
The National Library and Archives has unveiled its interactive community project x71
In alignment with the Year of Community and to enhance national identity,
The National Library and Archives has unveiled its interactive community project x71, which celebrates adornments and jewellery during a press conference.
The National Library and Archives (NLA) has launched its community-focused and interactive project x71 in the presence of strategic partners at a press conference held at its headquarters. This initiative coincides with the Year of Community and aligns with the NLA’s vision and mission to safeguard documentary heritage while inspiring, enriching, and empowering knowledge communities.
Project (x71) has been thoughtfully designed to reflect the essence of the Year of Community, focusing on strengthening community connections, celebrating cultural and societal diversity, empowering youth, and nurturing their talents to amplify their societal contributions.
His Excellency Abdullah Majed Al Ali, the Director General of the National Library and Archives, commenced the conference with a speech emphasizing that the Project (x71) is dedicated to the culture and heritage of the UAE, with its inaugural edition focused on adornments and jewellery. This project aims to engage various segments of society in expressing a theme selected annually, celebrating the achievement of 71 creative works presented in an innovative and distinctive manner, both physically and virtually. The goal is to reinforce national identity within generations, foster talent, and promote innovation, thus enriching the cultural and knowledge landscape of the nation.
His excellency remarked, “We fully recognize that the success of this national project in meeting its objectives relies on collaboration and integration with strategic partners, as well as the efforts of the media, which serves as the bridge connecting us with the target community.”
His Excellency urged cultural and artistic institutions, governmental bodies, educational sectors, and all community members to participate in this project and showcase their creativity and innovative concepts. He indicated that this leads to the enhancement of cultural sustainability and serves as a lens through which generations can appreciate the UAE’s rich culture and heritage.
In his speech, His Excellency Abdullah Al Humaidan, Secretary-General of the Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination, indicated that this unique event marks a new milestone in the UAE’s journey toward reinforcing national identity and celebrating the culture and heritage we all cherish. It represents a significant step toward fostering community unity and provides individuals of determination with a platform to express themselves through their artistic and handcrafted creations that honour our cultural legacy.
His Excellency Sulaiman Salem Al Kaabi, Assistant Undersecretary for the Professional Development Sector at the Ministry of Education, stated that this project aligns with the objectives of the Year of Community 2025, aiming to instil national values within future generations. He emphasized that the Ministry of Education will support this project, prompted by its commitment to preserving national heritage. He added that national identity is the cornerstone of the vision for a bright and sustainable future.
His Excellency highlighted that the Ministry of Education is dedicated to providing comprehensive support for this initiative by training teams of educators to take part in its execution, and by offering students the chance to be innovative and engage with its various programs.
In her speech, Her Excellency Asma Al Hammadi, Assistant Undersecretary of the Ministry of Culture, emphasized that this project represents the vision of the UAE government and its commitment to bolstering national identity while showcasing the UAE’s rich history and culture. She noted that 2025 marks a significant milestone, as the UAE celebrates the Year of Community, which embodies the dedication of all community members to create a sustainable society filled with talent and creativity.
She further stated: “This initiative seeks to harness creative energies by involving diverse segments of society, such as students, artists, and creators, to express our rich culture in innovative manners that reflect our cultural identity. Together, we will showcase 71 creative works that encapsulate the visions and sentiments of our community in both physical and virtual exhibitions.”
H.E. Abdulla Mubarak Al Muheiri, Director General of the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority, remarked: “In alignment with the UAE’s vision to fortify national identity and revive Emirati heritage, we are delighted to participate in this project, which illustrates our commitment to preserving Emirati heritage and passing it to future generations through creative methods that blend arts and culture in modern and innovative formats.”
He added: “At the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority, we believe that engaging the community in cultural initiatives enhances cultural sustainability and deepens pride in national identity. We eagerly anticipate the artistic creations that will emerge from this project and greatly appreciate the efforts of all partners and supporters involved in its success.”
Finally, Dr. Husniya Al-Ali, Education Advisor at the National Library and Archives, discussed key aspects of the project as an opportunity to promote sustainability and as one of the developmental accelerators for the nation’s progress toward 2071. She underscored the collaboration with strategic partners in executing the project. She also outlined the project’s themes, which include women’s adornments and jewellery, men’s adornments, horse decorations, bird embellishments, decorations for heritage houses, and camel ornaments. She highlighted the project’s domains: visual and expressive arts, photography, digital arts and media, music and performance, embroidery and collage, as well as poetry and literature.
She wrapped up by determining the stages of launching the project, the training and knowledge support, followed by the reception of the works, then the evaluation and recognition. She pointed that the art exhibition will showcase 71 pieces, representing the most prominent outputs of the project. She also indicated that the exhibition will go mobile moving between the National Library and Archives, the headquarters of strategic partners, and other locations, with a view of targeting a wider audience to maximise the benefits of its content.