From Memory to Impact: Archives as a Strategic Actor in a Transforming Digital World; A Study of the United Arab Emirates and the Emirate of Sharjah Experience

Purpose: This paper examines the conceptual and functional transformation of archives from static repositories of institutional memory into strategic actors that support digital governance and decision-making. It highlights the role of archives in building the knowledge economy, focusing on the pioneering experience of the United Arab Emirates and, in particular, the Emirate of Sharjah and the Sharjah Archives.Method/approach: The paper adopts a descriptive-analytical approach based on a review of the conceptual literature on archives and digital governance, combined with an examination of the institutional practice of the United Arab Emirates and the Emirate of Sharjah in adopting emerging technologies within archival systems.Results: The analysis shows that archives in the United Arab Emirates have evolved from repositories for preserving records into strategic actors within the governmental ecosystem, contributing to knowledge production, institutional transparency, and evidence-based decision-making. Emerging technologies, particularly Artificial Intelligence, Big Data, and cloud computing, have become decisive factors in enhancing archival efficiency, while institutional, technological, human-resource, and legal challenges continue to shape the pace of this transformation.Conclusions/findings: Archives have become an essential component of national knowledge infrastructure, contributing to institutional sustainability, transparency, and innovation. Realizing this transformation requires comprehensive institutional development, investment in professional capacity, and the adoption of innovative approaches to archival management.