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UAE forms National Identity Committee to strengthen Emirati identity
The committee, chaired by Sheikha Mariam bint Mohamed bin Zayed, aims to strengthen national identity and unify federal and local efforts
- PUBLISHED: Thu 12 Feb 2026, 1:47 PM
In line with National Identity Strategy, 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.
The new committee is comprises a distinguished group of officials and will be chaired by Sheikha Mariam bint Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice-Chairperson of the Education, Human Development and Community Development Council.
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Its establishment aims to strengthen the Emirati national identity and unify federal and local efforts within a cohesive national framework that reinforces shared values and national belonging.
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The committee is mandated to oversee the National Identity Strategy and its implementation at a national level, ensuring all related initiatives are aligned to achieve their intended impact.
It will function as a national umbrella and central reference point to harmonise visions, prevent duplication of efforts, and enhance integration among various programmes related to national identity across the UAE.
A central role for the committee will be the codification of the national identity. This includes defining its core pillars and values, standardising key concepts, and establishing a national reference framework. It will also propose and develop qualitative projects to reinforce national identity in coordination with relevant entities.
Furthermore, the committee will develop a national index to measure the community’s adoption of and pride in the national identity. It will also lead the creation of a unified national narrative through integrated communication plans across all media platforms to reach every segment of society.
The National Projects Office at the Presidential Court will serve as the committee’s secretariat, providing both strategic and administrative support.
The establishment of the committee is a key step in activating the National Identity Strategy, which was developed in partnership between the Ministry of Culture and the National Projects Office during the UAE Government Annual Meetings in 2025.
The committee will operate under the umbrella of the Education, Human Development and Community Development Council to ensure the consolidation of national values and a strong sense of belonging within society.
Ruqayya Alqaydi is a Special Correspondent with an endless curiosity to learn. Like a journalist on a caffeine overdrive, she is fuelled by passion and on a mission to uncover every gem in the UAE.