EMIRATES LIBRARY & INFORMATION ASSOCIATIONA national association in the United Arab Emirates of public benefit
Achieving effective scientific communication, developing concepts and services related to libraries and information, and providing professional consultation to advance institutions across the UAE.
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Active Members
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Annual Events
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Publications
Fahad Ali Al Memari
Chairman, ELIA — Emirates Library & Information Association
Message from the Chairman
“Libraries are the cornerstone of a knowledge-based society. ELIA's mission is to unite information professionals across our seven Emirates — preserving our rich heritage while pioneering the digital transformation that befits the ambitions of our great nation. Together, we build the knowledge infrastructure that will serve generations to come.”
Fahad Ali Al Memari
Chairman, ELIA — Emirates Library & Information Association
Our Strategic Pillars
A chronicle of our commitment to the advancement of information science within the UAE.
Professional Empowerment and Capacity Building
Developing the professional competencies of library and information professionals through training, qualification, and knowledge exchange to enhance performance and advance professional practices in line with best standards.
Modern Library Concepts
Developing modern services and methodologies related to the library and information field.
Professional Consultation
Providing scientific advice to advance professional business and practical practices across the Emirates.
Strategic Partnerships and Knowledge Collaboration
Strengthening strategic partnerships with local, regional, and international institutions, while expanding collaboration and knowledge exchange to support the advancement of the library and information sector in the UAE.
Our Publications
FEATUREDThe Playful Library: Building Environments for Learning and Creativity
This ELIA publication explores how library teams can transform reading rooms, makerspaces, and children sections into adaptable environments that invite discovery while maintaining service quality.
ARCHIVEThe Rise of AI: Implications and Applications in Academic Libraries
A complete professional overview of AI use cases in academic libraries, including policy controls, user education, metadata workflows, and staff readiness.
ARCHIVEResponding to Rapid Change in Libraries: A User Experience Approach
A concise publication for library leaders who need to evaluate changing patron needs and redesign digital and physical services around evidence.
ARCHIVESustainable Thinking for Library Leadership
A digital ELIA guide for directors and managers aligning library services with environmental, social, and financial sustainability.
Programs & Services
Supporting library and information institutions with professional consultancy, training, research grants, and digital innovation across the UAE.
Professional Certification
Internationally recognized credentials for library and information science practitioners across the UAE.
Training & Workshops
Continuous professional development programs, CPD-accredited workshops, and specialized seminars.
Research Grants
Funding and support for research initiatives in information science and digital preservation.
Upcoming Events & Training
Training and skills development for library and information sector staff.
CONFERENCE COUNTDOWN
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Featured Publications
Explore peer-reviewed research, academic toolkits, digital collection reports, and federal library publications.
PhysicalMegan Lotts · 184 pages
The Playful Library: Building Environments for Learning and CreativityThis ELIA publication explores how library teams can transform reading rooms, makerspaces, and children sections into adaptable environments that invite discovery while maintaining service quality.
PhysicalSandy Hervieux and Amanda Wheatley · 220 pages
The Rise of AI: Implications and Applications in Academic LibrariesA complete professional overview of AI use cases in academic libraries, including policy controls, user education, metadata workflows, and staff readiness.
DigitalCallan Bignoli and Lauren Stara · 96 pages
Responding to Rapid Change in Libraries: A User Experience ApproachA concise publication for library leaders who need to evaluate changing patron needs and redesign digital and physical services around evidence.
DigitalRebekkah Smith Aldrich · 112 pages
Sustainable Thinking for Library LeadershipA digital ELIA guide for directors and managers aligning library services with environmental, social, and financial sustainability.
2026-05-30 · Dr. Saeed Al Neyadi
Digital Patron Services in Post-Modern Libraries
Exploring the evolutions of patron services in the digital age and the role of physical archives in community building.
2026-05-18 · Fatima Al Mansouri
Preservation of Ancient Arabic Manuscripts: Algorithms & AI
A strategic discussion on the intersection of ancient manuscript preservation and modern algorithmic sorting and text restoration.
Peer-Reviewed Research
Metadata Frameworks for Arabic Manuscripts
Dr. Saeed Al Neyadi
A comprehensive study of metadata standards applied to the cataloging of historical Arabic manuscripts in UAE archives.
GOLDAI-Assisted Preservation Techniques
Fatima Al Mansouri
Exploring machine-learning approaches to text restoration and degradation analysis in rare collections.
PLATINUMThe Future of National Knowledge Economies
Dr. Hassan Al Marzouqi
A policy-oriented analysis of libraries as strategic pillars of the knowledge economy in the GCC.
From Our Media Hub
Stay connected with ELIA and explore our latest updates, highlights, images, and videos from X and Instagram.
LAST SYNCED: 10 JUL 2026, 12:00 PM
Emirates Library & Information Association
@eliauae
Highlights from ELIA Day 2: conversations on library innovation, digital preservation, and stronger professional networks across the UAE.
ELIA UAE
@elia.uae
10 JUL 2026, 12:00 PM
Inside ELIA Day 2: media moments, member conversations, and the energy of the UAE library community.
Humanizing Knowledge
We believe knowledge is most powerful when it connects people. ELIA places the human experience at the heart of every archive, every catalog, and every reading room.
SILVER MEMBER PATHWAY
Designed for students and emerging professionals, with directory access, newsletters, community forums, publication discounts, and selected digital-library access.
Silver Tier
Students & Emerging Professionals
Visit Our Headquarters
Located in the heart of Sharjah's cultural district, ELIA's headquarters is open to all members and visitors.
ELIA Headquarters
Sharjah Cultural Square, Al Mareija, Sharjah, UAE
Get in Touch
Partners & Alliances
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about ELIA membership, events, certifications, and more.
Join the UAE Library Community
Access professional certification, training programs, research tools, and a network of library professionals across all seven Emirates.