The first phase, focused on digital documentation, took place from July 27 to August 2, 2026, at the Rubu’ Qarn Science and Technology Center. Participants learned methods for documenting local crafts and cultural knowledge and explored the role of technology, including photogrammetry and 3D scanning. The programme aims to equip young people with skills that combine cultural heritage preservation with photogrammetry and 3D scanning, helping to enrich the Emirati crafts archive. Participants also reviewed preliminary survey results and refined their workflows to achieve more accurate digital documentation, contributing to the documentation of local crafts and artefacts.

Speaking of the novel initiative, Reem BinKaram, Director of the Irthi Contemporary Crafts Council, stated: "This collaboration exemplifies partnerships that blend craftsmanship with innovation, underscoring technology's role as an effective tool for preserving and documenting Emirati crafts in ways that resonate with the aspirations of the new generation. We believe that empowering young people to explore these technologies helps deepen their connection to their cultural heritage and fosters its sustainability by presenting it through innovative approaches."

The collaboration reflects a shared vision of using technology to preserve heritage. By enabling participants to explore and apply modern digital techniques for documenting crafts, the initiative fosters awareness of the importance of preserving local heritage and advances methods for documenting and showcasing it to future generations. It is a significant milestone in training young people in advanced digitisation and archiving, merging traditional craftsmanship with modern innovation to ensure cultural sustainability.