Achieved a secure digital preservation of the nation’s memory for more than 2000 years to come
The National Library and Archives Achieves a Distinction in the Long-term Digital Preservation
The National Library and Archives launched its pioneering project to convert and permanently and securely preserve the original data for long periods that may reach more than 2000 years, in collaboration with Piql and Melara ME international companies.
This qualitative step came in line with the UAE’s inspiring initiatives, efforts and strategies in the field of sustainability, the vision of its wise leadership and its sound directives for the purpose of leaving a positive legacy to the future generations.
This project affirms that the National Library and Archives is the faithful custodian of the memory of the nation, and the pioneer of preservation of historical records - since its establishment in 1968 under the directives of the builder and founder, Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
The National Library and Archives exerts efforts to transform information and securely preserve it for future generations, by using the latest information technology solutions in the field of data preservation, done with Emirati experts at all local, regional and international levels.
The role of the National Library and Archives will not be limited to government entities only, it will also expand to serve private entities, museums, libraries, bodies preserving heritage. This service will reach the individuals who will benefit from it in the field of digital preservation and protection of valuable information and data in the long term to in order to make them available for future generations.
The cooperation of the National Library and Archives  with the two international companies is a real evidence of its earnest interest in preserving, documenting, archiving and strengthening the memory of the nation according to the latest and most advanced international technologies for successive generations and the possibility of accessing information easily.
This project is a continuation of the phase of converting traditional documents into digital ones, as part of the National Library and Archives’ future interest in designing a future worthy of the UAE glorious history and deep-rooted heritage and preserving it in accordance with the highest standards, best practices and global digital technologies with high accuracy against attempts of piracy, manipulation and scanning.

The unique and advanced Piql technology will enable the National Library and Archives  to preserve information - of all kinds - in its original form on special films that can be easily retrieved in the future, so that generations can benefit from them.
This project will enable the National Library and Archives to transfer and preserve data, expand its status as a regional center of excellence, transfer expertise, research and development in the field of digital preservation and long-term data preservation and ability to learn from standards and experiences in the field of archiving.
Regarding this project, Mr. Hamad Abdulla Al Mutairi, Director of the Archives Department said: This cooperation reflects the richness of the National Library and Archives’s march, its efforts to achieve its goals in the next fifty years set by the UAE to celebrate the centenary anniversary of its founding as it aspires to become amongst the ranks of developed countries in the world.
He added, “Thanks to the directives of senior management regarding the sustainable archive preservation for future generations, we have accessed the latest advanced technologies in digital preservation and long-term information protection. The project will enable us to benefit from world-leading technologies.”
Mr. René Bjerk-Strand, CEO of Piql International, said: “This new participation is an inspiring cooperation, which is of great importance to the United Arab Emirates, the region, and the company.
He added: To become a technical partner with the National Library and Archives is a remarkable endorsement, a testament to the achievement of a great deal of professionalism and progress in preserving the Emirati and Arab heritage for future generations. We look forward to a long and fruitful participation, while preserving the rich memory of the UAE and the region.
Mr. Youshua Khader, General Manager of Melara ME, expressed pride in the confidence the National Library and Archives and Piql had placed in their company and affirmed that the company’s commitment to developing strategic relationship with global and local partners, providing the latest innovations and technical solutions to keep pace with the vision of the UAE wise leadership in attracting advanced technology and placing it within the reach of future generations. He shew the company’s keenness to provide innovative, modern, high-tech solutions tailored to each sector and customer. He further said that the company believies in the importance of transferring technical knowledge that contributes to the Emiratization of technical jobs and enabling access to the latest advanced and innovative solutions.