Sharjah Archives Highlights Digital Preservation Efforts at SIBF 2025

A session titled “Digital Archiving and Preserving National Memory,” held during the 44th Sharjah International Book Fair, explored the growing role of digital preservation in safeguarding the documentary heritage of the UAE and the Emirate of Sharjah.

Speakers included Sheikh Mohammed bin Faiz Al Qasimi, Director of Research and Documentation at Sharjah Archives; Ahmed Salman, documentation specialist; and oral history expert Ahmed Al Zarif. The panel was moderated by researcher Emad Gaballah and organized in cooperation with the Emirates Library and Information Association.

Sheikh Mohammed highlighted the institution’s mission to fulfill the vision of Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi in preserving the emirate’s history, noting new publications unveiled at the fair and ongoing work to build a comprehensive digital archive.

Salman emphasized the use of advanced AI-driven tools to support documentation, while Al Zarif underscored the importance of oral history and the need for meticulous interviews and expert verification to ensure accuracy.