Kuwait city: Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences (KFAS) and the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies (OCIS) have entered into a cooperation agreement to digitally transform the National Library of Kuwait. This ambitious project aims to digitize the library’s heritage content, allowing for public and research access through advanced digital platforms.
According to Kuwait News Agency, the agreement was formalized during a visit by an OCIS delegation, marking a continuation of a partnership that began in 1997. The delegation’s visit included a presentation and exhibition at KFAS headquarters, showcasing the Centre’s mission and its longstanding collaboration with the Foundation.
The primary objective of the agreement is to establish a unified national catalogue that interlinks collections related to Islamic and Kuwaiti studies, adhering to international cataloguing standards. This initiative will also focus on developing modern digital infrastructure to enable open access to knowledge, thereby expanding educational and research opportunities.
Both KFAS and OCIS have agreed on an implementation roadmap that addresses technical governance, cataloguing and digitization priorities, as well as capacity building through training programs and knowledge exchange. The event highlighted the cooperation in education, research, and publishing, emphasizing the role of the National Library of Kuwait in preserving and providing access to the nation’s knowledge heritage.
KFAS Director General Dr. Amina Farhan delivered remarks celebrating the historic partnership and the Centre’s 40th anniversary. She highlighted the milestones achieved since the inception of the Kuwait International Program for Islamic Studies and the partnership’s support for scientific research, civilizational dialogue, and talent development.
OCIS Director Dr. Farhan Nizami spoke about the depth of cooperation with KFAS and its continuation through fellowships and scientific support. This collaboration reaffirms the Foundation’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with OCIS, building a robust knowledge ecosystem, and developing modern digital infrastructures that facilitate open access and advance research and education.