Who We Are
"Preserving heritage, advancing UAE library innovation"
The Emirates Library and Information Association (ELIA) is a national professional association established to strengthen libraries, information services, research repositories, and knowledge professionals across the United Arab Emirates.
Fahad Ali Al Memari
Chairman, ELIA — Emirates Library & Information Association
"ELIA connects people, collections, and institutions through professional training, shared standards, digital preservation, research support, and national collaboration.
2017
Established
2,800+
Members
95+
Partner Institutions
320+
Publications
Our Strategic Foundations
Connecting community, scholarship and heritage across all seven emirates.
Our Vision
To position UAE libraries as trusted, accessible, and future-ready knowledge institutions.
Our Mission
To empower library and information professionals with training, accreditation, consultation, and digital infrastructure partnerships.
Our Values
Public benefit, national identity, professional excellence, openness, and collaborative knowledge.
Strategic Targets
ELIA acts as a primary catalyst for intellectual coordination and scientific resource consolidation.
UAE Centenary 2071
Empowering citizens with rich cultural knowledge tools, establishing world-class research systems.
Increase cultural awareness and community library participation.
Support specialized academic research in information science.
Build certified professional development pathways.
Represent UAE library expertise in regional and global forums.
Strengthen alliances with universities, publishers, and public institutions.
Standardize digital preservation and archival service protocols.
Strategic Pillars
A chronicle of our commitment to the advancement of information science within the UAE.
Scientific Communication
Cultivating active scientific communication between the association and those interested in intellectual growth.
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.
Board of Directors 2026-2029
The official ELIA Board of Directors roster for the 2026-2029 leadership term.
Fahad Ali Al Memari
Chairman of the Board
Fadil Hussain Abuseem
Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors
Ahmed Mohamed Almushtaghel
Board Member
Sultan Saif Almazrouei
Board Member
Hamad Slayem Alhemeiri
Board Member
Shaikha Abdulla Almeteiri
Board Member
Eman Saeed Alhmoudi
Board Member