New high-level committee to unify federal and local efforts, codify Emirati values, measure national pride and drive a cohesive identity strategy across the UAE….reports Asian Lite News
The UAE has moved to consolidate its national identity agenda with the formation of a high-level federal committee tasked with shaping, measuring and promoting shared values across the country.
H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Chairman of the Education, Human Development and Community Development Council, has issued a decision establishing the National Identity Committee. The body will be chaired by H.H. Sheikha Mariam bint Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice-Chairperson of the same council.
The move signals a coordinated push to strengthen Emirati identity at a time of rapid demographic, technological and social change. According to the decision, the Committee will act as a central national umbrella, aligning federal and local efforts within a unified framework that reinforces shared values and deepens national belonging.
At the heart of its mandate is oversight of the National Identity Strategy. The Committee will supervise implementation at a national level, ensuring policies, programmes and initiatives across ministries and emirates are synchronised and deliver measurable impact. By serving as a central reference point, it aims to harmonise visions, prevent duplication and foster integration among identity-related initiatives across the UAE.
A core responsibility will be codifying the concept of national identity itself. The Committee is tasked with defining its pillars and core values, standardising terminology and establishing a reference framework to guide how identity is embedded in priority sectors. This includes education, media, culture, youth engagement and community development. The goal is to move from broad aspiration to structured methodology, ensuring that national identity is not treated as a slogan but as an operational principle guiding policy and practice.
In addition, the Committee will propose and develop qualitative initiatives designed to reinforce Emirati identity. Working closely with relevant authorities, it will coordinate resources and monitor delivery to ensure projects are effectively implemented and aligned with strategic objectives.
A notable feature of the new body’s remit is the development of a national index to measure community adoption of, and pride in, the national identity. This index will assess both sentiment and impact, providing data-driven insight into how initiatives are resonating across society. By quantifying engagement and outcomes, policymakers will be better equipped to refine programmes and direct support where it is most needed.
Communication will form another key pillar. The Committee will lead the creation of a unified national narrative through integrated communication plans. These will enhance the visibility and presence of national identity across the media landscape, including modern and interactive platforms. The approach is intended to reach all segments of society, particularly younger generations, ensuring that identity is articulated in ways that are both authentic and contemporary.
The Committee’s composition reflects its cross-sectoral scope. Members include Sheikha Hessa bint Mohammed bin Hamad bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, Advisor to the Chairperson of the Committee; Sheikh Salem bin Khalid Al Qassimi, Minister of Culture; Abdulla bin Mohammed bin Butti Al Hamed, Chairman of the National Media Authority; Rashed Saeed Al Ameri, Advisor at the Presidential Office for Strategic Affairs; Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism; Dr. Sultan bin Saif Al Neyadi, Minister of State for Youth Affairs; Samira Murshid Al Remeithi, Secretary-General of the Presidential Protocol and Strategic Narrative Authority; Hajer Ahmed Al Thehli, Secretary-General of the Education, Human Development and Community Development Council; Dr. Omar Habtoor Al Darei, Chairman of the General Authority of Islamic Affairs, Endowments and Zakat; and Hamad Abdullah Al Zaabi, Director-General of the National Projects Office at the Presidential Court.
The National Projects Office at the Presidential Court will serve as the Committee’s Secretariat, providing strategic and administrative support, coordinating periodic meetings and following up on the implementation of decisions and recommendations.
The establishment of the Committee forms part of the activation of the National Identity Strategy, developed in partnership between the Ministry of Culture and the National Projects Office during the UAE Government Annual Meetings 2025. Operating under the umbrella of the Education, Human Development and Community Development Council, the new body is designed to ensure coherence in national direction while embedding a strong sense of belonging across society.
