Abu Dhabi Commemorates January 17 With Special Al Nakhwah Sessions

The drone attack on Abu Dhabi’s Mussafah area on January 17, 2022 became a defining moment in UAE’s history. Majalis Abu Dhabi now hosts Gallantry (Al Nakhwah) lectures to honor this most important event. Three civilians died and six others were injured when three fuel tanks exploded in a security breach that tested the nation’s resolve. UAE’s leadership showed remarkable resilience and wisdom as they responded to this terrorist threat.

The Department of Municipalities and Transport honored this historic day by renaming the 6-kilometer Al Asayil Street to Al Nakhwah Street in Khalifa City. This decisive action received widespread international support from the United States, the United Kingdom, France, and Germany, which highlighted the global community’s solidarity with the UAE. The crisis became evidence of the nation’s preparedness and the efficiency of its armed forces, law enforcement, and emergency response teams.

Understanding Al Nakhwah’s Cultural Significance

Al Nakhwah stands as the life-blood of Arab cultural identity and covers multiple deep meanings in Arabic heritage. The term represents gallantry, chivalry, and knowing how to endure hardships while supporting others. This cultural concept has deep roots in Arab society since ancient times and emerges as a source of inspiration during challenging periods.

Al Nakhwah works together with other Arab values to create the foundations of cultural identity. These values include al-Rojoula (fortitude), al-Karm (generosity), al-Karama (dignity), and al-Sharaf (honor). These principles have shaped Arab communities’ character development and social fabric throughout history.

The concept’s importance goes beyond individual virtue to national identity. The UAE has welcomed Al Nakhwah as a symbol of national solidarity and cultural preservation. The General Authority for Islamic Affairs and Endowments demonstrated this by naming seven mosques across the UAE as “Al Nakhwah”. This designation reminds everyone of UAE’s steadfast dedication to preserving these virtuous national values.

Like other lasting cultural traditions, Al Nakhwah has managed to keep its relevance in today’s Arab society. The concept still inspires pride and lifts spirits, especially when facing adversity. In the UAE, it symbolizes the nation’s resilience and unity, showing the country’s strength in facing challenges while preserving its cultural heritage.

Commemorative Lectures and Their Impact

Majalis Abu Dhabi hosted two important lectures at major venues in the emirate to mark the third anniversary of the January 2022 incident. The first lecture, “Gallantry: 17 January, the Emirati Will in the Face of the Forces of Darkness,” was held at Majlis Al Mushrif in Abu Dhabi. His Excellency Dr. Sultan Mohammed Al-Nuaimi, Director General of the Emirates Center for Strategic Studies and Research, delivered this meaningful address.

On top of that, His Excellency Dr. Ali Rashid Al Nuaimi, Chairman of the Defense, Interior and Foreign Affairs Committee at the Federal National Council, presented the second lecture, “Gallantry: UAE First,” at Mreifia Majlis in Al Ain. Both lectures explored the concept of Al Nakhwah and the UAE’s swift response to the incident.

The lectures highlighted UAE leadership’s firm stance against terrorist threats that aimed to undermine regional security. The discussions also emphasized how the international community stood with the UAE, along with the remarkable unity UAE citizens showed through their patriotism and loyalty to leadership. The speakers talked about UAE’s participation in the Arab Coalition to Support Legitimacy in Yemen, which showed the nation’s dedication to regional stability.

So these commemorative lectures reinforced UAE’s strategic position in handling regional and international issues. The country showed it could protect national interests through decisive action. The lectures brought people together and showcased the emirate’s resolve to protect its security and stability.

Unity and International Solidarity

UAE’s diplomatic excellence gained worldwide recognition through its non-permanent Security Council membership from 2022-2023. The Gulf Cooperation Council Secretary General praised UAE’s most important diplomatic achievements and its vital role to improve peace and international cooperation.

UAE showed its steadfast dedication to regional stability through several diplomatic initiatives. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed Turkey’s diplomatic efforts to resolve Sudan’s crisis. The nation was ready to work with Turkish initiatives and other diplomatic efforts to end regional conflicts.

NATO recognized UAE as a vital partner to curb terrorism and encourage regional stability. Abu Dhabi’s collaboration with the alliance went way beyond counterterrorism to cover maritime security and climate change initiatives. UAE became the cornerstone of regional security and stability.

UAE’s Ministry of Economy strengthened its position through strategic collaborations at local, regional, and global levels. The ministry worked on building stronger ties with public and private sectors and developed an innovative environment that serves industries of all types. This is a big deal as it means that UAE’s investments in Turkey reached AED 18.3 billion by 2020, while Turkish investments in UAE amounted to AED 1.1 billion by 2019.

The International Security Alliance meeting at Emirates Palace added strength to these diplomatic bonds. The gathering focused on projects that improve integration and add to regional stability. UAE’s Ministry of Interior, which hosts the Alliance’s General Secretariat, made shared international efforts stronger to curb organized crimes and extremism.

UAE commemorates January 17 through Majalis Abu Dhabi’s Gallantry lectures, which shows the nation’s resilience and cultural values. The decision to rename Al Asayil Street to Al Nakhwah Street reflects the brave and determined spirit that shapes Emirati identity.

These events showcase UAE’s diplomatic achievements and security capabilities that deepen its international partnerships. The country’s non-permanent Security Council membership and strategic collaborations on regional and global platforms show its expanding role in maintaining regional stability.

UAE’s leadership responded quickly to security challenges and received broad international support, proving its position as the life-blood of regional security. The whole ordeal of January 17 became a symbol of national unity that highlighted how Emiratis protect their interests while preserving their cultural values.

UAE balances its Al Nakhwah principles with diplomatic initiatives to create an effective approach to national security and cultural preservation. This steadfast dedication will give continued stability and progress, making UAE a model of resilience and strategic leadership globally.