UAE Launches Ambitious National Identity Strategy 2025 to Fortify Cultural Pride and Unity
In a landmark move to strengthen social cohesion and cultural pride, the United Arab Emirates has officially launched the “Emirati National Identity Strategy.” This major national initiative was unveiled during the 2025 Government Annual Meetings in Abu Dhabi, led by the Ministry of Culture and the National Projects Office of the Presidential Court. The strategy presents a unified national vision to make Emirati identity a dynamic, living practice for all citizens and residents.
A Unified National Vision for the Future
The strategy establishes a comprehensive framework to integrate national identity into every facet of Emirati society—from education and governance to family life and media. Senior leaders, including Sheikha Mariam bint Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, emphasized that the plan moves identity from a abstract concept to an active part of daily life, ensuring it is carried forward by future generations.
The Three Pillars and Core Elements of Emirati Identity
Developed through extensive collaboration across more than forty federal and local entities, the strategy is built on three foundational pillars:
Defining the Identity: Clarifying its core values and components.
Embedding the Identity: Integrating it into all sectors via a strategic framework.
Governing the Identity: Establishing a model and a “National Identity Index” to track progress.
The document identifies six key elements that constitute the Emirati Identity:
Islamic values & ethics
The Arabic language and Emirati dialect
The Union and homeland
Heritage, customs and traditions
History, geography and collective memory
The Emirati family as a foundational unit
These elements are guided by five central value-categories: respect & humility; ambition & perseverance; belonging & responsibility; cohesion & coexistence; and generosity & humanity.
National Initiatives and Measuring Impact
To translate this vision into reality, the strategy outlines 13 specific initiatives designed to embed national identity into everyday life. Key programmes include:
Integrating national identity into school curricula and extracurricular activities.
“Nahj” – A community-based national identity programme.
“We Are the Children of Zayed” – A campaign celebrating unity and national pride.
A draft “Cultural Heritage Law” and a “National Cultural Heritage Registry.”
A “Ramsa Lab” for coding and preserving the Emirati dialect.
A National Tourism Programme to embed identity into Emirati hospitality.
To ensure its long-term success, a newly-established National Identity Index will measure public sentiment, awareness, and behavior. A National Identity Committee will govern coordination, ensuring all stakeholders are aligned.
Also Read: Zayed National Museum Poised to Shine as Abu Dhabi’s Cultural Crown Jewel
Leadership Perspective: Identity as a Living Legacy
Sheikha Mariam described the Emirati identity as “a legacy we take pride in and a responsibility we carry in our hearts.” She stressed that identity is not just a policy but a way of life expressed through language, behavior, and values. “Our children are the natural extension of our identity. We strive to create an inspiring environment that instils in future generations a love for their nation,” she added.
Echoing this sentiment, Minister of Culture Salem bin Khalid Al Qassimi stated that the strategy turns the leadership’s aspirations into tangible action. “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.”
In summary, the UAE’s National Identity Strategy 2025 maps out a deeply integrated approach—rooted in heritage yet forward-looking. It aims not only to preserve cultural treasures but to transform identity into a powerful force for unity, belonging, and purpose across the entire society.
