President Sheikh Mohamed on Monday declared 2025 as the Year of Community, in support of a national drive to promote unity and inclusion across society.
In a post on X, Sheikh Mohamed urged "all those who call the UAE home" to help to contribute towards "improving your community and ensuring that our nation remains an inspiring model of progress and prosperity".
Under the slogan "Hand in Hand", the national initiative reflects the leadership’s vision to foster a united and empowered community.
"Hand in hand, we will work to strengthen social bonds, foster shared responsibility, and unlock potential for inclusive and sustainable growth," Sheikh Mohamed wrote.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, also posted a message on X to mark the announcement. He said the move "highlights our priorities for the future: strengthening social bonds and fostering unity across society".
Sheikh Mohammed added that the "foundation of our nation’s strength lies in a united community, where individuals are connected, and care is extended to each other. A strong community thrives on fortified families, and lays the groundwork for a brighter future for generations to come".
The initiative is to be overseen by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, and Sheikha Mariam bint Mohamed, Deputy Chairperson of the Presidential Court for National Projects.
Several events will be announced this year and citizens and residents will be encouraged to contribute to society through community service, volunteering and initiatives, state news agency Wam reported. The public will also be urged to share their ideas to build social bonds, foster community progress and celebrate the cultural diversity that defines the UAE.
Last November, Sheikh Mansour welcomed a new community initiative package worth Dh500 million ($136 million) aimed at "enhancing quality of life, promoting sustainable development, achieving social stability and empowering all community members". It organised community councils to provide social services across the UAE.
“Investing in our people is central to our comprehensive sustainable development strategy and to strengthening the community's role as a cornerstone of the UAE's progress," Sheikh Mansour had said at the launch. “These community initiatives reflect our leadership's vision for sustainable development and social well-being, underscoring our commitment to ensuring a high quality of life for all."
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Treaty of Friendship between the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the United Arab Emirates
The United kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the United Arab Emirates; Considering that the United Arab Emirates has assumed full responsibility as a sovereign and independent State; Determined that the long-standing and traditional relations of close friendship and cooperation between their peoples shall continue; Desiring to give expression to this intention in the form of a Treaty Friendship; Have agreed as follows:
ARTICLE 1 The relations between the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the United Arab Emirates shall be governed by a spirit of close friendship. In recognition of this, the Contracting Parties, conscious of their common interest in the peace and stability of the region, shall: (a) consult together on matters of mutual concern in time of need; (b) settle all their disputes by peaceful means in conformity with the provisions of the Charter of the United Nations.
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ARTICLE 3 The Contracting Parties shall maintain the close relationship already existing between them in the field of trade and commerce. Representatives of the Contracting Parties shall meet from time to time to consider means by which such relations can be further developed and strengthened, including the possibility of concluding treaties or agreements on matters of mutual concern.
ARTICLE 4 This Treaty shall enter into force on today’s date and shall remain in force for a period of ten years. Unless twelve months before the expiry of the said period of ten years either Contracting Party shall have given notice to the other of its intention to terminate the Treaty, this Treaty shall remain in force thereafter until the expiry of twelve months from the date on which notice of such intention is given.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF the undersigned have signed this Treaty.
DONE in duplicate at Dubai the second day of December 1971AD, corresponding to the fifteenth day of Shawwal 1391H, in the English and Arabic languages, both texts being equally authoritative.
Signed
Geoffrey Arthur Sheikh Zayed
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