The National Library and Archives participates in a webinar on women, which discussed the lineage of women in a family tree, ways to access it, and their role in the social fabric
 
The National Library and Archives participated in a webinar on the lineage of women in the family and society, held by the FamilySearch organization that specializes in the Middle East and North Africa genealogy. The webinar was live streamed on the Facebook channel. The NLA received the invitation to participate in the webinar as it is interested in oral history and its role in genealogical study, family archives collection, and its keenness to highlight women’s role in development and in the structure and coherent fabric of society.
The three episodes of the webinar discussed the role of women in preserving family history and heritage, their significance in society, and their contribution to creating generations being an essential member in every family tree.
Ms. Maitha Salman Al Zaabi, Head of the Oral History Section of the National Library and Archives, participated in the webinar. She touched on ways and means of finding grandmothers’ data records, women’s contribution to bringing the family together and their role in preserving and sharing with their relatives the stories passed down from their ancestors. She also shed light on women's role in promoting family gatherings and reunions.
Seizing the opportunity, Ms. Al Zaabi briefed the participants in the webinar on the Congress of the International Council on Archives, the major archival event hosted by Abu Dhabi from October 9-13, 2023. The subthemes of the ICA Congress include Peace and Tolerance, which is in line with the orientations of the United Arab Emirates, which is an oasis and an ideal model for peace, tolerance and human coexistence. The subthemes will also be concerned with sustainability, artificial intelligence and other issues that have a great impact on archiving and documentation affairs.

The NLA Visited the Tunisian National Archives and Participated in a Specialized Symposium in Tunisia

The National Library and Archives participated in the intellectual symposium, held in Tunisia and organized by the Arab Federation for Libraries and Information, in cooperation with the Tunisian National Archives entitled, “The National Policy for Documents and Archives Management in Light of Digital Transformations”. The NLA delegation discussed with His Excellency Al-Hadi Jallab, Director General of the Tunisian National Archives means of cooperation in the field of documents and archives management. His Excellency appreciated the role of the National Library and Archives in preserving the history and heritage of the Emirates and the Arabian Gulf region.
The National Library and Archives enriched the symposium with a lecture presented by Dr. Hazaa Al-Naqbi, Head of the NLA’s Government Archives Section on the distinguished experience of the United Arab Emirates in managing documents and archives in government agencies. The lecturer referred to the role of the NLA in collecting, maintaining and archiving official documents according to scientific standards to preserve them for the coming generations and make them available for historical scientific research. Simultaneously, the National Library and Archives played an important role in disseminating cultural and societal awareness about the importance of historical documents of all kinds.
Moreover, the NLA provided areas of research for scholars wishing to benefit from the informational material it possesses, while making documented information available to UAE decision-makers. Likewise, the lecturer highlighted the methods advocated by the NLA’s plan to organize the country's archives, underlining the significance of establishing the Preservation and Restoration Centre. Equally, Dr. Hazaa illustrated that the Centre contains highly advanced technologies in the field of preserving historical documents and modern equipment, in addition to expertise and competencies capable of processing, restoring and protecting documents from damage.

Dr. Hazaa Al-Naqbi, and Dr. Saeed Al-Ghaithi, Head of the NLA’s Government Archives Development Unit, were keen to visit the headquarters of the Tunisian National Archives, inspect its Departments and sections, and get updates on its experience in preserving historical documents, which constitute a major component of strength for the state and society. They met with His Excellency Al-Hadi Jallab, and discussed with him ways of cooperation in the field of documents and archives management. His Excellency highly appreciated the NLA’s role in preserving the history and heritage of the Emirates and the Arabian Gulf region, and expressed his admiration for the distinguished experience of the National Library and Archives, as one of the most remarkable and prominent Arab experiences in the field of archiving and documenting. He appreciated the Emirati concern for preserving the memory of the nation because of its importance in foreseeing the future by exploring the past and its events.

The NLA delegation praised the role played by the Tunisian National Archives, and the richness of “The National Policy for Documents and Archives Management in Light of Digital Transformations” symposium, which touched on significant topics, most notably: Documents and archives as a component of governance and comprehensive development, the foundations of the national policy for managing documents and archives, and the legislative and regulatory foundations regarding digital transformations in addition to other papers that discussed  logistical and technical aspects and how to migrate from traditional systems to electronic ones. In the symposium, a number of researchers, academicians, senior experts and specialists in the field of archives from Tunisia and other Arab countries successfully participated in shedding light on these topics.

The National Library and Archives enriches its pages on the Google platform with its publications.
And stresses that the Arabian Gulf Digital Archive contributes to realizing sustainability.

The National Library and Archives stressed at the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair 2023 that the Arabian Gulf Digital Archive contributes to achieving sustainable knowledge of the history and heritage of the UAE and the Gulf region, this comes within the framework of the National Library and Archives' keenness to sustain scientific research on the UAE history and heritage.

Ms. Fatima Sultan Al Mazrouei, Head of Historical Archives Section at the National Library and Archives, tackled the important role played by the National Library and Archives since its establishment in 1968, stressing that the Founder and Builder the Late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan’s vision upon issuing his directives for the establishment of the Documents and Research Bureau (currently the National Library and Archives), was to achieve sustainable knowledge. When the National Library and Archives launched the Arabian Gulf Digital Archive portal, with the objective of achieving sustainability, through preserving the original historical documents in its archives to allow researchers, academics and all interested parties in the UAE history and heritage access to them.

The Arabian Gulf Digital Archive is a main source of authentic documents on the Arabian Gulf, and may be accessed via the following link: https://www.agda.ae
The Arabian Gulf Digital Archive was created with the aim of displaying hundreds of thousands of original historic documents on the interesting history of the Arabian Gulf over a two centuries’ period, documenting historical events, Key figures biographies, notes, memoirs, manuscripts, photos, official correspondence, virtual exhibitions. AGDA constitutes a free digital resource including hundreds of thousands of historical and multimedia documents, photographs and photographs accessible to researchers, academics, specialists and the general public.

The National Library and Archives celebrated the 32nd edition of the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair, through enriching its Google Arts and Culture platform pages with its various publications documenting the different aspects of the UAE history and heritage.
This step stems reflects the important content of these books issued by the National Library and Archives to document the UAE glorious history and ancient heritage, employing advanced modern technologies to provide the world an opportunity to explore the great UAE history, and link the past to the present.
The National Library and Archives allows its 2023 Abu Dhabi International Book Fair pavilion visitors easy access to these pages upon the QR code scanning.

The National Library and Archives launches its latest publication entitled "Coins Trade in the Arabian Gulf West Coast Emirates between 1929-1949" at the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair.

The National Library and Archives launched its latest publication, namely, "Coins Trade in the Arabian Gulf West Coast Emirates between 1929-1949", at its participating pavilion in the 32nd edition of the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair, which is considered one of the most prominent literary and intellectual events.
The book was launched in the presence of His Excellency Abdulla Majed Al Ali, Director General of the National Library and Archives, and author Dr. Khawla Al-Aleeli, Arabian Gulf modern and contemporary history Researcher. The book’s significance stems from the fact that it includes an important historical research in which the National Library and Archives has a keen interest, and shall be launched among the National Library and Archives new publications during the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair.
This book includes important research that tackles an important phase of the economic history of the United Arab Emirates, emphasizing the importance of historical coins, documenting the UAE commercial activity development, and revealing historical details about their minting time and the secrets of their growing value.
The book also tackled the transformation of coins in the Arabian Gulf west coast emirates into an imported and exported commodity, and their import and export figures are documented in the annual trade reports.
The book is based on contemporary published and unpublished local and foreign documents and includes analysis of the factors that led to the coins being an imported and exported commercial commodity, as well as a goods and services valuation tool. The book explains various coins and currencies evaluation and trading or circulation methods. It also monitors the annual development of coins imports and re-exports, stating that trade’s generated revenues in the various emirates’ treasury, and tackled the factors that gradually led to this trade’s decline. This study constitutes an important topic regarding the Arabian Gulf region pre-oil economy.
The book documents an important historical economic aspect that complements and enriches the National Library and Archives publications, including books, periodicals, research and studies on the history and heritage of the UAE and the Gulf region.

The National Library and Archives gives a lecture on sustainability in the Builder and Founder’s thought at Abu Dhabi Book Fair
The National Library and Archives gave a lecture entitled Sustainability in the Thought of the Founder and Builder, Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan. It introduced the concept and history of sustainability, the goals of sustainable development that propelled the government’s work and vision. It also touched on the declaration of 2023 as the year of sustainability under the slogan Today for tomorrow, by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE President. The main goals of the year of sustainability include shedding light on the UAE rich heritage in the field of sustainable practices from Zayed's legacy.
The lecture shed light on sustainable practices since the era of the founder and builder, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. It tackled the economic, cultural, social, and environmental aspects of sustainability. It indicated that Sheikh Zayed adopted this concept since he was the representative of the ruler in the city of Al Ain, and when he became ruler of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi in 1966, then President of the United Arab Emirates in 1971.
In her lecture, Dr. Husniya Al Ali, Educational Programs Advisor at the National Library and Archives, focused on the fact that the establishment of the Union represents the sustainability of the homeland, which is the greatest form of sustainability. She added that Sheikh Zayed wanted it to be a sustainable national achievement, so he defined its goals, strategy, foreign policy frameworks, as well as the challenges it might face.
All the information she presented was supported by the late Sheikh Zayed’s quotes on sustainability.  She concluded with his saying: “...time changes, and so does the state as well as the surrounding circumstances, but men are the instrument of change, the change that we brought about by bringing everyone to faith in the Union and solidarity. We realized that the currents surrounding us necessitate this change, and that the union must emerge into a strong, modern state that stands in the face of changes in the region."
The cultural season of the National Library and Archives abounds with seminars and national lectures presented to beneficiaries at the NLA headquarters and cultural circles and events.  

Looking ahead at the smart libraries’ future, their spaces and their significance in the digital citizenship era
The National Library and Archives, in collaboration with TRENDS Research and Advisory, organized a seminar on smart libraries and digital citizenship

The National Library and Archives (NLA), in collaboration with TRENDS Research and Advisory, organized a seminar entitled "Smart Libraries and Digital Citizenship: Challenges of Foreseeing the Future of Smart Libraries" at the NLA booth at the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair 2023.
The interest in smart libraries arises from being the main gateway to knowledge and culture. Libraries have started to go hi-tech to stay relevant in the digital age and to cope with rapid technological transformations.
Smart libraries that nurture creativity and collaboration are an integral part of sustainable green cities which meet the increasingly relying on advanced technologies needs of people. With the emergence of the concept of digital citizenship, libraries have become a highly important upgrading means to a conscious and educated society.
Mr. Hamad Slayem Al-Hamiri, Director of Research and Knowledge Services Department was the first speaker in the seminar. He explored the future of smart libraries and stated that the United Arab Emirates, under the directives of its wise leadership, ranks the first in the Arab world and the eighth in the world in government smart services.
He shed light on the three most important reasons behind public libraries transformation into smart libraries, namely government trends, the digital transformation of the city, and the needs of beneficiaries. He gave a profile of a smart library in a smart building, with a smart librarian. Such library also employs smart technology, provides smart services, and is visited by smart people.
The Director of Research and Knowledge Services Department concluded by pointing to the future aspirations of the National Library of the United Arab Emirates. He underscored the importance of fully equipping and supplying its building with technical solutions, such as the integrated automated system, the knowledge exploration system, and an integrated information portal.
Other aspirations include the launch of the Emirates Digital Library, the Digital Repository Project, and the UAE Bibliographic Agency.
Then, Mr. Hamad Al-Kaabi, Editor-in-Chief of Al-Ittihad newspaper, identified digital citizenship as a set of guidelines that nurture responsibility, awareness and wisdom when using technology. Afterwards, he pointed to smart libraries which, according to him, are a technological breakthrough promoting libraries to be more computer reliant. He indicated that this is a growing trend in the era of Artificial Intelligence with its various applications and added that such libraries meet users’ needs in the digital age. Using the model of Mohammed bin Rashid Library, Mr. Al-Kaabi provided accurate information about its form and content, which made it a remarkable contemporary library.
The editor-in-chief of Al-Ittihad newspaper talked about the launch of smart books globally in 2012, indicating that such books are now used worldwide serving knowledge and culture.
Finally, researcher and Professor Reem Al-Kindi, from TRENDS Research and Advisory spoke about smart libraries in the era of digital citizenship. She identified the conditions that led to the emergence of the digital citizenship concept in light of rapid technological developments. She noted that the digital age has a highly important impact on citizenship, as it pushes individuals closer to computers, the Internet, and smart devices.
She stressed the importance of digital literacy, digital decency, and digital legal responsibility, and then turned to the role of smart libraries in promoting digital citizenship.
After identifying smart libraries, she shed light on their components such as smart services, smart people, and smart governance which includes all compatible features. She emphasized the importance of the smart library building as well as the systems that make it among sustainable buildings, and the innovations that improve the quality of life.
She concluded by emphasizing the smart library role, which is to enhance the actual reality of virtual communities and contribute to creating a digital citizen who belongs more to his homeland.
It is noteworthy that Mohammed Khalfan Al-Sawafi, a writer and researcher, was the moderator of the seminar.

At its booth at Abu Dhabi International Book Fair 2023, the National Library and Archives unveils its projects, publications and electronic services

The National Library and Archives (NLA) unveiled, at its booth at the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair 2023, its services, publications, and its most prominent activities and events. It briefed visitors on the Congress of the International Council on Archives, its electronic services, and its most important and latest publications, which provide documented information to researchers and those interested in the history and heritage of the UAE and the Gulf region.
The National Library and Archives invited researchers, interested parties and young people to register and participate in the ICA Congress, the major archival event hosted by Abu Dhabi under the slogan "Enriching Knowledge Societies" from 9-13 October,2023. It pointed to its most prominent and important subthemes, primarily Peace and Tolerance. The second subtheme is Emerging Technologies: Electronic Records and Electronic Solutions. The third subtheme is Sustainable Knowledge, Sustainable Planet: Archives, Records and Climate Change. The fourth subtheme is Trust and Evidence, which are among the NLA’s priorities, while the fifth is Access and Memory, which emphasizes that archive is a right rather than a privilege.
At its booth, the National Library and Archives shed light on the most important electronic services it provides, such as requesting archival materials, national educational packages, diagnosing the status of government archives and the NLA’s publications. They also include requesting destruction of documents of government agencies’ archives, providing technical advice and scientific guidance in oral history and genealogy, organizing exhibitions of historical documents and photos, and publishing books, research and working papers concerned with history and heritage.
The National Library and Archives’ booth dedicated a special corner to sustainability, highlighting the interest of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and the wise leadership that followed in his footsteps in protecting the environment and its resources. It also highlighted the UAE's interest in the agricultural and environmental renaissance and its aspirations to expand the area of vegetation cover since its establishment.
In addition to the historical photographs displayed in the NLA’s booth, which belong to its photo archive, the recent publications confirm the NLA’s interest in preserving and documenting the memory of the nation. The publications which attract those interested in the history and heritage of the UAE, include Zayed from Challenges to Union, Zayed and Heritage, Qasr Al Hosn, Thus Spoke Fatima bint Mubarak, Their memory, Our History, Um Kulthum in Abu Dhabi, Forts and castles in the United Arab Emirates, Memories of the Emirates, and several volumes of the Chronicles of the Sheikhs.

The National Library and Archives signed a memorandum of understanding with the Royal Documents Directorate in the Kingdom of Morocco
with the aim of enhancing cooperation and exchanging experience

 The National Library and Archives signed a memorandum of understanding with the Royal Documents Directorate of the Kingdom of Morocco aiming at strengthening mutual friendly ties and enhancing cooperation and experience exchange in the field of archives, as well as exploring various ways of preserving common cultural and historical heritage, developing cultural and scientific cooperation, coordinating joint work so both parties may achieve the highest quality standards and levels, and adopt the best practices in the archival and cultural fields.
The MOU was signed at the Royal Documents Directorate headquarters in Rabat in the presence of H.E. Al Asri Saeed Al Dhaheri, the UAE Ambassador to the Kingdom of Morocco, by the Director General of the National Library and Archives, H.E. Abdulla Majed Al Ali, and H.E. Bahija Al-Simou, Director of Royal Documents Directorate in the Kingdom of Morocco.
On this occasion, His Excellency Abdulla Majed Al Ali, Director General of the National Library and Archives, said: "It is a great opportunity to enhance the cooperation ties between the National Library and Archives, and the Royal Documents Directorate, since both institutions share a genuine interest in collecting and preserving their nation’s memory, stemming from their heightened awareness of the importance of historical documents in civilizational progress, Nations and individuals’ rights’ preservation. The two institutions play a significant cultural role and serve as regional, Arab and international civilizational and cultural beacons."
He added: "This collaboration between the National Library and Archives and the Royal Documents Directorate reflect the close and distinguished historical relations between the United Arab Emirates and the Kingdom of Morocco’s leaderships and people, that date back to the establishment of the UAE, supported by the vision of both the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and King Al-Hassan II. We hope that this memorandum shall serve as a foundation for fruitful and constructive bilateral cooperation in exchanging archival material, carrying out historical documents’ restoration, preservation, enhancing access and developing search mechanisms of common interest, for the best interest of researchers, specialists and all concerned and interested parties.
His Excellency stressed the important potential role which the Royal Documents Directorate can play in enriching joint UAE and Kingdom of Morocco’s cultural and artistic initiatives and activities.
His Excellency invited the Royal Documents Directorate to participate in the upcoming "International Council on Archives Congress", which will be hosted by Abu Dhabi from 9-13 October, 2023.
The Director General of the National Library and Archives thanked the UAE Embassy in the Kingdom of Morocco and all members of the diplomatic corps for their efforts and coordination preceding and leading to the signing of this memorandum.
In turn, Her Excellency Bahija Al-Simou, Director of the Royal Documents Directorate, said: "We are very pleased to cooperate with the National Library and Archives, and are highly optimistic about the signed memorandum which reflects both institutions’ keen interest in historical documents collection and preservation, and firm belief that documents constitute a key pillar and foundation for the memory of any nation, through their invaluable historical information on the history and heritage of these nations.
Her Excellency stressed that the history reflected through documents is really crucial, as it is closely related to the currently faced challenges, noting that both institutions share a keen interest in collecting and preserving the memory of the nation for future generations, and in allowing researchers access to it through digital portals that benefit all parties interested in the nations’ history and heritage. H.E. hailed the joint participation in special events that contribute to enriching the cultural field through distinguished and close UAE - Moroccan relations.
The MOU terms and provisions reflected the parties’ mutual agreement to exchange expertise, share information, conduct training programs, support experience exchange, and enhance cooperation in joint cultural activities such as workshops, training, archival and historical bulletins exchange, in addition to implementing joint projects of mutual interest relating to the field of Archives.
It should be noted that the memorandum was signed during the visit of National Library and Archives delegation, headed by His Excellency Abdulla Majed Al Ali, to the Royal Documents Directorate in Rabat, where the delegation members inspected the Royal Documents Directorate’s various sections, and were briefed on the historical documents adopted collection, preservation, digitization and access methods, and on the Royal Documents Directorate’s publications, the most important of which is the book entitled "Andalusia: History and Civilization", and its holdings of the oldest documents and manuscripts. At the end of the visit, the two parties exchanged publications and commemorative shields.

The National Library and Archives participates in Abu Dhabi International Book Fair 2023

with events consistent with the Year of Sustainability and significant recent publications and cultural activities
The National Library and Archives participated in the 32nd edition of the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair, held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center from 22-28 May, 2023, with various cultural events and educational activities at its platform where different groups appreciated, enjoyed and  benefited from the provided services. The NLA publications documenting the history and heritage of the UAE and the Gulf region greatly contributed to acquainting the public with the memory of the nation.
The National Library and Archives participating platform, introduced visitors to its latest books and publications, such as: the (Maritime Diaries), (Julfar and the North Coast in Portuguese Documents), (From Qasr Al Hosn to Qasr Al Watan: Art and Architecture) and (Coins Trade in the Arabian Gulf West Coast Emirates between 1929-1949) among other first edition books, books that have been translated into modern or living languages, and periodicals issued by the National Library and Archives, including the recent periodically issued Liwa Academic refereed Journal.
His Excellency Abdulla Majed Al Ali, Director General of the National Library and Archives, said: "The National Library and Archives’ keen and active annual participation in the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair constitutes a key cultural activity and event, in line with its objectives aiming at serving the community and disseminating cultural information, promoting public awareness about the history and heritage of the UAE and the Gulf region, and the leading role and great interest of the NLA in collecting and preserving the memory of the nation for future generations, in addition to other services provided within an integrated program including various specialized lectures and workshops.
H.E. added: the National Library and Archives enriched its platform with its recent publications which complement and enhance the memory of the nation documented in its earlier publications. The National Library and Archives platform hosts cultural events and activities of interest to its visitors, book-fair participants and all segments of society, during the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair.
 This year, the National Library and Archives announced to its audience and invited them to the International Council on Archives (ICA), which is a major archival event that will be held in Abu Dhabi from 9-13 October, 2023, under the slogan: “Enriching Knowledge Societies”, which themes are consistent with the approach adopted by the leadership of the UAE, the tolerance and human coexistence oasis and role model.
The platform reflects the National Library and Archives’ interest in the Youth Council, and its keenness to provide a friendly stimulating environment for youth’s innovative and developmental ideas, to develop their leadership capabilities, and enhance their role in promoting archival culture.
The rich platform illustrates the Arabian Gulf Digital Archive continuous and successive development, and offered services including virtual exhibitions, and thousands of important displayed historical documents on the history of the UAE and the Gulf. This website’s rich historical content constitutes a significant source of academic and research studies, and its services are provided free of charge. It documents the Late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan’s achievements, especially since 1946, or the early days of his assumption of his duties as Ruler’s Representative in Al Ain, and chronicles his genius and relentless efforts along with his fellow Rulers of the Emirates, which eventually led to the establishment of the UAE and its unparalleled progress and development.
In line with its strategy, the National Library and Archives presented to visitors through its stand and the Book-fair main stage three lectures highlighting archival sources and their role in historical knowledge sustainability, and sustainability of  the founding builder’s approach. These and other lectures come in line with the current edition of the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair’s focus on sustainability concept.
Throughout the Book-fair, the National Library and Archives platform hosted educational programs that reflected its keen interest in youth and future generations, in promoting the values of loyalty and belonging to the homeland and its wise leadership, and instilling civic education and national identity in them.
The program included over 35 fun, useful and informative children workshops including: "Let's Create", "Let's Read", "Let's Learn", "Let's Sing", "Let's Play", "Let's Remember", "Let's Color", etc....
Each workshop had its own themes and methods which attracted the exhibition’s visiting children. In this context, the National Library and Archives delivered 20 virtual workshops, and over 20 other workshops for school students.
The National Library and Archives platform provides visitors access to its digital pages and stories on the Google Arts and Culture platform, highlighting the UAE historical castles and forts, and the story of the "Memory of the  Nation" exhibition in which the National Library and Archives participated  at the Sheikh Zayed Heritage Festival, and the story of the establishment of the UAE and its progress and development at the hands of the Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and his fellow Rulers of the Emirates, etc.

Photo captions:
1- The National Library and Archives participates in Abu Dhabi International Book Fair 2023
2- National Library and Archives stand at the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair 2023
3- The National Library and Archives

The National Library and Archives participated in the Sharjah Children's Reading Festival

 The National Library and Archives, in cooperation with the Emirates Foundation for School Education (Taleem), participated in the Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival 2023 with a number of activities for children. The NLA’s participation was based on its role in promoting loyalty and belonging, establishing national identity, and instilling the principles of good citizenship in the hearts of generations. The NLA’s participation was also due to its belief in the importance of promoting a culture of reading and its sustainability for the coming generations and its importance in acquiring knowledge, which elevates children in order to contribute to building the future of the country.

The National Library and Archives participated in a variety of activities that were part of the festival. The NLA hosted students who were distinguished for their participation in the national reading and educational project (writers 71). Students talked about their success in passing the interviews, and mentioned their distinctive experiences. They also referred to the enhancement of their talents in literary writing leading to excellence, winning creative writing awards and reading their stories to the festival audience.

The distinguished students from (writers 71) were able to attract the attention of their peers. They gave them advice that would benefit them in their careers of literary and nonfiction writing. The most important piece of advice included the continuation of reading and writing on a daily basis.

Moreover, it is noteworthy to mention that the national project (writers 71), launched by the Emirates Foundation for School Education in cooperation with The National Library and Archives aims to perpetuate reading as a sustainable habit among young people and society, improve the skills of gifted students in writing and research, and put them on the tracks of  innovation. This national project was able to achieve the goal of discovering students with talents who deserve care and attention in order to be among the prominent writers in the future.

In addition, the National Library and Archives organized well-planned artistic and reading workshops on the NLA’s publications such as: (Zayed from Challenge to Union), and the NLA initiative’s publications such as (Zayed 100 Stories). At the festival, the National Library and Archives displayed educational cartoon films that enhanced children’s knowledge of domestic Emirati heritage, local etiquette and authentic traditions that shaped the identity of the community in the aftermath of passing down by the people of the Emirates, generation after generation. The NLA was keen to present these traditions in interesting ways through films of cartoon characters, which attracted the attention of children.

In its participation in the festival, the NLA assigned sufficient space to puppet theatre where children held in their hands small figures of cartoon characters (Hamad, Hessa, and Grandfather), moving them with their fingers while weaving and articulating interesting traditional stories putting them on the tongues of these characters. In order to enrich the information of children who visited the NLA’s platform, the NLA encouraged them to participate in the “march-game” created by the NLA and inspired by the biography of the founding leader, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. The game is suitable for all ages and it aims to enhance the children’s knowledge of the history and heritage of the UAE.

Finally, it is noteworthy to mention that the NLA has developed an integrated educational system that aimed to direct the energies of students to targeted historical national programs, which contribute to the development of our society, build the student’s personality and strengthen the consolidation of national and ethical values as well as the lofty principles affirmed by our wise leadership. The National Library and Archives participated in this festival, characterized by positive and joyful atmosphere, and celebrated annually by Sharjah, the World Book Capital, as one of the most important family activities dedicated for children. It includes interactive, educational and entertainment activities that enrich the children’s knowledge and experiences and give them the opportunity to make new friends.

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.

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.