Identity shift is a positive trend

A stronger sense of national identity and tolerance help to tackle religious extremism

Emiratis are proud of their national identity. Karim Sahib / AFP Photo

The Emirati identity is still forging itself, particularly amid the challenges we are now facing as a nation. Events such as the war in Yemen, for example, have brought people from across the Emirates together in unity and solidarity. We all saw how the whole nation stood with the families of the UAE heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice. While at some point in the past people viewed themselves as “Arab” or “Muslim”, they now identify as “Emirati” more than anything else.

This is part of a regional trend, according to survey results revealed at the Promoting Peace in Muslim Societies forum on Monday. As The National reported, researchers interviewed 15,000 people over the age of 15 from seven Arab countries and found a stronger sense of national identity among Arab citizens and moderate views of religion. Such a shift in perception of identity indicates that people have more respect for their national states, and therefore do not subscribe to the idea of an "Islamic State", which has been advocated by extremist groups such as ISIL.

In the UAE, in particular, the Government’s emphasis on tolerance has been translated through society’s attitudes towards differences. In the same survey, not one interviewee from the UAE believed that protecting the rights of non-Muslim citizens or residents was not important.

Though the population imbalance here comes with its challenges, these same demands play an important role in bringing people together and, at the same time, fostering tolerance as an essential value. The multicultural environment allowed for more communication and understanding between Emiratis and people from other nationalities. People are becoming more open to new ideas and have more respect for the beliefs of others.

Fostering such an environment is critical at times when the region is facing many conflicts and a retreat from tolerance in some areas. This is an essential component of a modern and progressive state. This can only be celebrated.