Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs H E Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani at the launch of the National Archives of Qatar’s first strategy 2025-2030. The inauguration ceremony was attended by Chairman of the Board of Trustees of NAQ, H E Abdullah bin Khalifa Al Attiyah; Secretary-General of NAQ, Dr. Ahmed Abdullah Al Buainain; and other officials and guests.
DOHA: Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs H E Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani yesterday inaugurated the National Archives of Qatar (NAQ) first strategy 2025-2030.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the NAQ, H E Abdullah bin Khalifa Al Attiyah, and Secretary-General of NAQ, Dr Ahmed Abdullah Al Buainain, alongside a host of Their Excellencies the ministers and high-ranking officials.
Since the inauguration of the National Archives of Qatar building by Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani on January 16, 2024, a clear vision has been set in motion to transform archives from mere records into a strategic tool that supports decision-makers, enriches scientific research, contributes to public policy formulation, and enhances Qatar’s role as a regional and international knowledge hub.
The Qatar National Archives Strategy 2025–2030 was launched under the theme “Memory of the Future”.
In his opening speech, Dr. Ahmed Abdullah Al Buainain, Secretary-General of the National Archives of Qatar, emphasised that the new strategy embodies Qatar’s commitment to preserving its documentary heritage and enhancing its role in supporting development and strengthening national identity, in alignment with Qatar National Vision 2030.
Dr. Al Buainain added: “Documents are one of the essential pillars of decision-making and strategic planning. Through our new strategy, we aim to transform them into knowledge resources that support institutions and researchers, contribute to the development of national policies, and enhance the state’s ability to plan for the future efficiently.”
He further highlighted that “the integrated legislative framework and modern strategies adopted by the Archives align with global best practices, reinforcing the role of records as a fundamental basis for decision-making and enabling institutions to access knowledge effectively.”
He continued: “Digital transformation has become an urgent necessity therefore the National Archives of Qatar is working on developing a comprehensive environment for the digital preservation and management of records, ensuring their availability in more efficient and impactful ways, and making them a key element in supporting development and sustainability.”
Strategic expert at the National Archives of Qatar, Saba Al Fadala, explained that the strategy is based on a comprehensive approach that analyzes national needs and identifies international best practices in the field of archival preservation and management.
She pointed out that it aligns with Qatar National Vision 2030 and the objectives of the Third National Development Strategy, particularly concerning national identity and documentary heritage. She also expressed gratitude and appreciation to the National Planning Council for their continuous support in developing this strategy and ensuring its alignment with the country’s development goals.
Al Fadala emphasised that this strategy is the result of ongoing dialogue and direct engagement with government institutions, individuals, and private library owners.
She highlighted that extensive field studies were conducted, incorporating insights from researchers and historians to ensure the strategy is both practical and effective in addressing the country’s needs.
Eng. Youssef Al Shuraim, Director of the Technical Office at the National Archives of Qatar, provided an overview of four key strategic projects, which form part of a broader initiative comprising over 24 projects.
These include the International Documentation Project, the Institutional Documentation Project, the Community Documentation Project, and the Oral History Project. Together, these initiatives aim to enhance the National Archives’ capacity to document and preserve the nation’s history in all its diverse forms and sources.
Al Shuraim affirmed that these projects reflect the National Archives’ commitment to aligning with global advancements in document management. He stated, “Our role extends beyond merely preserving records—we develop innovative mechanisms that maximise their value. Our strategy is centered on transforming archives into a knowledge resource that empowers decision-makers and provides future generations with a deeper understanding of Qatar’s historical journey and evolution over time.”
Eng. Dalal Al Shammari, Director of the Information Systems Department, highlighted the technological advancements underpinning the “Memory of the Future” strategy.
She noted that the research partnership between the National Archives of Qatar and Microsoft marks a transformative shift in how records are preserved and managed. “This collaboration aims to introduce cutting-edge digital solutions that uphold the highest standards of security, quality, and sustainability.”
Al Shammari further explained that this partnership has led to the launch of three major technological initiatives. Among them is the Journalistic Documentation Project, which focuses on digitizing Qatari journalistic content and converting it into an intelligent digital archive powered by artificial intelligence. This will enable researchers and historians to access historical content with greater accuracy and efficiency while reducing reliance on paper-based archives.
She also introduced the Silica Data Storage Project, which leverages advanced technology to store records on glass plates using ultra-fast laser engraving.
Designed to last for thousands of years, this cutting-edge method ensures optimal data preservation while significantly minimizing energy consumption and carbon emissions compared to traditional storage techniques.
The strategy launch event also featured an exhibition showcasing a diverse collection of manuscripts, with their owners present to discuss their significance with attendees. The ceremony reinforced the National Archives’ mission—not only to safeguard the past but also to build a dynamic national memory that seamlessly integrates heritage with the innovations of the future.
