At the 2025 UAE Government Annual Meetings in Abu Dhabi, the UAE Government unveiled the Emirati National Identity Strategy—a nationwide initiative developed by the Ministry of Culture in partnership with the National Projects Office of the Presidential Court. The new strategy, announced by Salem bin Khalid Al Qassimi, Minister of Culture, marks a unified national effort to reinforce the Emirati identity across all sectors and communities.
A unified vision for emirati identity
The Emirati National Identity Strategy aims to deepen pride and belonging among citizens and residents alike. It envisions an identity that is firmly rooted in the UAE’s values, aligned with the leadership’s vision, and embraced as a foundation for stability and prosperity.The announcement took place during the session “Legacy and Responsibility”, attended by H.H. Sheikha Mariam bint Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairperson of the Presidential Court for National Projects; H.H. Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority; and H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.Alongside the session, an interactive exhibition titled “Emirati National Identity: Legacy and Responsibility” showcased the values and elements of the Emirati identity, encouraging government participants to integrate these principles into their daily work and community engagement.
Foundations, pillars, and core values
Developed through collaboration with over 40 federal and local entities, the strategy consolidates extensive workshops and brainstorming sessions to define what constitutes the Emirati identity. It identifies three foundational pillars that guide this national framework:
- Defining the identity and its core values and components.
- Establishing a national strategic framework that embeds the Emirati identity across all sectors.
- Creating a governance model and a National Identity Index to ensure coordinated efforts and lasting impact.
The Emirati identity, as defined in the strategy, draws on six core elements representing the country’s cultural depth and diversity:
- Islamic values and ethics
- The Arabic language and Emirati dialect
- The Union and homeland
- Heritage, customs, and traditions
- History, geography, and collective memory
- The Emirati family as the foundation for belonging and responsibility
In addition, five key values are emphasized as the essence of the Emirati character: respect and humility; ambition and perseverance; belonging and responsibility; cohesion and coexistence; and generosity and humanity. These values, the document notes, are expressed through service to the community and equal support for others.To implement these principles, the strategy identifies seven social dimensions where the national identity should be reflected: language and culture, education, family and community, religion and coexistence, media, economy, and governance and politics.
National initiatives and measurement framework
The plan outlines 13 initiatives spanning culture, education, media, family, and economy—each designed to embed national identity into everyday life. Among the major initiatives are:
- Integrating national identity into educational curricula.
- Creating a national framework and guide for extracurricular cultural activities.
- Strengthening identity values within Emirati families.
- Introducing a Media Content Policy and Code of Conduct for content creators.
Other notable programs include:
- “Nahj”, which promotes community-based national identity programmes.
- “We Are the Children of Zayed”, celebrating unity and pride.
- The introduction of a Cultural Heritage Law and National Cultural Heritage Registry.
- Cultural content coding and the Ramsa Lab for Emirati Dialect Coding.
- The National Tourism Program and a National Framework for Integrating National Identity into Emirati Hospitality.
A National Identity Index has been created to measure public sentiment, awareness, and behavior based on the six core elements of identity. In addition, a National Identity Committee will oversee governance, coordination, and implementation, ensuring synergy among stakeholders and sustainability of outcomes.
Leadership reflections and the human dimension
H.H. Sheikha Mariam bint Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan described the Emirati identity as “a legacy we take pride in and a responsibility we carry in our hearts.” She highlighted that it is not a concept confined to policy, but a way of life expressed through language, behavior, and values.She emphasized the role of families and communities in nurturing this identity, saying: “Our children are the natural extension of our identity. We strive to create an inspiring environment that instills in future generations a love for their nation and strengthens their pride in their culture.”Sheikha Mariam added that the strategy unites all who live in the UAE under shared values of respect, coexistence, and belonging, transforming diversity into a source of strength and collective pride.Echoing this vision, Salem bin Khalid Al Qassimi said the strategy translates the leadership’s aspirations into action by turning identity into a living, social practice:“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.”
