The National Library and Archives receives senior citizens whom it holds in high esteem

In collaboration with the Department of Community Development in Abu Dhabi, the National Library and Archives organized a visit for the senior citizens and residents and volunteers to its headquarters within the context of the Generations Journey program. Historical photos of the some of the UAE’s leaders with senior citizens were presented, and a dialogue session was held between senior citizens and the youths. The visitors toured Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Hall.
This visit was organized pursuant to the NLA’s role in enhancing social responsibility and in appreciation of senior citizens and their notable contributions to the building and development of our homeland as well as due to the importance of the Generations Journey program, which aims to connect the youths with the elderly and accordingly enriching the youths’ experiences.
During the visit, A lecture was delivered by Hend Al Zaabi, Educational Programs Specialist at the NLA. She said: “The late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan established a nation based on happiness and citizen welfare. He took care of the young and adults, especially the elderly who received his respect, love and kindness and were provided with decent life.”
Hend Al Zaabi reported that H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, referred to the UAE elderly as senior citizens in recognition of their experience, giving and dedication to the UAE.
She highlighted the UAE government’s interest in senior citizens, including the provision of health care, social services, initiatives and other services.
The senior citizens had the opportunity to bring back their memories of education, pearl diving, agriculture and fishing. They pointed out that these environment-based professions were their source of living, and they reflect the Emirati people’s determination to face challenges. 
Later, visitors made a tour of Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Hall, which highlights the past, documents the present and predicts the future. It contains the latest innovative technologies and presentation methods in order to present visitors with a knowledge capsule that enhances belonging to homeland and loyalty to the wise leadership, fosters national identity among generations and fascinates visitors with the UAE’s development and prosperity.

Having discussed means of cultural collaboration and distinctive experience exchange with various entities,
The National Library and Archives participates in the International Oral History Association Conference in Brazil
The National Library and Archives participated with a working paper in the International Oral History Association Conference, which was held in Rio de Janeiro. It reviewed aspects of the UAE’s society and focused on its values and principles and the role of the UAE’s leaders and sheikhs in establishing a powerful nation and a close-knit society.
The NLA’s visit to Rio de Janeiro aimed to activate the cultural collaboration and experience exchange and promote the intercultural dialogue between the UAE and the Federal Republic of Brazil.
In the International Oral History Association Conference held in Rio de Janeiro, Dr. Aisha Bilkhair, Research Advisor at the NLA, presented a paper entitled “African Diaspora: Narratives about Historical Transformations, Identity and Cultural Influence and Integration”. She highlighted the reality of the UAE’s society and the values that were passed down through generations since the pearl diving era. She also tackled some historical aspects and the virtue of tolerance, which is demonstrated by the UAE’s citizens and residents. In addition, the paper pointed out the societal value that enhances cooperation and peace, which set the UAE’s society apart from others and which enabled the UAE to host more than 200 nationalities seeking residence and work.
The Research Advisor encouraged the conference participants to take part in the major archival event, ICA Congress Abu Dhabi 2023, which will be held on October 9-13, 2023, and which will discuss contemporary and future archival themes and issues. It serves as a forum to exchange innovative and sustainable ideas on the themes to be discussed: Peace and Tolerance, Emerging Technologies: Electronic Records, Electronic Solutions, Trust and Evidence, Access and Memories, and Sustainable Knowledge, Sustainable Planet: Archives, Records and Climate Change.
Furthermore, the NLA’s delegation visited the Public Archive and Secretariate General of Culture in Rio de Janeiro, Royal Portuguese Cabinet of Reading and the National Library of Brazil and discussed with them means of exchanging successful and distinctive experiences.
The NLA’s delegation including Dr. Aisha Bilkhair and Mrs. Madya Al Meheirbi, an oral history researcher and Head of Youth Council, held a number of meetings in order to learn about the rare holdings including documents, manuscripts and books pertaining to the UAE and the Arab region. Moreover, the delegation discussed with the concerned parties at the Brazilian cultural entities means of collaboration in the field of translation, historical research and organization of mutual events that would achieve the targeted objectives. It visited prestigious government organizations such as Itamaraty Palace and Public Archive of Rio de Janeiro, the Brazilian National Archives, Royal Library and National Library of Brazil. In Sao Paulo, the delegation paid calls to the Public Archive, Museum of Portuguese Language, USP Library, Villa Lobos Park Library, etc.

The National Library and Archives Persues Its National Educational Programs in the Student Summer Camps

The National Library and Archives continues carrying out its program of the educational activities, in which it participates in the student summer camps. Within this program, it presented three educational and training workshops at Hind Bint Maktoum School in Dubai for students in the first and second grades, with the aim of enriching children’s knowledge of the deep-rooted history of the UAE and its proud heritage. This participation is in line with its social responsibility and the role it plays in the national upbringing of the new generations.
Ms. Ayesha Yousef Al Zaabi , Head of the Educational Programs Section at the National Library and Archives, started the first workshop titled: “A Fiction Story”. The students were divided into groups, and the members of each group wrote a short story. The stories were varied in which students used their imagination and it was clear that electronic games have had their impact on some of them. Most of the stories were realistic, among the most prominent ones are: Rakan in the Forest, A Day in my School, Me My Friend and our Electronic Game... and other stories.
After each group had read their story, the students discussed the stories and came up with a set of principles and values that they expressed in their own style. The supervisor stressed the importance of preserving school furniture, setting a short time for electronic games, keeping quite and benefiting from teachers.
In the second workshop, students competed attentively to win the “Al Masirah Game”, which was invented by the National Library and Archives to promote useful information. It is an innovative national game which its contents were taken the publications of the National Library and Archives. It is suitable for all ages. This educational game is considered an integrated knowledge unit that has information taken from the publications of the National Library and Archives. The game sheds light on the role of the Late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan in establishing the United Arab Emirates, its renaissance and progress and the values and principles that he was keen in instilling them in the hearts and minds of the UAE people. In addition to information about UAE values, the history and deep-rooted heritage, and diversed national cultural information.
The third workshop centered in reading; by presenting the story “Inspiring Childhood”, which is one of the outcome of “Zayed 100 Stories” initiative launched and sponsored by the National Library and Archives. Each of the students participated in reading a paragraph from it, after which questions were asked about Sheikh Zayed’s interests and his knowledge of the history of the UAE and its environment in detail.
The National Library and Archives is keen in continuing its rich and diversed program for a large number of the students in their summer camps in many schools in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Dubai, Kalba, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah, Umm Al Quwain, Ajman... and other regions. This is coupled with organizing virtual summer camp programs for The Writers (71), which contribute in preparing the students to be the future writers by refining their talents in the field of literary writing.
 
 

Stressing that positive citizenship starts from individuals and their relationship with community and humanity,
The National Library and Archives enriches its Cultural Season 2023 with a seminar entitled “Positive Global Citizenship”

Within the context of its Cultural Season 2023, the National Library and Archives organized a seminar entitled “Positive Global Citizenship”. The seminar aimed to enhance the national and humanitarian values and principles that would move positive citizens to the global level instead of the local level according to the current situation. Since the world has become a small global village, the seminar focused on the role of the positive global citizenship in fostering sustainable development of the UAE, in particular, and the world, in general.
Fatima Sultan Al Mazaroui, Head of Historical Archives Section at the NLA, moderated the seminar in which a number of participants took part, including H.E. Yasser Al Gergawi, Director General of Sandooq Al Watan, H.E. Adviser Rashid Ibrahim Al Nuaimi from the Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence, Brigadier General Mohammed Al Nabhani from the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security, Dr. Shafei Al Niyadi, Human Development and Family Relations Instructor, and Dr. Mariam Naser Al Zaidi from Mohamed Bin Zayed University for Humanities. At the end of the seminar, Mr. Farhan Al Marzooqi, Director of Corporate and Community Outreach Department at the NLA, honored the participants.
H.E. Yasser Al Gergawi, Director General of Sandooq Al Watan, started the seminar with his paper, which defined positive global citizenship as individuals’ participation, awareness and understanding of certain duties and obligations that bring about integration and engagement in accordance with laws, standards and values that promote individual’s welfare, maintain global environment interests and fulfil public responsibility objectives through devoting attention to the world issues.
He confirmed that positive citizenship reflects the positive interaction with others, and every individual should be prepared for global coexistence, especially in our modern age that abounds in social media platforms, which make an individual a recipient and influencer. That is why an individual has to interact with the outside world and accordingly we have to instill the sense of responsibility in the generation.
Al Gergawi quoted the saying of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of the UAE: “Through its policy and example in the region, the UAE spreads positive messages of the importance of tolerance, coexistence and mutual development work to respond to many challenges that face us within the context of the international family”. He also quoted the saying of the Founding Father Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nayan: “Cooperation between people regardless of their religions and beliefs is the source of happiness. Cooperation connects everybody”.
His Excellency concluded his paper by reviewing Sandooq Al Watan’s efforts and role in achieving positive global citizenship.
Next, H.E. Adviser Rashid Ibrahim Al Nuaimi from the Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence presented his paper. He shed the light on sustainability of human values and positive global citizenship. He began with the saying of Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan: “To treat every person, no matter what his creed or race, as a special soul, is a mark of Islam”. He then discussed the concept of values, the UAE society’s values system, citizenship, the way to global citizenship, the positive global citizenship, tolerance and coexistence concept and the UAE’s efforts to promote positive global citizenship. He noted that citizens act as representatives of their countries abroad and that society members have to foster solidarity to achieve positive global citizenship in light of cultural openness.
He reviewed the stages the society went through starting from the family to the tribe, modern state and global citizenship. He stressed that the UAE strives to foster global citizenship while maintaining balance with the Emirati authentic values.
The Adviser Al Nuaimi tackled the 8th principle of the “Next Fifty Years Principles”, which states that the core value system in the Emirates shall remain based on openness and tolerance. He discussed the human economy, “We the UAE 2031” vision and the UAE Centennial 2071, a comprehensive and long-term vision. In addition, he presented the Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence’s initiatives, which aim to promote positive global citizenship.
The Brigadier General Mohammed Al Nabhani from the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security gave a speech on the impact of the positive global citizenship on sustainable development. He focused on three main topics: prudent government approaches, home and school, and general ethics and conduct. Moreover, he illustrated the government’s efforts to establish the foundations and principles of positive citizenship such as excellence programs and awards, strategic and operational plans, transformational projects and government accelerators, etc.
Furthermore, His Excellency highlighted the impact of positive global citizenship on sustainable development according to the UN’s 2030 Agenda along with its 17 goals, noting that the UAE has paid a huge amount of money in the form of humanitarian aids to all world countries. He also pointed out that we all have to respect our homeland’s right as H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan said: “The duty of loyalty and gratitude to a homeland that provides decent and happy life for all of its citizens and residents requires all of us to always keep it deep in our hearts”.
In his presentation on “The Role of Positive Citizenship in Supporting Sustainability”, Dr. Shafei Al Niyadi, Human Development and Family Relations Instructor, indicated that change starts from the individual so we have to instill patriotism among our children in order to ensure future prosperity, which means sustainability. We also have to encourage our children’s academic achievement since sustainability and patriotism can be achieved only by educated and aware people.
Al Niyadi, then, tackled the relationship between citizenship and sustainability. He indicated that such relationship lies in individual responsibility, societal engagement, awareness, environmental responsibility, sustainable use of resources, sustainable economy, social justice and international cooperation to face global challenges.
He pointed out that positive citizenship including sustainable economy, participation in sustainable initiatives, societal engagement, environmental and social awareness, etc. will foster social stability, dialogue and understanding, economic development, justice and human rights, the spirit of engagement, innovation and development, peace, stability and social integration.
On the other hand, Dr Mariam Naser Al Zaidi from Mohamed Bin Zayed University for Humanities said in her presentation that positive citizenship was limited to the community level, but now it exceeded that level as it requires individuals to be good citizens not only in their communities but also in the humanitarian community at large.
She emphasized that as the world has become a small global village dominated by social media platforms, we have to demonstrate openness to ideas and deal positively with positive global citizenship since we cannot live in isolation from other communities.
Furthermore, she added: “Societies that have traumatic experiences and its members suffer from fanaticism, extremism and sectarianism cannot flourish and prosper”. She indicated the examples of Japan and Germany, which were able to gain an advanced position in the world and become one of the best destinations worldwide. This cannot be attained without achieving the positive global citizenship.
To show the importance of the international, individual and society role, Dr. Mariam provided the example of the Climate Change Conference (COP20), which requires all to participate in as it discusses the world climate issues. Climate change affects all people. That is why we have to be active as change starts from individuals.
She also gave another example that is Coronavirus pandemic. She wondered how an individual can live in isolation from the world. We saw how COVID19 appeared in a small area and then it spread all over the world. She then talked about citizenship and cultural integration, stressing the importance of maintaining authentic values and morals along with national identity. She showcased the efforts of the UAE to enhance positive global citizenship and those of Mohamed Bin Zayed University for Humanities to promote tolerance and coexistence.
She concluded her speech by attaching great importance to positive citizenship in establishing responsibility. Individuals have to make good and valuable contributions in order to achieve development since development is achieved by individuals who have to perform their national duties with honesty.

The National Library and Archives participates in the 19th edition of the Liwa Date Festival with a historical photos and publications exhibition documenting the UAE interest in palm trees and environment. 

The National Library and Archives, in its pursuit to achieve its role in promoting the UAE heritage and environmental culture, participates in the 19th edition of Liwa Date Festival in Liwa, Al Dhafra, held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President of the UAE, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Presidential Court.  
The National Library and Archives participates in the festival with a historical photo exhibition, resuming the march of the Founder and Builder, the Late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and following in his footsteps to further promote and develop the agricultural sector. The exhibition documents the wise leadership's interest in palm trees as one of the key important elements of Emirati heritage.
The exhibition’s displayed historical photos documenting the Late Sheikh Zayed's interest in environment and agriculture and indicating the wise leadership’s interest in Liwa Date Festival which developed remarkably keeping abreast with the UAE witnessed development in various fields as reflected through the exhibition’s historical photos which are part of the National Library and Archives’ photo Archive’s holdings. 
In addition to the historical photos, the National Library and Archives displays its latest publications which provide documented information supporting and complementing the historical photo exhibition that reflect significant pages of Al Dhafra region’s history and heritage, and document the UAE's keen interest to establish and preserve the historical importance of palm trees, and pass this on to future generations.
The National Library and Archives historical photos and publications’ exhibition, presenting significant documented aspects of UAE history, attracted a large number of the festival’s visitors and participants.
 The National Library and Archives shall announce through its Liwa Date Festival platform the international archival event, namely: the International Council on Archives’ Congress, which will be hosted by Abu Dhabi from 9-13 October 2023, to discuss the most important current and future archival issues and challenges, as part of its pursuit to preserve world heritage and develop archives and archival business.
The National Library and Archives tackled through its platform the importance of the Arabian Gulf Digital Archive, which offers researchers and academics its online services along with authentic historical documents on the UAE and the Gulf region free of charge. It is noteworthy that the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan’s interest in agriculture was quite evident since he assumed the post of the Ruler's representative in the Al Ain.    
The National Library and Archives showcases, through its Liwa Date Festival platform, its provided services to researchers, the public, and to archival units in various UAE archival institutions including publication provision, Archives diagnostic assessment and organization, advice and diagnosis provision, and proper document disposal methods, among others.
It should be noted that the National Library and Archives publications reflect the keen interest in documenting the history and heritage of Al Dhafra region as a historical Emirati heritage area in which Emirati people take great pride. Its land carries many monuments of the UAE deep-rooted history, and is in the middle of civilizational centers, and their ancient heritage, beautiful natural reserves, and a fertile palm groves land, and a date trade center, which has currently become, under our wise leadership, a center for various major projects.

Within its 2023 cultural season 
The National Library and Archives Organized a Seminar on Zayed's Sustainable Legacy and the Next Fifty Years
The National Library and Archives organized a Seminar entitled: "Zayed's Sustainable Legacy and the Next Fifty Years" which highlighted the Founder and Builder, the Late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan’s vision reflected throughout the United Arab Emirates, and which served as a solid foundation to the UAE establishment, and witnessed development, and progress under its wise leadership who followed in Sheikh Zayed’s footsteps to resume his glorious march.
Several Researchers and Experts participated in the symposium and documented aspects of the late Sheikh Zayed's keen interest in giving, benevolence and human resources’ development, in his belief that they are the real wealth and asset of any country, and that their role is essential to establishing and building all the facilities of the state with its distinctive experience and status on the world map. 
The symposium started with a speech delivered by Dr. Husniya Al-Ali, Educational Programs Consultant at the National Library and Archives, who also moderated the symposium, in which she stated that Zayed's sustainability approach is reflected in the various economic, social, environmental and cultural fields, noting that the factors that influenced Sheikh Zayed’s sustainable approach stemmed from his upbringing in an environment with a distinctive climate, and cultural and human heritage.
 Dr. Wadima Ghanem Al Dhaheri from Mohamed bin Zayed University for Humanities discussed the witnessed developments during Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan’s reign in the vital economic, agricultural, educational and health sectors. She also highlighted Sheikh Zayed's political role, and the special interest he dedicated to women, to advancing their societal role, and to social development and his relentless efforts in environmental preservation or protection, and in promoting tolerance.
Al Dhaheri stressed that the development of any country stems mainly from its citizens or human resources’ development. Thus, the state provides its citizens with the necessary care, rights and freedom, since citizens are the supporting pillar of any state, and it is their role to defend its land, safeguard and maintain its values, and positively interact with its progress and development. She praised the UAE’s wise leadership’s keen interest in citizens and residents, and in achieving their happiness.
Dr. Ali Al-Amoudi, Sustainability Expert, tackled the miracle of transforming the desert to green land at the hands of the late Sheikh Zayed, who achieved the impossible by challenging agricultural experts’ decision on the impossibility of agricultural success in the UAE environment, whereas current statistics indicating the number of trees, gardens, parks testify to Sheikh Zayed’s strong-will and genius in agriculture, and his sustainable legacy continues to amaze the whole world.  
 Al-Amoudi pointed to the late Sheikh Zayed's keen interest in environmental sustainability, as indicated in his quote: «We pay take great interest in our environment as an integral part of our nation, its history and heritage. Our fathers and forefathers have lived on this land and preserved it simply through utilizing its elements according to their needs, to preserve it to future generations», he also addressed Sheikh Zayed's role in combating desertification, and providing water necessary for agriculture, and his keen interest in providing endangered animals a proper environment. 
The seminar’s concluding speech was delivered by Mr. Ahmed Al Kaabi from the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority, who tackled the prevailing life aspects prior to Sheikh Zayed’s reign, and discussed the various key stages of his life, pointing out that his green fingerprints which effects are witnessed in Sir Bani Yas Island bears testimony to this since it is considered one of the largest natural reserves. Zayed's sustainable legacy earned the UAE its advanced rank according to various international standards and indicators, and his great interest in the environment was evident through his strict directives prohibiting tree-cutting during performing road changes. 
It is noteworthy that the National Library and Archives documents important aspects of Zayed's sustainable legacy through the Arabian Gulf Digital Archive (AGDA) which provides a huge number of authentic historical documents and photos in their original copies, to be employed free of charge by researchers on the history of the UAE and the Gulf region.
 

The National Library and Archives conducted three educational and training workshops for summer camp students in Sharjah
The National Library and Archives conducted three different educational and training workshops for the summer camp students at Fatima Al Zahra School in Sharjah, as part of its contribution to enriching their knowledge of the UAE glorious history, to instilling in students national identity along with the values of loyalty and belonging to the nation and its wise leadership.
The first workshop, presented by Aisha Al Zaabi, Head of the Educational Programs Section at the National Library and Archives, tackled the march game created by the National Library and Archives, in which the third cycle school-students participated by answering questions on the march game derived from the National Library and Archives’ publications documenting the history and heritage of the UAE, and various aspects of the biography of the founder and builder, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, his values, sound citizenship principles, Emirati etiquette, tradition, education and heritage, and national culture in general.
The tenth-grade student, Amna Galal, commented on the fun experienced during the march game competition saying: " participating students acquired abundant and important national information which is instilled in their memory through the fun-filled game."
The supervisor, Mrs. Reham Al-Ghubari, said that the information contained in the game indicates the importance of the National Library and Archives’ mission and publications concerned with documenting the UAE ancient heritage and glorious history, and praised its great role in preserving the memory of the nation for future generations.
The second workshop tackled stories narrated by the National Library and Archives’ created cartoon characters, namely: "Hamad, Hessa and the Grandfather". The second cycle participating students wrote interesting stories about bullying, cooperation, and teamwork which they represented through the three above mentioned cartoon-characters.  
The participating students praised the workshop idea and expressed their admiration of it. Thus, the sixth-grade student Hoor Mohammed said: "During this workshop, we express ourselves freely through our writing which resulted from our discussion and cooperation. and representing the stories through the cartoon characters enhanced our understanding of their topics.
On this workshop, Mrs. Doaa Farghali, the female students’ summer camp supervisor said: The workshop opens new horizons for participating students’ thinking and writing, through fun-filled educational methods which combined play, acting and learning, and this encouraged students to interact with Ms. Aisha Al-Zaabi, who presented the workshop.
The National Library and Archives provided a reading workshop entitled: "Khalifa... A Journey to the Future" for the first cycle students which was based on conducting a dialogue with participating students to provide them with national ideas and information in an easy way commensurate with their age group.
The National Library and Archives continues its summer camp activities, where experts and specialists present various national events and programs in most of the UAE emirates and regions.

The National Library and Archives participates with its publications and  photo exhibition at the Family Life Quality Enhancing  Forum 

The National Library and Archives participated in the Family Life Quality Enhancing Forum - organized by the Family Development Foundation - with a historical photo exhibition documenting aspects of UAE history in the 1960s. It also exhibited several of its publications documenting the UAE past, recording the present and perceiving the future. The exhibition and its publications reflected the UAE's keen interest in sustaining development that enhances the quality of family life.
This participation came as part of the National Library and Archives’ societal and social responsibility, since its objectives in this event matched the forum’s  objectives of enhancing community members and families’ life- quality, well-being and prosperity, and motivating them to adopt a positive social life to enrich and enhance their life quality. 
The exhibition’s historical photos reflected the UAE renaissance, prosperity and progress achieved under the historical leadership of the Founding Father and Builder, the Late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and the wise leadership of his successors who followed in his footsteps to continue his march, and achieve his vision and aspirations. 
The exhibition presented historical aspects of the UAE, which enriched and enhanced future generations’ culture through educating them about their fathers and forefathers’ past and deep-rooted heritage, and the relentless efforts of the Emirati leadership through the development march to support and develop its human resources.
The exhibition was very well-received as it attracted the forum participants and guests’ great interest and introduced them to the National Library and Archives’ role in collecting and preserving the history and heritage of the nation for future generations and facilitating to researchers and all interested parties access to them. The exhibition’s historical photos reflected part of the historical Photos of the Presidential Archive section which document the UAE history in photos and documentaries, in addition to the National Library and Archives publications which provide documented information on the UAE witnessed development and progress which earned it the advanced and distinguished status it internationally enjoys.

The National Library and Archives Launched its Summer educational Programs and Events for Students at a Press Conference
Held under the slogan "Our Summer... and the sustainable national culture" where it launched the second edition of "Watani Al Emarat" educational booklet

The National Library and Archives launched its 2023 educational summer programs and events for students, held under the slogan "Our Summer... and the sustainable national culture" in cooperation with its strategic partners: the Emirates Schools Establishment and the Municipal Presence Center.
 These national programs and events target students, parents, teachers, administrators and volunteers. It includes virtual summer camps for (writers 71), which contribute to students’ producing future writers with refined literary writing talents.
The National Library and Archives’ held press conference was opened by its Director General, His Excellency Abdulla Majed Al Ali, who welcomed the strategic partners and media officials and representatives. HE stressed that the National Library and Archives carries out its mission and responsibility of future generations civic education, national upbringing, and promoting the values of loyalty and belonging to the homeland and its wise leadership, and spares no effort to enrich the youth’s knowledge about the UAE glorious history and heritage.
His Excellency launched and announced the summer educational programs and events for students and expressed the National Library and Archives’ keen interest to promote them over a period of four weeks, starting July 16th, in more than twenty centers in the UAE, and in major shopping malls in line with the National Library and Archives’ national role and constant students outreach. 
His Excellency concluded his speech by thanking the strategic partners and working team in charge of these distinguished National Library and Archives’ activities, wishing them to be highly successful and achieve their desired objectives.
His Excellency Mohammed Al Hashemi, Executive Director of the Student Life Quality Sector at the Emirates Schools Establishment, delivered a  speech in which  he thanked the National Library and Archives for its fruitful cooperation, efforts and contributions to the educational sector’s progress and development and for supporting students educational programs, noting that this summer camp activities ‘cooperation aims at attracting ten thousand participating public school students from various UAE emirates. 
His Excellency said that these events and activities organized in cooperation with the National Library and Archives, are designed according to the highest standards to meet all students- including students of determination- requirements and needs. These camps are part of the student life quality programs, and their objective is to sustain the national culture, and benefit students during their summer vacation free time. 
Mr. Mohammed Al Hosani, Director of the Municipal Presence Center in Mohammed Bin Zayed City, delivered a speech stressing  that these events aim at educating students and  their families, and developing future plans to match the pace of the next stage. He pointed that they constitute a great asset and added value to the residential areas in which they will be organized, namely: Khalifa City, Mohammed Bin Zayed City, and Bani Yas. The public  communication and outreach shall continue, as these events were developed based on a population field survey.
Al Hosani concluded his speech by praising the National Library and Archives’ keen interest in students’ civic education and national upbringing reflected through enhancing their knowledge about UAE history and heritage.
The National Library and Archives launched the second edition of the educational "Watani Al Emarat" booklet in both Arabic and English languages. It was presented by Dr. Husniya Al-Ali, Educational Programs Consultant, who stated that this edition was issued following teachers and educational professionals’ commending its first edition, and the booklet’s provided documented interesting and valuable information on the UAE presented to students to enhance their knowledge in a joyful and beneficial way.
She also stated that the second edition’s scientific material was based on analysis and evaluation of the first and second cycles’ national curricula, it thus came rich in exercises, activities, trainings and videos based on the National Library and Archives’ holdings, Arabian Gulf Digital Archive, and Emirates Library.
At the end of the conference, His Excellency Abdulla Majed Al Ali, NLA Director General, along with His Excellency Mohammed Al Hashemi, Executive Director of the Student Quality Sector at the Emirates Schools Establishment, and Mr. Mohammed Al Hosani, Director of the Municipal Presence Center in Mohammed Bin Zayed City, launched the new edition of the educational "Watani Al Emarat " booklet in the presence of the National Library and Archives inspirational cartoon characters: Hamad, Hessa, and their grandfather.

The National Library and Archives celebrated the launch of its "Al-Maqtaa" quarterly cultural magazine concerned with cultural and societal aspects of history and heritage 
 
The National Library and Archives launched the first issue of its "Al Maqtaa" quarterly cultural magazine concurrently with the Year of Sustain-ability. The magazine is concerned with the cultural and social aspects of heritage and history. Through this magazine, the National Library and Ar-chives aims to enrich the cultural scene and raise historical and cultural awareness of the history of the UAE and the region.
At the magazine’s first issue’s launching ceremony, which took place at the National Library and Archives’ headquarters in the (Summer of 2023), His Excellency Abdullah Majid Al Ali, Director General, confirmed  that Al-Maqta magazine constitutes a new addition to the National Library and Ar-chives publications that enhance its rich UAE cultural sustainability record, and reflect the UAE wise leadership’s support of various cultural affairs and activities which enhance and promote cultural and intellectual participa-tion.
H.E. expressed his optimism upon the issuance of Al-Maqta magazine in line with the National Library and Archives’ legacy and its keen interest in collecting and preserving the memory of the nation, H.E. stressed  the NLA’s great role in and contribution to the creation of the UAE history and heritage’s intellectual and cultural content in accordance with the prevailing cultural trends, and expressed great confidence that the magazine will earn its deserved place on the shelves of prominent Emirati and Arab libraries, and that it will attract the special attention of the culture and knowledge in-terested and passionate public.
His Excellency added: "Al Maqta magazine, with its designed Emirati identi-ty, has a goal and a mission that are closely related and associated to the National Library and Archives’ objectives and mission supporting its providing the cultural circles with studies, research and reports that meet the readers' expectations and serve their needs, especially that it enhances the National Library and Archives’ status as a prominent cultural organiza-tion that has long served to enhance the  United Arab Emirates’ status as a cultural beacon. H.E. pointed out that Al Maqta magazine’s title: “the gate-way to the heart of Abu Dhabi starts here” reflects its identity and raises the world’s awareness about Abu Dhabi’s quantum leap and unparalleled jour-ney, march and leading experience in development, progress and prosperity.
His Excellency called on the public, media, academic and intellectual profes-sionals to enrich the magazine with their creative ideas and contributions.
Mrs. Nada Al Zarooni, Managing Editor, highlighted the Al-Maqtaa maga-zine as tackling historical and heritage affairs of cultural and social nature, and as part of the National Library and Archives treasures and achieve-ments.
She then discussed the magazine’s vision as mainly concerned with raising readers’ historical and cultural awareness and enriching the cultural scene in line with the National Library and Archives’ mission and in reflection of its interests, efforts, and objectives. She also provided an overview of the mag-azine's various sections. 
The magazine’s first edition started with H.E. Abdullah Majed Al Ali, Edi-tor-in-Chief’s inaugural keynote: "Al Maqta: The UAE’s Journey", where H.E. stressed that Al-Maqta magazine is one of the cultural initiatives that benefited from the prosperous and rich cultural environment, its pages in-troduce various topics that include documenting the UAE Leaders, Sheikhs and senior prominent figures’ achievements and inspirational stages, and documenting societal history based on the National Library and Archives’ collected documents and other holdings.
The magazine began its topics with the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Na-hyan as the key personality of its first issue.
It also tackled various topics including: sustainability, the UAE slogan for 2023, a story in a picture, an introduction to the National Library and Ar-chives, from their memory, the history of things, and unforgettable names, among others.
The first issue of the magazine, among its rich articles and reports also tack-led Mohammed bin Rashid Library as an environment-friendly knowledge beacon and introduced a variety of topics on tradition as opposed to mo-dernity in Abu Dhabi, content creators, on a trip through the Liwa sand dunes and fig-tree oases. It also tackled arts through the biography of the multi-award-winning Emirati painter Abdul Qader Al Rais, and introduced numerous key publications, and an article on "Horses". The managing edi-tor’s article entitled: "Al Maqta: the story beginning".
 

The National Library and Archives Honors Winners of the 13th edition of the Young Historian Award which witnessed a 20% turnout increase 

The National Library and Archives honored the winning Young Historian Award students in its thirteenth edition, organized under the slogan “2023 the Year of Sustainability in the UAE "Today for Tomorrow".
His Excellency the Director General, Abdulla Majed Al Ali, opened the hon-oring ceremony at the National Library and Archives’ HQ, with a speech in which he stressed that, over the past years, the award has successfully pro-moted scientific research among students, motivated them to take interest in the history and heritage of the United Arab Emirates, and urged them to de-velop their research, criticism and analytic skills, pointing out that the Na-tional Library and Archives sponsored the Young Historian editions in col-laboration with the Emirates Education Foundation, as they always offer new ideas that match our wise leadership’s national values, objectives and concepts.
His Excellency also stressed that "Sustainability in the UAE" has enriched this edition of the Young Historian Award which attracted fifth to eighth grade students.
His Excellency urged students to participate in this award, which promotes the   values of loyalty and belonging to the nation and its wise leadership, and congratulated the winners and participants wishing them further pro-gress and success. 
Dr. Aisha Bilkhair, Research Advisor at the  National Library and Archives, Vice Chairman of the  Organizing Committee, delivered a speech  in  which she said: "The Young Historian Award aims  at strengthening the values of loyalty and belonging to the nation and its leadership, instilling national identity in students, raising their historical awareness, enhancing their re-search, criticism and analytic skills, encouraging them to preserve the UAE history and heritage, and instilling the values of tolerance and civilizational dialogue as key pillars following the footsteps of the founding builder, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan through the next 50 years.
She pointed out that the National Library and Archives award organizing committee added in the 13th edition themes that reveal new areas in the submitted written works on the history and heritage of the UAE, which en-hance students’ historical research skills, and enrich libraries and cultural circles. 
She appreciated the efforts of the participants in the current Young Histori-an Award and congratulated its winning students and supervisors.
It is noteworthy that the Young Historian Award achieved in its thirteenth edition, a 20 percent increase in its participating students and schools’ turnout.
Zainab School for Basic and Secondary Education in Ras Al Khaimah won the first award in Economic History category for its research (UAE and Sus-tainability), while Al Maaref Secondary School for Boys in Dubai won the second for its research (Currency and Sustainability). 
In social history category, the Emirates National Schools for Boys in Ras Al Khaimah won the first award for its research (National Identity Project: This is what Zayed loved), while the following research papers won the sec-ond award: (Archaeological Areas in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi), (Emirati Humanity is the Heart of the World), and (the Mother of the Nation’s Last-ing prints). In the third place came: (Delma through Zayed’s eyes), (the UAE Centennial the next 50 years and the perception of 2071), and (Choose your path. Your future is in your hands).
In the social history category, the research (Qasr Al Hosn.. a witness to the nation’s establishment), and for the Emirati studies category, the following research won second place: (National Library and Archives.. Memory of the Nation), and (UAE sands bear witness to its initiatives in disasters and cri-ses), and (salt and spikes.. the battle of no impossible).
In the oral history category, the research: (The seas are a world full of se-crets) won the second place.
As for the three winning reports, that came in third place, they are: (Emirati Women), (Volunteer Knights), and (Abu Dhabi, The Role-Model City).

The National Library and Archives Visited Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination and Presented them with the “March” Game 
In line with its keenness to promote sound civic education and carry out its social responsibility, a National Library and Archives’ delegation visited Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination, to carry out its significant role in promoting social responsibility, and sound civic education among citizens of determination, with the aim of providing knowledge support and suffering relief.  
The National Library and Archives’ team met various people of determination during their tour, at the end of which, the team members were briefed on the most prominent crafts and professions in which the people of determination are trained. The delegation members also praised the great provided interest and care which they witnessed them receive and which indicate the extent of society members’ solidarity, which reflects the UAE's strategy at the societal and humanitarian levels. 
The National Library and Archives’ representatives invited Zayed Higher Organization to participate in its organized events and activities according to the available talents and capabilities stressing that people of determination are an integral and active part of the UAE society. 
The National Library and Archives’ team distributed the march game to those who could play this innovative civic education game, inspired by the founding Father and Leader, the Late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan’s biography and march, with the aim of raising their awareness and enhancing their knowledge of the UAE history and heritage. The march game is designed to suit all age- groups and it reveals some hidden or undiscovered talents of the over-ten age groups.
It is noteworthy that the National Library and Archives takes a keen interest in the people of determination, as it has previously issued books in Braille for blind or visually impaired people, audiobooks for people with hearing disabilities, and its doors are always open to welcome the people of determination to participate in its various organized events and activities.