The National Archives and Library launches the second session of the project (x 71) entitled "Family outings"

Abu Dhabi, 18 February / WAM / The National Archives and the National Library organized the closing ceremony of the (x 71) project in its first edition, which focused on “Jewelry and Decorations”, during which the results of the first cycle were announced, and the second edition of the project for the year 2026 was officially launched, in the presence of the partners, under the title “Family Picnics”, in the presence of the strategic partners, participants and an audience of those interested in cultural affairs.

His Excellency Abdullah Majid Al Ali, Director General of the National Archives and Library, in his speech at the opening of the ceremony, confirmed that the (x 71) project came to be a cultural and knowledge platform that combines creativity, identity and national memory, and a bridge that connects the past to the present, enhances communication between generations, and provides a space for creative interaction between members of society and its cultural heritage.

He said that the first version achieved qualitative achievements. It attracted more than 1,500 diverse works of art, including paintings from different art schools, handicrafts such as sculpture, embroidery, and design of gold jewelry, in addition to traditional heritage crafts such as sadu, tilli, and burqa making, as well as digital drawings and videos enhanced with artificial intelligence, research, stories, and family collectibles that reflected the richness of societal memory.

He added that the number of beneficiaries of the knowledge workshops accompanying the project exceeded 17,000 beneficiaries from various emirates of the country and age groups, in partnership with strategic entities that contributed an active role in the success of the initiative, expressing his thanks and appreciation to the partners, the judging committee and the work team for their sincere efforts.

During the ceremony, the winners of the first ten places were honored in recognition of their creativity, in addition to honoring the strategic partners, namely, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Culture, the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority, and the Zayed Higher Authority for People of Determination, in addition to honoring the jury, the internal and external work team, and the artistic creativity of people of determination.

He confirmed the launch of the second session of the (x 71) project for the year 2026 under the title “Family Picnics,” coinciding with the celebration of the Year of the Family, noting that choosing the topic reflects the belief in the importance of the family in creating community awareness, preserving national values, and enhancing interconnection between generations. He also announced the organization of an art exhibition for the works participating in the first edition in coordination with the Ministry of Culture.

For her part, Dr. Hosnia Al-Ali, Education Advisor at the National Archives and Library, reviewed the highlights of the last session, pointing to several success stories, including the integrated institutional partnership that brought together state institutions under the umbrella of one project, which contributed to achieving high levels of quality and professionalism despite it being the first session.

She explained that the project succeeded in attracting more than 2,000 participants in submitting works. Due to the presence of collective actions, she stressed that the broad community response reflected the comprehensiveness of the initiative and its openness to different groups, ages, and nationalities.

She indicated that the second edition will focus on family outings as a humanitarian space that enhances the values ​​of communication, cooperation and respect among family members, and restores dialogue between generations in light of the challenges of the digital age.

She added that the training program and cognitive and professional support for those wishing to participate will be resumed from March until October 2026, with the works being delivered through the cultural centers affiliated with the Ministry of Culture in the emirates of the country, and student participation through the Ministry of Education and local educational bodies.

She indicated that the works will be referred to a specialized jury that includes an elite group of experts to evaluate them according to precise professional principles, in preparation for selecting ten winners who embody the best standards of creativity, commitment, and embodiment of national identity and family values.

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