Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi Collaborates With Qatar National Archives To Enhance Archival Management Training

Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi (SUAD) has partnered with the National Archives of Qatar (NAQ) to offer a tailored version of its Professional Certificate in Archives and Records Management. This initiative aims to enhance national capabilities in preserving institutional memory and promoting knowledge sustainability, aligning with NAQ's goals. The programme supports cultural continuity and innovation, adhering to international standards in documentation preservation.

The six-week training, conducted in Arabic by international experts, will take place from 2nd November 2025 to 11th December 2025. It includes both theoretical and practical modules covering legislation, preservation, digital archiving, and management of current records. This collaboration customises the certificate specifically for NAQ staff, aligning with the "Ousus" programme to boost public records management expertise.

Dr. Ahmad Abdulla Al-Buenain expressed that this partnership is crucial for advancing Qatar's archives sector. He emphasised that managing archives is a national duty that preserves institutional memory and documentary heritage, contributing significantly to sustainable development. Aisha Khalid Al Saad highlighted the collaboration's role in enhancing the "Ousus" programme and investing in human capital as part of Qatar's National Vision 2030.

Dr. Bertrand Haan remarked on SUAD’s dedication to empowering professionals in history preservation through this partnership. By adapting their professional certificate for NAQ staff, SUAD strengthens regional capacity and promotes sustainable preservation of national memory and cultural heritage. This initiative reflects SUAD's commitment to professional excellence in documentation across the region.

The signing ceremony took place at NAQ in Doha, attended by key figures including Dr. Ahmad Abdulla Al-Buenain, Aisha Khalid Al Saad, Dr. Bertrand Haan, Dr. Yann Rodier from Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi, and Dr Hazza Al Naqbi from the National Library and Archives (NLA). This event marked a significant step towards enhancing archival practices within an integrated system reflecting Qatar’s strategic direction.

Sorbonne Abu Dhabi’s Professional Certificate was initially developed with the UAE’s National Archives. It demonstrates SUAD’s strong regional commitment to documentation excellence and heritage preservation while supporting sustainable knowledge management practices throughout the GCC region.

This collaboration underscores Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi's dedication to building knowledge-based societies across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). By merging academic expertise with practical solutions, it ensures long-term preservation of knowledge and cultural heritage for future generations.

With inputs from WAM