The United Arab Emirates has reported a significant achievement in fostering national identity, with a composite indicator measuring the sense of belonging and national pride among Emiratis reaching 90%. This figure is part of a broader initiative by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Community Development to instill a strong sense of national identity, with a target of 100% by 2021.
National Identity Index Reaches 90%
Shaikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, the Minister of Culture, Youth and Community Development, announced that the national identity index currently stands at 90%. This index is designed to reflect the pride and sense of belonging that Emirati citizens feel towards their nation. The announcement was made during a session of the Federal National Council (FNC) in response to a question posed by FNC member Ahmad Abdullah Al Amash.
Concerns Over Expatriate Influence
Members of the FNC expressed concerns regarding the potential impact of the large expatriate population on the UAE’s cultural identity. Al Amash highlighted that the significant influx of expatriate workers has led to demographic imbalances and poses a threat to the nation’s values, customs, traditions, language, and national character. He referenced President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s call to dedicate 2008 as the Year of National Identity, aligning with the federal government’s strategic vision to promote and preserve national identity.
Defining and Strengthening National Identity
The Ministry of Culture and Youth defines national identity as a system of social and moral values rooted in the people’s past, present, and future lifestyles. This system aims to preserve the essence of the nation’s existence against challenges such as dispersion and disintegration. Key strategies for strengthening national identity include fostering a sense of citizenship, encouraging productive work, and launching initiatives that reinforce core values.
Collective Responsibility for National Identity
Shaikh Nahyan emphasized that strengthening national identity is a collective commitment involving religious, past, future, and individual aspects of cultural values, customs, traditions, language, and faith. He stated that promoting these elements is a national duty shared by the community, individuals, government, and institutions. The development of national identity relies on community-supported systems and tools that influence behavior, creating a society resilient to challenges and equipped with essential social, behavioral, and national tools, including religion, education, family upbringing, leadership, media, and arts.
Key Takeaways
- The UAE’s national identity index has reached 90%.
- The target is to achieve 100% national identity by 2021.
- Concerns exist about the impact of expatriates on national culture and identity.
- Strengthening national identity is viewed as a collective responsibility.
Sources
- UAE national identity index at 90%, Gulf News.