"Arabica" The Archives and the National Library organize a symposium on the role of archives in preserving Arab memory at an exhibition "Cairo Book"

Cairo, January 23 / WAM / The Arab Regional Branch of the International Council on Archives (ARBICA), in cooperation with the Archives and the National Library, organized a symposium entitled “The Role of Archives in Preserving Memory… The Archives and the National Library in the UAE are a Model for Preserving Arab Memory,” on the platform in which the Archives and the National Library participate within the activities of the Cairo International Book Fair 2026.

The symposium came within the framework of the common interest in strengthening the role of archives in preserving Arab memory, and emphasizing the importance of employing modern and advanced technologies in protecting and preserving the Arab documentary heritage, in addition to unifying efforts to improve the Arab archival system, considering archives as a trust and a historical responsibility.

In the presence of His Excellency Mohammed Ahmed Al Murr, Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of the National Archives and Library, His Excellency Hamad Obaid Al Zaabi, UAE Ambassador to the Arab Republic of Egypt and Permanent Representative to the League of Arab States, and an elite group of intellectuals and media professionals, the symposium was presented by His Excellency Dr. Abdullah Majid Al Ali, Director General of the National Archives and Library and Head of the Arab Regional Branch of the International Council on Archives, His Excellency Dr. Osama Talaat, President of the General Authority of the National Library and Archives and Secretary General of the Arab Regional Branch, and Dr. Rushdieh Rabie, head of the National Archives and professor of restoration at the Faculty of Archeology at Cairo University.

In his opening speech, His Excellency Dr. Abdullah Majid Al Ali stressed the importance of holding the symposium coinciding with the Cairo International Book Fair as a leading intellectual and cultural platform for dialogue and exchange of experiences, pointing out that archives represent an essential partner in building awareness and formulating a balanced historical narrative.

His Excellency reviewed the experience of the archive and the National Library in the UAE, its role in preserving national memory, and its contribution to preserving Arab memory, based on his belief that the archive is not just a repository of the past, but rather an effective element in linking the past to the present and anticipating the future.

He explained that national memory constitutes the basis of nations’ awareness and identity, and requires institutions that possess the vision and scientific standards capable of preserving the past from oblivion or distortion, and making it available to generations as living knowledge, stressing that archives occupy a pivotal position in the modern state project as the faithful guardian of history.

He pointed out that the National Archives and Library in the UAE represents an advanced model in understanding the function of the archive and its cultural role, as it has been launched since its establishment from a vision that considers preserving national memory a pillar of state building and an element of its soft power.

He pointed to the pioneering role of the Archives and the National Library in collecting and preserving historical documents related to the history of the UAE and the Gulf region, and paying attention to oral history, in addition to making knowledge available through digital portals, and building a specialized library that provides reliable historical sources.

His Excellency touched on the scientific research and publishing efforts that resulted in the issuance of specialized books and studies that contribute to building a balanced historical narrative based on the document, far from ideological exploitation or selective reading, indicating that these publications form part of an integrated knowledge project.

He also highlighted the Encyclopedia of the History of the United Arab Emirates as a reference national scientific project, and the educational role played by the Archives and the National Library through its educational programmes, exhibitions and initiatives directed at students and young people, in a way that enhances belonging and awareness of national identity.

His Excellency stressed that the experience of the archives and the National Library constitutes a model that can be built upon in developing Arab archival work, by combining international standards with cultural specificity, and preserving knowledge sovereignty with openness to international cooperation, stressing the importance of building an effective cooperation system between Arab archives.

He pointed out that the intertwining of Arab history requires strengthening joint archival work and openness to specialized international organizations, most notably the International Council on Archives, in a way that enhances the presence of the Arabic novel in global archival projects, while preserving cultural specificity.

At the conclusion of his speech, His Excellency Dr. Abdullah Majid Al Ali stressed that archives represent the living conscience of nations, and that the archives and the national library in the UAE embodied this role and contributed effectively to preserving national and Arab memory.

For his part, Dr. Osama Talaat reviewed the establishment of the General Authority for the National Library and Archives, its history, and its historical role as an ancient institution of knowledge, explaining that the House’s mission is based on three main axes: collection, preservation, and availability.

He stressed that the house plays a pivotal role in preserving the Egyptian and Arab heritage, as it contains rare documents, early publications, and historical manuscripts, in addition to a group of the rarest and oldest Qur’ans, most notably the Mamluk Qur’ans.

He explained that the preservation process takes place through two main paths: the direct restoration of documents and manuscripts, and digitization as a modern and sustainable mechanism that guarantees the preservation of heritage and its availability for generations.

He also highlighted the supportive scientific system within the House, which is represented by a number of specialized centers, including the Restoration Center, the Center for the Study of Modern and Contemporary Egyptian History, the Bibliography Center, and the Center for Heritage Investigation, stressing that these centers constitute the scientific foundation for the sustainability of the House’s cultural role in preserving Arab memory.

In turn, Dr. Rushdieh Rabie discussed the importance of restoration centers and their role in preserving Arab documentary heritage, reviewing restoration laboratories and the latest equipment used in this field, the stages of restoration and modern techniques, and the diversity of materials on which documents are written, from paper to parchment, in addition to the diversity of materials used in restoration operations.

It also touched on the types of damage that afflict documents, ways to treat them, methods of prevention, and providing an appropriate environment for preserving documentary collections, ensuring their sustainability for future generations.

• For more: Follow Khaleejion 24 Arabic, Khaleejion 24 English, Khaleejion 24 Live, and for social media follow us on Facebook and Related