The National Library and Archives, previously known as the National Archives , and previously the National Center for Documentation and Research (NCDR), was established in 1968, upon directives from the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al-Nahyan, originally under the name of the "Documents and Research Bureau"​ and was affiliated with Al Diwan Al Amiri (the Ruler's Court). Its mission was defined as ‘collecting documents and information relating to the history, politics, social life and culture of the gulf region and Arabian Peninsula in general, and in particular those related to Abu Dhabi and the Emirates, from primary sources in Arab and foreign countries'. In just over forty years, the National Archives has achieved a pioneer status as the first of its kind in the Middle East and the sixth in the world following its adoption of the latest technologies available to accomplish its mission. It is one of oldest cultural institutions in United Arab Emirates and the largest documentation center in the Arabian Gulf Region. In addition to its role in documentation and archiving, the National Archives provides intellectuals with a variety of publications that explore both authentic cultural and contemporary issues in history and heritage. The National Archives collects valuable historical material relating to the United Arab Emirates in particular and the Arabian Gulf States in general. It also documents, indexes and translates the material collected and, based on that, it publishes specialized historical research. Moreover, it hosts and organizes local, regional and international conferences and symposiums in addition to holding related exhibitions both locally and abroad.