The Forum for Open Research in MENA (FORM) is pleased to welcome the UAE National Archives and Library as its newest member, bringing to the FORM community a national institution with an important role in preserving and providing access to knowledge, supporting research, and developing information infrastructure.
The National Archives and Library combines its responsibility for preserving the nation’s documentary heritage with a growing role in supporting researchers and strengthening the UAE’s knowledge ecosystem. Its work includes providing knowledge services to researchers, encouraging academic research and studies, and providing access to extensive collections of print and electronic resources, reference materials, theses, and journals. It also develops digital platforms and services that broaden access to knowledge.
This role extends into areas closely connected with Open Research. Since early 2025, the National Archives and Library has led DataCiteUAE, the UAE’s national DataCite consortium, enabling academic and cultural institutions to connect their research outputs to persistent identifiers such as Digital Object Identifiers (DOIs). The consortium contributes to strengthening the country’s research infrastructure, making research outputs easier to discover, access, and reuse, and connecting them more effectively with the global research ecosystem.
These efforts are complemented by a range of projects and services developed by the National Library, including its digital repository, Digital UAE Memory, the Information Portal, as well as ISSN and ISBN services. Together, these initiatives support the collection, preservation, organisation, and accessibility of the UAE’s intellectual, scholarly, and cultural output, helping to increase the visibility of knowledge produced in the country and making it easier for researchers and other users to access.
Joining FORM creates new opportunities for the National Archives and Library to exchange knowledge and experience with research institutions, universities, libraries, and organisations working across Open Research in the region and beyond. It also opens up opportunities for collaboration in research data management, metadata, digital repositories, and research identity, alongside the exchange of international experience in developing policies and practices that support Open Research.
Membership also gives the National Archives and Library the opportunity to contribute its expertise to discussions and initiatives across the FORM community, particularly in areas related to access to knowledge, research information infrastructure, and stronger collaboration between national, regional, and international institutions.
Reflecting on the significance of joining FORM, the National Archives and Library said:
“The National Library’s membership of the Forum for Open Science aligns with the objective set out in Federal Law No. 7 of 2008 concerning the National Archives and Library, as amended, specifically Article 4, Clause 12, which states: ‘Contributing to the establishment of a national information system by developing national plans and policies governing the management of libraries and information centres.’ The National Library’s membership also reflects its commitment to supporting the Open Science ecosystem, strengthening international cooperation, and exchanging expertise. We see this step as an opportunity to contribute to the development of global policies and practices and to strengthen the Library’s role as a national hub for access to knowledge and for supporting research infrastructure.”
The National Archives and Library brings to the FORM community expertise spanning knowledge preservation and access, researcher support, and the development of digital and information infrastructure. We are delighted to welcome the institution as a FORM member and look forward to expanding opportunities for collaboration and knowledge exchange in support of Open Research across the region.
If you would like to learn more about FORM membership and opportunities for collaboration, you can find further information here.
