Showcasing its latest works and enhancing its pavilion with rare publications and issues on the history of book fairs in the nation,
The National Library and Archives takes part in the Sharjah International Book Fair 2024 with an array of events and activities

The National Library and Archives participates in the forty-third edition of the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF), a significant event for local, Arab, and global cultural enthusiasts, readers and creators of cultural and publishing content. The SIBF is held under the theme “It Starts with a Book”.
The NLA’s pavilion at the SIBF showcases its latest and most impressive works, featuring a distinguished book titled “National Identity in the United Arab Emirates: Between the Uniqueness of Constants and Values and the Universality of Standards” by His Excellency Prof. Dr. Jamal Sanad Al-Suwaidi, Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Emirates Centre for Strategic Studies and Research. The NLA pavilion was also the stage for the launch of “The First Barrel of Wealth” by Dr. Salwa Al Nuaimi and “UAE-Morocco Relations” by His Excellency Dr. Saeed Al Ketbi, the latter aligns with the Sharjah Book Authority’s selection of Morocco as the “Guest of Honor” for this year’s edition. Additionally, the pavilion showcased important works on the history and heritage of the UAE, the biographies of notable leaders who have contributed to the state’s establishment and prosperity. It has sections dedicated to the refereed scientific journal Liwa and the quarterly magazine Al-Maqtaa.
H.E. Abdullah Majid Al Ali, Director General of the National Library and Archives, stated, “We have consistently participated in the Sharjah International Book Fair, recognizing it as a pivotal nexus for the convergence of global cultures. In alignment with our mission to enrich and empower Knowledge societies, we are keen to facilitate the exchange of knowledge and culture. Furthermore, we actively engage in a diverse array of events that appeal to students and researchers.”
He added, “Our participation in this particular edition of the Sharjah International Book Fair is distinguished by the fact that the National Library and Archives has evolved from merely serving as an incubator for historical documents and records to becoming a pivotal partner in the cultural content industry. We are eager to enrich the National Library’s collections with specialized publications that are exclusively available at this international event.”
His Excellency extended an invitation to all SIBF visitors and participants to explore the NLA’s pavilion, where they could discover the diverse and revitalized events that cater to various intellectual segments.
To celebrate the 50th year since the first book fair was held in Abu Dhabi in 1974, the NLA’s pavilion at the SIBF’s 2024 has allocated a section to chronicle the history of book fairs in Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and Al Ain, highlighting their significant role in advancing knowledge and fostering community culture. For this purpose, the NLA utilized archival issues of the Al-Ittihad newspaper, which covered the first editions of the aforementioned book fairs.
The NLA’s pavilion includes a special section dedicated to the unwavering support it receives from the wise leadership. This section features photographs of the esteemed leaders of the United Arab Emirates as they peruse the NLA’s publications.
Additionally, the NLA’s pavilion included a special section for its rare book collection since the establishment of the Documents and Research Bureau (currently, the National Library and Archives). These notable publications include “Two Glorious Years in the History of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi,” published in 1968, and the first NLA’s publication following the establishment of the Union, titled “The United Arab Emirates: A Historical, Geographical and Cultural Study to Introduce its Emirates and Their Achievements”, published in 1972.
The participation of the National Library and Archives in the Sharjah International Book Festival 2024 encompasses a range of educational activities for students and various other engaging events.