Qatar's history and heritage took center stage yesterday as HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani launched the National Archives of Qatar's first strategic plan for the years 2025 to 2030. This landmark event was attended by prominent figures, including HE the Speaker of the Shura Council, Hassan bin Abdullah al-Ghanem, and HE the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the National Archives, Abdullah bin Khalifa al-Attiyah, alongside various ministers, senior officials, and members of the community.
The newly unveiled strategy, titled “Memory of the Future,” aims to strengthen the documentation system and preserve the rich history of Qatar and the wider region. The strategic roadmap outlines how the National Archives will manage and safeguard documents, promote transparency, and support sustainable development, all the whilst preserving Qatar's unique identity. "The strategy aims to transform historical documents and national archives to become vibrant sources of knowledge for future generations," stated Dr Ahmed Abdullah al-Buainain, Secretary-General of the National Archives, during the launch.
Al-Buainain highlighted the strategic plan's foundation, reflecting six years of hard work and extensive collaboration with over 80 relevant entities. He noted, "We built our strategy on four main references, taking consideration of existing studies and successful models from other countries to lay out this clear and purposeful plan for preserving our rich history.”
During the launch event, the significant contributions of the National Archives over the years were celebrated, showcasing its role as the guardian of Qatar's documents and heritage. Media personality Abdulwahab al-Mutawa and renowned Qatari artist Salah Mulla led the audience through Qatar’s historical narrative, shedding light on the potent symbolism of the strategic plan’s title, which serves as both homage to the past and vision for the future.
The strategy includes more than 24 programs structured around four distinctive projects aimed at enhancing the capabilities necessary for documenting and preserving the nation’s history. Engineer Yousef al-Shreim, Director of the National Archives’ Technical Office, detailed these projects as instrumental in collecting and conserving various documents related to Qatar and the Arab world. The first project focuses on international documentation, wherein the Archives will obtain copies of important documents held by global institutions to complete the national documentary record.
The second strategic initiative, the institutional documentation project, seeks to archive the official records of various national institutions, thereby ensuring clarity about the evolution of governmental functions. This includes keeping comprehensive records of ministerial decisions and organizational structures, as described by al-Shreim: “This initiative will provide institutions with the necessary tools to manage their documents effectively.”
Notably, the community documentation project is pivotal for engaging the public and encouraging them to help preserve the documentary heritage. Al-Shreim emphasized, “The role of the community is equally important as the role of institutions. We want individuals, especially those with private libraries, to know how significant their contributions are to conserving our identity.”
The fourth initiative is groundbreaking: the oral documentation project aims to capture the testimonies of key individuals who have shaped Qatar’s history. Using state-of-the-art technology, this effort will record and preserve their narratives as invaluable sources for future generations. Al-Shreim stated, “We are not just preserving documents; we are developing mechanisms to make them accessible and usable for effective decision-making.”
The overarching goal of the National Archives of Qatar's strategic plan is community engagement, as highlighted by the organisation's public relations director, Noura al-Qubaisi. She remarked, "This strategy places the community at the heart of its vision, recognizing the importance of individual participation in preserving our documentary heritage.”
With this comprehensive plan, the National Archives of Qatar is set to serve as a key trusted source of knowledge, overseeing the documentation processes necessary for both historical preservation and the development of Qatar's future. The strategy’s innovative approach not only enriches the archives but also plays a significant role in fostering national pride and identity.
Indeed, as Qatar navigates through modern challenges, the mission of the National Archives extends beyond mere documentation—it is about creating a legacy of knowledge and insight for the generations to come.