The UAE National Archives and its Colombian counterpart signed a memorandum of understanding aiming at enhancing archival cooperation in cultural and expertise exchange 

In the context of advocating joint archival and documentation efforts and goals supporting the cultural and documentary heritage sector in both countries and internationally, the National Archives of the UAE and the National Archives of the Republic of Colombia signed a memorandum of understanding aiming at the collaboration in cultural and knowledge exchange enhancing activities, implementing archival training programs, and exchanging experiences and expertise in the archives field.

The MOU was signed by: His Excellency Dr. Abdulla Mohammed Alraisi, Director General of the UAE National Archives, and Mr. Enrique Serrano, Director General of the Colombian Archives.

The proceedings of the MOU signing ceremony took place (remotely) via interactive technology, In line with the adopted precautionary measures of the current critical stage, in the presence of His Excellency Salem Rashid Al Owais, Ambassador of the UAE to Colombia, His Excellency Jaime Amin, Ambassador of Colombia to the UAE, His Excellency Abdullah Majid Al Ali, Executive Director of the UAE National Archives, and a number of officials from the National Archives of both countries.

In his speech, His Excellency Salem Rashid Al Owais praised the UAE National Archives and its great role in preserving the memory of the nation, and urged archivists to strengthen constructive relations to develop and advance archival business.

His Excellency Jaime Amin, Colombian Ambassador to the UAE thanked the UAE for its role in supporting the Republic of Colombia in countering and containing the Corona-virus (Covid 19), and expressed his hope that this memorandum would serve to enhance cooperation between the two countries in archival and documentation fields.

On this occasion, His Excellency Dr. Abdulla Mohammed Alraisi discussed and commended the role the National Archives has played for more than half a century, noting that it is one of the oldest archival and documentation institutions in the region; as it was established in 1968 upon directives from the Late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the Founder of the UAE. The National Archives is currently overseeing the organization of more than 300 UAE Government entities’ archives, and its core business is not limited to preserving the memory of the nation, but also preparing historical research on the UAE and the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, educating youth and future generations in schools and various vital entities on the history of the UAE, hosting conferences, organizing exhibitions, and participating in international forums. The National Archives also plays a major role in enriching libraries with valuable publications on the culture and heritage of the UAE and the Gulf region.

His Excellency said: The quantum leap that the National Archives and the UAE archiving system witnessed, and all recognized achievements in this respect since the beginning of this century is due to the keen interest and unlimited support of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, his vision, directives and constant follow-up.

Dr. Alraisi expressed his hope that this memorandum shall pave the way for further cooperation in all fields, particularly in electronic archiving and its various challenges, and historical documents restoration and sustainability employing artificial intelligence techniques. We hope that this memorandum will contribute to organizing joint exhibitions and exchanging expertise in technical fields.

He pointed out the importance of the National Archives hosting the International Council on Archives Congress in Abu Dhabi, since this major event has been postponed to October 2023 in order to receive the duly deserved attention in an atmosphere that will hopefully be Covid-19 free.

H.E. concluded his speech by inviting the Colombian National Archives Officials and stakeholders to visit the United Arab Emirates to witness the National Archives realized achievements and great role in preserving the memory of the nation, HE also highlighted the importance of the National Archives’ Center for Preservation and Restoration, which includes a highly advanced document restoration laboratory, and employs advanced document digitization techniques.

Director General of the Colombian Archives, Enrique Serrano expressed his pleasure and optimism about signing this memorandum, which he perceives as supportive to the joint collaboration efforts of the National Archives of both friendly countries.

The Memorandum of Understanding’s terms focused on the joint cooperation, participation in and support of programs and activities of mutual benefit, and the mutual search in the parties’ respective Archives for sources and material relating to the history of each in the other party’s holdings, digitizing and exchanging these documents, exchanging knowledge and expertise in the archival field, and implementing Archival training programs, as well as cooperation in cultural exchange activities.



The National Archives of the UAE:



The National Archives of the United Arab Emirates was established in 1968 under the Ministry of Presidential Affairs, upon the directives of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, with the aim of collecting and documenting material relating to the history and heritage of the United Arab Emirates and the Gulf region. Forty years after its inception, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE issued Federal Law No. (7) of 2008 changing its name to be the National Center for Documentation and Research, entrusted with organizing the archives of the United Arab Emirates’ government agencies. Later, H.H. issued an amending order to change its name to be the "National Archives" in accordance with Federal Law No. 1 of 2014.