As part of its social responsibility and to provide trusted information and services to researchers,
The National Library and Archives successfully concluding the digital Ramadan Barzas program

The National Library and Archives organized three digital Ramadan Barzas “Majlis” of specialized cultural discussions. An elite of specialists and strategic partners participated in these Barzas, which shed the light on the role of Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan in supporting humanitarian work and how the UAE followed his approach till it has been ranked the first globally in terms of this index. The Barzas also showed interest in academic research, the role of the NLA in this field and the national knowledge it provides to students to enhance their belonging to the homeland and their loyalty to its prudent leadership.
These virtual Ramadan Barzas organized by the NLA confirm its societal role and aim to open the door to communicate with the society members and discuss some national and intellectual issues. They also highlight the NLA’s role, mission, services and the stages it went through during its history, which spans more than half century as well as its future aspirations for the next fifty years. It is worth noting that the Barzas attracted a large turnout.
The second Ramadan Barza, entitled “Human Giving Strengthens Cultural Values” and chaired by Mr. Mohammed Ismail Abdulla, Educational Programs Specialist, coincided with Zayed Humanitarian Day to stress that the founding father Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan placed special interest in the humanitarian work, which is part of his personality as he is inclined to philanthropy and giving. He adopted the humanitarian work as a national approach and strategic vision for the UAE.
In this Barza, Mr. Hamad Sarhan Al Sawafi talked about the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan who established humanitarian work in the UAE. The humanitarian aids received between 1971 and 2004 reached more than 90.5 billion dirhams in the fields of health, education, housing and relief for areas affected by disasters. This role contributed to the enhancement of the UAE’s global position.
On the other hand, Mr. Humaid Rashid Al Shamis, International Aids Advisor at the ERC, said: “Sheikh Zayed planted the seeds of tolerance and giving in our society. That is why our beloved country incubates more than 200 nationalities. We, at the ERC, work for the humanity, and we often get to know for the first time about projects conducted by Sheikh Zayed worldwide.”.
H.E. Dr. Asma Bint Mana Al Otaiba, Honorary Head of the “Thank You for Your Giving” team, delivered a speech during the Barza, stating: “Sheikh Zayed has instilled values in us, we in turn instill in our children. Sheikh Zayed’s leadership made us proud of this generous and benevolent homeland.”. Her Excellency tackled the importance of voluntary work in raising high the name of the UAE.
The first Barza, chaired by Mrs. Hind Al Zaabi, Educational Programs Specialist at the NLA, was as close as to a discussion session in which the NLA’s strategic partners participated and benefited from its services, especially the educational programs. Other participants were Adnoc Schools, Emirates National Schools, Mohammed Bin Khalid Al Nahyan Future Generation Society, New World Companies Group and Abu Dhabi Autism Center. Participants collectively agreed on the importance of what the NLA provides at the level of spreading national culture, enhancing belonging to homeland and loyalty to its wise leadership, fostering national identity and instilling good citizenship among generations.
The last digital Ramadan Barza, chaired by Mr. Mohammed Ismail Abdulla, was about “Academic Research Services between Reality and Aspirations”. Dr. Mohammed Abdulla Mohammed Al Mansouri and Engineer Khalid Al Amira spoke in this Barza, and they emphasized the importance of the NLA’s publications, documentary treasures and library in serving researchers with their papers pertaining to the history of the UAE. They stressed that the NLA is an essential source of many references and resources, which enrich their research papers, in addition to historical records and documents, which helped them in providing reliable historical information.
Both researchers highly appreciated AGDA as they considered it as a treasure of knowledge that enrich the researchers’ papers related to the history of the UAE and Gulf region.
It is worth mentioning that the three Ramadan Barzas introduced the public to the NLA and its vision, mission and services that are provided to researchers and the public, in general. They also presented AGDA and its importance to students and researchers and how to benefit from it. The public were invited during the Barzas to attend the ICA Congress, which is a major archival event to be hosted in Abu Dhabi on October 9-13, 2023.