The late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al-Nahyan directed the establishment of the National Library and Archives in 1968. Initially named the Documents and Research Bureau, it operated under Al Diwan Al Amiri (Ruler’s Court). Its mission was to gather documents and information on the history and culture of the Arabian Peninsula, particularly the UAE, from primary sources in Arab and foreign countries. The bureau also documented and translated these records. In 1972, it became the Center for Documentation & Research (CDR). Since its founding, multiple government bodies have managed the National Library and Archives.
- Al Diwan Al Amiri of Abu Dhabi (1968-1971)
- Ministry of Presidential Affairs in Abu Dhabi (1971 to 1975).
- The UAE President’s Diwan in Abu Dhabi (1975-1978).
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs (1978-1983).
- Digitization of all archival materials for preserving, maintaining and making them accessible through the Internet.
- Cultural Foundation (1983-1999).
- The UAE President’s Diwan in Abu Dhabi (2000-2004).
- Ministry of Presidential Affairs (2004 to date).
Federal Law No. (7) for 2008 was issued to establish the National Center for Documentation & Research (NCDR) and then Federal Law No. (1) for 2014 was issued to change the name of “National Center for Documentation & Research (NCDR)” to “National Library and Archives”.
The National Library And Archives: The Oldest And Richest Archive Relating To The Arabian Gulf Region
In just fifty years, the National Library and Archives has pioneered digital archiving in the Middle East, becoming the region’s first and the world’s sixth institution to adopt cutting-edge technology for its mission. As one of the UAE’s oldest cultural institutions and the Gulf’s largest documentation center, it not only preserves history but also fuels intellectual discourse through publications on heritage, culture, and contemporary issues.
The National Library and Archives actively gathers, preserves, and studies rare historical materials on the UAE and the wider Arabian Gulf region. It meticulously documents, catalogs, and translates these collections, using them as the foundation for specialized historical research publications. Beyond research, the institution drives global dialogue by hosting conferences, symposiums, and exhibitions—both within the region and internationally—showcasing the rich heritage of the Gulf.
Our Vision
Connecting, inspiring, enriching knowledge societies.
Our Mission
Be the custodian of our nation’s documentary heritage through the collection,preservation, and access to enable knowledge societies.
Our Values
Trust, Collaboration, Openness, Learning, Innovation, Accessibility,Proactiveness.
Strategic objectives
- Become an esteemed reference entity for collections of national significance through building, safeguarding, and disseminating
intellectual material - Establish a sustainable global knowledge beacon
- To enhance awareness of documentary heritage through an inclusive program portfolio
- Reinforce NLA’s standing in the library and archives realm through strategic partnerships
- To deliver an exceptional experience for users through seamless integration across digital platforms
- To develop an integrated and distinguished administrative and financial system
- To develop an integrated and distinguished administrative and
financial system
Our Duties
The National Library and Archives collects, manages and preserves documents according to scientific archival techniques for the public interest, contributes to the dissemination of cultural and historical awareness and makes its acquisitions accessible to researchers.
The Duties Of The National Library And Archives Are:
- Collecting documents and material relating to the history and culture of the UAE, G.C.C states, from primary sources in Arab and foreign countries.
- Documenting recent developments in the United Arab Emirates and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.
- Preserving administrative documents collected from various ministries, government bodies and major companies within the UAE and seeking the endorsement of necessary legislations for the preservation and proper usage of such documents.
- Digitization of all archival materials for preserving, maintaining and making them accessible through the Internet.
- Digitization of all archival materials for preserving, maintaining and making them accessible through the Internet.
- Preparing various specialized historical and cultural research and studies relating to the Gulf region and eventual publishing of the output at local and international venues.
- Organizing conferences, symposiums and workshops in order to promote research and enrich the cultural life in the UAE, and endorsing academic interaction with other G.C.C and Arab countries.
- Participating interactively in international conferences, Seminars, symposiums, and forums in order to uphold the UAE’s leadership in disseminating culture and information worldwide.
- Fostering of scientific research among younger generations, encouraging them to seek higher academic degrees and enhancing their capacity for a more effective role in the National Library and Archives various activities.
- Providing various ministries, government bodies, research centers and scholars with documents and information relevant to their respective fields of study.
- Improving the National Library and Archives performance and activities internationally and promoting its prestigious position as a distinctive and outstanding academic and cultural edifice.
Official Website: https://nla.ae