The UAE Government has launched the Emirati National Identity Strategy to reinforce national values across all sectors.
It was announced by Salem bin Khalid Al Qassimi, Minister of Culture during a keynote speech at the Government Annual Meetings in Abu Dhabi on Thursday.
The strategy aims to strengthen national belonging and pride in the Emirati identity, reinforce family and social cohesion, and promote the UAE’s national identity on the global stage through international co-operation and engagement.
It follows an earlier announcement by President Sheikh Mohamed in which he declared 2026 the Year of the Family and described family as a “vital pillar” to maintaining national values.
What is the strategy?
The strategy is based on three main pillars: defining the identity, establishing the presence of the Emirati identity across all sectors, and developing a National Identity Index to ensure integration of efforts and sustainability of impact.
The strategy was developed in coordination with more than 40 federal and local entities from various sectors.
The UAE Government defines the Emirati national identity as one centred on six core elements. 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
- The Emirati family as the primary foundation for society
The strategy also sets five core values of what the Emirati character is. These are:
- Respect and humility
- Ambition and perseverance
- Belonging and responsibility
- Cohesion and coexistence
- Generosity and humanity
How will the strategy be implemented?
A National Identity Committee will be established to oversee the governance of the strategy. The committee will ensure role distribution and integration, unifying future directions to strengthen the Emirati identity at both institutional and societal levels.
Initiatives will integrate the national identity into educational curricula, develop a national framework and guide for extracurricular cultural activities, strengthen national identity within Emirati families, and develop media content policy and code of conduct for content creators.
An index has also been developed to measure the level of adoption of the national identity, based on the six core elements, through assessing sentiment, awareness, and behaviour.
Salem bin Khalid Al Qassimi said: “The Emirati National Identity Strategy reflects commitment to the leadership’s vision of nurturing generations deeply rooted in their values and heritage.”
