The Features of Emirati Identity in the UAE Centennial 2071 Vision

The UAE Centennial 2071 Vision is a comprehensive strategic plan aimed at making the United Arab Emirates one of the best countries in the world in all fields by the 100th anniversary of its founding. This vision not only focuses on economic and scientific development but also places the Emirati national identity at the core, ensuring the continuity of values and traditions on which the nation was built, alongside openness to the modern world.

1. Preserving Values and Cultural Heritage
   Emirati identity in the 2071 Vision is grounded in reinforcing the values instilled by the founding fathers, such as respect, tolerance, generosity, and pride in heritage. The vision emphasizes protecting the Arabic language, safeguarding traditional arts, and preserving historical sites as living symbols of national identity.
2. Strengthening National Belonging
   The vision underscores the importance of fostering a deep sense of belonging among younger generations through educational curricula, community activities, and national initiatives that connect youth with the country’s history and achievements, enabling them to be ambassadors of Emirati identity locally and globally.
3. An Open and Evolving Identity
   The vision seeks to shape a renewed Emirati identity capable of engaging with global changes without compromising its core foundations. This means encouraging innovation, embracing modern technologies, and opening up to other cultures while maintaining local values.
4. Environmental Sustainability as Part of Identity
   The vision considers a balanced relationship with the environment as an integral part of Emirati identity, reflecting the ancestors’ way of life in harmony with nature. Therefore, Vision 2071 incorporates sustainability principles into urban planning, clean energy initiatives, and natural resource conservation.
5. Social Cohesion and Diversity
   Within the framework of the vision, Emirati identity focuses on the unity of society in all its diversity, promoting the values of tolerance and coexistence that have made the UAE a global model of openness to all nationalities and cultures.

Conclusion
The features of Emirati identity in the UAE Centennial 2071 Vision represent a balanced blend of authenticity and modernity—preserving national and cultural values while embracing the future and keeping pace with scientific and technological advancements. This strong and evolving identity will be the foundation upon which the UAE builds its global leadership.

The Features of Emirati Identity in the UAE Centennial 2071 Vision – Educational Perspective

The UAE Centennial 2071 Vision places great importance on education as the cornerstone for instilling national identity and preparing generations capable of meeting future challenges. From an educational perspective, the key features of Emirati identity in this vision include:

1. Integrating National Values into Curricula
   The vision emphasizes that school curricula should embed the UAE’s history, achievements, and core values such as tolerance, respect, teamwork, and innovation. This integration helps students understand their identity from an early age.
2. Fostering Belonging and Loyalty
   Through school activities and research projects that connect students to their country’s history and traditions, a deep sense of belonging is nurtured, encouraging them to commit to serving their nation in the future.
3. Preparing Innovative and Culturally Grounded Graduates
   The vision promotes teaching future skills like critical thinking, programming, and artificial intelligence, but within a framework that preserves cultural authenticity, producing graduates who are globally creative yet firmly rooted in their national identity.
4. Promoting Arabic as a Language of Identity
   The vision regards Arabic not only as a means of communication but as a vessel of culture and identity, calling for the development of modern, engaging Arabic curricula for new generations.
5. School–Family Partnership
   The vision connects the role of schools and families in fostering identity, encouraging parents to participate in educational activities to ensure a holistic and sustainable value-building process.

Conclusion
From an educational standpoint, Vision 2071 sees the preservation of national identity as inseparable from the advancement of education. It calls for a balanced learning approach that combines authenticity and innovation, producing Emirati generations confident in their identity and ready to lead on the global stage