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.

Abdulla Majed Al Ali: The Union of Our Emirates Was the Product of the Visionary Leadership and Efforts of Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid

The National Library and Archives Honors Dozens of Employees for Their Creative and Innovative Ideas

The National Library and Archives (NLA) organized an event for the employees who produced creative and innovative ideas, to honor their efforts documented by the Innovation Oasis Committee, which aims to enhance the NLA’s tasks to achieve further excellence.
The event opened with a speech by His Excellency Abdulla Majed Al Ali, Director General of the National Library and Archives, who remarked: “On December 2, 1971, fifty-three years ago, the United Arab Emirates was founded. This historic achievement was the result of visionary and innovative leadership spearheaded by Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum. Their pioneering vision extended to include the rest of the Emirates, laying the foundation for a united and progressive nation. Since then, innovation has become a cornerstone of life in the UAE. This commitment to innovation was further reinforced when our wise leadership launched the National Innovation Strategy in 2014, and declared 2015 as the Year of Innovation, and designated February as the Innovation Month each year. The prosperity and progress we witness today are the direct results of this visionary approach. By continuing on this path, we can enrich knowledge societies and excel in shaping the future.”
His Excellency emphasized that civilizational development relies on innovation, which must be a way of life. Innovation serves as a precise roadmap guiding us toward growth, development, and advancement, enabling us to keep pace with the most modern and advanced archives in the world.
He commended the support of the wise leadership, which has placed innovation at the core of its national strategy and the heart of the UAE’s vision. It has prioritized supporting innovators and their ideas, sparing no effort to sustain innovation, ensuring that the nation’s ambitions soar to great heights and further enhance the UAE’s global competitiveness.
His Excellency added: “We reaffirm what our wise leadership has declared – that innovation is no longer an option but a necessity, with no definitive endpoint. I urge everyone to contribute in making more innovative ideas.”
Following this, Dr. Abdulla Al Shareef, Chair of the Innovation Committee at the National Library and Archives, presented indicators of ideas submitted to the Innovation Oasis in 2023-2024. The event concluded with honoring 34 employees for their creative and innovative contributions to the National Library and Archives.

The National Library and Archives concludes its participation in the Al Ain Book Festival.
It presented a 40-year- old document as evidence of the inception of Al Ain Book Fair.

The National Library and Archives (NLA) wrapped up its participation in the 15th edition of the Al Ain Book Festival 2024, which was held under the esteemed patronage of His Highness Sheikh Khalid bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council.
The National Library and Archives’ participation arises from its commitment to cultural heritage due to its significant cultural values, as well as its effort to cultivate a passion for reading among the youth and promote it as a refined value. The festival acts as a conduit of communication with readers and serves as an opportunity to connect the public with the memory of the nation.
At the NLA platform, His Excellency Sheikh Khalifa bin Tahnoon bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince’s Court, received a 1984 edition of Al Ittihad newspaper, which confirmed the inception of the Al Ain International Book Fair 40 years ago. This underscores the crucial role that the NLA plays in documenting the most significant national events and milestones across various political, cultural, economic, and social domains.
The NLA platform continued to attract visitors at the Al Ain Book Fair, including researchers, intellectuals, and readers with an interest in the history of the UAE and the Gulf region, as they believe that the NLA offers documented knowledge to future generations through its publications and events. This fosters a sense of belonging to the homeland and loyalty to the wise leadership among the younger generations.
The National Library and Archives has enhanced its platform with its publications that chronicle vital milestones in the history and heritage of the UAE, as well as the growth and flourishing of the city of Al Ain.

The National Library and Archives Participates with a Paper and a Poster in the Conference of the American Oral History Association

The National Library and Archives participated in the Annual conference of the American Oral History Association, held in Cincinnati, Ohio. Dr. Aisha Bilkhair presented a paper titled: “Oral History: Redefining and Documenting the Past: The Experience of the UAE as a Model”. The paper addressed the methodology employed in documenting and recording oral history in the United Arab Emirates. Dr. Aisha reviewed the collection practices applied in this type of documentation, emphasizing the importance of recognizing elements that impart a unique character to the UAE society—elements not typically found in field collection methods in other parts of the world. She highlighted how human relationships in the UAE are deeply rooted in cultural and social heritage, with narrators insisting on recounting their history and details with precision and authenticity.
Dr. Aisha 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.
Dr. Aisha Bilkhair emphasized that the National Library and Archives’ permanent membership in this esteemed association positions the UAE at the forefront of nations participating annually. This contributes to shedding light on the unique nature of Emirati society and its rich heritage, attracting researchers and academics to explore the nation’s achievements and encouraging academic studies in this field. Oral history is one of the key pillars for understanding the evolution of society and its culture over time. Through it, the stories and memories of senior individuals, encompassing the stages of the nation’s development, as well as its tales and challenges, are documented to serve as a guiding beacon for future generations.
Madya Al-Mehairbi, the Researcher in Oral History, also participated by presenting a poster titled: “The Bridge of the Past, Present, and Future: The Model of the National Library and Archives.” In her presentation, she provided an overview of oral history in the National Library and Archives, highlighting the importance of preserving oral history as an essential part of the UAE’s national and cultural identity. She explained the role of the National Library and Archives in collecting and documenting oral narratives, which are considered a treasure from which the generations to come will draw knowledge. The researcher also discussed the importance of this type of documentation in conveying human experiences and traditional knowledge to future generations, thereby enhancing a deep understanding of Emirati identity and its core values.
The poster received widespread praise from the visitors of the exhibition, who commended the efforts of the National Library and Archives in collecting and preserving oral history, as well as in promoting the culture of the UAE and the nation’s story. A large number of conference participants visited the display and expressed their happiness with what they saw and learned about the history and heritage of the UAE.

As part of its interest in artificial intelligence and its uses,

The National Library and Archives devotes one of the seminars in its cultural season 2024 to raising awareness about the significance of smart sustainable cities.

The National Library and Archives hosted a seminar titled “Smart Cities: A Vision for Sustainability” within its cultural season 2024. The focus was on how smart sustainable cities utilize information and communication technology to enhance urban living, elevate the quality of life, and address the needs of both present and future generations. The discussion emphasized the crucial role of community involvement in the age of smart cities.

The National Library and Archives dedicated this seminar to advocate for the concept of sustainability, particularly as the United Arab Emirates embraces innovative concepts to position itself among leading nations in developing smart sustainable cities. The UAE is committed to planning and ensuring long-term quality of life while making substantial efforts to forge a sustainable future through a holistic strategy that protects the environment and cultural heritage.

The seminar, featuring a lecture by Ms. Dababa Saeed Nasser Al Romaithi, highlighted the essential function of smart cities in discovering innovative and sustainable solutions to enhance life quality and resource management. It showcased how technologies like the Internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence can improve public services. It also underscored that the effectiveness of smart cities hinges on community involvement, encouraging citizens to engage in decision-making and proposal submissions.

The seminar also explored the connection between community involvement and technological advancement in smart cities. It defined community participation in this context, clarified technology’s role in facilitating such participation, reviewed the challenges it encounters, and offered recommendations to boost future involvement, all of which support sustainable development.

Furthermore, the seminar outlined community participation as individuals’ contributions to decisions impacting their lives and detailed various types, channels, and methods of engagement in smart cities. They include digital platforms, social media, meetings, local Majlis, online surveys and consultations, community centres, public forums, electronic voting, grassroots initiatives, open data, and interactive mapping.

Ms. Al-Romaithi also presented technologies that bolster community participation in smart cities, identifying them as artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things (IoT), virtual reality, and augmented reality.

The seminar concluded by reviewing the primary challenges to community involvement in the era of smart cities and recommendations that could enhance this engagement. It emphasized that smart cities present a tremendous opportunity to improve life quality through advanced technologies, but their success relies on active citizen participation in decision-making and resource management. Therefore, it is imperative for citizens to be integral to this digital transition to ensure sustainability and enhance the success of smart cities, thereby contributing to a sustainable vision that fulfils the needs of all and enriches urban living.

Holding the first meeting of the Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Technology Committee,
The National Library and Archives Invests in Artificial Intelligence and its Applications in Line with its Long-Term Strategy
At its first meeting, the Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Technology Committee at the National Library and Archives, headed by His Excellency Abdullah Majed Al Ali, Director General of the NLA, discussed the key objectives and future plans for integrating AI technologies into the NLA’s work. They also emphasized the importance of policy guidance and strategies related to investments in AI and emerging technologies.
On the importance of AI and its applications in archival work, His Excellency Abdullah Majed Al Ali mentioned that the NLA is eager to advance archival practices through scientific approaches and cutting-edge technologies, drawing upon the most advanced techniques and global best practices. He emphasized that this vision encourages the adoption of a proactive methodology in developing advanced digital infrastructure to accelerate progress. He added that the NLA is committed to embracing AI solutions and applications that align with its long-term strategic objectives up to 2031, which encompass enhancing innovations and shaping future AI courses. His Excellency highlighted that this involves discovering innovate solutions to strengthen leadership, particularly as the UAE progresses towards its Centennial anniversary led by our wise leadership that aim at elevating the UAE’s status to the forefront globally.
Mr. Hamad Al Mutairi, Director of the Archives Department and Vice President of the Committee, emphasized that the challenge of managing the vast volume of digital content, along with the rapid development of technologies, urges us to constantly seek innovative solutions. In this context, we anticipate investing in AI and its application within our archival work as well as in the assimilation, management and accessibility of the memory of the nation. Furthermore, there is a strong recommendation for the application of AI technologies in the development of digital archives, which are designed to accommodate rapid changes, and in the creation of innovative and efficient tools that will facilitate the access and analysis of information for both institutions and researchers.
During the course of the meeting, several presentations were delivered, underscoring the critical importance of integrating AI with archival work at the National Library and Archives. These presentations also outlined strategies for the integration of these technologies, aiming to enhance work efficiency and improve the quality of the provided services.
The meeting concluded with an agreement to intensify efforts and foster the integration of initiatives and projects for further advancement of the NLA. This is in harmony with the committee’s objectives of enhancing competency, innovation, and adopting advanced technology in solutions and systems

Exploring the enigma of pearls and emphasizing the importance of intergenerational learning and exchanges, the link between national identity, heritage and traditional music, and global trends for sustainable collection of oral collection
The National Library and Archives launches the 3rd Emirates International Oral History Conference attracting a significant official and public audience.

The activities of 3rd Emirates International Oral History Conference kicked off at the headquarters of the National Library and Archives, which was held under the theme “Their memory is our history, Sustainable Trends in Oral History & Knowledge Preservation”. It demonstrated that oral history holds equal significance to written history, as the recollections of its narrators preserve events, circumstances, and stories that might have been overlooked by historians in written records.
His Excellency Abdullah Majed Al Ali, Director General of the National Library and Archives, opened the conference with a speech emphasizing that the National Library and Archives will continue to serve as a stronghold for preserving and documenting heritage. He assured that the NLA’s efforts will persist in fostering national identity and enhancing cultural memory.
His Excellency emphasized that the significance of oral narration lies in its role in fostering conversations with history, as it serves as a vibrant conduit linking present-day generations with the experiences of their ancestors, enhancing their comprehension of their societies’ traits and origins. He further noted that this is evident in the way we appreciate the audio and video recordings of human treasures captured by photographers and videographers, and the living accounts of veterans who experienced events that left permanent marks on our history. He highlighted that these stories are more than just recollections; they act as a driving force that encourages us to emulate the sacrifices of our ancestors and to honour their legacies, thereby motivating us to safeguard our collective memory and the essence of our genuine society.
His Excellency hoped that experts, researchers and participants would have fruitful times in sharing knowledge and experiences. He also hoped that the conference events would offer an environment where we can find motivation for developing new methods to safeguard human heritage and explore creative approaches to document and archive our unique narratives and current events. He added that this would serve as a guiding light for future generations, enabling them to gain a deeper understanding of the human story and its trajectory across history.
On behalf of Sheikha Dr. Shamma bint Mohammed bin Khalid Al Nahyan, Chairperson of the Board of Directors of Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalid Al Nahyan Cultural Centre, Her Excellency Maryam Hamad Al Shamsi, the centre’s Secretary General, delivered the guest of honour speech. She highlighted that our history has been passed down through generations via oral narratives, emphasizing that oral history plays a crucial role in preserving our culture, heritage, and historical events. She also noted that these stories, tales and myths that are transmitted orally are considered the main framework for the cultural and value stock of the Emirati national identity.
She pointed out that due to progress in technology and the different methods now accessible for recording history scientifically and culturally, the significance of oral history in recording current events has declined. However, it still plays a crucial role in recording historical events. By archiving our oral history in such a protective way, we ensure that our past and memories are preserved for future generations.
Sheikha Dr. Shamma bint Mohammed bin Khalid Al Nahyan’s speech touched on the topics of the conference that delve into the human value in our history, particularly highlighting the significance of pearls as a lens through which we can view periods of both prosperity and hardship in Emirati society. Pearls were not merely a source of income for our ancestors but rather a symbol of resilience and the capacity to overcome life’s challenges.
She highlighted the significance of folklore and how deeply it is intertwined with various elements of our national heritage. She also emphasized the role of cultural heritage as a fundamental component in shaping the contemporary Emirati identity, ensuring that our customs and traditions continue to resonate with the next generations.
Following that, the first session of the 3rd Emirates International Conference on Oral History commenced, entitled: Pearls: Enigmatic, Eclectic and Alluring. It was moderated by Dr. Aisha Belkhair, NLA’s Research Advisor and the Conference General Coordinator. She highlighted the historical and economic significance of pearls, their role in society and human life, and their influence on mainstream culture. The first speaker, Mr. Mustafa Al-Fardan explored pearls as a source of enigma and and the search for knowledge and touched on material landmarks and heritage literature. He shed light on the origins of diving and the epic of Gilgamesh, then moved on to the depiction of diving in pre-Islamic and Umayyad poetry, focusing on the most celebrated tales associated with the diving trade. He ended his talk by quoting His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai: “We thank the challenges we learned from; we thank the circumstances that made us; we thank the past that brought us to where we are.”
Next, Mr. Deepak Bhatia delved into significant elements of his family’s history that was renowned for its involvement in the pearl trade and industry. He bolstered his presentation with numerous old and unique photographs of his grandfather and his partners in this field. Bhatia illuminated the different forms of pearls, such as the moon shape and teardrop-shaped pearls. He also shared insights from the book he authored, which details the history of pearls and the beginnings of the pearl trade.
The session wrapped up with Mr. Mohamed Abdul Razzaq Al Mahmoud from Bahrain, from the Kingdom of Bahrain. He spoke about the historical interest of the GCC countries and Bahrain in pearl diving, as well as the practices of his grandfather and father in the pearl trade, and his own deep-seated interest in the profession. He shared amusing anecdotes about pearls, the search for them, pearl trade and its significance, leaving a lasting impression on the audience about the profession of pearl diving, suggesting it was one that historically brought the GCC countries together. He also shed light on the use of pearls as adornments for men in rings, buttons for clothing, and as embellishments for weapons such as swords and daggers.
The audience’s engagement with the topic of the first session was clear through the numerous questions and inquiries concerning pearls and their significance.
The second session titled “Intergenerational Learning and Exchanges” was chaired by Lauren Kata, Assistant Academic Librarian for Archives and Special Collections at NYU Abu Dhabi. This session featured talks by Mark Upton from the UK, Aya Al Hira from the UAE, and Hagar Faisal Amer from Egypt.
The third session titled ” Traditional Music: National Identity and Heritage” was moderated by Mr. Hamid Abdullah Al-Muzaini, and featured talks by Dr. Faisal Ibrahim Al-Tamimi from Qatar, Azhar Kubba from Iraq, and Rosa Maria Araujo from Brazil.
The fourth session focused on “Sustainability Trends: A View from Three Countries” and was moderated by Ms. Maitha Al Zaabi, Head of the Department of Oral History at the National Library and Archives. It included presentations by Dr. Mubarak Ben Belkasem Jaafari from Algeria, Professor Alistair Thompson from Australia, and Adrian Cain Darrow from the United States of America.
Finally, the conference wrapped up with the recommendations and a word of thanks to the participants and attendees.

On oral history, libraries and cultural affairs,

The National Library and Archives Organizes Activities to Enrich Knowledge Societies

The National Library and Archives has concluded the preparations for the Emirates International Oral History Conference.  It has also undertaken the requisite preparations for the Conference of Directors of National Libraries in Asia and Oceania (CDNLAO) Meeting, in conjunction with the Dubai International Library Conference 2024 (DILC), hosted by the Mohammed Bin Rashid Library. Additionally, it has been engaged in preparations for a workshop focusing on the role of the National Library and Archives within the cultural system.

These activities align with the NLA’s vision and mission, which aim to inspire, enable and enrich knowledge societies while preserving documentary heritage.

On November 11, 2024, the NLA is organizing the third edition of the Emirates International Oral History Conference at its headquarters, under the theme “Their Memory Our History: Methods of Sustainability and Knowledge Preservation in Oral History”. The conference is anticipated to bring together participants from eleven different countries around the world. It aims to establish strategic partnership that promotes integration and cooperation with Arab and international institutions and entities. Further, it offers new opportunities for communication, exchanging expertise and learning from successful experiences. It will also delve into the exploration of the most recent technologies, practices, publications, and methodologies in the realm of oral history, alongside effective preservation techniques. The conference topics are “Pearls: Enigmatic, Eclectic and Alluring”, “Traditional Music: National Identity and Heritage”, “Intergenerational Learning and Exchanges” and “Sustainability Trends: A View from Three Countries”.

On the other hand, the NLA welcomes participants to join the 30^th Conference of Directors of National Libraries in Asia and Oceania (CDNLAO), which will be held on November 16^th at the Mohammed Bin Rashid Library in Dubai. The conference will address a variety of subjects, such as the contribution of libraries to sustainable development objectives, deliberations and presentations from three unique national libraries globally, and an examination of their distinguished experiences. Furthermore, the conference will focus on green libraries, environmental sustainability, and the role of libraries in promoting societal knowledge on sustainability.

As part of its activities to enrich knowledge societies, the NLA is set to organize a workshop titled “The Role of the National Library and Archives in the Cultural System”, on November 19^th. The NLA held a series of preparatory meetings with relevant entities ahead of the workshop which aims to develop final charters for joint cultural initiatives. It is expected to discuss the relationship between documentary heritage and cultural heritage, focus on the cultural and societal role of the NLA, and align the NLA’s role with the vision of the Ministry of Culture, as well as the UAE Centennial 2071.

The workshop will explore and identify opportunities for collaboration with cultural, educational, and societal institutions across the nation. Furthermore, it will scrutinize potential partnerships with individuals who have a keen interest in history, heritage, culture, art, and literature, encompassing artists, writers, authors, and narrators. The objective is to leverage the experiences, resources, platforms, and knowledge provided by these institutions to enhance the cultural sector of the country. Moreover, the workshop seeks to bolster societal engagement in the preservation of cultural heritage through the development of cultural initiatives that underscore the NLA’s pivotal role, adhering to specific criteria. It will also promote innovation in cultural heritage projects and discuss the challenges of implementing sustainable cultural initiatives.