National Library and Archives (UAE)

The National Library And Archives (NLA) is a leading research and archival institution based in Abu Dhabi charged with preserving and documenting the history and heritage of the United Arab Emirates and the Gulf region in general.[1] The NLA was established in 1968 by Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, first President of the UAE, under the name of Center for Documentation and Research (CDR).[2] Forty years later, the late UAE President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan issued Law No. (7) for 2008 designating the Center as the official National Archives of the UAE, under the name National Center for Documentation and Research (NCDR).[1] The law specifies the NCDR jurisdiction to collect, preserve and archive documents to promote cultural and historical awareness and provide researchers access to the valuable materials held by the Center. In 2014, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan issued the federal law no. (1) of 2014, changing the name to National Archives.[3]

National Library and Archives
الأرشيف والمكتبة الوطنية
AbbreviationNLA
Formation1968 (1968)
TypeGovernment agency
PurposeNational Library and Archive
HeadquartersAbu Dhabi
Region served
UAE
President
Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan
Director-General
Abdulla Majid Al Ali
Parent organization
Ministry of Presidential Affairs (UAE)
AffiliationsUNESCO
ICA
IFLA
GCC
AFLI
Websitewww.na.ae

As of 2021 the NLA was ranked the sixth most advanced organization in its category worldwide in term of the tools and technology employed.[2]

Vision and Mission

Under the directives of its Chairman, Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, the NLA acts as the Nation's Memory. The NLA's Mission is to preserve documentary heritage through distinctive archival, documentation and research services in order to provide decision makers and the public with trusted information and to enhance civic spirit and national identity, while its Vision is to provide distinctive archival, documentation and research services.[1]

The NLA is the trusted custodian of the Government records of the UAE responsible for:[1]

  • Developing government archives through application of best archival policies and procedures.
  • Building our collections through constant expansion of our archives, library and research facilities.
  • Preserving our collections by ensuring protection and restoration of the acquisitions.
  • Making our holdings widely available and easily accessible through in-house facilities and outreach programs.

Achievements and publications

Project achievements

The National Library and Archives (NLA) in Abu Dhabi has a number of relevant and productive achievements; notably, it:[4]

  • Conducted over 700 interviews
  • Published three traditional short stories
  • Published a booklet on greetings in the UAE
  • Hosts the Young Historian Award
  • Offers training to university students
  • Increased the collection of NCDR resources, i.e. maps, documents, pictures, etc.
  • Collected traditional UAE poetry
  • Contributed in 2011 to the preparations workshop for the periodic report to UNESCO, regarding the intangible cultural heritage of the UAE

Project publications

The National Library and Archives (NLA) has published four articles in the Liwa Academic Journal:[5]

  • Issue 4 (page 54)
  • Issue 5 (page 38)
  • Issue 6 (page 53)
  • Issue 7 (page 54)

Halls Of The NLA

The NLA has a number of halls; each is equipped and dedicated for a different purpose. The main halls include:[6]

Sheikh Zayed Hall

This hall reminisces the past of the UAE, celebrates its present, and envisions its future, integrating all three together to display the UAE's identity. The hall resembles a museum, and makes a memorable experience for its visitors.

Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Hall

This hall is an auditorium, with the capacity to fit over 600 people. It also facilitates simultaneous translation in five languages, in addition to having an electronic wireless voting system. It is often used to host conferences and seminars.

Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Hall

This virtual reality theater is an interactive 3D space created using special software that blends fiction and reality. Inside the theater, you can watch documentary films about the United Arab Emirates using 3D technology. It has advanced audio-visual technology that immerses the audience in a virtual environment, allowing them to experience the UAE's history and progress. The documentary films shown in this theater leave a strong impression on visitors, particularly students and children, who can relate to the images and feel like they are part of the story. This theater is ideal for smaller gatherings and meetings.

International Council Congress (ICA) 2023

In Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, the National Library and Archives (NLA) has confirmed that all preparations are in place for the International Council Congress (ICA) 2023, scheduled to take place from October 9th to 13th. This announcement was made during the inaugural meeting of the organizing committee for this significant archival event. The meeting outlined the conference and exhibition activities to be held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), as well as the arrangements for hosting international delegations and the services provided to them.[7]

Dr. Abdullah Al-Raisi, the Cultural Adviser at the Presidential Court and the Chairperson of the Organizing Committee for the ICA Congress 2023, announced that the event will carry the theme "Enriching Knowledge Societies." He also highlighted the historical significance of the UAE in the Middle East hosting this event for the first time. This achievement is a source of pride, not only for the National Library and Archives but also for the participants, UAE citizens, and all residents of this special region.[7]

Affiliations

The National Library And Archives is a member of a number of organizations, including the following:

  • United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)[8]
  • The International Council on Archives (ICA)[9]
  • International Federation for Libraries and Information (IFLA)[10]
  • Arab Federation for Libraries and Information (AFLI)[6]
  • Middle East Studies Association (MESA)[11]
  • Oral History Association (OHA)[12]

References
  1. "National Library and Archives". National Library and Archives.
  2. Sundar Natarajan; Elangovan Alagumalai (February 2021). "The role of national archives in the United Arab Emirates (UAE)". SSRN Electronic Journal. 3 (1): 12. doi:10.2139/ssrn.4243594.
  3. "UAE President issues law changing 'National Archives' to 'National Archives & Library"". Emirates News Agency - WAM. 12 January 2022.
  4. "Our Achievements". National Library and Archives.
  5. "Our Achievements". National Library and Archives.
  6. "National Library and Archives". Visit Abu Dhabi.
  7. "National Library and Archives finalises preparations for International Council on Archives Congress 2023 in Abu Dhabi". Zawya. 21 March 2023.
  8. "Memberships/Partnerships/Agreements". National Library and Archives.
  9. "International Council on Archives Congress to take place in Middle East for first time in Abu Dhabi". Abu Dhabi Media Office. 2 August 2023.
  10. "IFLA Members including Institution and Association Affiliates" (PDF). International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions.
  11. "Affiliated Organizations". Middle East Studies Association (MESA).
  12. "Regional and International Organizations". Oral History Association.
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