National Library and Archives (UAE)

Last updated
National Library and Archives
الأرشيف والمكتبة الوطنية
AbbreviationNLA
Formation1968 (1968)
Type Government agency
PurposeNational Library and Archive
Headquarters Abu Dhabi
Region served
UAE
President
Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan
Director-General
Abdulla Majid Al Ali
Parent organization
Ministry of Presidential Affairs (UAE)
Affiliations UNESCO
ICA
IFLA
GCC
AFLI
Website www.na.ae

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]

Contents

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]

Halls Of The NLA

The NLA has a number of halls; each is equipped and dedicated for a different purpose. The main halls include: [4]

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 9 to 13. 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. [5]

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. [5]

Affiliations

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

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan</span> Sheikh of Abu Dhabi from 1966 to 2004

Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan was an Emirati royal, politician, philanthropist and the founding founder of the United Arab Emirates. Zayed served as the governor of Eastern Region from 1946 until he succeeded Sheikh Shakhbut as the ruler of Abu Dhabi in 1966, and then as the first president of the United Arab Emirates while he retained his position as Abu Dhabi's ruler from 1971 until his death in 2004. He is revered in the United Arab Emirates as the Waalid al-Ummah, credited for being the principal driving force behind uniting the seven Trucial States to found the Union of the United Arab Emirates.

Sheikh Sultan bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan was an Emirati politician and member of the Al Nahyan family who previously served as the 3rd Deputy Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan</span> President of the United Arab Emirates from 2004 to 2022

Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan was the second president of the United Arab Emirates and the ruler of Abu Dhabi, serving from November 2004 until his death in May 2022.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Abu Dhabi Investment Authority</span> Sovereign wealth fund

The Abu Dhabi Investment Authority is a sovereign wealth fund owned by the Emirate of Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates, founded to invest funds on behalf of the Government of Abu Dhabi. It manages the emirate's excess oil reserves and is estimated to manage $968 billion. ADIA is one of the largest sovereign wealth funds in the world.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">United Arab Emirates University</span> Public research university in Al Ain, United Arab Emirates

United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) (Arabic: جامعة الإمارات العربية المتحدة) is a public research university located in Al Ain, United Arab Emirates. Founded in 1976 by the country's first President, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, it is the oldest university in the United Arab Emirates and offers courses in various subjects up to post-graduation.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Zayed bin Khalifa Al Nahyan</span> Sheikh of Abu Dhabi from 1855 to 1909

Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, also known as Zayed the Great or Zayed the First was the Sheikh of Abu Dhabi from 1855 to his death in 1909. He was the grandfather and namesake of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan, founder of the United Arab Emirates.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan</span> President of the United Arab Emirates

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, popularly known by his initials as MBZ or MbZ, is an Emirati royal and politician who currently serves as the third president of the United Arab Emirates and the ruler of Abu Dhabi.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan</span> Vice President of the United Arab Emirates

Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, often referred to as Sheikh Mansour, is an Emirati royal and politician who is the current vice president and deputy prime minister of the United Arab Emirates, as well as the minister of presidential court and member of the ruling family of Abu Dhabi. He is the brother of the current president of the UAE, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and is married to Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed Al Maktoum, daughter of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the ruler of Dubai. A billionaire, through City Football Group he holds stakes in a variety of football clubs, including current Premier League winners Manchester City F.C.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan</span> United Arab Emirates minister of foreign affairs

Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, AbZ is the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates. He is a son of the founder of the United Arab Emirates, Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. In 2020, he was a signatory of the Abraham Accords on behalf of the UAE.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan</span> Emirati politician and businessman

Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan is an Emirati royal and politician, who currently serves as the minister of tolerance of the United Arab Emirates. Al Nahyan previously served as the minister of culture and the minister of higher education.

Saeed bin Zayed Al Nahyan was an Emirati politician, Abu Dhabi's ruler's representative, and member of Al Nahyan family of Abu Dhabi. He held the position of chairman of the Maritime Port Authority. He was a member of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Abu Dhabi Executive Council</span>

The Abu Dhabi Executive Council (ADEC) is the local executive authority of the Government of Abu Dhabi for the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. It assists the ruler of Abu Dhabi in enforcing local and federal decrees and leading the Abu Dhabi government.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hamdan bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan</span> Emirati royal and politician

Hamdan bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan is an Emirati royal and politician. He is the ruler's representative in Al Dhafrah region of Abu Dhabi. Sheikh Hamdan is a son of the late Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates and Emir of Abu Dhabi. Hamdan is the younger brother of both former UAE president Khalifa bin Zayed and the current president, Mohamed bin Zayed.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan</span> Emirati politician (1965

Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan was the younger brother of the President of the United Arab Emirates Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, former National Security Advisor of the UAE and Deputy Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Council.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">France–United Arab Emirates relations</span> Bilateral relations

France–United Arab Emirates relations are the foreign relations between France and the United Arab Emirates.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Indonesia–United Arab Emirates relations</span> Bilateral relations

Indonesia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) established diplomatic relations in 1976. The diplomatic relations are important because both share the solidarity as Muslim majority countries. Indonesia has an embassy in Abu Dhabi, while the United Arab Emirates has an embassy in Jakarta. Both countries are members of the World Trade Organization (WTO), The Non-Aligned Movement and Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

Tahnoun bin Zayed Al Nahyan is the son of Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founder of the United Arab Emirates. Since 2016 he has served as the National Security Advisor of UAE. At the same time he manages a business portfolio, which supports national security interests and the UAE's opaque corporate sector. He chairs G42. The 2021 Pandora Papers revealed how he and his wife use shell companies to conceal their wealth.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Government of Abu Dhabi</span> Government of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi

The Government of Abu Dhabi is the subnational authority that governs the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, one of the seven constituent monarchies which make up the United Arab Emirates. The executive authority and head of the government is the ruler of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The ruler of Abu Dhabi appoints the Abu Dhabi Executive Council (ADEC), which is tasked with overseeing and managing the Abu Dhabi governmental departments and agencies.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 "National Library and Archives". National Library and Archives.
  2. 1 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. 1 2 "National Library and Archives". Visit Abu Dhabi.
  5. 1 2 "National Library and Archives finalises preparations for International Council on Archives Congress 2023 in Abu Dhabi". Zawya. 21 March 2023.
  6. ↑ "Memberships/Partnerships/Agreements". National Library and Archives.
  7. ↑ "International Council on Archives Congress to take place in Middle East for first time in Abu Dhabi". Abu Dhabi Media Office. 2 August 2023.
  8. ↑ "IFLA Members including Institution and Association Affiliates" (PDF). International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions.
  9. ↑ "Affiliated Organizations". Middle East Studies Association (MESA).
  10. ↑ "Regional and International Organizations". Oral History Association.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.