Experiences and historical photos evoke pride and honor by highlighting their pioneering role in various aspects of life
The National Library and Archives Presents Showcases Experiences and Photos About the Past and Present of Emirati Women

In conjunction with Emirati Women’s Day, the National Library and Archives (NLA) organized two lectures. The first lecture, delivered by Mariam Sultan Al Mazrouei, Oral History Researcher at the NLA, focused on Emirati women in oral narratives. The second lecture, presented by the Researcher Warda Al Menhali, Director of Corporate Communications at TRENDS Research and Advisory Center, highlighted her exceptional experience at TRENDS Center and the support and opportunities she received in the field of scientific research. Additionally, the NLA participated in the celebrations held at Al Ain Sports and Cultural Club with a historical photo gallery showcasing the role of Emirati women.
In her virtual lecture, Al Mazrouei began with quotes by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and H.H. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, about Emirati women. She underscored the continued efforts made by the UAE leadership for the advancement and empowerment of Emirati women in all fields.
The lecture pointed out that the achievements of Emirati women in current times are a true honor. It emphasized the importance of having exemplary figures, such as the late Sheikha Salama bint Butti (Mother of Sheikhs), whose legacy of generosity and leadership serves as a model. It also noted the national role played by H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak (Mother of the UAE), who remains an inspiring figure across generations, a great example of noble humanitarian generosity, and a pioneer in empowering women and advancing their capacity-building.
The lecture also highlighted the NLA’s commitment to document all women-related accounts given by elderly narrators. It further elaborated the significant roles women play in the social, economic, political, and cultural aspects of life. This is bespoken in Al Mukaid and diving and the interlink of these traditional activities.
Highlighting their great role in embracing their families, the lecture showed several women struggle stories, namely Poet Ousha bint Khalifa Al Suwaidi, traditional healer Hamama bint Obaid Al Teneji from Al Dhaid, and Hamda bint Humaid Al Hameli from Abu Dhabi, who led groups of women supply provisions to ships carrying pearl divers. The lecture also shed light on Shamsa bint Sultan Al Murr among others who left their mark on history. Additionally, it underscored a significant aspect of the Emirati women’s life as novelists skilled in telling folk tales.
At the NLA headquarters, researcher Warda Al Menhali emphasized the UAE’s significant support for Emirati women, which has enabled them to achieve outstanding success in various fields. She also pointed out that TRENDS Center serves as an exemplary model in this regard, providing a stimulating and encouraging work environment for UAE researchers and equiping them with the tools and knowledge needed to succeed in their research careers.
Al Menhali elaborated on her personal experience at TRENDS Center, showcasing several research projects she participated in and the skills she acquired during her time at this leading research center. She stressed that the center provides researchers with extensive access to the latest research tools and technologies, as well as a broad network of connections with experts and researchers at both local and international levels. Furthermore, Al Menhali affirmed the critical role Emirati women play in shaping the UAE’s future, highlighting their merit, competitiveness and excellence in all areas that enable them to effectively work alongside men to build knowledge and innovation community.
The NLA also participated in the Emirati Women’s Day celebrations at Al Ain Sports and Cultural Club with a historical photo gallery. It showcased the roles of Emirati women in different fields including education and health, as well as their contributions to the military establishment. The photo gallery had a great turnout.