UAE | Government
Preserving national identity is focus of federal strategy, says Al Za'abi
Shaikh Khalifa designated 2008 as year to reinforce national efforts to promote patriotism.
- By Eman Mohammed, Abu Dhabi Deputy Editor
- Published: 23:25 December 2, 2008
Abu Dhabi: This year has been "excellent in maintaining the national identity of the UAE," a top government official told Gulf News.
Ahmad Jumaa Al Za'abi, Director of President's office predicted that the coming years will witness more focus on the national identity concept, to further activate and make it a daily practice in young people's lives.
President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, designated 2008 as National Identity Year, in support of the federal strategy that aims to reinforce national efforts to protect and promote patriotism.
The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Community Development and other governmental departments have organised a number of conferences, lectures and events to discuss the concept and put plans in place to preserve national identity.
Al Za'abi opened a fine art exhibition for employees in 12 governmental ministries in the Abu Dhabi Cultural Centre. The exhibition has been organised by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Community Development in the occasion of national day.
"Preserving the national identity needs years of efforts to get results," he said.
A dear occasion
"Leaders always encourage new generations to hold on to their roots, which enables them to progress. That's why we have all of those young talents and future leaders," Al Za'abi said. He also considered the National Day 'a dear occasion' for every Emirati: "It reminds us of the beginning of the federation and the role our first leaders played to build the state," he said. The exhibition will run through December 18 and includes variety of art works done by more than 50 talented employees in different ministries. The art works includes oil and water paintings, calligraphy, photography, hand crafts and fashion designs.
Al Za'abi considered the exhibition a good example to help and support young talents to grow and find their way to be professionals.
"The Ministry of Culture is playing an active role in this field and I hope they keep searching for undiscovered talent," he said.
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