For reinforcing collaboration in archives and UNESCO Memory of the World Program

The National Archives and King Abdul Aziz Foundation Discussed

Ways to Reinforce the Archival Work on Gulf and International Levels

The National Archives of the United Arab Emirates and King Abdul Aziz Foundation for Research and Archives discussed ways to develop cooperation ties in their field of specialty. The two sides discussed the outcome of the meeting of the GCC General Secretariat of the Documents and Studies Centers. They discussed coordination in a number of specialized areas that would develop and integrate the archival work in the Arab states of the Gulf Cooperation Council strengthening its position globally.

That took place when HE Dr. Abdulla Al Raisi, Director General of the National Archives received HE Dr. Fahd Al Samari, Secretary General of King Abdul Aziz Foundation for Research and Archives and the accompanying delegation at the National Archives headquarters in Abu Dhabi.

HE Dr. Dr. Abdullah Mohammad Raisi has welcomed the strengthening of the existing cooperation between the National Archives and King Abdul Aziz Foundation for Research and Archives, and commended His Excellency the Secretary General of the foundation for his interest in the role played by the National Archives at all levels. He showed the National Archives’ readiness to fulfil its pivotal role in meeting the requirements of the new phase, keeping up with the future through integration and coordination with similar Gulf centers and institutions, particularly King Abdul Aziz Foundation.

HE Dr. Raisi thanked HE Dr. Samari for his clear efforts in supporting the integration and collaboration of the archival and documentary work, which resulted in greater achievements and a unified vision for a coordinated archival work. HE stressed the need for the Arab Gulf cooperation in the field of archives and their preservation.

The two sides discussed encouraging studies and research through providing researchers from both sides with the required historical and scientific materials, exchanging publications and journals, organizing joint exhibitions and seminars. The meeting also dealt with exchanging expertise in the field of preparing and training archives cadres in both countries, conserving and restoring historical documents and in the technological and technical fields. Both sides considered this meeting as a basis for a memorandum of understanding they look forward to sign in Riyadh next October.

The two sides discussed ways of strengthening Arab and regional archival work, benefitting from common Gulf experiences, supporting newly established archives in the GCC countries, and boosting collaboration among the archives of the GCC to become pioneer in this field.

During their meeting, the National Archives and King Abdul Aziz Foundation for Research and Archives focused on the importance of training and exchange of expertise between the two sides, and moreover on transferring successful and distinctive experiences in Saudi Arabia and the UAE to the rest of the GCC countries based on a joint program that facilitates and regulates the transfer of such experiences in favor of advancing other archives and achieving excellence. Thus, Gulf archives become an influential force that can build stronger partnerships with the countries of the developed world.

The two sides agreed on the importance of translating and publishing the historical documents on an updated database making them accessible to researchers, as that would support the drive towards transparency, accessibility and provision of documented and honest information to the beneficiaries who are interested in the history of the Gulf. The two sides also maintained linking researchers and specialists in the Gulf archives by providing them with their needs which shall be made accessible as well as establishing a data base of archiving and documentation for the Arab Gulf countries relating to archiving and documentation, which derives its strength from the competent authorities and the available experiences, such as universities, and the competent specialized researchers.

The National Archives and King Abdul Aziz Foundation dealt with the importance of the oral memory and the distinctive experiences in that field as well as the development and excellence the National Archives’ has achieved in this respect. The meeting pressed on the importance of training courses in oral history. The meeting also dealt with the significance of digitization of multimedia, cognitive and digital integration and the promotion of cooperation among the Gulf archives. Moreover, it discussed the integration of archival efforts that stem from the historical and geographical integration of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries. That would reinforce their power and presence among global institutions.

At their meeting, the National Archives and King Abdul Aziz Foundation discussed the outcome of the Secretariat General for Centres of Documents and Studies of G.C.C States meeting in Qatar in May last year.

His Excellency Dr. Samari reviewed the National Archives’ strategic plans, its eventful agenda and some of the practical achievements that had remarkable success such as organizing government archives, promoting loyalty and belonging and consolidated national identity, and the specialized Arabic and English publications. HE praised the National Archives professionalism and technical evolution that made it the honorable documenting and archiving beacon in the Gulf region, thanks to the directives and unlimited support of HH Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Presidential Affairs and Chairman of the National archives.

The two sides discussed ways of cooperation with the UNESCO Memory of the World program and the importance of the inclusion of both countries’ important documents in this program, particularly as they have a tremendous asset of achievements that are documented in word, sound and image. These experiences should be included to be globally reviewed.

His Excellency Director General of the National Archives took HE Dr. Fahd Al Smari and his delegates on a tour in the National Archives’ facilities. The guests expressed their admiration for all the achievements on the administrative and technical levels.