Appreciating Qasr Al Watan

The National Archives Board of Directors holds its regular meeting and discusses the NA annual report

The National Archives Board of Directors held a meeting chaired by H.E. Hamad Abdul Rahman Al Midfa, Secretary-General of the Federal Supreme Council Affairs and Chairman of the NA’s BOD, in the presence of the BOD members. The BOD has reviewed the meeting agenda and made appropriate decisions that help the NA to continue its pioneering role in preserving the memory of the nation and providing access to it.

At the beginning of the meeting held at the NA premises, H.E. Chairman of the BOD appreciated the establishment of “Qasr Al Watan”, which is considered a cultural monument and one of the most significant historical and cultural landmarks in the UAE and an evidence for its civilizational progress and human heritage. It is an episode in the series of the achievements of UAE leaders, and an indication of their interest in continuing to build their country, preserving its heritage and documenting the progress of its civilization.

The Board discussed the strategic plan and its future projects, mainly the preparations for hosting the International Council on Archives Congress 2020, and the completion of the Restoration and Preservation Center. The attendees emphasized the importance of keeping on providing distinctive archival services, coping with technical advancements and qualifying the employees in all documentation and archiving related fields. They also discussed other matters related to the National Archives. 

The Board praised the NA annual report 2018, which stressed the NA ability for creativity, innovation and competition especially that it has managed to double its fruitful efforts and national contributions to all categories of the Centennial Initiative, launched at the beginning of last year in celebration of the Year of Zayed. The NA went beyond these categories to society members and beneficiaries inside and outside the UAE.

The Board reviewed the 2019 budget and focused on the importance of the projects, events and activities related to the NA duties and role in collecting government records. It discussed the project of the Arabian Gulf Digital Archives and what has been achieved. This project is an online network containing all of the Arabian Gulf documents. It will serve as the main source of reference for the history and heritage of the region and provide researchers with access to these documents.

Caption:

Hamad Al Midfa chairing the NA’s Board of Directors meeting.