The origins of the Filipino Librarians Association – UAE (FLA-UAE) can be traced back to 2018, when Ms. Veronica Sheepers of Deira International School organized a professional development workshop for librarians across the United Arab Emirates. Among the participants was Ms. Ivy Cruzata, who was the founding President of FLA-UAE, noticed the significant number of Filipino librarians in attendance. Recognizing the value of professional networking and collaboration, she envisioned creating a platform where Filipino librarians could connect, discuss day-to-day professional concerns, exchange ideas, and support one another in their work.

The following year, in 2019, another workshop was organized by Ms. Sheepers, bringing together many of the same Filipino librarians who had attended the previous event. During the workshop, Ms. Cruzata assisted in collecting the contact information of Filipino librarian participants to support the research of Ms. Connie Angeles, who was then pursuing her Master of Library and Information Science degree at the University of the Philippines Diliman and required respondents for her thesis study.

Using the contact information gathered during the workshop, Filipino librarians established a WhatsApp group that soon became an active platform for professional communication and collaboration. Members regularly exchanged ideas, shared best practices, sought advice on workplace challenges, and provided support to one another. What began as an informal communication channel gradually evolved into a thriving professional community.

As the network continued to grow, discussions emerged regarding the possibility of formally organizing Filipino librarians in the UAE. The vision was to establish an association that would promote professional development, facilitate the organization of seminars and workshops, strengthen camaraderie among Filipino librarians, and contribute to the advancement of the library and information profession in the country.

Mr. Jericho Diano, who served as the first Vice President of FLA-UAE, played a significant role in the formalization of the organization. During his participation in a session organized by the Bayanihan Council, he recommended that the group seek affiliation with the Council. The Bayanihan Council serves as the umbrella organization of Filipino professional groups in the UAE and maintains close coordination with the Philippine Embassy. This recommendation became an important step in the establishment and recognition of the Filipino Librarians Association – UAE as a professional organization serving Filipino librarians throughout the Emirates.