UAE Unveils National Identity Strategy 2025: A Blueprint for Cultural Pride and Unity
In a significant move to fortify its social fabric, the United Arab Emirates has officially launched the National Identity Strategy 2025, a forward-looking blueprint designed to deepen cultural pride, national unity, and a profound sense of belonging among its people. The landmark strategy was unveiled at the 2025 Government Annual Meetings in Abu Dhabi, led by the Ministry of Culture in collaboration with the National Projects Office of the Presidential Court.
From Concept to Lived Reality: A New Vision for Emirati Identity
The UAE National Identity Strategy 2025 aims to transform the concept of national identity from an abstract idea into a tangible, everyday experience. It provides a unified vision for integrating core Emirati values into all sectors of society, including education, family life, media, and governance. Senior leaders, including Sheikha Mariam bint Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, emphasized that the strategy is about making identity an active, lived practice for every citizen.
The Three Pillars and Core Elements of the Strategy
Developed through an extensive, collaborative process involving over forty federal and local entities, the strategy is built on a robust, three-pillar framework:
Defining the Identity: Clearly articulating the core values and components that constitute the Emirati character.
Embedding the Identity: Integrating these values into all strategic sectors and daily social structures.
Governing the Identity: Establishing a sustainable model for implementation, including a “National Identity Index” to measure progress.
This framework is supported by six core elements that define Emirati Identity:
Islamic Values and Ethics
The Arabic Language and Emirati Dialect
The Union and the Homeland
Heritage, Customs, and Traditions
History, Geography, and Collective Memory
The Emirati Family as a Foundational Unit
These elements are brought to life through five central value-categories: Respect & Humility, Ambition & Perseverance, Belonging & Responsibility, Cohesion & Coexistence, and Generosity & Humanity.
Key Initiatives and the National Identity Index
The strategy outlines 13 concrete initiatives to translate its vision into action. These programmes are designed to embed Emirati culture and heritage into the fabric of daily life. Notable flagship initiatives include:
Curriculum Integration: Weaving national identity themes into school curricula and extracurricular activities.
“Nahj”: A community-based programme to promote identity at the grassroots level.
“We Are the Children of Zayed”: A national campaign fostering unity and pride.
Cultural Heritage Law & Registry: Draft legislation and a registry to protect and document national heritage.
“Ramsa Lab”: An innovative lab focused on preserving and promoting the unique Emirati dialect.
National Tourism Programme: Integrating Emirati identity into the hospitality and tourism sector.
To ensure accountability and long-term impact, the strategy introduces a pioneering National Identity Index. This tool will quantitatively measure public awareness, sentiment, and behaviors related to national identity. A dedicated National Identity Committee will govern the strategy’s implementation, ensuring all stakeholders remain aligned.
Leadership Insights: Identity as a Living Legacy
Reflecting on the strategy’s profound significance, Sheikha Mariam described Emirati identity as “a legacy we take pride in and a responsibility we carry in our hearts.” She underscored that identity is expressed through daily actions, language, and values, stating, “Our children are the natural extension of our identity. We strive to create an inspiring environment that instils in future generations a love for their nation.”
Echoing this sentiment, Salem bin Khalid Al Qassimi, UAE Minister of Culture, highlighted the strategy’s role in bridging the nation’s past with its future. “The Emirati identity is both a past we preserve and a future we build together,” he said. “It ensures that our values are embedded across our institutions, keeping the UAE a model of coexistence, pride and belonging.”
Conclusion: A Forward-Looking Foundation for Generations
The UAE National Identity Strategy 2025 represents a deeply integrated and proactive approach to nation-building. By rooting its efforts in a rich heritage while strategically embedding identity into modern institutions, the UAE aims to ensure that its cultural treasures are not only preserved but also act as a dynamic force for unity, purpose, and social cohesion for generations to come.
