Sharjah, September 1st, WAM - The Emirates Library and Information Association concluded its professional training program for August 2026 as part of its efforts to support the professional development of library workers and learning resource centers, and enhance their ability to keep up with modern developments and technologies in the sector. This was attended by more than 500 participants in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Fujairah, and Dubai.

The program was organized in collaboration with the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi, Dubai Culture & Arts Authority, and the House of Philosophy in Fujairah. It included eight training workshops focused on developing professional and cognitive skills for library workers and learning resource center staff, as well as utilizing modern technologies to enhance the work environment and services provided to beneficiaries.

The first workshop, entitled "Artificial Intelligence in Administrative Skills at Learning Resource Centers," covered several specialized topics, including artificial intelligence fundamentals for library specialists, educational technology techniques, AI tools in library and educational processes, smart agents in libraries, developing AI applications for libraries, as well as AI ethics and governance.

The workshop was held at four locations: the Nabd Al Falah Center in Abu Dhabi, Zayed Central Library in Al Ain, Al Twar Public Library in Dubai, and the House of Philosophy in Fujairah.

The program also included a workshop on "Future Skills Discovery Skills" which focused on defining future skills and diagnosing students' reading tendencies and weaknesses, contributing to enhancing the ability of staff in learning resource centers to identify students' needs and develop appropriate educational and reading programs and services for them.

Fahad Ali Al-Maamari, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Emirates Library and Information Association, confirmed that the August training program was part of the association's efforts to invest in professional competencies and raise the readiness of staff in libraries and learning resource centers to deal with the rapid transformations witnessed in the field.

He said: "We at the Emirates Library and Information Association have strived to provide training programs that meet the needs of workers in libraries and learning resource centers, providing them with knowledge and skills that help them keep up with technical and professional developments. The August program reflected the association's interest in artificial intelligence and future skills as a fundamental pillar for developing the library and educational work environment and enhancing the quality of services provided to society, in line with the United Arab Emirates' vision of building an innovative knowledge-based economy based on investment in human capital.