Documentary filmmaker and writer Alex Bescoby took the stage, sharing his incredible tale of a road trip unlike any other. He spoke about his epic journey between London and Singapore, a trip he undertook twice, separated by a remarkable six and a half decades. Bescoby’s engaging talk delved into the fascinating contrasts between his experiences, highlighting the challenges and remarkable changes he witnessed first-hand.

His Excellency Abdullah Majid Al Ali, Director General of the National Library and Archives stated in his statement on behalf of Dr Husniya Al Ali, Educational Programs Consultant at National Library and Archives, “This session’s vital theme of exploring diverse cultures through travel writing is a true asset to the Knowledge Circle. It adds a fresh layer of knowledge and perspectives beyond the traditional science-focused topics, further solidifying National Library and Archives’ commitment to enriching the knowledge society. This exploration also opens exciting doors to the world of travel literature and the captivating stories it holds.”

He continued, “The purpose of the National Library and Archives is to preserve archival content and keep a record of documents and ensuring it is accessible to the public. Alex Bescoby’s travel memoir does something similar by recounting the recreation of one of history’s greatest road journey. Through visual aids, it is stories like these that pique the interest of the general audience and give them an entry point to understand the many facets of cultural development.”

He concluded, “At the National Library and Archives, we’ve partnered with the Emirates Literature Foundation to make every Knowledge Circle session truly special. By moving the programme from our headquarters in Abu Dhabi to Dubai, we’re excited to welcome a new and diverse audience. This partnership with the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature allows us to embark on a thrilling, innovative journey, reflecting the National Library and Archives’ mission to nurture knowledge-based societies. We aim to spark interest in preserving our nation’s memory and aspirations, while safeguarding the UAE’s documentary record for future generations.”

Dr Husniya Al Ali warmly welcomed the attendees, offering her thanks to the event organizers. She then encouraged everyone to actively participate in the National Library and Archives’ ongoing Knowledge Circle series and other cultural and specialized events.

The session featured the captivating work of travel writer Alex Bescoby, who documents journeys from one destination to another, in the process showcasing how various places and aspects of life have changed over time. This has introduced a new dimension to the Knowledge Circle series as travel writing and documentary filmmaking, such as Bescoby’s, accurately captures these kinds of ongoing shifts in an exciting and dynamic way that garners attention from researchers, historians, and other adventure enthusiasts.

Isobel Abulhoul OBE, Founder, Advisor and Trustee of the Emirates Literature Foundation said: “The Knowledge Circle series has proven to be a great success in bringing audiences to the National Library and Archives and sharing the significance of cultural development with the general public. I am thrilled that Knowledge Circle is coming to the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature. We are so grateful to be able to share the experience of the Festival and the thought-provoking conversations at the sessions with more people through the support of partners like the National Library and Archives. I am curious and excited to see the next stops in the Knowledge Circle series.”

The Knowledge Circle programme is an engaging series of free cultural events that started last September and will continue throughout 2024. It includes monthly events that address crucial topics related to archives that lead the development of literature and cultural sector. The programme is also a great opportunity for the public to visit the premises of the National Library and Archives and other cultural centers of the UAE and learn about the rich past, present and future of the Emirates. To secure a spot and participate in this enriching dialogue, interested individuals can register at the website.

-Ends-

About the National Library and Archives: The National Library and Archives is a pioneering institution dedicated to the preservation and exploration of the cultural heritage of the Arabian Gulf region. With a legacy spanning over fifty years, the National Library and Archives continues to be at the forefront of promoting cultural engagement and knowledge exchange. Through its various initiatives and events, it strives to provide a platform for individuals to deepen their understanding of the rich history and heritage of the United Arab Emirates.

About the Emirates Literature Foundation: The Emirates Literature Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation which supports and nurtures a love of literature in the United Arab Emirates and the region, through a programme of varied cultural initiatives. Established in 2013 by Royal Decree issued by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the Foundation aims to foster a love for literature, with a focus on the Arabic language.

In line with the National Reading Policy of the UAE, the Foundation has implemented several long-term projects including the First Chapter, the School Librarian of the Year Award, Kateb Maktub, and From the Inside Out, as well as conducting year-round student education programmes, book clubs and mentorship programmes. The Foundation’s previous initiatives included the 2020 International Literary Festivals Conference, the 2017 Dubai International Publishing Conference and the 2016 Dubai Translation Conference.

The Foundation is also the governing body of the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature, the UAE’s premier literary festival.

Throughout its platform at Cairo International Book Fair 2024, the National Library and Archives showcased the future and aspirations of Emirati libraries

Mr. Hamad AlHamiri, the Director of Research and Knowledge Services Department at the National Library and Archives presented a lecture during the NLA participation in the 55th Edition of the Cairo International Book Fair. The lecture, entitled “The National Library…Visions and Aspirations”, illustrates the visions and aspirations of national libraries in the UAE, their new initiatives, and the structure of information, policies and regulations that contribute to organizing library operations in the country. Additionally, the lecture underlines the methods of preserving knowledge production that align with the UAE cultural agenda. Mr. AlHamiri argues that the creation of the National Library was inspired by the previous experiences of advanced global libraries. He also states that the efforts to establish the National Library began in accordance with the Federal Law No. (13) of 2021 on merging the National Library with National Archives.
Mr. AlHamiri points out that the National Library is working on issuing an executive regulation to be used as a model by other libraries in the country. Moreover, AlHamiri adds that the National Library is entrusted with the tasks of preserving the legacy and cultural creativity and making knowledge accessible to the public.
The lecture demonstrated the importance of the National Library, which stems from the significance of maintaining knowledge, intellectual production and cultural heritage of the UAE. This includes its role in preserving references, sources, periodicals, and manuscripts, and then storing them in modern, suitable facilities for accessibility to researchers and those interested in the UAE history. The National Library also plays a major role in creating standard Emirati indexes, focusing on highlighting national bibliographical records and limiting various information resources. Moreover, it contributes to preserving as much material as possible within the country through international standard number agencies (ISBN) for books and periodicals, serving as a resource in the memory of the world.
In his lecture, Mr. AlHamiri revealed the NLA’s efforts in providing a digital informational database, electronic warehouses available to researchers, and laboratories for innovation and creativity for young people to support their interests, activities, ambitions and innovation.
The lecture concluded that the National Library has a great cultural role in preserving the cultural legacy and knowledge of the UAE. Furthermore, it plays a crucial role in the proper cultural and national upbringing of generations, encouraging them towards more creativity and innovation. Thus, the National Library will serve as a cultural and regional beacon among the world’s advanced and developed libraries.

The National Library and Archives organizes a media forum on the sidelines of the 55th Edition of the Cairo International Book Fair

The National Library and Archives held a media forum during the Cairo International Book Fair 2024 to introduce its new corporate brand and highlight its key projects and initiatives, its efforts to establish the national library to preserve the UAE cultural heritage, and to launch the Encyclopaedia of UAE History project and the recently published Al Maqta quarterly magazine. The NLA invited media representatives to be its development partners through its upcoming stage, and to visit and provide press-coverage of the UAE participating booths in the Cairo International Book Fair.
H.E. Abdullah Majed Al Ali, Director-General of the NLA, welcomed the media representatives and said: “It is a great pleasure and honour to welcome you all as we celebrate the 55th Edition of the Cairo International Book Fair, which is a major cultural event in which the NLA always keenly seeks to participate.” H.E. added: “We fully recognize and appreciate the media’s crucial role, being a key tool in public education, awareness and entertainment, a role which we proudly share in our pursuit of enriching knowledge societies.”
H.E. also mentioned that the Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan had established the National Library and Archives in 1968 with the aim of documenting the establishment and development of the UAE state, and since then it has spared no effort to preserve the glorious history and ancient cultural heritage of the UAE.
Following the National Library and the National Archives merger, our efforts were directed towards establishing an advanced national library that matches and keeps abreast with the world’s largest libraries, to preserve the UAE national heritage and to significantly contribute to the cultural and knowledge production. In this context, we launched, a few weeks ago, the Encyclopaedia of UAE history project, which serves as a valuable, authentic, reliable, and documented source and reference enriching both Arab and international libraries. Moreover, in the beginning of this year, we unveiled the National Library and Archives’ new corporate brand, which reflected the power and potential of all forms of communication, as well as our deep and keen interest in the glorious history of the UAE.
H.E. concluded his speech by stressing the NLA’s great interest in its annual participation in the Cairo International Book Fair, as one of the most prestigious and renowned book Fairs in the Arab world, which H.E. considers a valuable opportunity to strengthen relations with the various cultural institutions in Egypt which has always been widely recognized as the hub of culture and knowledge.
Hassan Al Shemeili, Head of General media and Diplomatic Affairs at the UAE Embassy in Cairo, emphasized that the UAE’s rich cultural heritage is reflected in the deep-rooted values instilled in its people over the years.
Al Shemeili added that the UAE’s wise leadership has, since its establishment by the Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, attached great interest and importance to the UAE cultural heritage. These interests and relentless efforts continued and developed during the reign of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, given the great significance, and importance of this heritage in raising public awareness, and disseminating knowledge among its people and in preserving the UAE national identity and societal solidarity.
He also stated that despite the UAE’s keen pursuit to realize and achieve modernity, development, and technologic advancement, it has never forgotten its ancient cultural heritage and authentic deep-rooted customs and traditions. The UAE has successfully achieved an excellent balance between the old and the new, blending authenticity and modernity, since it believes that cultural heritage reflects the national identity, and history of any nation, and paves the way to promoting the values of tolerance and coexistence among the various world people.
In the context of promoting this cultural heritage and introducing the UAE ancient rich history and prosperous present, many Emirati cultural institutions, at the forefront of which is the NLA, annually participates in the Cairo International Book Fair events. The NLA’s participation in the 55th Edition of this significant cultural forum and Hub comes in line with its efforts and keen interest to familiarize the book fair visitors with its great role in documenting the UAE and Gulf region’s history, to introduce its distinguished cultural production and publications, and strengthen cooperation ties with various cultural institutions in Egypt.
Al Shemeili stressed that the effective participation of Emirati institutions in the Cairo International Book Fair reflects the close and friendly relationship between the UAE and the Arab Republic of Egypt in all fields, including the outstanding cultural relations and close cooperation between the two sisterly countries’ cultural institutions.
He also invited the book fair visitors to visit the Emirati institutions’ booths and platforms to explore their distinguished cultural production and benefit from the Fair’s different activities.

The National Library and Archives enriching the Cairo International Book Fair 2024 with a symposium on the role of national libraries in preserving nations’ heritage
The National Library and Archives enriched the Cairo International Book Fair 2024 with a symposium on the role of national libraries in preserving nations’ heritage. It highlighted the NLA’s efforts to preserve the UAE’s ancient history and heritage. It also stressed that our interest in heritage is genuine, and it stems from the visions of the Founding Father of the UAE Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan who placed great attention to heritage given the significance of our origins, which reaffirm the authenticity of peoples, shape their characters, protect their present and secure their future.
H.E. Abdulla Majed Al Ali, the NLA’s Director General, emphasized in his paper that history and heritage are two fundamental pillars of the nation’s identity. Peoples take pride in their history and heritage, which form their culture and from which they draw lessons for their present and future.
Moreover, His Excellency said “Since heritage is a chain that links ancestors with descendants and through which ancestors’ virtues continue to pass to their children and grandchildren, it affects our present and future. That is why we are keen on preserving our Emirati heritage, which we are proud of and which we faithfully transfer to the generations to come. The national library assumes the ultimate responsibility for this. Furthermore, it devotes attention to collect, safeguard, organize and make cultural heritage accessible. It also preserves history, which constitutes a part of the UAE’s identity. The national library is fit to take part in all types of collaboration, exchange of information items with other international libraries and sponsorship of national documentary programs, noting that national libraries include peoples’ national intellectual and cultural production, which is displayed in an organized way and made accessible to visitors including researchers, academics and others. It is worth mentioning that national libraries contain the history and heritage of peoples and nations, which we keep at the forefront of our interests and work on preserving and providing among our library collections.”
His Excellency added: “By focusing on the national library, we look forward to an advanced national library that is parallel to major libraries worldwide and capable to preserve the cultural heritage of the UAE based on the latest standards.
The national library being in the process of establishment does not mean that the National Library and Archives is starting from scratch. It already had a library since its establishment in 1968 as Center for Documentation and Research at Qasr Al Hosn’s historical building in downtown Abu Dhabi. This is pursuant to our belief that the UAE’s history and heritage will be preserved through books that are kept with due diligence at the library. As the National Library and Archives progresses, the library also develop, so it has largely become a specialized library and since then it has been accessible to the public.
In addition to the national library’s role in preserving nations’ history and heritage, His Excellency the Director General has also discussed its role in compiling the national bibliography, preventing the nation’s heritage and creative thinking from destruction and loss, encouraging reading among generations and employing modern technologies in preserving history and heritage.
Dr. Zain Abdul Hady, Director of Library of the New Administrative Capital and former Board of Directors Chairman of the National Library and Archives of Egypt, participated in the symposium. He tackled the history of national libraries worldwide and their special position among the soft powers and cultural figures in every country as well as their roles in preserving heritage and reading and educational initiatives. He took the Library of Congress as an example; it launches initiatives in the field of books, series and journals and adopts scientific, historical and cultural centers.
He added: national libraries have multiple roles in developing reading habits and building digital libraries. These roles are not limited to services only, but they also supervise academic programs of universities’ libraries or coordinate with libraries sections. Some countries tend to establish vocational schools for librarianship. National libraries contribute to the preparation of national strategies for culture, serve as depository center for books issued by the respective country or authored by its nationals. According to Carnegie, libraries bring peoples together while Ranganathan indicated that libraries are the memory of the world, and a world without libraries is a world that has neither memory nor civilization.

With a program loaded with cultural activities, events and seminars,
The National Library and Archives gets ready to participate in the Cairo Book Fair 2024
The National Library and Archives has completed its preparations to participate in the 55th edition of the Cairo International Book Fair, which will be held in the Egyptian capital from January 24 to February 6, 2024. The NLA’s participation is prompted by its keen interest in informing the book fair audience about its cultural and intellectual production and the most important developments in enriching knowledge societies. The NLA also aims at shedding light on its upgraded services as a documentation and archiving institution and a cultural edifice and strengthening relations with cultural and archival institutions in the Arab Republic of Egypt.
His Excellency Abdullah Majed Al Ali, Director General of the National Library and Archives, commented on the NLA’s participation saying that it is keen to positively partake in the Cairo International Book Fair to enlighten about the honourable history of the United Arab Emirates and its prosperous present. He pointed out that this is one of the oldest book fairs in the Arab world, and it is an annual cultural event for intellectuals, researchers and readers.
The NLA’s platform in the Cairo International Book Fair informs visitors about the UAE and its distinctive relationship with the Arab Republic of Egypt. It is also abounding with seminars specialized in archiving and libraries, productive and useful cultural meetings, and entertainment events. The NLA seizes this opportunity to strengthen relations with cultural institutions in Egypt which is famous for its prolific thought and intellect.
His Excellency praised the distinguished brotherly relations between the UAE and Egypt, which have been consolidated and developed under the wise leadership of both countries.
The rich program of the National Library and Archives in the Cairo Book Fair 2024 comprises cultural seminars, entertainment events, and activities related to its interests. The NLA’s platform displays a large number of its publications documenting important aspects of the UAE’s history and heritage.
The NLA’s platform highlights the new corporate identity that reflects the National Library and Archives’ strategy until 2032, and its interest in preserving documentary heritage and identifying future trends in the political, social, environmental, legal, technological and economic arenas.
The new corporate identity aligns with the National Library and Archives’ mission in the next phase, which is to collect, preserve and make available documentary heritage to empower and enrich knowledge societies.
The façade of the platform is adorned with the National Library and Archives’ new logo, a corporate branding that captures the power and potential of communication methods. It also reflects the NLA’s interest in the ancient history of the UAE, and its protection of our ancestors’ legacy in its details. It highlights the NLA’s aspirations and goals in the next stage, and its role which involves not only preserving its knowledge treasures, but also creating knowledge and enriching knowledge societies.
The platform is interested in informing visitors about the importance of the portal of the Arabian Gulf Digital Archives (AGDA), which includes virtual exhibitions and thousands of important historical documents on the history of the UAE and the Gulf. In fact, it is a source of academic and research studies, and an important reference for researchers and those interested in the history of the United Arab Emirates.

The National Library and Archives organized a Customers’ Forum which resulted in generating various development ideas.
The Forum presented the NLA services, strategic plan, new corporate brand, and customer’s charter.

The National Library and Archives organized the Customers’ Forum under the slogan “Customer comes First” to enhance its community participation with its customers, introduce them to the latest developments, and to employ their comments or suggestions in the development of provided services.
His Excellency Abdulla Majed Al Ali, Director General of the National Library and Archives, delivered the forum’s opening speech in which he stressed that the forum is an available platform that welcomes participants’ comments and suggestions to improve the provided services and their quality, and aims at exchanging views that contribute to the National Library and Archives’ various work fields development.
H.E. pointed out the importance of this forum, which coincides with the launch of the National Library and Archives’ new strategy uptill 2032, in light of which the National Library and Archives shall approve its provided proactive public services.
His Excellency encouraged the forum’s participants to present their creative and innovative ideas that will surely have a positive impact in the next stage, in which the National Library and Archives aims to organize various evening events to maximize its customers and audience’s benefit from this renowned institution which preserves the memory of the nation, and which shall be the largest keeper of the UAE cultural heritage.
The forum shed light on the encyclopedia of the UAE history and its significance in the UAE glorious history and ancient heritage. The participating attendees commended this leading project, which constitutes a main and a preferred source and reference for researchers, scholars, academics and the general public, and shall similarly be a source of pride for all UAE citizens and residents.
The forum introduced the National Library and Archives’ strategic plan and new corporate brand. Moreover, It briefed the participating audience on its next stage mission, which is to preserve the documentary heritage through its collection, preservation and accessibility to empower knowledge societies and on its vision to further inspire and enrich these knowledge societies. The Forum also introduced and briefed the participating audience on the new corporate brand or logo, which captures and reflects all communication forms’ strength and potential. It also reflects the National Library and Archives’ keen interest in the UAE ancient and glorious history, in protecting the legacy of the fathers and forefathers, and in highlighting its aspirations and objectives in the next stage.
The forum presented the National Library and Archives’ various departments’ provided services respectively, starting with the Corporate and Community Outreach Department, then the Research and Knowledge Services Department, and finally the Archives Department. It also tackled and stressed the nine new services provided to the public.
The forum discussed the Customer Service Charter, as an official document indicating the extent of the National Library and Archives’ commitment to its customer service in accordance with the government approved and adopted service evaluation and assessment standards.
The forum included a National Library and Archives services workshop, in which the participants presented their creative comments and suggestions, pointing out the importance of newspapers and magazines’ electronic search, and establishing a special section dedicated to the study of the UAE history under the supervision of the National Library and Archives. The Forum participants stressed the importance of the Emirati character’s presence and representation in this valuable and rich historic encyclopedia.

Media representatives praised the NLA cultural experience and role in the documentation process.
The National Library and Archives received Media Representatives from the Saudi Press Agency
A media delegation from the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) visited the National Library and Archives (NLA), where they explored the latest technologies in displaying the history and civilizations of the UAE. They also viewed the NLA’s cultural role in establishing the library’s collections, which constituted the cornerstone of the National Library.
The media delegation, guests of the Emirates News Agency (WAM), praised the constructive and integrated cooperation between the NLA and WAM, particularly the specialized and cultural events organized by the NLA. Moreover, it is noteworthy that the NLA highly appreciates WAM’s guests including Arab and foreign media by drawing the guests’ attention to the glorious history and ancient heritage of the UAE.
In the same context, the visiting delegation praised the various advanced techniques used in displaying the UAE’s history including interactive technologies and virtual reality devices at Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Hall. This Hall is considered a modern and sophisticated historical museum that displays comprehensive aspects of the history of each Emirate in an engaging and interactive manner.
The SPA media delegation watched a documentary film about the UAE’s history at Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Hall. Afterwards, they visited the Emirates Library in the NLA, where they explored its sources, cultural references, paper, and electronic resources related to the UAE’s history, heritage, and culture, including the UAE Newspaper Archives containing many rare Emirati and Arab periodicals.
The visitors were briefed on the role of the Preservation and Restoration center of the National Archives and its role in preserving documents from damages and restoring them in large warehouses equipped with the latest technologies using the latest and most sophisticated global practices in preserving historical documents. Further, the guests were briefed on the role of the restoration laboratory, equipped with the latest developed technologies used in undertaking the restoration of frayed or worn historical documents with great historical value and repairing any damage.
The delegation included Mr. Sultan Al Harthi, Director of the News Agency Branch in Makkah, Jeddah and Taif, Mr. Hamad Al Bogami, Deputy Director of SPA in Riyadh, and several officials and staff of the same agency.

Briefed Them on Its Latest Projects and Role as a Headquarters for Preserving the Memory of the Nation and a Beacon of Culture
The National Library and Archives Receives International Delegations and discusses with Them Enhancing Cooperation and Exchanging Experiences
The National Library and Archives received at its headquarters a number of Arab and foreign delegations, and discussed with them ways to enhance cooperation, exchange expertise and distinguished experiences and a number of joint ventures. Among the most prominent delegations the National Library and Archives received were: the Uzbekistani delegation representing the Presidency of the Uzbek Republic, the Albanian delegation, which included the Director of the Institute of Education, Heritage and Tourism, and a delegation of senior journalists in the Russian media.
These visits stem from the significant role the National Library and Archives plays in the archiving and preserving the memory of the nation, and its constant efforts to establish a national library that rivals the largest libraries in the world and preserves the cultural heritage of the United Arab Emirates.
The National Library and Archives discussed with the Uzbek delegation the joint projects building coordination and cooperation in several strategic projects of mutual interest. The Uzbek delegation extended an invitation to the National Library and Archives to visit Uzbekistan for knowledge exchange, sharing expertise, innovative and successful experiments, and to observe the progress of joint projects and their launch.
The National Library and Archives also welcomed the Director of the Institute of Education, Heritage and Tourism and her accompanying Albanian delegation, and discussed with them the possibility of signing a memorandum of understanding or cooperation agreement to enhance relations between the two friendly archives.
The Albanian delegation listened to a detailed explanation about the National Library and Archives, and expressed their admiration for the significant development and progress the National Library and Archives has acheived in its projects. They also praised its role in documenting the achievements of the United Arab Emirates and its relations with brothers and friends, as well as the excellent organization of the International Council on Archives Congress and its contribution in enhancing documentation affairs and archival management methods.
A delegation of media professionals working in Russian media also visited the National Library and Archives. This visit, which was organized by the Emirates News Agency (WAM), was part of the delegation’s visit program to the United Arab Emirates. The delegation heard from Mr. Hamad Al-Mutairi, Director of the Archives Department, a detailed introduction to the National Library and Archives since its inception in 1968 under the directives of the founder and builder, the Late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. The presentation focused on the new corporate branding of the National Library and Archives, and its new strategy that extends up to 2032 that relies on the mission of the National Library and Archives in the next stage, which aims to collect, preserve documentary heritage and make it accessible in order to empower and enrich the knowledge societies.
The Director of the Archives Department concentrated on the stages of organizing the archive, the archival achievements and most important projects, such as: the Arabian Gulf Digital Archive (AGDA) project, the Center for Preservation and Restoration project, the academic and qualification programs project with the Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi, the international strategic projects, and the interest in the latest smart technologies in documentation and archiving. .
Mr. Hamad Al-Mutairi discussed the archival chain, which consists of: collecting archives from entities, individuals, and archives in various parts of the world, then processing and saving historical documents of all kinds that are subject to damage, digitizing and indexing them, and preserving them, whether they are paper or electronic, up to making them accessible to researchers and historians via the Internet and smart platforms for the public, and preserve them for generations to come.
In Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Hall, the delegations watched a documentary film about the history of the UAE, visited Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Hall, and acquainted themselves with its contents, which made it an advanced modern historical museum that showcases the most prominent features of each emirate coupled with synopsis about its history and achievements in an attractive interactive manner. They also became acquainted with the cultural sources and references in the Emirates Library, paper and electronic media with content related to the history, heritage and culture of the United Arab Emirates.

The National Archives establishes Its Preservation and Restoration Corner at the “Memory of the Nation” pavilion at Sheikh Zayed Festival

The National Archives has established its preservation and restoration corner at the “Memory of the Nation” pavilion at Sheikh Zayed Festival. The corner fully briefs visitors on the National Archives role in preserving and restoring documents, the role which its Preservation and Restoration Center is already performing as it restores various types of vulnerable or aging documents at risk of damage to safeguard and utilize their valuable content.

The preservation and restoration corner aims at spreading awareness among the public about the importance of maintaining and ensuring proper storing conditions for historical documents or preserving them at the National Archives as part of the Memory of the Nation to support academics and researchers’ efforts to document the UAE history. If a document’s condition deteriorates, i.e.  starts getting poor and vulnerable to damage, it should be preserved rather than disposed of, and concerned parties should seek the National Archives’ professional help for its restoration since historical facts depend mainly on historical documents and records.

The Preservation and Restoration Corner acquaints visitors with proper methods for documents preservation and restoration in case of damage. The corner has the main important tools for document restoration including adhesive material, brushes and document cleaning solutions.

The corner emphasize to visitors that preservation of historical documents is a separate science in itself, with its own techniques that prolong the document lifespan. Specialists at the corner educate visitors about the main document or record damage causes; namely: poor storage or handling and frequent and improper use. In case of damage, restoration is deemed the primary stage in preserving documents employing sterilization, disinfestation, disinfection and mould treatments. The restoration process might be undertaken partially or fully based on the size and extent of document damage, through which process necessary measures are taken including the filling in, as well as other refurbishing and repairing techniques used for treatment of documents missing parts and thickening of paper density.

Furthermore, Shaikha Al Sawafi from the National Archives Center for Preservation and Restoration practically demonstrated to the visiting public successful and simple restoration process of some damaged newspapers, where she pointed out the importance of cleaning the documents to be restored following which, she added that glue and acid free adhesive tapes are used during restoration process to patch tears and holes. Al Sawafi presented a number of papers used in restoration such as the Japanese paper made from kozo, insulating paper that protect the document during treatment and cleaning materials such as ethanol, distilled water and acetone. She also pointed out the importance of preventive precautions during that document cleaning and restoration process; namely, using gloves and masks for hand and face protection. She also showed the audience the glue brushes and other dusting brushes used in the process.

The National Archives enlightens a Spanish academic delegation about history of the UAE



Within the framework of the Tolerance Program for Cultural Exchange, the National Archives received a delegation of students and professors from three top universities in Spain. This academic visit aimed at learning about important aspects of the history and heritage of the UAE, and its pioneering unification experience.

This visit, which was organized by the Islamic Culture and Religious Tolerance Foundation in Madrid, came to enhance communication between various cultures, disseminate the example of the UAE’s tolerance to peoples across the world and publicize its role and efforts to spread the values of tolerance and to build bridges of communication and understanding.

The members of the delegation were briefed on the foundations, principles and values of coexistence and tolerance, based on which the United Arab Emirates was established through the efforts of Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan and his fellow Founding Rulers. This reflects the original interest of the UAE in disseminating the culture of tolerance across the world and in promoting acceptance of others and cultural pluralism.

The twenty-one-member delegation attended a lecture delivered by Dr. Aisha Bilkhair, Research Advisor at the National Archives, in which she shed light on the values of solidarity, tolerance, love and altruism in the UAE.  She pointed out that these values prompted the youth to achieve human rapprochement, build bridges of tolerance and love, and support efforts to establish a human society where peace prevails, and the UAE perfectly embodies these inherent values that were acquired from customs and traditions and the past of the great fathers and forefathers.

The lecture pointed out that the Year of Tolerance was full of events aimed at spreading the national principles and ethics of Sheikh Zayed, who successfully turned the UAE into a model that applies the values of tolerance and peaceful coexistence. In fact, the UAE is home to over 200 nationalities, enjoying decent life and respect, and it criminalizes hatred, radicalism, and any causes for division or divergence.

The lecture reflected optimism and great hopes for the year 2020, as the UAE will host Expo 2020 Dubai. Indeed, this great international exhibition offers a great opportunity for expertise and cultural exchange and for perception of the future.

The Spanish delegation toured the Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Hall, Emirates Library, and the Customers Happiness Hall, and it also watched a 3D documentary film on the UAE in the past and present.

The National Archives increases the Young Historian Award budget allocations and attracts Cycle 2 students

As the Young Historian Award entered its second decade of achieving its targets for students, the National Archives has announced the increase in the budget allocated for the 11th edition of the award and the expansion of its scope to include the UAE school students of Cycle 2. This is due to the award role in enhancing national education, encouraging research in the history of the UAE and developing historical awareness among students. Moreover, the National Archives aims to attract more participants in the award which is organized in collaboration with the Ministry of Education.

The National Archives is keen to attract Cycle 2 school students to enhance the sense of belonging to the homeland and loyalty to its wise leadership, foster national identity among young people, instill the concept of good citizenship in them and increase historical awareness. Additionally, it seeks to encourage students to use innovative research methods in order to preserve the history and heritage of UAE by collecting the unrecorded history and to study the genealogy of tribes and elements that reflect happiness, tolerance and dialogue of civilizations.

Having held its meeting at the National Archives, the Young Historian Award Committee identified the procedures and stages of the 11th edition of the award, which will be launched in January 2020 in coordination between the National Archives and the Ministry of Education. The committee will receive the students’ submissions in the second half of April; however, judging and award ceremony will be in June.

The Young Historian Award Committee for 2019-2020 has specified four categories for the award: Oral History, Geographical History, Economic History and Social History.

The new edition of the award covers a number of historical and national topics such as the Year of Tolerance, Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan’s values, deeds and national principles, How the UAE’s society honors Martyrs of Duty and their families, Studies of genealogy, Tribes and personalities, Oral history narratives, Poetry, Folklore, Proverbs, Old correspondences, Photographs and holdings; traditional trades, crafts and markets; historical and archeological sites and traditional architecture, marine life including pearl diving and fishing, traditional medicine, lessons in moral education, studies on the role of the Emirati women, celebration 50th anniversary of the UAE and the ancient civilizations of the Emirates.

It is worth mentioning that the National Archives, in coordination with the Ministry of Education, will organize a number of introductory workshops, which aim to promote awareness about the Young Historian Award after launching the new edition.

Following His Visit to the National Archives

The Saudi Minister of Health praised the role of the National Archives in strengthening the ties between the UAE and Kingdome of Saudi Arabia.

His Excellency Dr. Tawfiq Bin Fawzan Al Rabiah, the Saudi Minister of Health, commended the National Archives and its role in preserving the memory of the nation.

During His Excellency’s visit to the headquarters of the National Archives, he was informed of the National Archives’ activities and projects both inside and outside the UAE. His Excellency had also been briefed on the history of the brotherly relations between the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, and he viewed a large number of historical documents that reflect the depth of the bilateral relations which witnessed a great development in various fields and became an ideal model of brotherhood, friendship and solidarity, thanks to the guidance of the two wise leaderships.

In the presence of His Excellency Jumaa Ali AlRumaithi, Chairman of the Executive Committee, HE Dr. Abdulla Mohammad Alraisi, Director General of the National Archives, received the Saudi Minister of Health and gave him a detailed description about the National Archives, which was established fifty-one years ago upon the directives of the founding leader Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan for the purpose of preserving the documents of the UAE. Dr Abdullah drew the honorable guest’s attention to important milestones in the history of the National Archives, such as organizing the archives of the UAE’s government bodies and taking huge steps in electronic archiving. He also informed him of the Congress of the International Council on Archives which will be held in Abu Dhabi from November 16th -20th under the theme of Empowering Knowledge Communities, pointing out that thousands of archivists from all over the world are expected to participate to discuss fundamental future archival issues related to the field of archiving and documentation.

Alraisi enlightened the guest about the Arabian Gulf Digital Archive (AGDA), which is a portal displaying the historical and cultural materials related to the documented and interesting history of the Arabian Gulf and the UAE, in addition to providing free digital materials in both Arabic and English. The National Archives continues its efforts to enhance the content of AGDA in the coming stage by providing it with more historical documents related to Saudi Arabia and the Kingdom of Bahrain.

The Director General of the National Archives stressed the importance of the memorandum of cooperation that documents the relations and cooperation with King Abdul Aziz Foundation for Research and Archives, and the Arabic Union Catalog in Saudi Arabia.

During his visit, the Saudi Minister of Health took a tour of Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Hall, the Emirates Library, and the Presidential Archive. In the Customers Happiness Hall, His Excellency reviewed a large number of historical pictures and documents that document the deep historical relations, the strategic partnership and solidarity between the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia.