The UAE’s National Library and Archives, in collaboration with the Emirates Literature Foundation, has launched a new program called the Knowledge Circle, which will focus on the importance of documenting Arab history and culture.

The series will be held monthly from Sept. 20 to March 2024, and will feature speakers from the UAE and around the world.

“The National Library and Archives are committed to the preservation of archival content and ensuring that it is available and accessible to the public, and raising awareness of the importance of maintaining a record of documents for their role in safeguarding the nation’s memory,” said Abdullah Majid Al-Ali, the NLA’s director-general, in a recent statement.

The series will focus on how archives have been used to preserve history, document culture, and promote understanding in the Arab world.

Speakers will explore the ways in which archives have been used to shape the region, from the early Islamic period to the present day.

The Knowledge Circle is part of the NLA’s second cultural season, which aims to raise awareness of the importance of information and its role in building a better future.

Isobel Abulhoul, founder, advisor and trustee of the Emirates Literature Foundation, said that the Knowledge Circle is “an important initiative that reflects our commitment to providing opportunities for individuals to deepen their understanding of cultural development.”

She added that the first session promises to be “a thought-provoking experience that will shed light on the profound impact of archival systems on our society.”