The National Library and Archives Highlights Amendments to the Executive Regulations of Federal Law No. (7) of 2008

The National Library and Archives (NLA) organized a virtual seminar for government entities to present the recent amendments to the Executive Regulations of Federal Law No. (7) of 2008 concerning the National Library and Archives. The session aimed to align the updated provisions with the UAE’s modern developments, national strategies, and current legislative frameworks.
In his opening remarks, Dr. Hamad Al Mutairi, Acting Director-General of the NLA, emphasized that the updated Regulation provides clear and comprehensive guidelines for technical procedures related to document transferal and destruction, sorting and classification, as well as preservation and accessibility. He noted that the amendments also introduce a new section dedicated to the National Library affairs and the enhancement of the UAE’s cultural resources.
Dr. Al Mutairi noted that the revised policies align with the nation’s broader drive to adopt advanced technologies and streamline workflows, saving time while ensuring the proper preservation of both paper and electronic records. He also underscored the link between these updates and the government’s Zero Bureaucracy initiative, as improved records management accelerates access to information and enhances sustainability and green practices.
Archival expert Ahmed Moudjab presented a detailed overview of the amendments, noting that the updated Regulation is available on the NLA’s official website. He explained that the changes are a natural outcome of the institutional merger between the National Archives and the National Library.
Moudjab urged all holders of public records or materials related to state interests to transfer them to the NLA to ensure their proper preservation. He stressed the importance of establishing a dedicated document management unit within every government entity to enable effective coordination with local bodies responsible for permanent archival preservation.
Technical expert Dr. Soufiane Bouharrat addressed the management of classified records, outlining the confidentiality periods for various categories, which range from 20 to 60 years depending on their nature and their relation to national security, legal matters, or personal privacy. He also reviewed technical criteria for classifying documents of historical and scientific value, rare materials, and records related to human resources and personnel affairs.
Bouharrat further discussed the joint records preservation plan developed by the NLA and the training provided to government entities to support its implementation. He emphasized the importance of transferring government records to the NLA as part of each entity’s national duty. He also clarified destruction procedures, one of the most sensitive processes, which require approval from a specialized committee and must be carried out in the presence of an NLA representative.
In addition, he shed light on the management and archiving of electronic records, as well as private records owned by individuals, families, and companies, emphasizing the importance of collecting and preserving them at the National Library and Archives.
The seminar concluded by affirming that the success of the national records preservation project depends on strong, coordinated cooperation between the NLA and government entities, as records constitute state property and safeguarding them is a shared responsibility.
The session witnessed strong engagement from participants, featuring remarks and inquiries that focused on the practical application of the amended executive regulations.