Doha: The 38th meeting of the General Secretariat for Centers of Documents and Studies of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries convened in Doha, gathering representatives from national documentation and archive authorities across member states.
According to Qatar News Agency, the meeting witnessed participation from high-level delegations, with Qatar's delegation led by Dr. Ahmed Abdullah Al Buainain, Secretary-General of the National Archives of Qatar. Dr. Al Buainain commended the General Secretariat's crucial role in aiding member states' efforts to preserve documentary heritage for future generations.
Dr. Al Buainain emphasized that the meeting highlights the deep fraternal ties among GCC countries and their shared commitment to enhancing cooperation in documentary and archival work, which is essential for preserving national and Gulf memory.
HE GCC Deputy Secretary General of the Centers of Documents and Studies, Dr. Ali bin Ibrahim Al Marri, underscored the significance of the meeting in strengthening joint Gulf documentary efforts and elevating the role of archives as a societal memory.
The meeting addressed the agenda's key topics, focusing on the need for intensified cooperation and experience exchange among national centers to advance the Gulf documentary work system and bolster the shared cultural identity.
The meeting saw participation from high-level delegations from various GCC countries. Qatar, the host country, was represented by the National Archives of Qatar and the Documentation and Research Department at the Amiri Diwan. Saudi Arabia participated through the King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives (Darah) and the National Center for Archives and Records.
The United Arab Emirates was represented by Dr. Sultan Al Qasimi Centre, Sharjah Archives, National Library and Archives, and Hamdan Bin Mohammad Heritage Center. Bahrain was represented by the National Archives and the Historical Documents Centre. Oman's delegation included the National Records and Archives Authority, while Kuwait was represented by the Gulf and Arabian Peninsula Studies Center at Kuwait University, Al Diwan Al Amiri Historical Documents, Museums and Libraries Center, and Center for Research and Studies on Kuwait.
The meeting concluded with a call to support digital initiatives in archiving and document preservation, enhance training programs, exchange experiences between national centers, and promote awareness of the shared Gulf memory via media and cultural platforms.