The UAE National Archives received a delegation from the British National Archives

Pursuant to the memorandum of understanding signed between the two institutions in August 2016, the National Archives of the UAE has received a delegation from The National Archives of the UK. The delegation consisted of the Head of Commercial Services, Mr. Chris Mumby; the Head of Collections, Dr. Stephen Twigge; and the Head of Modern Overseas Records, Dr. Juliette Desplat.

This meeting of key people from the two institutions was called in order to review and shape a common strategic vision for a pending joint project, which will digitize and make broadly available the documentary holdings of the British National Archives relating to the UAE and other nations of the Arabian Gulf. The visit included a tour of the UAE National Archives, with presentations by staff, and served as an expression of the collaborative partnership agreed to previously by both sides.

Discussion involved a range of topics, including project planning, governance and management, resource allocation, and implementation options. Participants discussed the requirements for transcription, indexing and translation, and analyzed technical and marketing aspects of the projects.

The meeting and discussion led to favorable outcomes: a shared vision for the project was identified, project governance and management principles were established, and the core project team was confirmed. Dr. Abdulla M. Alraisi, Director General of the UAE National Archives, stated that such meetings “take place in the framework of strengthening relations with the world’s major archives and the introduction of the latest international experiences and skills to the National Archives through exchange of expertise and the promotion of future joint projects and activities to celebrate the 2017 UAE -UK culture year.”