The State of Qatar took part in the annual commemoration of Arab Document Day, held on October 21, 2026, at the Arab League headquarters in Cairo. The event was organized by the General Secretariat of the Arab League in coordination with the Arab Regional Branch of the International Council on Archives (ARBICA) and included participation from the Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organisation (ALECSO). Qatar was represented by Mohammed Ali al-Dirham, a member of its Permanent Mission to the Arab League.
This year’s observance, marking 25 years since its establishment by ALECSO in 2001, focused on the theme “The Palestinian National Archive: Memory Under Occupation: From Erasure to Preservation.” The program emphasized the central role of the Palestinian cause within the Arab world and highlighted concerns regarding efforts to undermine Palestinian identity and history. Organizers described ongoing practices and violations attributed to Israel aimed at erasing Palestinian cultural landmarks, falsifying historical records, and distorting Palestinian memory.
An exhibition titled “Palestine in Arab Documents” was a central feature of the event. It displayed reproductions of archival documents related to Palestine held by various Arab institutions affiliated with ARBICA. The exhibition sought to showcase the breadth of documentary evidence preserved throughout the Arab world concerning Palestine.
The event also recognized Palestinian institutions and individuals who have contributed significantly to the preservation of Palestinian memory. Additionally, the League of Arab States was acknowledged for its longstanding role in supporting the Palestinian cause and safeguarding Arab documentary heritage.
A panel discussion, “Palestine in Arab Documentary Memory,” examined the role of the Arab League in maintaining and providing access to Palestinian archival materials. It addressed the importance of joint Arab efforts to protect Palestinian heritage from erasure, with Gaza cited as a prominent example. The discussion also highlighted the work done by archival institutions in documenting Arab countries’ involvement in the Palestinian cause.
During the session, an expanded edition of the book “Palestine in Arab Documents” was launched. This publication compiles a wide range of archives on Palestine held by various Arab documentation centers and was produced in cooperation with the Egyptian National Archives.
Arab Document Day is observed each year on October 17 to underline the importance of documentary preservation in maintaining Arab history, identity, and collective memory. The commemoration seeks to emphasize how archival efforts serve to protect the rights and heritage of peoples against erasure.