In partnership with the office of Dr. Jamal Sund al-Suwaydi, Deputy Chairman of the Advisory Council of the Emirate Strategic Research and Studies Center, a seminar was held yesterday at Khalifa University in Abu Dhabi on the book "National Identity in the United Arab Emirates: between the uniqueness of traditions and values and universal standards," recently published by the National Archive and Library, authored by Jamal Sund al-Suwaydi.
The seminar was attended by the President of Khalifa University for Science and Technology in Abu Dhabi, Professor Ibrahim Said al-Hadhrami, a professor of Islamic and Emirati studies at Khalifa University, Dr. Abdullakh bin Hamood al-Busaidi, and a professor from the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences at Khalifa University, Dr. Labib Ahmed Basul. Also present were university faculty, thinkers, intellectuals, and a multitude of students.
During the seminar, a book signing ceremony took place, and many attendees purchased copies with the autograph of Dr. Jamal al-Suwaydi. The doctor noted that the book covers theories of national identity, exploring their concepts in liberal and conservative models, and explains the link between national identity and state developmental pathways. He highlighted that liberal theory emphasizes individual rights at the expense of moral and social issues, ignoring obligations and the community's adherence.
Al-Suwaydi emphasized that civic experience in the United Arab Emirates is one of the most significant in the Arab world, pointing to the depth and sustainability of the civic idea among the country's residents. He considers the emirates’ experience in national identity transcending many countries, rooted in many decades past, and describes national identity in the United Arab Emirates as a model of high-level national cohesion and a broader citizenship.
Al-Suwaydi reiterated that the Emirati leadership, starting with the founding father and up to the Late Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan, President of the country, and his brothers, rulers of the emirates, is a guarantee of preserving the foundations of the national identity of the United Arab Emirates, their protection and strengthening.
