Page 20 - ICA PR REPORT - SEPTEMBER 2023

This is a vital contribution to the sustained development of the UAE’s travel
and tourism sector, which according to official statistics produced by the DCT
accounts for almost 620,000 jobs - 10.4 per cent of the UAE’s total
employment.
The Congress is a program for the exchange of knowledge and ideas, but it is
also a hub for business development. Quite apart from the traditional research
and learning functions of Libraries and Archives, the institutions are now a
key part of the booming ‘experience economy’ offered by the GLAM (galleries,
libraries, archives and museum) sector. Institutions around the world are
actively seeking new and innovative ways to bring their collections to life for
the visiting public.
This is a substantial economic contributor, as Libraries and Archives are
constantly upgrading investments in fast moving areas as diverse as data
storage, digital preservation, digitisation, and AI. According to Fortune
Business Insights, the global document management system market size is
projected to grow from USD6.23 billion in 2023 to $18.97 billion by 2030.

Document scanner

Industry watcher Valuates has estimated the global Document Scanner market
size to be worth USD 1.4 billion in 2022 and is forecast to grow to USD2
billion by 2029.
Aside from digital technology, institutions continue to search for advanced
construction and building management techniques for the storage,
preservation and display of precious documentary treasures. For example, just
last year Canada completed the construction of a purpose-built archival
repository in Gatineau, with an overall investment of USD250 million.
The Congress’ exhibition hall will provide a shopfront for several hundred
entities to introduce their products and services to this huge business
opportunity, through the thousands of delegates present and eager to learn
about new developments and make purchasing decisions. Business deals that
start here will endure for several years or even decades, bringing lasting and
widespread employment and revenue benefits to the Abu Dhabi economy.
It should also be acknowledged that the success of the ICA Congress will
support the broader conference industry of Abu Dhabi; ensuring the sustained
success of this sector of the economy that is so important to the vitality and
international reputation of Abu Dhabi and the UAE.
The ICA Congress will contribute a great deal to enhancing Abu Dhabi’s
reputation as an international hub, injecting a burst of revenue into the local
economy, and contribute long-term to business and tourism of the city, the
nation and the entire region.

https://gulfnews.com/uae/abu-dhabi-brings-international-council-on-archives-congress-to-the-middle-
east-for-the-first-time-1.98339869