Guardians of National Memory: A Conversation on Heritage and Custodianship

We are invited to engage with one of the most profound questions that shapes a nation’s identity: who holds stewardship over a country’s memory, and whose voice carries the authority to tell its story? The National Library and Archives of the United Arab Emirates addresses these essential inquiries through an illuminating new series that promises to elevate our understanding of cultural preservation and historical custodianship.

The inaugural episode brings together Dr. Abdullah Majid Al Ali, Director General of the National Library and Archives, in conversation with Metha Sabah. This dialogue promises to explore the intricate responsibilities undertaken by those charged with safeguarding the UAE’s most treasured documentation, narratives and heritage.

Through thoughtful discussion, we discover how institutions dedicated to archival excellence and national memory serve as sentinels of truth, ensuring that the stories which define a nation remain authentically preserved for generations yet unborn. The conversation invites us to contemplate the profound significance of these custodial roles in maintaining the integrity and continuity of our collective heritage.

This series represents a commitment to intellectual discourse on matters of cultural significance, offering viewers an opportunity to witness the guardianship of national narrative at the highest levels of institutional leadership.