Abu Dhabi, 20-23 April 2026

The International Conference on Shaping Knowledge Beyond Digital Archiving

Our Main Sponsor

The National Library and Archives of Abu Dhabi, our main sponsor, empowers our mission and our commitment to digital innovation and the preservation of knowledge.

Dr. Hala Bayoumi

Welcome to Shaping Knowledge Beyond Digital Archiving

In an era defined by rapid and profound digital transformation, the National Archives and Library is proud to announce the third edition of the International Digital Archives Conference, held under the theme: “Towards New Horizons of Knowledge in the Digital Age.”

This prestigious conference highlights our commitment to using advanced technologies and global best practices to preserve the nation’s memory and drive innovation in knowledge management.

It serves as a distinguished platform for thought leaders, experts, and researchers from around the world to engage in meaningful dialogue and explore the evolving intersection between the humanities and digital technologies.

Aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals and the UAE Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2031, the conference contributes to the development of an integrated knowledge ecosystem—one that is deeply rooted in cultural heritage and forward-looking in its vision.

We warmly invite all specialists and professionals to take part in this landmark event and to share their forward-thinking ideas for a more enlightened and knowledge-driven future.

HE Dr. Abdullah Majid al AliDirector General Of The UAE National Library And Archives
Dr. Hala Bayoumi

Towards a Conceptual Vision of Knowledge in the Digital Age

After two successful editions of the Digital Archiving in the Arab World conference, we are expanding our focus beyond archiving. As technology increasingly shapes how we create, share, and preserve knowledge, this conference explores its impact across disciplines.

This conference provides a platform for scholars, practitioners, and innovators to engage in meaningful discussions, exchange insights, and explore new frontiers in digital humanities. Through speeches, talks, and networking opportunities, we aim to foster new connections and innovative approaches to knowledge in the digital age.

Dr. Hala BayoumiScientific Head of the Conference
Dr. Hamad Almutairi

Towards New Summits of Knowledge in the Digital Age

In light of rapid changes, the National Library and Archives continues to employ modern technologies to preserve national memory. This conference presents a comprehensive vision moving beyond traditional preservation to creative interaction between humanities and technology.

The event aims to establish innovative methodologies combining digital trends and scientific insights, discussing vital issues like AI and data security. It seeks to develop a knowledge environment supporting decision-making and enhancing international cooperation to foresee the future of information management.

We invite specialists to actively participate in this conference, contributing to advancing the national archive system towards excellence and building a sustainable knowledge future for coming generations.

Dr. Hamad AlmutairiActing Executive Director - National Library and Archives

Conference Topics

We invite abstracts that explore the following themes, emphasizing the role of digital technologies in shaping research and knowledge production.

Scientific Discovery in the Digital Age
The integration of big data, artificial intelligence, and bioinformatics is transforming scientificresearch across multiple disciplines. Advances in computational models and simulations are enhancing research in biology, chemistry, physics, climate science, and genomic studies. This theme focuses on how digital tools are accelerating discoveries, refining predictive analysis, and revolutionizing experimental methodologies.
Digital Humanities and Cultural Research
Digital tools are redefining the study of literature, history, and cultural heritage. Researchers are using AI-driven text analysis, digital archives, and computational humanities methods to uncover new insights into manuscripts, language studies, and historical narratives. This theme explores innovative digital approaches that contribute to the preservation, interpretation, and recontextualization of cultural and historical knowledge.
Education and Knowledge in the Digital Era
The rapid expansion of digital learning tools is reshaping the production and dissemination of knowledge. Online learning platforms, interactive education technologies, and open-access publishing are transforming academic research and interdisciplinary collaboration. This theme focuses on how digital advancements are enhancing accessibility, fostering new educational methodologies, and influencing the future of knowledge exchange.
AI and Digital Technologies in Healthcare
Artificial intelligence and digital technologies are driving major advancements in medical research, diagnostics, and biotechnology. From AI-powered medical imaging to digital health solutions and personalized medicine, these innovations are improving patient outcomes and transforming healthcare systems. This theme highlights the latest research on the role of AI and digital tools in advancing healthcare and medical sciences.
Environmental Sciences and Sustainability
The increasing complexity of scientific challenges requires collaboration across disciplines, supported by digital infrastructures. AI-driven knowledge-sharing platforms, VR/AR applications, and emerging digital tools are fostering cross-disciplinary research and new modes of scientific communication. This theme highlights the role of digital technologies in connecting diverse research fields and supporting interdisciplinary collaboration.
Ethics and the Digital Age
The widespread use of digital technologies in research raises critical ethical considerations related to privacy, bias, and data governance. Addressing issues such as responsible AI use, ethical data management, algorithmic transparency, and digital sovereignty is essential for the integrity of scientific research. This theme examines the ethical and societal implications of digital transformation and the frameworks needed to ensure fairness, accountability, and inclusivity.

Submission Closed

Notification of Acceptance

Only accepted abstracts will receive a response

Deadline for Full Paper Submission

Official Publisher

Strategic Collaborators

Reflections from Past Conferences

2024

Abu Dhabi

2019

Abu Dhabi

2024

Abu Dhabi

Keynote Speakers

Our esteemed keynote speakers sharing insights on the future of digital archiving and knowledge.

  • Prof. Soufian BEN AMOR

    Prof. Soufian BEN AMOR

    Full Professor at University of Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines (Paris Saclay University)

    This presentation provides a structured introduction to artificial intelligence, tracing its history from the Dartmouth Conference to the modern renaissance of deep learning. It explores contemporary AI techniques and their application through three case studies: AI-assisted restoration of ancient manuscripts, predictive site modeling in archaeology, and advanced medical diagnostics. Finally, it addresses critical ethical and security challenges posed by AI, including bias and responsible deployment.

  • Dr. Luciano AMMENTI

    Dr. Luciano AMMENTI

    Consultant in Long-term Digital Preservation and Big Data Architecture

    Reflecting on the digital preservation of the Vatican Library manuscripts, this talk highlights the need to evolve beyond rigid, pre-formatted cataloging schemes. It advocates for the adoption of flexible 'Data Lakes' where documents can form dynamic, logical connections—or 'synapses'—enhanced by machine learning and semantic web technologies. The presentation envisions a future where research is driven by 'Pattern Search Recognition,' allowing users to discover and analyze images based on graphic themes, creating a secure, non-fungible digital heritage ecosystem without relying on blockchain complexities.

Scientific Committee

Our esteemed scientific committee members who guide and shape the conference's academic direction.

  • Mrs. Muna Abdulrahman AL_HUWAR

    Mrs. Muna Abdulrahman AL_HUWAR

    Head of Electronic Archives Section, National Library and Archives of the UAE

  • Mrs. Azza ALKAABI

    Mrs. Azza ALKAABI

    National Library and Archives

  • Dr. Luciano AMMENTI

    Dr. Luciano AMMENTI

    Consultant in Long-term Digital Preservation and Big Data Architecture

  • Dr. Hala BAYOUMI

    Dr. Hala BAYOUMI

    Senior Research Engineer, CNRS / CEDEJ

  • Dr. Soufian BOUHARATH

    Dr. Soufian BOUHARATH

    Technical Expert, National Archives and Library

  • Professor Mohamed ELLBAN

    Professor Mohamed ELLBAN

    Professor of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, Suez Canal University, Egypt

  • Dr. David FRICKER

    Dr. David FRICKER

    Special Adviser, National Library and Archives of the UAE

  • Prof. Basma MAKHLOUF-SHABOU

    Prof. Basma MAKHLOUF-SHABOU

    Professor, Geneva School of Business Administration (HEG_HESSO)

  • Dr. Ahmed MOUDJEB

    Dr. Ahmed MOUDJEB

    Technical Expert, National Library & Archives

  • Dr. Olivier PLIEZ

    Dr. Olivier PLIEZ

    Senior Researcher, French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS)

  • Prof. Violaine PRINCE

    Prof. Violaine PRINCE

    Emeritus Professor in Computer Science, Montpellier University

  • Dr. Yann RODIER

    Dr. Yann RODIER

    Head of History Department, Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi

  • Mrs. Amal SAIF

    Mrs. Amal SAIF

    National Library and Archives

  • Dr. Ahmed SAMIR

    Dr. Ahmed SAMIR

    Head of ICT Sector, Bibliotheca Alexandrina

Testimonials

I really enjoyed the Digital Archiving in the Arab World (DAAW) Conference last year. I was particularly impressed by the high quality of the presentations and the remarkable advancements in digital archiving across the Arab world. The conference provided inspiring projects, valuable networking opportunities, and meaningful discussions that will contribute to advancing our work in Morocco. What impressed me the most was the exceptional organization, the dedicated team working hard under a great leader Dr Hala Bayoumi. It was a privilege to be part of such an important conference in the Arab region.

DR. HANAE LRHOUL
SCHOOL OF INFORMATION SCIENCES, MOROCCO