AI The impact of national initiatives on enhancing social cohesion and community belonging among Emirati youth - the Year of Society 2025 as a model

Abstract

   This research examines the impact of national initiatives in promoting the values of social cohesion and community belonging among Emirati youth, with a focus on the "Year of Society 2025" initiative as a national model that reflects the UAE's vision to build a cohesive society based on community partnership and national identity. The research was based on a growing awareness of the importance of the youth as a key pillar of comprehensive development, in light of the rapid cultural and technological changes that affect the value system and belonging. The study adopted a descriptive-analytical approach to analyze the nature of national initiatives and their social and cultural dimensions, and explore the extent to which they contribute to consolidating the values of cohesion, solidarity, and national belonging among Emirati youth, in addition to monitoring the most prominent factors that enhance or hinder their interaction with these initiatives. The research was also based on a review of a number of relevant Arab studies, which contributed to building a theoretical framework that clarifies the relationship between community initiatives and national identity. The results of the research concluded that national initiatives, especially the "Year of Society 2025" initiative, clearly contribute to enhancing social cohesion and raising the level of awareness and community belonging among youth, by providing opportunities for active participation in community, cultural and volunteer activities. The results also showed a positive relationship between youth involvement in national initiatives and the promotion of societal stability and building national identity, while emphasizing the pivotal role of the media and social media in supporting the impact of these initiatives. In light of the results, the research provided a set of recommendations that focus on the importance of developing national initiatives to be more inclusive and interactive, and strengthening partnerships between government agencies, educational institutions and civil society, to ensure the sustainability of the impact of these initiatives in supporting social cohesion and community belonging among Emirati youth.