UAE Charts New Path with National Identity Framework

The UAE has unveiled a new Emirati National Identity Strategy that will deepen national belonging and cultural pride throughout the country. Minister of Culture Salem bin Khalid Al Qassimi announced this complete framework that represents a unified national effort to boost the Emirati identity in all sectors and communities. More than 40 federal and local entities from various sectors collaborated to develop this strategy. It will strengthen family and social bonds while showcasing UAE’s national identity globally through international partnerships.

This initiative redefines UAE’s identity by focusing on six essential elements that showcase the depth of belonging and diversity of the Emirati character. Islamic values and ethics, Arabic language and Emirati dialect form the foundation. The Union and homeland, heritage and traditions, history and geography follow suit. The Emirati family serves as the life-blood to nurture belonging and responsibility. The national UAE approach revolves around three pillars: identity definition, establishment of Emirati national identity in all sectors, and development of a National Identity Index. This ensures integrated efforts and sustainable effects. The strategy introduces 13 key initiatives that span language, culture, education, family, media, and economy. It marks a historic milestone in preserving and strengthening UAE’s national identities for future generations.

Why UAE launched the Emirati National Identity Strategy now

“Despite its rapid growth and connectedness with the world, the UAE is yet one of the most conventional societies in its national identity, and the nation has emphasized that identity must be conveyed as the future.” — Hessa Abdul Rahman Thalak, Assistant Undersecretary for Social Development, Ministry of Community Development, UAE

The UAE launched its National Identity Strategy right after President Sheik Mohamed declared 2026 as the “Year of the Family.” This timing shows how family acts as a “vital pillar” to protect national values. The President made it clear that his nation’s existence, identity, future, and security depend on strong family growth.

The strategy tackles urgent cultural preservation challenges head-on. Salem bin Khalid Al Qassimi explained that it “transforms identity from a cultural concept into a social practice embedded in everyday life”. This hands-on approach supports the leadership’s goal to make Emirati identity central to every sector.

The initiative also lines up with the National Family Growth Agenda 2031. The strategy builds solid foundations for lasting cultural sustainability by boosting national belonging and family unity.

This launch takes decisive action to pass down core societal values. H.H. Sheikha Mariam bint Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan put it perfectly: “Our children are the natural extension of our identity”. Her words highlight why we must create environments that make future generations proud of their culture.

What defines the national identities of UAE under the new plan

“The Emirati national identity is centered on six core elements that reflect the depth of belonging and the diversity of the Emirati character. These are: Islamic values and ethics; the Arabic language and Emirati dialect; the Union and homeland; heritage, customs, and traditions; history, geography, and collective memory; and the Emirati family as the primary foundation for instilling the values of belonging and responsibility in the young generations.” — Salem bin Khalid Al Qassimi, Minister of Culture, United Arab Emirates

Six core elements shape the Emirati National Identity Strategy and define what being Emirati truly means. These pillars, as outlined in official documents, encompass Islamic values and ethics, the Arabic language and Emirati dialect, the Union and homeland, heritage and traditions, history and geography, and the Emirati family.

The strategy’s essence lies in five fundamental values that reflect the Emirati character: respect and humility, ambition and perseverance, belonging and responsibility, cohesion and coexistence, and generosity and humanity. These values go beyond theory and actively shape society’s daily life.

Arabic language stands as “the heart of national identity, its shield, the spirit of the nation, the element of its authenticity and the basis of its thought and heritage”. The preservation of the Emirati dialect has become crucial, leading to new initiatives like the Ramsa Lab for Emirati Dialect Coding.

Salem bin Khalid Al Qassimi explained that this approach “transforms identity from a cultural concept into a social practice embedded in everyday life”. This integration spans seven vital dimensions: language, culture, education, family, religion, media, economy, and governance. The strategy works to keep the Emirati identity vibrant and meaningful for generations to come.

How the national UAE strategy will shape future generations

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The UAE’s National Identity Strategy features thirteen initiatives that will shape future generations through complete educational frameworks and community participation. We focused on youth development by combining national identity with school curricula and after-school activities. This creates an immersive learning environment that encourages cultural pride early.

Education is the life-blood of this generational change. The National Framework for Emirati Cultural Activities in Schools ran from August 2023 to January 2024. It brought together more than 1,300 teachers and about 2,000 students, with 107 cultural organizations taking part. Students now connect better with their national identity through activities from kindergarten to high school.

On top of that, the strategy combines state-of-the-art technology with cultural preservation. Students must take AI classes while strengthening their knowledge of Arabic, Islamic, and Social Studies. Young learners in kindergarten spend 200 minutes each week learning Arabic and 90 minutes studying Islamic studies. This builds their foundation in core identity elements.

Community programs extend cultural immersion beyond the classroom. Programs like “Nahj” build identity awareness at the local level. The “We Are the Children of Zayed” campaign celebrates unity and national pride. The “Ramsa Lab” works to preserve UAE’s unique dialect, showing how important language is to cultural continuity.

These connected initiatives help the UAE encourage new generations to understand and preserve their cultural heritage. This creates citizens who stay “firmly rooted in their cultural and ethical heritage”.

The UAE’s National Identity Strategy marks a turning point in protecting the nation’s cultural heritage. This complete framework with six core elements turns cultural ideas into daily social practices across the country. The strategy lines up with President Sheik Mohamed’s declaration of 2026 as the “Year of the Family,” which shows how strong families pass down national identity.

Strong family bonds play a key role in putting this strategy into action. The strategy focuses on keeping the Arabic language alive, especially the unique Emirati dialect that carries cultural memory from one generation to the next. The Ramsa Lab was created to protect this vital part of identity.

Education plays the most important role in this national effort. Students now take part in well-planned cultural activities from kindergarten through high school to build pride in their heritage. These early experiences, combined with community programs like “Nahj” and “We Are the Children of Zayed,” help strengthen their identity in many ways.

The UAE shows how to balance quick modernization with cultural preservation. Many countries give up their heritage for progress, but the UAE proves that new technology and cultural authenticity can work together. Students learn AI alongside Arabic, Islamic, and Social Studies, which shows this balanced viewpoint.

The Emirati National Identity Strategy is more than just a government plan – it shows the nation’s dedication to keeping future generations connected to their roots while facing global challenges. The strategy was launched recently, and its complete approach across different sectors will affect UAE society for generations.