Assalamu Alaikum - UAE unveils Emirati National Identity Strategy
Assalamu Alaikum. The UAE Government has launched the Emirati National Identity Strategy to strengthen national values across all fields. Salem bin Khalid Al Qassimi, Minister of Culture, announced it during a keynote at the Government Annual Meetings in Abu Dhabi on Thursday.
The plan seeks to boost feelings of belonging and pride in the Emirati identity, support family and social unity, and showcase the UAE’s identity internationally through cooperation and engagement. This follows President Sheikh Mohamed’s earlier declaration of 2026 as the Year of the Family, noting that family is a vital pillar for preserving national values.
The strategy rests on three main pillars: clearly defining the Emirati identity, ensuring that identity is present across all sectors, and creating a National Identity Index to coordinate efforts and maintain lasting impact. More than 40 federal and local entities from different sectors contributed to developing the strategy.
The Government describes the Emirati national identity around several core elements and sets out key values that represent the Emirati character. A National Identity Committee will be formed to oversee implementation, coordinate roles, and unify future directions to strengthen identity at both institutional and community levels.
Planned initiatives include integrating national identity into school curricula, providing frameworks and guidance for cultural extracurricular activities, reinforcing national identity within Emirati families, and developing media policy and conduct guidelines for content creators. An index will measure adoption of the national identity by assessing sentiment, awareness, and behaviour tied to the core elements.
Salem bin Khalid Al Qassimi said the strategy reflects the leadership’s commitment to raising generations who are rooted in their values and heritage.
May Allah bless our nation and guide efforts that strengthen family, faith, and community. Wa Alaikum Assalam.
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