Throughout history, the world has witnessed remarkable libraries that have played essential roles in civilization, such as the ancient Library of Alexandria, known as the “Great Library,” which was established by Alexander the Great over twenty-three centuries ago in Egypt and rejuvenated as a monumental cultural institution.
Another significant institution was the “House of Wisdom,” founded during the reign of the Abbasid caliph Harun al-Rashid. This hub of interdisciplinary research served as a catalyst for the Islamic Golden Age, preserving the global heritage from destruction and creating the first system for organizing libraries based on book classifications.
In modern times, the “Library of Congress,” recognized as the national library of the United States and its oldest federal cultural institution, stands out as a unique global resource for knowledge.
From these historical insights related to culture and libraries, one can appreciate the vibrant role played by the Mohammed bin Rashid Library in the UAE’s intellectual, cultural, and artistic life. It goes beyond being a mere library; it represents a significant civilizational project that connects developmental needs with cultural necessities.
Since its opening in 2022, this library has swiftly established itself as a key player in the local knowledge landscape and a reliable global partner. It has demonstrated its commitment to realizing the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, in renewing Arab civilization, promoting a broad understanding of various sciences and cultures while also focusing on vital Arab issues.
In line with this mission, the “Arab Press Exhibition,” inaugurated last November, is one of the largest and most notable journalistic exhibits hosted by the library, offering a glimpse into the rich history and development of Arab journalism.
With the rise of digital media, the exhibition celebrates the heritage of Arab journalism, asserting the vital role of media and highlighting the significant impact that print journalism has had on the fate of nations, particularly in the Arab world. This initiative echoes His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s vision of media as an instrument of awareness and enlightenment, articulated in his assertion that “the role of media is enlightening, not promotional,” underscoring the media’s importance in advancing Arab society and reinforcing his belief that “media is a partner in developing the present and building the future.”
Civilizational Role
By hosting this exhibition, the Mohammed bin Rashid Library remains committed to nurturing knowledge and information, preserving books, journals, and newspapers. This dedication builds upon the legacy of great library endeavors that have historically contributed significantly to civilization.
A walk through the exhibition reminds visitors that discussing the decline of print journalism is akin to claiming the demise of printed books, the very foundation of libraries that serve as a collective memory safeguarding awareness, much like a home protects an individual’s privacy.
History and Transformations
Visitors to the exhibition can gain a deeper understanding of global history, particularly that of the Arab world, as they engage with many moments etched in print. They can trace the evolution of Arab journalism, its biases, and its development over the decades, leading to the insight that this exhibit is not merely a display of media publications but a comprehensive reflection of historical transformations in consciousness that warrant academic study.
Thus, the exhibition also serves as an invitation for scholars and academic institutions to explore the trajectory of Arab media from its inception to the present, as Arab journalism has been an ongoing narrative.
Regarding this exhibition, His Excellency Mohammed Al Mur, Chairman of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation, emphasized that journalism plays a pioneering role in documenting the course of human civilization through a unique style that combines various literary arts. This approach creates a platform for reflection and expression of identity across its dimensions while adapting to the changes of the times without losing sight of authenticity.
He added, “From our vision at the Mohammed bin Rashid Library and our belief in the importance of transferring knowledge to future generations, along with the journalistic mission of historical documentation, we organized this exhibition focused on Arab journalism to act as a bridge across time, connecting the past and present while laying new foundations for the future. This celebration of journalism emphasizes its role in shaping national consciousness and influencing the paths of civilizational change through pages from some of the oldest and rarest newspapers.”