About National Library and Archives

The National Library and Archives of the UAE, originally established in 1968 upon directives from the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan under the name the Documents and Research Bureau, is one of the oldest and most distinguished cultural institutions in the United Arab Emirates. Over decades of growth and development, the institution has evolved from its origins in documentation and archiving into a comprehensive national library and archives authority, serving as the largest documentation center in the Arabian Gulf region and a pioneer of its kind in the Middle East. The National Library and Archives is committed to preserving the UAE's rich cultural and historical heritage, advancing knowledge, and providing scholars, researchers, and the public with access to a vast and growing collection of eBooks, manuscripts, archival records, publications, and digital resources. In addition to its essential role in documentation, preservation, and archiving, the National Library and Archives continues to enrich intellectual life across the UAE through a diverse range of publications, programs, and initiatives that explore authentic cultural and contemporary issues in history and heritage.