Zayed Higher Organisation And TRENDS Launch 'Al-Watheqa' Podcast Celebrating UAE's Founding History

The Zayed Higher Organisation for People of Determination, in partnership with TRENDS Research & Advisory, has introduced a unique episode of its documentary podcast "Al Wathiqa" to mark Union Pledge Day. This episode uncovers an often-overlooked facet of the UAE’s founding history, focusing on the familial and marital connections among the founding leaders, which were pivotal in forming the Union.

This podcast episode highlights how these familial ties were not just political alliances but deep-rooted bonds that contributed significantly to national unity. The narrative emphasises that the UAE's unity was grounded in love and kinship, creating a model of unity that was heartfelt before it became constitutional. The story presented is one of a family united by blood before geography brought them together.

"Al Wathiqa" illustrates through historical narratives how intermarriages among rulers of the seven Emirates were integral to building trust and closeness. These relationships laid the foundation for a unified nation, as captured by President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s phrase: "The house is united." This expression is portrayed not merely as a slogan but as a lived reality for Emiratis.

The episode explores how these familial connections evolved into bridges of trust and solidarity, forming the nation's strong foundations. It showcases how founding leaders transformed personal ties into national strength, fostering understanding and cooperation across generations.

The Zayed Higher Organisation plays a pioneering role in media empowerment for People of Determination through this initiative. By collaborating with TRENDS, they launched "Al Wathiqa" as a platform where People of Determination narrate UAE’s history in an engaging style. This approach resonates deeply with Emiratis, especially youth who are future leaders.

A team of five trained presenters with determination delivers this episode. They underwent specialised workshops organised by the foundation, reflecting its vision to turn empowerment into action by integrating People of Determination into cultural and media spheres.

Series Celebrates National Milestones

This episode is part of the broader "Al Wathiqa" series comprising 25 short episodes that narrate significant national and cultural milestones in UAE history. These include stories about founding leaders, heritage landmarks, social practices, women's roles, and scenes from contemporary renaissance.

Beyond recounting history, "Al Wathiqa" aims to revive its spirit among future generations. The project aligns with Zayed Higher Organisation’s commitment to "Year of Community" goals by strengthening national identity and empowering People of Determination as content creators involved in documenting the nation's history through modern perspectives.

With inputs from WAM