Day 3 – Session 1 | |
14:00 – 14:45 | Gifting The Love of Books -The Importance of Including Children’s Literature in Public Libraries (English) Tessa Michaelson Schmidt ![]() Tessa Michaelson Schmidt, USADirectorTessa Michaelson Schmidt is the Director of the Cooperative Children’s Book Center of the School of Education at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Tessa previously served as the Assistant State Superintendent of the Division for Libraries and Technology at the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction and as the Youth and Inclusive Services Consultant. She also worked as a public librarian, assistant library director, school librarian, and teacher. Tessa chaired the 2019 Batchelder Award Committee, served on the 2016 Caldecott Committee, and has chaired or served on several national committees. Tessa was the Wisconsin Library Association Librarian of the Year in 2014. ![]() Maitha Al Khayat, United Arab EmiratesAuthorMaitha Al Khayat is an Emirati mother, an international children’s author, illustrator. In less than 10 years, Al Khayat has published nearly 200 books; some translated into English and Turkish, and others used in curriculums at schools around the country. She has won many literary awards and her latest achievements are winning best Arabic picture book “Hunting My Breakfast”, and best English Picture Book “Aisha’s Pearl” at the Sharjah Children’s Book Award, at the Sharjah Reading Festival 2024.She also inspires adults and children on how to write and illustrate picture books. ![]() Rangashri Kishore, IndiaRegional DirectorPresently working as Consultant with READ India as Regional Director South since May 2023. Prior to joining as Dean of Library Services Krea University in Sri City Andhra Pradesh in January 2019 I was the Founding Director of Ashoka University Library. Managing and creating systems and services from scratch to establish the University Library. Worked with Public Health Foundation of India for five years from Dec 2007 to 2012. Established five branch Libraries of the Indian Institute of Public Health. Assisted the Communication division in proposal development and conduct of programmes in Mental Health and got support from Government of India for five states. Have raised funds for developing rural Libraries across villages surrounding the University. Raised funds for Youth Led Advocacy for Mental Health and many other programmes such as workshops and conferences. ![]() Ahmed Al Shoaibi, United Arab EmiratesAssociate ProfessorDr. Ahmed Al Shoaibi is determined in preserving this culture and ensuring the legacy of our forefathers and foremothers is recited to our children now as it once was. Having identified a lack of stories written in English, we pursue our ambition hoping to bring our stories to life for nationals and residents of the Middle East. Our unique series of books include relatable characters who speak to children living in the region, teaching and reminding them of both our proud history and cultural identity. |
15:00 – 16:00 | Will Libraries Become the Museums of the Future? (English) Colin B Bailey ![]() Colin B Bailey, USADirectorDr. Colin B. Bailey has served as the Director of the Morgan Library & Museum, New York since 2015. A scholar of eighteenth- and nineteenth-century French art, he is a specialist of Pierre-Auguste Renoir and has been responsible for many publications and exhibitions. He was made an Officier de l’Ordre des arts et des lettres in 2010. Among the many initiatives Bailey has spearheaded at the Morgan are the exterior restoration of J.Pierpont Morgan’s Library and the inauguration of the Belle da Costa Greene Curatorial Fellowships in the curatorial and special collections fields for promising scholars from historically underrepresented communities. ![]() Sami Moubayed, SyriaHistorian, Writer, elected researcherDr. Sami Moubayed is a Historian, Writer, elected researcher at Royal Historical Society in London ![]() Tan Huism, QatarExecutive DirectorHuism joined Qatar National Library (QNL) in September 2021. During her tenure at QNL, she has overseen the reopening up of the library after the pandemic restrictions, the successful development of the library’s mobile application and digital research repository for Qatar, and the highest physical visitorship to QNL in 2023 at over 1 million. Prior to joining QNL, Huism was the Senior Director of the Archives and Libraries Group at Singapore’s National Library Board. She was also the Director of the National Library, Singapore. In addition, Huism also curated several exhibitions for the National Library, Singapore, including one on Southeast Asian Qur’ans for QNL. Before joining the library sector, Huism worked in the museum sector for over 18 years. She is also secretary of IFLA’s National Libraries Section. |
Day 3 – Session 2 | |
09:30 – 10:00 | The Impact of Going Digital on Leadership (English) Masud Khokhar ![]() Masud Khokhar, United KingdomChairMasud Khokhar is the University Librarian and Keeper of the Brotherton Collection at the University of Leeds. Previously, he has held a diverse range of senior positions in both the private sector and Higher Education. Masud is also the current chair of Research Libraries UK (RLUK) – a consortium of the 39 most significant research libraries in the UK and Ireland. He serves on several other regional, national, and international boards, including the White Rose Libraries Executive Board, Cambridge University Libraries Syndicate, JStor Library Advisory Group, and works closely with UKRI and AHRC on research infrastructure and open access developments. |
10:15 – 11:15 | Acts of God and Man (English) Sami Moubayed ![]() Sami Moubayed, SyriaHistorian, Writer, elected researcherDr. Sami Moubayed is a Historian, Writer, elected researcher at Royal Historical Society in London ![]() Jeannette Lebrón – Ramos, Puerto RicoPresidentDr. Jeannette Lebrón Ramos holds a Ph.D. in Documentation: Archives and Libraries in the Digital Environment from the Carlos III University of Madrid. She is currently the President of the Latin America and the Caribbean Division of the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLALAC). |
11:30 – 12:15 | Libraries – the mark of a caring and civilized society? (English) Constantia Constantinou ![]() Constantia Constantinou, USAVice Provost and Director of LibrariesConstantia Constantinou is a distinguished global leader renowned for her pioneering work in integrating large university library systems with broader academic missions. With a career marked by innovation and strategic vision, she has spearheaded digital, multimedia, and technology initiatives within prestigious institutions. As Vice Provost and Director of Libraries at the University of Pennsylvania, Constantinou led the executive management of all 19 libraries, driving impactful strategies to enhance student learning, faculty research, engagement, fundraising, and external partnerships. She designed the execution of short- and long-term strategic expansion plans in collections and technology, aligned with the University’s goals. She oversaw the operational excellence of 19 specialized libraries: over 400 employees; $87 million annual operating budget, and a $170M growing endowment. Constantinou spearheaded institutional partnerships with colleges and universities, libraries, cultural institutions, and organizations nationally and internationally to advance research and scholarship. She has developed dynamic resources, tools, expertise, and physical spaces that inspire critical inquiry and creative expression. She managed capital planning and oversaw the construction of award-winning libraries and facilities renovations. Among her many other accomplishments, she oversaw the planning and construction of the Biomedical Library at the University of Pennsylvania and the Information Commons at Stony Brook University. She also oversaw the renovation of library spaces for high end technology. As the Dean of University Libraries at Stony Brook University, the State University of New York, (SUNY) she formulated ambitious plans to redefine libraries as collaborative hubs for scholarly and digital endeavors. She is a SUNY Distinguished Professor, with the title Dean Emerita. As a Fulbright Scholar, and as a Fulbright Specialist, she has actively contributed to the global library community through publications, conference presentations. She served on leadership roles and board of directors on prominent national and international library organizations. Among her many publications and presentations world-wide, she is the author and co editor of the book “Developing Professional, Intercultural, and Educational Leadership”, 2017 SUNY Press. In recognition of her outstanding contributions, she was honored with the Distinguished Alumna award from the Graduate School of Library and Information Studies at Queens College in 2014. Beyond her professional library achievements, Constantinou is a talented classical guitarist, holding degrees in Music from Queens College, where she also earned her Master of Library Science. ![]() Wanjiru Koinange, KenyaFounderWanjiru Koinange is a Kenyan author, entrepreneur, and restorer of libearies. She is the author of the acclaimed novel “”The Havoc of Choice,”” which explores the impact of political unrest on a Kenyan family. She co-founded Book Bunk, an organization dedicated to restoring Nairobi’s public libraries, including Nairobi’s oldest library. Her work is driven by a passion for storytelling and community engagement, reflecting her commitment to preserving and promoting Kenyan culture and history. With a background in journalism and creative writing, she is a prominent voice in African literature, advocating for social change through the power of narrative. ![]() Rangashri Kishore, IndiaRegional DirectorPresently working as Consultant with READ India as Regional Director South since May 2023. Prior to joining as Dean of Library Services Krea University in Sri City Andhra Pradesh in January 2019 I was the Founding Director of Ashoka University Library. Managing and creating systems and services from scratch to establish the University Library. Worked with Public Health Foundation of India for five years from Dec 2007 to 2012. Established five branch Libraries of the Indian Institute of Public Health. Assisted the Communication division in proposal development and conduct of programmes in Mental Health and got support from Government of India for five states. Have raised funds for developing rural Libraries across villages surrounding the University. Raised funds for Youth Led Advocacy for Mental Health and many other programmes such as workshops and conferences. |
13:45 – 14:45 | Library Spaces Fit For The Future (English) Wanjiru Koinange ![]() Wanjiru Koinange, KenyaFounderWanjiru Koinange is a Kenyan author, entrepreneur, and restorer of libearies. She is the author of the acclaimed novel “”The Havoc of Choice,”” which explores the impact of political unrest on a Kenyan family. She co-founded Book Bunk, an organization dedicated to restoring Nairobi’s public libraries, including Nairobi’s oldest library. Her work is driven by a passion for storytelling and community engagement, reflecting her commitment to preserving and promoting Kenyan culture and history. With a background in journalism and creative writing, she is a prominent voice in African literature, advocating for social change through the power of narrative. ![]() Alicia Yeo, SingaporeDirectorAlicia was a journalist with The Straits Times for over three years before she was hired in 2005 as a reference librarian to develop and promote the National Library Singapore’s art & design collections. From 2012-2016, she led teams to develop funding proposals, create new web services for digitized collections, and promote all things Singapore through our published heritage. Some of her notable work included strategic planning for a joint libraries and archives masterplan (2014-2015) and acquiring the private John Bastin collection (2014-2015). At the Ministry of Communications and Information (2016-2017), she led a team working closely with senior management to drive the strategic planning and performance management cycle of the ministry. When she returned to the National Library Board, Alicia double-hatted as a region head of 7 public libraries as well as overseeing operational policy & procedure improvements for the Singapore public library system; its community engagement efforts (book donations and setting up reading corners for the less mobile); and marketing communications. She continued the latter portfolio in 2019-2020 before being appointed the programme director of the National Reading Movement from January-August 2021. She took on the role of Director of the National Library Singapore in September 2021. ![]() Helen Shenton, IrelandLibrarian and College archivistHelen Shenton is Librarian & College Archivist at Trinity College Dublin, where she leads the strategic development of the historic and digital libraries. Helen moved to Ireland in 2014 from America, where she was Executive Director of Harvard Library, at the heart of bringing together the services of seventy-three libraries. Prior to Harvard, Helen worked at the British Library where she led the care of the UK’s national documentary heritage and national printed archive. That followed positions in the Victoria and Albert Museum, where she was deeply involved with the conservation, care, and display of the world-renowned decorative arts collections. |
15:00 – 15:45 | Travelling Treasures – The Amazing Journey of the Arabian Nights (English) Muhsin Al Musawi ![]() Muhsin Al Musawi, USAProfessorMuhsin Al Musawi is a Professor at Columbia University. ![]() Paulo Lemos Horta, United Arab EmiratesAssociate Professor of LiteratureProf. Paulo Lemos Horta is the Associate Professor of Literature at New York University Abu Dhabi. |
16:10 – 17:10 | Keepers of Collections – Favourite Books (English) Masud Khokhar ![]() Masud Khokhar, United KingdomChairMasud Khokhar is the University Librarian and Keeper of the Brotherton Collection at the University of Leeds. Previously, he has held a diverse range of senior positions in both the private sector and Higher Education. Masud is also the current chair of Research Libraries UK (RLUK) – a consortium of the 39 most significant research libraries in the UK and Ireland. He serves on several other regional, national, and international boards, including the White Rose Libraries Executive Board, Cambridge University Libraries Syndicate, JStor Library Advisory Group, and works closely with UKRI and AHRC on research infrastructure and open access developments. ![]() Colin B Bailey, USADirectorDr. Colin B. Bailey has served as the Director of the Morgan Library & Museum, New York since 2015. A scholar of eighteenth- and nineteenth-century French art, he is a specialist of Pierre-Auguste Renoir and has been responsible for many publications and exhibitions. He was made an Officier de l’Ordre des arts et des lettres in 2010. Among the many initiatives Bailey has spearheaded at the Morgan are the exterior restoration of J.Pierpont Morgan’s Library and the inauguration of the Belle da Costa Greene Curatorial Fellowships in the curatorial and special collections fields for promising scholars from historically underrepresented communities. ![]() Sharon Memis, NetherlandsSecretary GeneralSharon Memis, FRSA Sharon took up the role of Secretary General and CEO of IFLA in June 2023. Sharon’s background is in international cultural relations and higher education. She is a passionate internationalist and speaks several languages. Sharon spent most of her career with the British Council and held senior leadership roles in Europe, North America and Asia promoting UK Education and Culture. She has also worked for a range of organisations as a consultant in international strategy. Prior to joining IFLA, Sharon was Chief Operating Officer at the Association of Commonwealth Universities. |
Day 3 – Room 10 | |
10:15 – 11:15 | Libraries For a Knowledge-Based Society: Turkiye’s Path Towards Accessible, Technology Enabled Services Merve Yavuzdemir ![]() Merve Yavuzdemir, TurkiyeHead of the Foreign Relations DepartmentMerve Yavuzdemir is the Head of the Foreign Relations Department at the Ministry of Culture and Tourism’s General Directorate of Libraries and Publications in Türkiye. She is a member of IFLA’s ENSULIB, actively engaging in global library sustainability initiatives. Recognized for her innovative contributions, Yavuzdemir received the UNDP Social Innovation Award and has led several EU-funded projects. She coordinates numerous national and international events and has been honored with multiple awards in innovation. Additionally, as the founder of the Kütüp-Anne Platform, she promotes early childhood literacy and community engagement in libraries. ![]() Mehmet Lacinkaya, TurkiyeHead of digital transformation General Directorate of LibrariesMehmet Laçinkaya, with a background in Information Management from Hacettepe University, developed expertise in web design, programming, and IT. Early in his career, he focused on cataloging, indexing, authority files, and RDA standards at the General Directorate of Libraries and Publications (GDLP). Currently, he serves as the Head of the Information Systems Department, overseeing the information systems infrastructure for both the Turkiye National Library and all public libraries across Türkiye. His role involves managing the development of 14 software applications for the GDLP, network system administration, AI-based solutions, IP telephony systems, and various hardware and infrastructure projects. |
11:30 – 12:30 | Developing Arabic Language Collection Fahad Ali Al Mamari ![]() Fahad Ali Al Mamari, United Arab EmiratesManager of Writing and Criticism SectionResearcher in Arabic literature and folklore, President of the Emirates Library and Information Association, and member of the Board of Directors of the Sharjah Book Authority. I am a heritage consultant in a number of entities concerned with heritage, an author and published 20 publications on popular heritage and Arab literature, and I write articles. A heritage writer in a number of heritage periodicals, a radio program preparer and presenter, and I own a home library of more than 12,000 books. |
15:00 – 16:00 | The Science of Reading: What Every Educator Should Know (English) Alan Jacques ![]() Alan Jacques, United Arab EmiratesLibrary EducatorAlan is a Library educator with 20 years’ experience in reading, research, curation, and collaboration. As a dedicated librarian, he specializes in reading motivation, digital literacy, & optimizing library spaces. He particularly enjoys working in the academic integrity & plagiarism space, where he helps students learn by the power of their own mistakes. He is the Founder of Beyond Books, specialising in guiding schools in compliance and curriculum alignment. My mission is to ensure that every student has access to the knowledge and resources they need to thrive. His favorite book of all time is Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury. |
Day 3 – Room 9 | |
09:30 – 10:30 | The Role of National Libraries in Curating a Country’s Sense of Self (English) Liisa Savolainen ![]() Liisa Savolainen, FinlandDeputy DirectorLiisa Savolainen has two decades of experience at the National Library of Finland, where she currently serves as the Deputy Director. Her experience at the National Library includes leadership roles such as Head of Research Library and Head of Services. In her current role as a senior management member, she is responsible of organizational development, strategic planning, and financial management. Liisa Savolainen is actively involved in the international library community, serving as the Chair of the IFLA National Libraries’ Standing Committee and holding the position of President at Bibliotheca Baltica, a collaborative organization of libraries in the Baltic Sea Region. ![]() David Mandel, USADirector, Center for Exhibits and InterpretationMr. David Mandel is Director, Center for Exhibits and Interpretation at Library of Congress. |
10:15 – 11:15 | The Right Book for the Right Child with The Cooperative Children’s Book Centre – workshop (English) Tessa Michaelson Schmidt ![]() Tessa Michaelson Schmidt, USADirectorTessa Michaelson Schmidt is the Director of the Cooperative Children’s Book Center of the School of Education at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Tessa previously served as the Assistant State Superintendent of the Division for Libraries and Technology at the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction and as the Youth and Inclusive Services Consultant. She also worked as a public librarian, assistant library director, school librarian, and teacher. Tessa chaired the 2019 Batchelder Award Committee, served on the 2016 Caldecott Committee, and has chaired or served on several national committees. Tessa was the Wisconsin Library Association Librarian of the Year in 2014. |
11:30 – 12:15 | School Librarians – Place of AI in Schools (English) Loida Garcia-Febo ![]() Loida Garcia-Febo, USAInternational Library ConsultantLoida Garcia-Febo, MLS, is a Puerto Rican American international library consultant worldwide known for her passion about library services and diversity, communities, sustainability, innovation and digital transformation, library workers, library advocacy, wellness, and new librarians about which she has taught in 46 countries. She serves as San José State University School of Information’s Health and Wellness Ambassador. Garcia-Febo was president of the American Library Association (2018-2019) and currently serves as an IFLA Governing Board member. She received the 2015 REFORMA Life Time Achievement Award, and the 2024 ALA Medal of Excellence. |
13:45 – 14:45 | Creativity and Innovation in Libraries (Arabic) Hussain AlSammak ![]() Hussain AlSammak, BahrainDeputy PresidentMr. Hussain AlSammak is the Deputy President of the Bahraini Library Association & AFLI representative in Bahrain. |
15:00 – 16:00 | Houses of Culture: A Modern Concept for Public Libraries Abdulrahman Alasem ![]() Abdulrahman Alasem, Saudi ArabiaCEODr. Abdulrahman Alasem holds a Ph.D. in Content Management from the University of Strathclyde in Scotland. He has worked on a range research projects in the field of libraries and information in partnership with several governmental, private, and non-profit institutions. He has had many scientific research papers published on library and information science, information engineering, usability, and information seeking behaviors. Alasem has vast experience in the cultural sector, having worked as a supervisor at the Ministry of Culture and the Information Agency for Cultural Affairs. He has also been a member of several higher supervisory committees for major cultural projects such as Souq Okaz and the King Abdulaziz Camel Festival, and served as supervisor of the Riyadh and Jeddah International Book Fairs. Additionally, he has academic accreditation expertize as an associate professor at the College of Computer and Information Sciences at Imam Mohammad bin Saud Islamic University (IMSIU). Alasem has also served as Department President and as Deputy of the Deanship of Graduates for Development and Duality. Simultaneously, he oversaw the establishment of the Center for Documentation and Archives at the university and has also worked as a consultant to many governmental and non-profit institutions. |
Day 3 – Room 4 | |
09:30 – 10:30 | The United Nation’s Plea to Libraries – How Can Libraries Use SDG’s As A Framework For Development? (English) Loida Garcia-Febo ![]() Loida Garcia-Febo, USAInternational Library ConsultantLoida Garcia-Febo, MLS, is a Puerto Rican American international library consultant worldwide known for her passion about library services and diversity, communities, sustainability, innovation and digital transformation, library workers, library advocacy, wellness, and new librarians about which she has taught in 46 countries. She serves as San José State University School of Information’s Health and Wellness Ambassador. Garcia-Febo was president of the American Library Association (2018-2019) and currently serves as an IFLA Governing Board member. She received the 2015 REFORMA Life Time Achievement Award, and the 2024 ALA Medal of Excellence. ![]() Stephen Wyber, NetherlandsDirector, External AffairsStephen Wyber is Director, External Affairs at the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions, where he leads on work to build understanding of the contribution of libraries to development goals among decision-makers and other stakeholders. Through this, IFLA works to ensure that libraries’ potential to change lives – including through partnerships – is fully realised. Stephen has worked at IFLA since 2016, and was previously at the British Embassy in Paris and UN Permanent Delegation to the OECD. He studied in Wales, France and Poland. |
10:15 – 11:15 | The Role of Copyright in Libraries – ERRA Mohamad Alkamali ![]() Mohamad Alkamali, United Arab EmiratesBoard MemberMr. Mohamad Alkamali is the Board Member of the Emirates Reprographic Rights Association |
11:30 – 12:15 | Orange Pier – Investing in Talent: Building a Thriving Creative Community (English) Alyazia Khalifa ![]() Alyazia Khalifa, United Arab EmiratesFounder and CEOAlyazia Khalifa is a PhD holder on Intercultural Communication. As an entrepreneur she established AlFulk Translation and Publishing in 2015 as well as a creative hub in 2023; Orange Pier Printing and Distribution, as a solution to an on going struggle with printing solution for creatives individual. She was among the first Emirati authors to publish a silent book in 2018 which was chosen to be displayed at iBBy Silent Book International Exhibition. Her book “”The Mango Tree;”” (2018) a nostalgic chapter book about an Emirati’s girl, has been translated into Russian in 2020 and second edition in 2023. |
13:45 – 14:45 | The Professional Landscape for Librarians: Global Perspectives, AI Challenges, and the UAE Model Hadeer Kamel ![]() Hadeer Kamel, United Arab EmiratesInformation Science Associate ProfessorHadeer Kamel is an Information Science Associate Professorat Library and Information Science Dep. Faculty of Arts, Al Wasl University. She designs and prepares syllabus, delivers lectures to undergraduate students and evaluates students’ academic performance. |
15:00 – 15:45 | The Flourishing World of Publishing Ali AlShaali ![]() Ali AlShaali, United Arab EmiratesCEOPoet, Publisher & Culture Activist Ali holds a BSc. in Civil Engineering, and a Master’s Certificate in Project Management. His works have been longlisted for the Sheikh Zayed Book Award, and he has won the Al Oweis Literary Creativity Award. The poet has received acclaim from critics and the audience alike, and he was honored by Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi at the Sharjah Arabic Poetry Festival in 2024. His poetry collection “For the Earth, One Soul” has been translated into Greek, Spanish, Turkish, Korean, and English, and published in both Spanish and Turkish languages. |
Day 3 – Room 3 | |
10:15 – 11:15 | UAE Academic Libraries Consortium Kardan Kamran ![]() Kardan Kamran, United Arab EmiratesFounder and CEOKamran R. Kardan, founder and CEO of Knowledge E, holds a BSc in Engineering, an MSc in Marketing, and an MBA from the University of Manchester. With 20+ years of experience in the publishing industry, he has worked with top consortia, libraries, ministries, hospitals, research centres, and education institutions. Kamran has also launched Zendy.io, an AI powered research library that serves the global research community by removing barriers to scholarly content and research. Kamran’s lifelong interest in community development materialised further with the launch of the Knowledge E Foundation which supports education and research, especially in developing nations. ![]() Abdulla Khalifa Alhefeiti, United Arab EmiratesAssistant Vice PresidentDr. Abdulla Al-Hefeiti is the Assistant Vice president of Khalifa University libraries. His research interests include library consortiums, digital libraries, and library-academics collaboration. Training in the Leadership Institute for Academic Librarians at Harvard Graduate School of Education in 2023 and two courses: a nondegree program in marketing and library services and information system from McGill University in Canada. involved in many regional library events, such as Chair of Special Libraries Association – Arabian Gulf Chapter (2008-2010), ALA, AFLA, and AFLI; he is a member of the Scientific Research Evaluation Committee – Sheikh Rashid Bin Humaid Award for Culture and Science. |
11:30 – 12:30 | Empowering Knowledge: Librarians and Wikimedia Alice Kibombo ![]() Alice Kibombo, UgandaSenior Programme Officer – LibrariesAlice Kibombo is a librarian and Wikimedian (Wikibrarian) from Uganda. As an information professional she is interested in the intersection between libraries and technology, information literacy and continuous learning especially through curriculum development that addresses the evolving nature and needs of information professionals ![]() Serine Ben Brahim, United Arab EmiratesDirectorMs. Serine Ben Brahim is the Director of Wikimedia UAE. |
13:45 – 14:45 | Juma al Majid workshop – preservation and restoration of archives (Arabic) Shaikha AlMutairi ![]() Shaikha AlMutairi, United Arab EmiratesHeadMaster’s degree in Library and Information Science PhD student in Islamic history and civilization Head of the National Culture and Documents Department at Juma Al Majid Center for Culture and Heritage Member of the Board of Directors of the Emirates Library and Information Association Presenter of programs on Sharjah Radio ![]() Bassam Daghestani, United Arab EmiratesHead of Preservation and Archives Dept.Dr. Bassam Daghestani is the Head of Preservation and Archives Department at the Juma Al Majd Cultural Centre. |
15:00 – 16:00 | The Art of Arab Dress with the Zay Initiative (English & Arabic) Reem Tariq El Mutwalli ![]() Reem Tariq El Mutwalli, United Arab EmiratesFounderPublished author, with five publications and over 40 years of experience in art and cultural heritage. Since the 1980s, at the Cultural Foundation Abu Dhabi, she has been contributing to the establishment of cultural & art; advising on museum displays, leading and driving cultural projects. She worked in an advisory capacity alongside cultural institutions, world renowned auction houses and VIP art collectors, while maintaining her private costume workshop and interior design consultancy. Founded The Zay Initiative, dedicated to the preservation and documentation of Arab cultural heritage, focusing on collection, conservation, and forming the first specialized digital archive in the region. |