Receiving a large number of visitors and Emirati heritage enthusiasts,
The National Library and Archives’ Hunting and Equestrian platform enhances heritage among generations

The National Library and Archives’ platform at the 20th edition of Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition was visited by a large number of visitors including sheikhs and leaders, most prominently H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Hamad Al Sharqi, Crown Prince of Fujairah, H.H. Sheikh Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region and Chairman of the Emirates Falconers’ Club, H.H. Sheikh Nahyan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of Board of Trustees of Zayed Charitable and Humanitarian Foundation and Chairman of Abu Dhabi Sports Council, and others.
The platform attracted a large turnout of hunting and equestrian enthusiasts, school students and the public to get acquainted with the Emirati heritage. Historical photos and historical and documentary films were displayed on large screens showing the hunting trips made by Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
Moreover, the platform showcased the interest of Their Highnesses sheikhs in heritage sports, horse and camel races and falconry, following the example of the Founding Father Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan and his approach to development while safeguarding heritage and cultural legacy.
The visitors were impressed by the platform’s distinctive historical photos and documentaries that contain details of the hunting trips, which Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan used to go on regularly in order to teach his companions real lessons about the importance of heritage sports and the Emirati ancient heritage and how to preserve it for next generations.
On the other hand, Ms. Fatma Al Mazrouei, Head of Historical Archive Section at the NLA, participated in the conference of “Media Role in Safeguarding Falconry and Intangible Cultural Heritage”. She chaired a session on the significance of including falconry in school textbooks to get youngsters engaged in heritage apart from electronic games and to enhance awareness about heritage.
It is worth mentioning that the NLA’s services provided to researchers, archivists and the public are briefly displayed on the platform’s front. The public is also introduced to AGDA, which is one of the historical academic research resources made available online by the NLA. It contains thousands of significant and authentic historical documents on the history of the UAE and the Gulf region.
The NLA took the opportunity to invite the exhibition’s visitors to attend the ICA Congress to be organized by the NLA under the theme of “Enriching Knowledge Societies”. It is worth noting that the congress will be hosted in Abu Dhabi during the period 9-12 October, 2023. It is an international archival event that is a source of pride of the UAE’s achievements and development.