Qatar Digital Library recently won the Arab Federation for Libraries and Information (AFLI) Award for the Best Arab Initiative at the 35th AFLI conference in Muscat, Oman. The theme of the conference was “Libraries and Arab Archive Institutions and Their Role in Enhancing Identity and Digital Citizenship.” Minister of State and President of Qatar National Library H E Dr. Hamad bin Abdulaziz Al Kawari was presented with the award by His Highness Dr. Fahd bin Al Julanda Al Said, President of Sultan Qaboos University.
Launched in 2014 in partnership with Qatar Foundation and the British Library, Qatar Digital Library (QDL) is the largest digital repository dedicated to heritage documents and manuscripts on the Gulf region and the Arab world, as well as scientific discoveries in Arab and Islamic civilization. Dr. Al Kawari expressed pride in receiving the award, stating that it reflects QNL’s success in fulfilling its mission as a premier knowledge hub. The Library has made significant achievements in preserving documentary heritage and disseminating knowledge through its Arabic digital portal.
The recognition from the AFLI highlights the dedication and commitment of the team at Qatar National Library to safeguarding cultural heritage of manuscripts and documents. Dr. Al Kawari emphasized that the award strengthens the Library’s role as a bastion of knowledge and a premier destination for researchers and academics in Qatar and the region. Qatar National Library recently celebrated the 10th anniversary of QDL with a conference titled “Unlocking Histories: 10 Years of Qatar Digital Library,” where academics, researchers, and practitioners gathered to discuss their work conducted using QDL resources.
The conference showcased the extensive materials available on the platform and demonstrated how researchers can leverage these resources for their work. Qatar Digital Library has become a primary reference for the history of the Gulf, the Arab world, and the broader Middle East. The Library’s innovative approach to preserving and disseminating knowledge through digital means has been recognized and praised by experts in the library and information sector across Arab countries.
The impressive accomplishments of QDL have solidified Qatar National Library’s reputation as a leader in the preservation and dissemination of cultural heritage. The Library’s ongoing efforts to digitize and make accessible a wealth of historical documents and manuscripts contribute to enhancing identity and digital citizenship in the Arab world. The AFLI Award serves as a testament to the Library’s dedication to promoting knowledge and research in the region.
In conclusion, Qatar Digital Library’s recognition at the AFLI conference in Muscat highlights the Library’s commitment to preserving cultural heritage and promoting knowledge in the Arab world. The award underscores the importance of Qatar National Library’s efforts in safeguarding historical documents and manuscripts on the Gulf region and the Arab world. As a premier knowledge hub, QDL continues to be a valuable resource for researchers and academics seeking to explore the rich history and heritage of the region.
