Introduction: A strategic move to deepen national identity
The United Arab Emirates has rolled out a comprehensive Emirati National Identity Strategy during its 2025 Government Annual Meetings held in Abu Dhabi. The initiative, developed under the auspices of the Ministry of Culture and the Presidential Court’s leadership, aims to reinforce national values, bolster social cohesion, and celebrate the country’s rich cultural heritage. As the UAE continues its modern transformation, the strategy seeks to harmonize progress with a strong shared sense of identity among citizens and residents alike.
The core objectives: unity, pride, and cultural continuity
At its heart, the Emirati National Identity Strategy is designed to:
- Strengthen national pride by highlighting the UAE’s achievements, democratic institutions, and inclusive governance.
- Foster social cohesion across diverse communities, ensuring unity while respecting differences.
- Preserve and promote Emirati cultural heritage, language, arts, and traditional practices for future generations.
- Enhance civic participation, community service, and a sense of responsibility toward the nation’s development goals.
- Provide a framework for schools, media, cultural institutions, and government agencies to align messaging with national identity values.
Officials described the strategy as a living document, designed to evolve with social changes while anchoring everyday life in shared Emirati values. By focusing on both national narratives and local customs, the government aims to create a consistent, positive sense of belonging for all residents.
Pillars and implementation: from policy to public life
The plan is structured around several key pillars that guide implementation across sectors:
- Education and youth engagement: Integrating identity themes into curricula, youth leadership programs, and extracurricular activities to cultivate a future generation that proudly carries Emirati values.
- Culture and heritage: Supporting museums, arts initiatives, language preservation, and traditional crafts to ensure cultural continuity.
- Communication and media: Coordinating public messaging to reflect a coherent national narrative while embracing the diversity of the UAE’s communities.
- Public spaces and civic life: Encouraging volunteering, community projects, and inclusive events that reinforce a shared national pride.
- Governance and accountability: Establishing metrics to assess progress, with regular reporting to ensure transparency and responsiveness.
Collaboration with ministries, local authorities, educational institutions, and private sector stakeholders is expected to be a hallmark of the strategy’s rollout. The government emphasized that participation from residents—both Emirati citizens and long-term foreign residents—would be vital to the strategy’s success.
Impact on society and international perception
Advocates argue that a clearly defined Emirati identity strengthens social trust, which in turn supports inclusive growth and stability in a rapidly changing region. By promoting unity without erasing diversity, the strategy could foster a more cohesive social fabric and enhance the UAE’s global cultural standing. For international observers, the plan signals the UAE’s intention to balance modernization with a distinct national character, potentially influencing how the country is perceived in governance and culture.
Looking ahead: a living, evolving identity narrative
While details of metrics and timelines remain to be fully disclosed, the Emirati National Identity Strategy is framed as a dynamic national project. As new programs roll out—especially in education, media, and community engagement—the UAE expects to build a stronger, more resilient sense of national identity that supports unity, pride, and cultural heritage for generations to come.
