His Excellency Sheikh Salem bin Khalid Al Qassimi, Minister of Culture, congratulated the UAE on joining the International Centre for the International Standard Serial Number System in France.  The membership will enhance the UAE’s position on safeguarding intellectual property rights—bibliographic control of intellectual and national production. The National Library and Archives will represent the country at the centre.

His Excellency said it was a significant milestone for the UAE and appreciated the nation’s efforts in the field. He commended the UAE’s leadership for leading such initiatives to advance the country’s pursuit of becoming a knowledge-based society. Such initiatives contribute to the UAE’s creative economy and enrich the cultural and creative industries, aligning with the national strategy to diversify the economy.

His Excellency stressed that the country's membership in the International Centre for the International Standard Serial Number System will further enhance its leadership position on the regional and international cultural map and enhance culture as a soft power in bridging the world's civilizations.

His Excellency expressed confidence in the National Library and Archives' ability to represent the UAE in ISSN and contribute to preserving the country's historical, intellectual, and cultural heritage. This will not only help protect intellectual and cultural property but also promote the country's publishing industry.

His Excellency Hamad Bin Abdulrahman Al Midfa, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the National Library and Archives, said it was a pleasure to represent the UAE in the International Centre for the International Standard Serial Numbering System. He stressed that this achievement is attributed to the support that the National Archives and Library receive from the UAE’s leadership.

His Excellency pointed out that this membership will enable them to serialize books and publications under various specializations and help preserve an important part of the country's intellectual and cultural heritage. It will also help streamline the distribution of periodicals and ensure better exposure for them, which would help researchers and students gain better access to information.

His Excellency commended the UAE National Commission for Education, Culture, and Science for its efforts in leading this endeavour. He added that these efforts underscore the Ministry of Culture's commitment to advancing local culture and achieving the vision of the nation’s leadership. They also highlight the synergy between various government agencies that work towards the country’s sustainable development.

The National Library and Archives signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the International Standard Serial Numbering Centre of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). This MoU stipulates that the UAE, represented by the National Library and Archives, joins the International Centre for the International Standard Serial Numbering System, supporting the UAE National Commission for Education, Culture and Science.

The MoU was signed virtually by His Excellency Abdullah Majid Al Ali, Director General of the National Library and Archives, and Dr. Gaëlle Pique, Director of the International Standard Serial Numbering Centre based in Paris.