The Emirati national identity encompasses key characteristics that make our society unique. It is rooted in noble Islamic morals and values of tolerance, upholding the spirit of unity and national belonging. It is further anchored in the rich heritage of the Arabic language and the local dialect as well as our nation, its ancient history, as well as the customs and traditions that are passed on through generations, ensuring the preservation of the authentic Emirati spirit.
UAE National Identity Strategy
Introduction
The UAE national identity narrates a story of shared values, memories, and aspirations that bind generations together. It is a reflection of the cherished relations between individuals, their families, and the broader community, led by an unwavering spirit of cooperation. This identity is well reflected in the behaviour of this nation’s people, in their generosity and tolerance, as well as their eagerness to help those around them, inspired by the spirit of togetherness that unites all those who call the UAE their home.
We deeply cherish our national identity, consistently striving to both strengthen and preserve it. It strongly aligns with our rich cultural heritage and noble values, inspiring us to look to the future with resolute confidence and ambition.
In this context, the development of the UAE National Identity Strategy was undertaken through a collaboration between the Ministry of Culture, the National Projects Office at the Presidential Court, and the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU). The aim is to establish a roadmap and overarching framework for the efforts and initiatives that will support the Emirati national identity through 2031.
Definition of Emirati national identity
Pillars of Emirati National Identity
Islamic Values and Virtues
These ethical principles are derived from Islamic teachings and the vision of our Founding Father, setting an ideal standard for the behaviour of the individual and society.
Arabic Language and Emirati Dialect
These lay the foundation for communication within society and for passing on the authentic Emirati heritage through generations.
Union and Nation
This pillar embodies the aspirations of the state, uniting society under a shared vision and the national flag.
Emirati Family
The family plays a pivotal role as a social institution, shaping an individual's character and refines their identity.
History, Geography, and Shared Memory
This pillar addresses the temporal and spatial framework within which the national identity is created, connecting society through a unified tapestry of shared memory and collective narrative.
Heritage, Customs, and Traditions
These are the cultural practices and legacies passed down through generations, linking our past and the present.
Islamic Values and Virtues
01
Respect and humility
02
Ambition and perseverance
03
Belonging and responsibility
04
Generosity and humanity
05
Solidarity and coexistence
Vision and Strategic Objectives
Vision:
An Emirati national identity that is embraced and cherished by the community to achieve stability and prosperity, reflecting the leadership’s vision of making the UAE identity a central pillar across all sectors, and embedding it within the community’s daily behaviors and practices.Strategic Objectives:
- Strengthening Sense of Belonging and Pride in Emirati National Identity:
- Consolidating Family and Community Cohesion and Stability:
- Enhancing the Presence of Emirati National Identity in International Cooperation and Engagement.
Priority Dimensions
1. Language and Culture
- Enact policies and legislation that promote the use of the Arabic language.
- Safeguard and document national heritage, as well as cultural and historical content.
- Promote cultural engagement and increase cultural consumption.
2. Education
- Embed national identity in curricula and extracurricular activities.
- Integrate national identity into teaching methods and assessment mechanisms.
- Upskill educators and key education system stakeholders.
- Enrich the overall experience of the educational community.
3. Family and Society
- Support the growth of Emirati families and enhance the role of the extended family.
- Enhance national identity awareness within families.
- Achieve sustainable, qualitative, and balanced population growth.
- Raise national identity awareness among youth.
4. Moderate Religion and Coexistence
- Promote religious awareness and practices.
- Strengthen the connection of ethics, human values and national identity and national identity to the objectives of religion.
- Instil values of tolerance and coexistence, preventing extremism.
5. Media
- Enhance Emirati presence and national identity discourses across public and private media platforms.
- Encourage creators of visual, print, audio, and digital media to promote and reinforce Emirati national identity.
6. Economy
- Encourage the industrial and commercial sectors to celebrate Emirati national identity.
- Support the growth and export of Emirati cultural and creative industries.
- Promote cultural and heritage tourism.
7. Policy and Governance
- Enable positive citizenship and community engagement.
- Strengthen national security and public discipline.
- Enhance the UAE’s diplomatic narrative and international presence.
Priority Initiatives in Collaboration with Relevant Entities
1. Enabling Initiatives
- National Identity Committee
- National Identity Index
2. Education
- Policy for integrating identity elements into educational curricula
- Framework for extracurricular national identity activities
3. Family and Society
- Programme to embed national identity within Emirati families
- Youth Pledge
- Youth Council for Culture and National Identity
- “We Are the Children of Zayed” Initiative
4. Language and Culture
- Cultural Heritage Law
- Cultural Content Tokenisation
- National Register of Cultural Heritage
- Mohamed bin Zayed University Project for the Emirati Dialect
5. Media
- Media Content Policy and Code of Conduct for Content Creators
6. Tourism Economy
- National Programme for UAE Tourism
- National Framework for Integrating National Identity into Emirati Hospitality
National Identity Index
A dedicated index has been developed to monitor the levels of adoption and sense of pride in national identity across six core pillars:
01
Language
02
Values
03
Homeland
04
Culture and Heritage
05
History and Demographics
06
Family