12th Arab Thought & Culture Forum in Abu Dhabi: National Identity Under the Spotlight

The 12th Arab Thought & Culture Forum in Abu Dhabi has put National Identity at the forefront of discussions, highlighting its crucial role in preserving cultural heritage and fostering unity across the Arab world. This significant event, organized by the Emirates Center for Strategic Studies and Research in collaboration with AlAyam Media Center from Bahrain, has brought together leading thinkers and policymakers to address the challenges and opportunities surrounding national identity in an era of rapid change and innovation.

The forum has served as a platform to explore the delicate balance between maintaining authentic values and embracing progress, with a focus on UAE national identity and its relevance to the broader Arab community. Key topics covered include the role of UAE leadership in preserving cultural heritage, the impact of innovation on social cohesion, and strategies to strengthen collective consciousness. Prominent figures, including the Minister of Tolerance and Dr. Jamal Sanad Al-Suwaidi, have shared insights on fostering a sense of belonging and pride in national identity while navigating the complexities of a globalized world.

Arab Thought & Culture Forum: A Platform for Identity Discourse

The 12th Arab Thought and Culture Forum has established itself as a significant platform for discourse on national identity in the Arab world. Held in Abu Dhabi, this event has brought together leading thinkers, policymakers, and cultural figures to address the roles and challenges associated with preserving and promoting national identity in an era of rapid global change.

Forum’s significance in the Arab world

The forum has gained prominence as a crucial gathering for addressing pressing cultural issues facing Arab nations. It serves as a catalyst for meaningful discussions on how to maintain authentic values while embracing progress and innovation. The event highlights the UAE’s commitment to fostering unity and preserving cultural heritage across the Arab world. By providing a space for open dialog, the forum contributes to shaping collective consciousness and strengthening social cohesion in the region.

Key participants and organizers

The Arab Think Tank Alliance, in collaboration with AlAyam Media Center from Bahrain and the Emirates Center for Strategic Studies and Research, has played a pivotal role in organizing this influential event. Notable figures such as Sheik Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Chairman of Sandooq Al Watan, have lent their expertise and insights to the forum. The participation of Dr. Jamal Sanad Al-Suwaidi from the Emirates Center for Strategic Studies and Research has further enhanced the event’s intellectual depth.

Theme: ‘National Identity – Roles and Challenges’

This year’s forum theme, “National Identity – Roles and Challenges,” has put UAE national identity at the forefront of discussions. The theme explores the delicate balance between preserving cultural heritage and adapting to global changes. Participants have delved into the roles various sectors play in shaping and maintaining national identity, as well as the challenges posed by globalization and technological advancements. The forum has emphasized the importance of national identity as a crucial asset in protecting self-identity and shaping the collective consciousness of Arab societies.

Sheik Nahyan’s Keynote: Preserving National Identity

Sheik Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, delivered a powerful keynote address at the 12th Arab Thought and Culture Forum, emphasizing the critical role of national identity in shaping the future of the UAE and the broader Arab world.

Importance of national identity

Sheik Nahyan highlighted national identity as a vital asset that must be preserved and nurtured. He stressed its crucial role in safeguarding self-identity and shaping the collective consciousness of peoples. The Minister emphasized that a strong sense of national pride, deeply rooted in enduring and authentic values, is the foundation for sustained progress. This perspective aligns with the vision of President His Highness Sheik Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who places utmost importance on fostering a sense of belonging among the nation’s youth.

UAE’s commitment to cultural preservation

The UAE has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to preserving its cultural heritage through various initiatives. Sheik Nahyan pointed out the implementation of comprehensive cultural preservation efforts, including the restoration of historical sites, digitization of ancient manuscripts, and establishment of state-of-the-art museums. These initiatives serve as educational resources for present and future generations, fostering a deep appreciation for the country’s cultural roots. The UAE’s success in this area has garnered global attention, positioning it first among Arab countries and seventh globally in terms of intangible heritage elements registered with UNESCO.

Link between identity and progress

Sheik Nahyan emphasized the intrinsic connection between national identity and progress. He highlighted the UAE’s National Strategy for the Cultural and Creative Industries as a prime example of this link. Launched in 2021, this strategy aims to promote the growth of the cultural and creative industries sector, with a goal of increasing its contribution to 5 percent of the national GDP by 2031. The strategy focuses on attracting cultural talents and creative entrepreneurs from around the world, inspiring creative thinking, and strengthening the UAE’s position on the global cultural and creativity map. This approach demonstrates how preserving national identity can go hand in hand with innovation and economic development, positioning the UAE as a model for a culturally rich and globally engaged society.

Collaborative Efforts in Organizing the Forum

The success of the 12th Arab Thought and Culture Forum in Abu Dhabi can be attributed to the collaborative efforts of several key organizations. This joint endeavor has brought together diverse perspectives and expertise, enriching the discourse on national identity in the Arab world.

Role of Arab Think Tank Alliance

The Arab Think Tank Alliance has played a pivotal role in organizing this influential event. As a collective of leading intellectuals and research institutions from across the Arab world, the Alliance has contributed valuable insights and resources to shape the forum’s agenda. Their involvement has ensured that the discussions remain relevant and impactful, addressing the most pressing issues related to national identity in the region.

Contributions from AlAyam Media Center

AlAyam Media Center from Bahrain has made significant contributions to the forum’s organization. As a prominent media organization in the Gulf region, AlAyam has brought its expertise in communication and outreach to the table. Their involvement has helped to amplify the forum’s message and engage a wider audience across the Arab world. The collaboration between AlAyam and other organizing partners has fostered a rich exchange of ideas and perspectives, enhancing the overall quality of the event.

Emirates Center for Strategic Studies and Research’s involvement

The Emirates Center for Strategic Studies and Research (ECSSR) has been instrumental in organizing the forum. As a leading think tank in the UAE, the ECSSR has contributed its extensive research capabilities and strategic insights to the event. The Center’s involvement has helped to ensure that the forum addresses key issues relevant to the UAE’s national identity while also considering broader regional perspectives. Dr. Jamal Sanad Al-Suwaidi, from the ECSSR, has played a crucial role in shaping the forum’s content and facilitating meaningful discussions on national identity and its challenges in the modern era.

The 12th Arab Thought & Culture Forum in Abu Dhabi has shone a spotlight on the crucial role of national identity in preserving cultural heritage and fostering unity across the Arab world. By bringing together leading thinkers and policymakers, the forum has sparked meaningful discussions on balancing authentic values with progress, while exploring strategies to strengthen collective consciousness. The event has highlighted the UAE’s commitment to cultural preservation and its vision for a society that embraces both tradition and innovation.

This gathering has set the stage for ongoing dialog and collaboration in addressing the challenges and opportunities surrounding national identity in a rapidly changing global landscape. The insights shared by key figures like Sheik Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan and Dr. Jamal Sanad Al-Suwaidi have provided valuable perspectives on fostering a sense of belonging and pride in national identity. As the forum concludes, it leaves participants with fresh ideas to consider and new approaches to implement in their efforts to nurture and promote national identity across the Arab world.