Latest news with #NationalLibraryandArchives
Iraqi News
4 days ago
- Science
- Iraqi News
Iraq participates in Arab-Chinese Digital Library conference
Beijing ( – Iraq recently participated in a scientific conference in Beijing organized by the Arab-Chinese Digital Library in cooperation with the League of Arab States. The Iraqi Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Antiquities was represented by Bariq Raad Alawi, Director-General of the National Library and Archives. The conference focused on developing digital libraries and fostering expertise exchange between Arab and Chinese cultural institutions. In his address, Alawi emphasized Iraq's commitment to building global cultural relations and the importance of digital exchange. He announced that Iraq's National Library and Archives is preparing to launch the Iraqi Digital Library project. This initiative aims to make the nation's rich cultural heritage globally accessible using advanced digital technologies and international partnerships. The Arab-Chinese Digital Library management welcomed Iraq's active role and offered support for future collaborative projects. This participation underscores Iraq's strategic efforts to preserve and promote its cultural legacy in the digital age, enhancing its international cultural presence.
Al Etihad
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Al Etihad
Top Emirati authors, global thought leaders converge at ADIBF 2025
1 May 2025 01:20 SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)Bringing their latest titles that shed light on the some of the most relevant themes today, prominent Emirati authors and global thought leaders have gathered at this year's Abu Dhabi International Book Fair (ADIBF). From new age guru Dr. Deepak Chopra to diplomat Dr. Ahmed Al Matrooshi and poet Fatima Al Mazrouei, the book fair hosts some of the brightest minds in various fields. Speaking to Aletihad, renowned Indian-American author Chopra lauded the ADIBF as an 'incredible gathering of minds and cultures.''I hope others come to experience the energy, insight, and inspiration the fair offers,' he the fair, Chopra spoke about his 96th book, 'Digital Dharma: How AI Can Elevate Spiritual Intelligence and Personal Well-Being.'In a keynote address during one of the sessions, he explored how large language models — drawing from science, philosophy, and spirituality — can deepen people's understanding of consciousness and identity. 'AI can help us perceive the universe more clearly and point us toward the fundamental truth of who we are,' he parallel with international voices, Aletihad spoke to Emirati authors who contributed significant literary works to the event's showcase. Dr. Ahmed Al Matrooshi highlighted the release of his latest publication addressing the civilisational and humanitarian dimension of the UAE's foreign policy."This book contains a wealth of evidence and proof confirming that the role of the UAE in the world is a humanitarian and civilisational one. It provides a great deal of humanitarian aid to the peoples of the world, especially to poor countries. It also works in a humanitarian capacity in these countries, for example, by establishing hospitals, providing medicines and doctors, and also providing and building shelters and hospitals in many of these countries,' he said. This role, he added, is deeply rooted in the nation's identity: "When you look for those who are there to help and stand with these countries, you'll find that the UAE is in the front row."This is the fourth time that Dr. Al Matrooshi is participating in the fair, where he had showcased many of his publications mainly on the UAE's foreign policy.'Having served as both a diplomat and ambassador in several countries, this body of work is a natural extension of my professional experience representing the UAE abroad,' he said. Emirati writer and poet Fatima Al Mazrouei, who heads the Historical Archives Department at the National Library and Archives, talked about her latest young adult novel that explores the dangers of artificial intelligence and its impact on human values and emotions. 'The novel talks about a seemingly ordinary game, but they enter a different and frightening world that forces them to do things that go against their principles,' Al Mazrouei book, she added, is intended to raise awareness among the youth and their parents about the negative effects of technology on mental and social well-being. 'The topic of artificial intelligence is beautiful on the surface, but it is frightening at its core,' she said. The Youngest UAE Writer at the Fair Mohammed Khaled Al Hammadi, a Grade 7 student, is inspiring young readers with his comic series "The Adventures of Speed."Al Hammadi — the youngest Emirati writer at ADIBF 2025 —proudly launched the second volume of his series this year.'It's a comedy-adventure for kids with an educational message — self-confidence is the real superpower,' he said. In the new volume, Al Hammadi introduces a fire-powered character Shlamz, a name inspired by Japanese anime. 'I love manga like Naruto and Dragon Ball. They pushed me to create my own stories,' he his book on the shelves and connecting with readers has been a proud moment for Al Hammadi. 'It makes me happy to see people smile when they get my book.' In a message to other children, the student-author said: 'Believe in yourself, and read what you love. That's where the best ideas come from.'
Al Etihad
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Al Etihad
National memory, Emirati identity and legal awareness in focus at Abu Dhabi International Book Fair
29 Apr 2025 01:13 SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)As a prominent platform for national institutions, the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair (ADIBF) presents innovative initiatives designed to advance cultural and intellectual awareness, in alignment with the "Year of Community."The National Library and Archives is contributing by displaying key historical documents and publications that preserve the nation's memory for future can explore significant historical events and aspects of the UAE's heritage, with notable works like the research from the fourth edition of the International Translation Conference and books that delve into the history of Dalma stand also offers interactive workshops, including henna tattoos, camel ornaments, and Sadu crafts, through the X71 Jewelry and Ornament interactive community AI innovations like nlaGPT are helping enhance employee productivity and support researchers, while the Transcription and Translation Project aids in converting audio and video into searchable line with the Year of Community, the Archives will launch an app that integrates 13 applications, including the Sheikh Zayed Audio Al Watan's pavilion at this year's ADIBF highlights the Arabic language as a vital part of national identity, a core aspect of its mission is to foster pride in Emirati celebration of the Year of Community, the pavilion hosts various cultural, educational, and youth-oriented activities, such as workshops, calligraphy sessions, and discussions on heritage and national identity.A session on youth and national identity, featured youth council leaders from across the UAE, and inspired discussions on how identity can drive the nation's pavilion also celebrated the graduation of 450 students from the "Imagination and Creativity Cup", under the patronage of Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Sandooq Al Watan, with over 1,500 students participating in collaboration with pavilion of the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department presents an all-encompassing approach of having interactive sections, including a special corner dedicated to the latest legal publications. Visitors can explore the latest legislative developments and access valuable resources for researchers and legal a means to bolstering family and community stability, the pavilion features direct family and psychological pavilion also highlights the efforts in protecting children's rights, especially in family disputes, through awareness initiatives.A special community initiative features artworks and products created by inmates of correctional and rehabilitation centres with a view to nurturing their skills and integrating them into Abu Dhabi Community Legal Awareness Centre, known as "Masouliya", showcases a range of programmes aimed at building a sustainable legal culture that supports security and stability. In addition, there is a special area for children where simple learning activities are offered to teach them about legal concepts in a fun and age-appropriate manner. Year of Community Continue full coverage
Al Etihad
22-04-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
Human skills remain indispensable in translation amid AI transformation, say top UAE experts
23 Apr 2025 00:20 SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)Even in an age of artificial intelligence (AI) — when text can be translated in several languages in a matter of seconds — human skills remain essential, top experts told Aletihad on experts and prominent figures in the academe have gathered for the Fifth International Translation Conference, which kicked off in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday. Hosted by the National Library and Archives (NLA), the conference runs until April 23 under the theme 'Translation in New Contexts in the Era of Artificial Intelligence: Technical Challenges and Future Aspirations'.Dr. Abdulla Majed Al Ali, Director General of the NLA, said that while AI role in translation has been expanding, human translators remain necessary, especially in capturing context, tone, and cultural conference, he said, explores how technology is reshaping the field and how translators can adapt to the transformations while safeguarding the human Fawzi Al Ghazali, Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences and Professor of Applied Linguistics at Mohamed bin Zayed University for Humanities – UAE, also stressed the enduring importance of human translators."Elements such as language collocation, cognition, and cultural implications are still areas where AI struggles. These intricacies of language often require human sensitivity and contextual understanding, which machines are not yet fully capable of replicating,' Prof. Al Ghazali, who also served as one of the moderators at the event, told Aletihad.'While we anticipate future improvements in AI, human involvement remains indispensable for ensuring depth, accuracy, and meaning in translation,' he added.A Major PlatformThis edition of the International Translation Conference comes at a time when clarity and expertise are sought amid the AI-driven transformation of the industry."This conference makes a significant contribution to understanding how AI can enhance and streamline the translation process at both literary and scientific levels. The speakers and discussions offer valuable insights into how AI can reinforce the field of translation, especially at a time when there's increasing speculation that AI might eventually replace human translators,' Prof. Al Ghazali the years, the conference has evolved, said Hamad Al Hamiri, Director of the Research and Knowledge Services Department at the NLA."The conference, having matured over the past four editions, has become a key platform for addressing translation issues and challenges. In this fifth edition, we are focusing specifically on how artificial intelligence can be used to enrich knowledge, process language, and facilitate the work of proofreaders."He added, "We also seek to enhance knowledge content by translating more books, especially since the UAE plays a leading role in this field, ranking first in the Arab world and fourteenth globally in artificial intelligence."This edition of the event features 31 research papers across seven sessions, with participation from researchers representing 10 countries, said Al Hamiri.'We have participation from prestigious international universities such as Oxford, as well as local universities, such as the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) and MBZUAI - Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence,' he on the conference's growth, Aisha Al Dhaheri, Head of the Translation and Publishing Section at the National Archives, said, 'Each conference has its own unique character and themes. We first began with historical translation, then addressed other topics such as the role of libraries in supporting translation. This year, due to the rapid advancements in technology, we decided to focus on artificial intelligence."The current edition focuses on several important themes, such as the ability of artificial intelligence to translate historical texts and the role of human translators in light of these technologies, she added."We also review the applications of artificial intelligence in literary translation, the future of translation education, especially simultaneous translation, and the human skills that remain essential even in the age of artificial intelligence,' Al Dhaheri said. The conference also aims to promote cultural exchange through translation and encourage the use of AI to support translators and boost knowledge production.
Iraqi News
07-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Iraqi News
The National Library and Archives Inaugurates the First AI Art Exhibition
INA– Follow-up The Director General of the National Library and Archives, Barq Raad Alawi, accompanied by the representative of the Mandaean sect in Iraq, Qais Sheikh Badr, inaugurated the first artificial intelligence (AI) art exhibition under the title "Life is a Painting." According to a statement received by the Iraqi News Agency (INA), Alawi praised the exhibition's innovative concept and distinctive artistic content, which highlights the intersection between art and technology. He emphasized the potential of integrating AI into creative production to open new avenues for artists and writers to explore fresh dimensions of creativity. Meanwhile, writer Asmaa Mohammed Mustafa, who organized the opening ceremony at the Generations Library within the institution's headquarters, stated that the exhibition features a collection of AI-generated artworks designed for children. She described it as a unique experience showcasing the interaction between human creativity and technology, commending the National Library and Archives for its significant role in supporting cultural initiatives.
