendees visited the exhibition, praised the poster, and commended the National Library and Archives for its dedicated efforts in collecting and preserving oral history. They also lauded its pivotal role in promoting Emirati culture both locally and internationally.
The National Library and Archives has published three volumes of the “Their Memory, Our History” series, drawing on interviews conducted with senior UAE citizens. These volumes document their memories, ensuring their preservation for future generations and serving as valuable references for understanding the nation’s heritage.

The National Library and Archives Enriches Formula 1 Halls with a Collection of Historical Photographs

The National Library and Archives participated in the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix by displaying a collection of historical photographs in Abu Dhabi’s halls 2024. This participation reflects its commitment to enriching this global sporting event with significant historical images relevant to the Grand Prix.
The photographs displayed by the National Library and Archives at this major sporting event highlight moments of the UAE’s founder and builder, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan – may he rest in peace – personally driving his car. He was well known for this practice, especially during his inspections of construction projects and citizens’ living conditions when he served as the Ruler’s Representative in Al Ain and later as the Ruler of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. Some of the photographs display the progress and prosperity achieved by the United Arab Emirates under his visionary leadership and through the efforts of the great leaders who carried forward his legacy of building, development, and growth.
Each photograph displayed in the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix halls carries its own historical significance, marking key stages of the UAE’s journey and evolution. The diversity of cars featured in these images, carefully preserved in the archives reflect their connection to the nation’s illustrious history and the remarkable leaders who shaped it.
The participation of the National Library and Archives in this sporting event underscores the importance of Formula 1 as the pinnacle of motorsport, which has made Abu Dhabi an international destination for motorsport enthusiasts.
With thousands of historical photographs in its collections, including the Presidential Archives, the National Library and Archives remained equipped to present the UAE rich historical narrative on various occasions. For this prestigious event, it selected a curated set of photographs that add historical depth and cultural significance to the Formula 1 experience.

Engaging representatives from over 16 government entities and generating more than 20 projects,
The National Library and Archives organizes a workshop on its role in the cultural system and identifies the most significant and notable collaborative national initiatives.

The National Library and Archives (NLA) hosted a workshop on its role in the cultural system in the UAE. Strategic partners, whose cultural contributions align with the NLA’s goals for developing joint cultural projects, were in attendance.
His Excellency Abdullah Majed Al Ali, the Director General of the National Library and Archives, opened the event with a speech emphasizing that the workshop aims to strengthen communication and collaboration for innovative future cultural initiatives that benefit the nation. He noted that combining efforts pave the path toward a more promising future, yielding valuable outcomes that reflect the national contribution.
Addressing the workshop attendees, His Excellency remarked, “The NLA, in its unwavering commitment to leadership and excellence across all its tasks, recognizes the importance of collaborating with your esteemed institutions, which are celebrated for their exceptional reputation and significant contributions. Currently, the NLA is no longer merely a repository for historical documents and records; it has evolved into a creator and publisher of cultural content focused on the history and heritage of the United Arab Emirates and the Gulf region.”
His Excellency highlighted that following the integration of the National Library under the National Archives, the collection, preservation, and accessibility of documentary heritage and cultural assets have elevated the creative and excellence landscape. He added that the NLA is keen to sustain the march of progress and development that aligns with the United Arab Emirates’ march, confidently guided by its wise leadership to stand out among the nations of the world.
The Director General of the National Library and Archives emphasized the necessity of collective and cohesive efforts to enhance the public perception and institutional reputation of the NLA. He added that the NLA is committed to embracing modern technologies, particularly artificial intelligence applications, to collect, preserve, and provide access to the memory of the nation, thereby enriching the cultural landscape and fulfilling its mission to enrich and empower knowledge societies.
His Excellency said, “At the same time, we aim to share the inspiring and distinctive experiences, as we hope for your institutions to attain success, just as we wish for the NLA. Every significant accomplishment brings pride and joy to all those involved”.
He concluded his address by expressing his expectation for a future that is enriched through cultural diplomacy, propelled by a knowledge-based economy, and strengthened by sincere and responsible partnerships. He stated, “The NLA recognizes that this strengthens our national identity and cultural heritage, while also offering innovative solutions to address challenges. This approach ultimately enhances the benefits of its initiatives and highlights the results of our contributions as we work towards fulfilling our mission for our nation and its community members”.
Next, Mrs. Samar Al-Mashjari, Head of the Strategic Planning Office, presented the NLA Strategy, discussed the significance of the workshop, shed light on its goals and anticipated outcomes, and outlined the details of its activities.
Finally, Dr. Husniya Al-Ali, Education Advisor, unveiled the NLA’s cultural and educational initiatives, which align with the new strategy, broaden the range of beneficiaries, and strengthen collaboration. She shed light on the cultural programs aimed at the educational sector that benefit both teachers and students across various academic levels. These are included in the “For a Promising Generation” initiative, and encompass lectures, workshops, volunteer programs, talent development initiatives, and curriculum enhancement programs.
The workshop, organized by the National Library and Archives at the Earth Hotel, focused on its role within the cultural framework. It reviewed the strategies of the Ministry of Culture, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Community Development, and the Ministry of Economy, which discussed its updated intellectual property system and its key initiatives.
The brainstorming session, which included representatives from more than 16 government entities, resulted in the development of over 20 initiatives. Among these initiatives is the establishment of cultural platforms that will engage a variety of cultural stakeholders. These platforms are designed to facilitate exploration of the cultural heritage of the United Arab Emirates, highlighting its significant heritage features and providing insights into its notable cultural figures.

In cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation,
The National Library and Archives Launches the “We Celebrate Together” Initiative to Enrich the Celebrations of the 53rd UAE National Day

In conjunction with the UAE’s celebration of its 53rd National Day, the National Library and Archives launched the “We Celebrate Together” initiative to enrich the celebrations at all UAE embassies across 127 countries.
This initiative provided the UAE embassies worldwide with a specially designed box containing a curated selection of valuable photographs depicting the enduring legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and the establishment of the UAE Union. The box also features a badge representing the founder Sheikh Zayed and a film that tells the story of the UAE’s Union, thus fostering the promotion of the national identity.
The initiative is implemented in partnership with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. It emphasizes the collaborative spirit embraced by various state entities and reinforces the UAE’s mission and national values on international platforms
Through such endeavours, the NLA is committed to presenting a vibrant image of the national celebrations that seamlessly blend authenticity with modernity while also fostering a collective effort to enhance national identity and honour the spirit of the Union.
The NLA holds thousands of photographs within the photo archives and the Presidential Archives section, which enable it to illustrate the historical dimension of the country on various occasions. In this context, the NLA has curated a selection of photos for the celebrations of the 53rd National Day aiming to present to the global audience historical images that capture the contributions of the founder and builder, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, in establishing the Union, as well as the country’s renaissance and advancement. The NLA has enriched this collection with photos that emphasize the role of the visionary leadership in continuing the march making further remarkable progress and great accomplishments, taking sustainability into account while moving towards brighter and flourishing future.

In conjunction with the celebrations of the 53rd UAE Union Day,
The National Library and Archives has unveiled a new publication titled “Zayed – A Journey in Pictures”

The National Library and Archives has released a new book titled “Zayed – A Journey in Pictures, in conjunction with the 53rd UAE Union Day celebrations. This book visually chronicles the life and accomplishments of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founder of the United Arab Emirates.
The book offers a unique photographic exploration of Sheikh Zayed’s inspiring journey, embodying a spirit of perseverance and ambition that led to the creation of a modern state known for its sustainable development vision and esteemed human values. Comprising 600 rare images, the book showcases significant events in Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan’s life, from his rise to power in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi to his role in establishing and leading the United Arab Emirates. The photographs are organized into eleven chapters that unfold chronologically, narrating the remarkable life and achievements of Sheikh Zayed.
Spanning over seventy years, the book outlines Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan’s contributions across various sectors, including urban development, education, women’s empowerment, healthcare, heritage conservation, and environmental protection, while also promoting tolerance and harmonious coexistence. It illuminates life in the UAE both prior to and following the discovery of oil, capturing the significant progress the nation has experienced and illustrating how Sheikh Zayed’s wisdom and foresight enabled him to navigate challenges in building a nation that inspires hope for the future.
His Excellency Abdulla Majed Al Ali, Director General of the National Library and Archives, remarked: “Zayed – A Journey in Pictures is more than merely a book; it serves as a dynamic historical account that captures pivotal moments in the life of our founding father. Through these photographs, we showcase Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan’s vision that elevated the UAE to the ranks of developed nations, embedding the principles of tolerance, coexistence, and diligence at the core of our country. We at the National Library and Archives take pride in publishing this work, as it not only documents the achievements of an inspirational leader but also acts as a source of motivation for future generations, encouraging them to embrace his noble ideals and human values, which shine brightly for all of us.”
With its exceptional photos, the book offers insights into daily life in the UAE over the past decades, establishing it as a valuable resource for researchers, historians, and those interested in the nation’s history. It provides a thorough overview of the country’s development journey and showcases the insightful vision of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, which solidified the UAE’s global stature and transformed aspirations into lasting achievements for generations to come.