Research Archiving, Preserving the Digital Library and the Year of Reading Events… Are the most important prospects of cooperation

The National Archives Explores Cooperation Mechanisms with the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research

The National Archives of the United Arab Emirates and a delegation from the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research explored ways of cooperation in archiving scientific research in the U.A.E., best practices in archiving,  ways of preserving digital library and exchanging publications, and agreed to organize some events to celebrate the 2016 Year of Reading initiative.

The visit of the delegation of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research to the headquarters of the National Archives aimed to benefit from the experience of the National Archives in archiving the ministry’s scientific research carried out by its employees sent abroad to pursue academic studies, the best practices in archiving and ways of preserving digital library and providing it with the National Archives’ e-books, exchanging publications, and laying down a plan for cultural activities within the framework of the 2016 Year of Reading initiative. The Archives Department discussed with the visiting delegation the cooperation and coordination in the second phase of organizing the ministry's archive. The meeting reviewed the most important phases the National Archives has undergone; its achievements, its precious treasures of historical documents and records comprised in its international archives.  The orientation included a review of the National archives agenda, its strategy that keeps pace with the U.A.E. vision 2021 and its local and regional functions; particularly as it is considered one of the oldest and largest pioneering regional and Arab documentation institutions.

The visiting delegation was also acquainted with the most prominent projects of the National archives, its role in contributing to the national education in U.A.E. schools, its cultural season which focuses on the most important national causes and issues such as national identity, loyalty and belonging, and the major achievements of the founding fathers, the makers of the Union, the biographies of the great leaders who continued the march towards welfare and prosperity. The visiting delegation was also briefed about the Presidential Archive, which includes photographs and videos documenting the march of the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan and the activities of his Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, at the local, regional, Arab and international levels. The section holds maps of the U.A.E., as well as historical photographs, which represent a precious heritage that must be preserved and handed over to the future generations and made accessible to researchers and scholars.

The delegation was briefed also about the specialized “Emirates Library” and its role in providing researchers and students with rare sources and references, and with scholarly research and dissertation on the U.A.E.'s history and heritage. Furthermore, the National Archives expressed its interest in continuing to provide its library with more titles through its participation in the major international book fairs.

At the end of the meeting, the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research’s delegation, including Dr. Hamad Al Kaabi, Director of Internal Audit Office, and Fatima Al Jafri, Director of Planning and Coordination of Higher Education Department and their accompanying members had a tour in Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Hall and the Emirates Library.