Dubai Public Library Honored with ‘Naseej Academy Library and Information Pioneers Award’

The award was presented during Dubai Culture’s participation in the 35th Arab Federation for Libraries and Information Conference held in Muscat. WAM
The award was presented during Dubai Culture’s participation in the 35th Arab Federation for Libraries and Information Conference held in Muscat. WAM
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Dubai Public Library Honored with ‘Naseej Academy Library and Information Pioneers Award’

The award was presented during Dubai Culture’s participation in the 35th Arab Federation for Libraries and Information Conference held in Muscat. WAM
The award was presented during Dubai Culture’s participation in the 35th Arab Federation for Libraries and Information Conference held in Muscat. WAM

Dubai Public Library, managed by Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), has been honored with the ‘Naseej Academy Library and Information Pioneers Award’ in the Arab world under the category of Professional Excellence, Emirates News Agency reported.

This recognition reflects its efforts and contributions to developing the Arab library sector, its continuous progress, and its literary initiatives that enrich the local cultural scene, WAM said. These efforts align with Dubai Culture’s efforts to cement Dubai’s position as a global center for culture, an incubator for creativity, and a thriving hub for talent, it added.

The award was presented during the Authority’s participation in the 35th Arab Federation for Libraries and Information Conference held in Muscat, Oman, under the slogan ‘Arab Libraries and Archives Institutions and Their Role in Promoting Digital Identity and Citizenship.’

The conference, organized by Oman’s Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Youth in collaboration with Sultan Qaboos University and the Arab Federation for Libraries and Information (AFLI), witnessed extensive participation from academics and library professionals region-wide.

During the conference, Dubai Culture highlighted a range of its projects and programs aimed at strengthening the cultural and creative industries and activating libraries as interactive hubs that empower community members.



Threatened by Israeli Airstrikes, Lebanon’s Cultural Sites Get Increased Protection from UN

Rubble lies at the site of the historic “Al-Manshiya” building damaged in the aftermath of Israeli strikes, near the Roman ruins of Baalbek, in the eastern city of Baalbek, Lebanon November 7, 2024. (Reuters)
Rubble lies at the site of the historic “Al-Manshiya” building damaged in the aftermath of Israeli strikes, near the Roman ruins of Baalbek, in the eastern city of Baalbek, Lebanon November 7, 2024. (Reuters)
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Threatened by Israeli Airstrikes, Lebanon’s Cultural Sites Get Increased Protection from UN

Rubble lies at the site of the historic “Al-Manshiya” building damaged in the aftermath of Israeli strikes, near the Roman ruins of Baalbek, in the eastern city of Baalbek, Lebanon November 7, 2024. (Reuters)
Rubble lies at the site of the historic “Al-Manshiya” building damaged in the aftermath of Israeli strikes, near the Roman ruins of Baalbek, in the eastern city of Baalbek, Lebanon November 7, 2024. (Reuters)

A specialized United Nations agency granted on Monday provisional enhanced protection to 34 cultural properties in Lebanon, including the World Heritage sites of Baalbek and Tyre, following recent Israeli strikes near them.

“Non-compliance with these clauses would constitute serious violations of the 1954 Hague Convention and would constitute potential grounds for prosecution,” the UN cultural and scientific agency UNESCO said in a statement. The decision also includes financial and technical assistance to safeguard Lebanon’s heritage.

The decision was made during an extraordinary session of the Committee for the Protection of Cultural Property that was held in Paris on Monday, at the request of Lebanese authorities.

This move comes amid mounting threats to Lebanon’s cultural sites. On Nov. 7, an Israeli airstrike destroyed an Ottoman-era building near the UNESCO-listed Roman temples of Baalbek in eastern Lebanon.

UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay said: “UNESCO has a deep and long-standing cooperation with Lebanon. We will spare no effort to provide all the expertise and assistance needed to protect its exceptional heritage.”

In addition to legal protections, UNESCO said it has been implementing measures such as satellite monitoring, risk management training and emergency relocation of movable artifacts.