Established in 2015, Akkasah is an archive of Middle Eastern and North African photography at New York University. It seeks to preserve the photographic histories of the region and to support scholarly research into these histories. At present Akkasah's collections range across the region, with substantial collections from Egypt and Turkey. The visual histories of the UAE are of particular interest to the center and Akkasah's also commissions new documentary work focused on the UAE. As the center moves into its next phase of development, it hopes to build on its program of conferences and workshops, to develop a book series, and to explore new models of collecting and archiving with both regional and international partners. The paper will present an introduction to the work of Akkasah.