Page 37 - WATANI AL EMARAT FOUNDATION PR REPORT - DECEMBER 2023

recognise the significance of the Emirati Renaissance, which is a purposeful

attempt to preserve the UAE's cultural legacy while promoting the nation's
presence on the global stage.

Since 1971, the Emirati political system has been managing the mission of
creating a workable bureaucratic apparatus while forming the country's

identity under the guidance of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
The development of the Emirati identity has been predominantly driven by
strategic leadership, with visionary leaders realizing early on that sustained
growth necessitated a careful balance between tradition and innovation.
While an oil-based model guided the UAE's state-building process for

decades, the UAE now operates in a more complex environment. The Emirati
agenda is evolving due to the growing youth population, the need for
sustainability, and shifts in the global economy.

The UAE leadership, however, has expertly balanced traditions and
innovations, ensuring a strategic response to emerging challenges. The

country, home to people from various backgrounds, is successfully managing
the process of fostering a cohesive identity while respecting individual
cultures. The UAE's laws and regulations also act as a guiding force, actively

preserving the country's rich cultural legacy amidst rapid developments. This
legislative structure reflects the strategic objective of striking a balance
between development and the preservation of Emirati traditions.

A significant change in investment opportunities has also occurred to
establish the UAE as a global hub of commerce. The UAE's commitment to

flexibility and openness is exemplified by the country's latest legal changes
for visas, investments, and job opportunities. Though these advancements
propel the nation's expansion, the third generation of Emirati youth stands to
gain significantly from this as they find themselves amid rapid global

changes.

It is imperative to comprehend that during this time of profound shifts in
civilisation, the focus extends beyond infrastructure development. The
development of iconic landmarks such as the Museum of the Future

https://www.khaleejtimes.com/opinion/understanding-evolution-of-emirati-identity-amid-civilisational-
developments