UAE Government Unveils Emirati National Identity Strategy To Foster Cultural Cohesion

The UAE Government has introduced the 'Emirati National Identity Strategy' during its Annual Meetings in 2025, held in Abu Dhabi. This initiative, a collaboration between the Ministry of Culture and the National Projects Office of the Presidential Court, was unveiled by Salem bin Khalid Al Qassimi, Minister of Culture. The strategy aims to strengthen Emirati identity across various sectors.

An interactive exhibition titled "Emirati National Identity: Legacy and Responsibility" accompanied the launch. It aimed to raise awareness about Emirati values and identity components, encouraging their adoption in government and community practices. The event was attended by notable figures including H.H. Sheikha Mariam bint Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and H.H. Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

The strategy's vision is to reinforce a deeply-rooted Emirati identity that aligns with the UAE leadership's aspirations for stability and prosperity. It seeks to embed this identity as a key pillar across all sectors, ensuring it becomes part of daily community practices. The strategy also aims to promote national pride and cohesion on a global scale through international cooperation.

Salem bin Khalid Al Qassimi stated, "The Emirati National Identity Strategy reflects commitment to the leadership’s vision of nurturing generations deeply rooted in their values and heritage." He emphasized that the strategy transforms identity from a cultural concept into a social practice embedded in everyday life.

The strategy is built on six core elements: Islamic values, Arabic language, Union and homeland, heritage, history, and family as foundational for instilling belonging in youth. It also outlines five core values: respect, ambition, belonging, cohesion, and generosity. These values are intended to guide community service and support.

H.H. Sheikha Mariam bint Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan remarked that the strategy represents "a lifestyle practiced in our homes, schools, and communities," reflecting authentic values that unify society. She highlighted its role in creating an inspiring environment for future generations to embrace their culture.

Pillars and Initiatives

The framework is based on three pillars: defining identity components; establishing a strategic framework for presence across sectors; developing governance models with a National Identity Index for sustainability. Over 40 federal entities contributed through workshops to define these elements rooted in Islamic principles.

The strategy includes 13 initiatives covering language, culture, education, media, economy among others. Notable initiatives involve integrating national identity into curricula and developing media content policies. Programs like "Nahj" encourage community-based national identity programs while "We Are the Children of Zayed" fosters cultural pride.

Governance Structure

A National Identity Committee will oversee governance efforts within a unified framework. This committee will empower entities to coordinate plans effectively at both institutional and societal levels. An index will measure national identity adoption based on core elements through sentiment assessment.

H.H. Sheikha Mariam bint Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan noted that this strategy serves as "a comprehensive human framework" uniting citizens under shared values of respect and coexistence established by the nation.

The Emirati National Identity Strategy aims to create harmony by transforming diversity into strength for building a cohesive future based on shared belonging.

With inputs from WAM