UKF’S SECOND ANNUAL UNIVERSITY LIBRARY FORUM UNDER THE THEME: "INFORMATION INSTITUTIONS BETWEEN KNOWLEDGE GOVERNANCE, PRIVACY PROTECTION, AND INNOVATION" ON THE SIDELINES OF THE EVENT, A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WAS SIGNED BETWEEN THE LIBRARIES OF UNIVERSITY OF KHORFAKKAN AND THE UNIVERSITY OF DUBAI.

Khorfakkan University (UKF), represented by the Library Administration and in collaboration with the Arab Federation for Libraries and Information, organized the Second Annual Forum of the University Library under the theme “Information Institutions Between Knowledge Governance, Privacy Protection, and Innovation,” attended by a select group of experts and specialists from various cultural and knowledge fields. The forum aims to enhance scientific dialogue on the future of libraries and information institutions in light of rapid digital transformations and raise awareness of the importance of knowledge governance and data security. It also serves as an important platform for developing the university library system through exposure to best practices and recommendations that contribute to updating the digital infrastructure and services provided to students and academics. The forum opened with two welcome speeches delivered by Prof. Ali Hilal Alnaqbi, Chancellor of University of Khorfakkan, and Dr. Nabhan bin Harith Al Harrasi, President of the Arab Federation for Libraries and Information. They both emphasized the importance of this annual event that brings together experts and specialists from various academic and knowledge institutions in the UAE and the Arab region, contributing to the development of the knowledge system, especially libraries as a core pillar of academic life, while stressing the importance of supporting and organizing scientific forums that improve the quality of student services and enrich their educational experience through a library that keeps pace with the latest technologies and practices, providing a safe and stimulating knowledge environment for creativity and critical thinking. The forum included two rich scientific sessions. The first session, titled “Knowledge Governance in the Digital Age,” was chaired by Dr. Nabhan Al Harrasi, President of the Arab Federation for Libraries and Information, and featured a distinguished group of speakers, including Prof. Hassan Alsirihi, President of the Special Libraries Association – Gulf Chapter, and Prof. Khaled Abdel Fattah, Knowledge and Digital Solutions Advisor at the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation. The second session, titled “Towards a Secure Digital Environment: A Knowledge, Technical, and Legislative Approach,” was chaired by Dr. Emad Abdulaziz from Sharjah Documentation and Archives Authority, and included contributions from Prof. Amjad Gawanmeh, Professor of Information Technology at the University of Dubai; Dr. Tarek Al Saqqa, Professor of Networks at UAE University; and Prof. Moatasem Al Gharyani, Professor of Civil Law at UAE University. On the sidelines of the forum, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Library of University of Khorfakkan and the Library of University of Dubai, reflecting the commitment of both universities to enhance academic cooperation, develop educational resources, support strategic partnerships in library material exchange, foster research and scholarly publishing, promote professional development, technological integration, and community engagement. The memorandum also represents an effective model of institutional collaboration contributing to the expansion of knowledge services, support for students and faculty members, enhancement of institutional innovation, and community service through joint awareness programs and initiatives, with both parties committed to working together to achieve sustainable academic and research goals.