Doha: Qatari Cultural Institutions have been at the forefront of efforts to protect local and Arab cultural heritage.
According to Qatar News Agency, these efforts include the recent establishment of the Memory of the World Regional Committee for the Arab States by the National Archive of Qatar in collaboration with UNESCO. This initiative aims to bolster regional cooperation in preserving documentary heritage and was announced during a regional conference in Doha in January 2025. The event, under the patronage of the National Archive of Qatar and UNESCO, saw Dr. Ahmed Abdullah Al Buainain elected as the committee’s chair, marking a significant step in Qatar’s support for Arab documentary heritage.
Additionally, the Qatar National Library has inaugurated the regional office of the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA). This move is designed to enhance coordination between libraries dedicated to preserving Arab and Middle Eastern documentary heritage. Furthermore, Qatar an
nounced the formation of a National Committee for the Implementation of the UNESCO Memory of the World Programme to oversee the creation of a Qatari registry for documentary heritage and coordinate nominations for the global Memory of the World register.
Undersecretary of the Ministry of Culture Dr. Ghanem bin Mubarak Al Ali stated that the committee, established by Cabinet decision, will partner with various entities to raise awareness and promote the importance of preserving documentary heritage. Dr. Al Ali highlighted Qatar’s commitment to safeguarding this heritage as a sustainable legacy for future generations, detailing ongoing efforts to collect, categorize, and classify documents. A series of workshops and public awareness campaigns are planned to train participants on conservation techniques.
Dr. Ahmed Abdullah Al Buainain emphasized that preserving Arab documentary heritage is a collective responsibility requiring institutional coordination. According to him, the newly established committee serves
as a regional framework for raising awareness and promoting historical documents as vital components of national identity. He also pointed out that Arab documentary heritage remains underrepresented in the global Memory of the World register and stressed the need for integrated efforts to address preservation challenges.
Qatar National Library continues to play a pivotal role in preserving Arab and Islamic heritage. Abeer Saad Al Kuwari, the Director of National Collections and Special Initiatives, noted that the library’s selection as the first regional IFLA office in the Middle East reflects its commitment to spreading knowledge and safeguarding heritage. She detailed the library’s initiatives, including training preservation specialists and combating illicit trade in cultural treasures.
The library’s Himaya project, in collaboration with UNESCO and Interpol, aims to prevent the smuggling of manuscripts and historical documents. The Heritage Library and Qatar Digital Library initiatives further highlight
the library’s dedication to preserving cultural treasures. Future plans include expanding preservation work, continuing digitization projects, and launching awareness programs to engage the community in heritage protection.