UAE braces itself for modern era
Human resources have been given a top priority in the UAE since the creation of the federation. As a result of this wise policy, the number of educated Emirati men and women increased significantly over the past four decades.
The beginning was humble and ambitions were limited. What mattered most was at a time when illiteracy was at its highest levels, Emiratis strived to learn and acquire knowlege and skills in various faculties. This was more true, especially for women, who now are 85 per cent literate.
Job requirements were also basic and the first priority was laying down the foundation for the federal state. The nation mattered most and the concept of citizenship had to be enhanced in the first stage of the country's life.
The transition from that stage was smooth, thanks to the leadership's belief in the human element and the Emiratis' faith in their leaders. Both leaders and people worked to preserve the nation's unity.
Many nations shared the dream of unity, such as Italy, Germany and the United States and all peoples wanted to end divisions, whether they were caused by ethnic or ideological factors.
Main motive
A futuristic vision was the main motive to create a new world, along with the economic and social factors.
The world faced unprecedented challenges during the last century, which were imposed by the rapid developments in science and technology.
It was the century of confrontation between the history of humanity and the modern ages, and between dreams and realities. It was the time to confront myths by knowledge and fear by the truth, as science always combats myths.
At this time of truth and light, we must not indulge in fantasies, but ask ourselves what we want in our part of the world.
The age of great scientists, philosophers and intellectuals such as Plato, Aristotle, Ibn Khaldoun, Ibn Rushd (Averroes), Karl Marx and Frederick Angels is over and we must know what we are looking for in this century.
What we need to do is solve the problem of unemployed people in our country, a country that always stressed the importance of unity, development and progress.
Participation is possible even in a world dominated by one magnate and while civil wars take place in the land of the world's oldest civilisations. We have now stepped into a new stage, marking the human being is the key fortune to any society. Whoever bids otherwise is definitely a loser.
Survival is for those who believe that life itself lies within this human fortune, young or old. However, youth remains the active tool for action, development and change.
The UAE is achieving a lot in many fields and is in a race against time, at an age that allows no space for the weak or hesitant, or those who refuse change.
The future lies within those who race for leadership and progress.
Dr Mohammad Al Mutawa is a professor of Sociology at the UAE University, Al Ain.
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