Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Library Foundation launches ‘Dubai Archive’

Dubai: The Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Library Foundation has announced the launch of ‘Dubai Archive’, a national project aimed at establishing an advanced system for managing documents and knowledge assets. The strategic initiative supports Dubai’s vision to preserve its history and national heritage while strengthening its future readiness. The pioneering project, unveiled during a press conference at the Foundation’s headquarters in Al Jaddaf, seeks to ensure the sustainability of Dubai’s institutional memory, enhance government efficiency, and advance digital transformation and knowledge management. ‘Dubai Archive’ marks a significant step forward in the evolution of document management and archiving systems through the adoption of international best practices for preserving government, semi-government and historical records. It also promotes the efficient use of human and technological resources while advancing Dubai’s open data agenda to ensure the sustainability, accessibility and effective management of information. In a keynote address, His Excellency Mohammed Ahmed Al Murr, Chairman of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Library Foundation, said: “‘Dubai Archive’ represents a qualitative shift in document and knowledge management. The project goes beyond traditional archiving frameworks to establish an integrated system that strengthens Dubai’s institutional memory and supports knowledge sustainability.” He added: “A document is not merely an administrative record, but a witness to a period, a reflection of decisions, and the result of accumulated experiences that collectively form a nation’s memory.” Al Murr further noted that “‘Dubai Archive’ embodies the emirate’s vision and philosophy in knowledge management. It transforms information into a strategic resource that supports decision-making, enhances government efficiency, and strengthens the ability to plan and anticipate the future through an advanced digital system defined by integration, flexibility and unified policies across government and semi-government entities.” He emphasised that the project will reinforce national identity by preserving Dubai’s history and institutional and cultural heritage, safeguarding national memory for future generations. It will also support the development of a sustainable knowledge infrastructure that ensures continued access to information and enables its effective use, while documenting Dubai’s achievements as a source of inspiration. During the event, the Foundation signed five cooperation agreements with key government entities as part of the project’s pilot phase. These include Dubai Municipality, Mohammed Bin Rashid Housing Establishment, the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department, the Digital Dubai Authority, and the Dubai Government Human Resources Department, alongside the Mohammed Bin Rashid Library. The agreements aim to enhance institutional integration and unify efforts in archiving and document management. The Foundation also signed a partnership agreement with ONE ECM, the technical partner for ‘Dubai Archive’, to develop and operate an advanced document management and archiving system. The collaboration will deliver digital archiving and document processing solutions, enable integration across government systems, and improve the efficiency of document preservation, management and retrieval in line with international standards. The initiative aims to drive a fundamental transformation in the management of government and semi-government records through the creation of an integrated digital archiving infrastructure, reinforcing Dubai’s position as a leading global model in institutional knowledge management. The project will unify archiving policies and document management standards, while developing a specialised government reference framework based on global best practices. This will enhance governance, transparency and efficiency, while transforming documents and data into strategic assets that support informed decision-making and future planning. ‘Dubai Archive’ also reflects Dubai’s vision of a connected, data-driven government, where knowledge plays a central role in shaping policies and services. Built on an advanced, AI-supported system, the platform will enable efficient document preservation and retrieval, strengthen data security, and protect records from loss or damage. It will also enhance integration across government and semi-government entities. The project serves as a comprehensive national platform for preserving Dubai’s administrative, developmental and cultural history, safeguarding its institutional legacy for future generations. It will also provide reliable knowledge resources for academic research and specialised studies, enabling institutions and decision-makers to draw on historical data when shaping future strategies and public policies. During the launch event, the Foundation honoured teams and individuals who contributed to the project’s pilot phase