Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan Establishes National Identity Committee to Strengthen Emirati Values

Abu Dhabi, The Gulf Observer: 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 to establish the “National Identity Committee,” chaired by H.H. Sheikha Mariam bint Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice-Chairperson of the Council.

The formation of the Committee aims to strengthen the Emirati national identity and unify federal and local efforts within a cohesive national framework that reinforces shared values and a sense of national belonging across the UAE.

The Committee is mandated to oversee the implementation of the National Identity Strategy at the national level, ensuring alignment of policies and initiatives while achieving measurable impact. It will serve as a central reference point to harmonise visions, prevent duplication of efforts, and enhance integration among programmes and projects related to national identity.

A key responsibility of the Committee will be the codification of national identity by defining its pillars and core values, standardising terminology and concepts, and establishing a national reference framework to embed identity across priority sectors. It will also propose qualitative initiatives and coordinate with relevant entities to secure resources and ensure effective implementation.

In addition, the Committee will develop a national index to measure levels of community engagement, pride, and adoption of national identity values, while assessing the impact of related initiatives. It will further lead the creation of a unified national narrative through integrated communication strategies aimed at strengthening the presence of national identity across traditional and digital media platforms.

The Committee comprises senior officials, including Sheikha Hessa bint Mohammed bin Hamad bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, Sheikh Salem bin Khalid Al Qassimi, Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, Dr. Sultan bin Saif Al Neyadi, and other prominent representatives from key national institutions.

The National Projects Office at the Presidential Court will serve as the Secretariat, providing strategic and administrative support, coordinating meetings, and monitoring implementation of decisions.

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 Committee is expected to play a pivotal role in consolidating national values and strengthening social cohesion across the Emirates.