UAE Themes of the Year: A journey of progress and innovation
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has embarked on a remarkable journey of progress and innovation by embracing different themes each year. These themes reflect the country’s commitment to various aspects of development, including sustainability, tolerance, innovation and more. From the Year of Innovation in 2015 to the Year of the 50th, each UAE theme of the year 2015 to 2025 captures the nation’s aspirations and goals for a brighter future.
Since 2015, the UAE themes of the year have ensured that federal and local authorities introduce and work on policies and initiatives to actualise specific goals. We’ve compiled a list of all the themes implemented and celebrated since adopting the practice, including ‘UAE Theme of the Year’ 2025.
UAE THEME OF THE YEAR 2025: The Year of Community
The UAE President, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, announced 2025 as the Year of Community in the UAE. The leader warmly invited everyone who calls the UAE home to join and make the community even better.
The initiative is to be overseen by His Highness 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.
Aligning with the inspiring slogan “Hand in Hand,” the national initiative embodies the leadership’s commitment to building a united and empowered community. This year, a series of exciting events will be implemented to engage UAE citizens and residents and encourage them to contribute positively to society through meaningful community service, volunteering, and impactful initiatives.
Previous UAE Year Themes: Year of Distinction and Precedence to the Year of Sustainability
2024: EXTENDING THE YEAR OF SUSTAINABILITY
In a resounding message of commitment to sustainability, H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan extended the Year of Sustainability 2023 into 2024.
This decision reinforced the nation’s efforts to protect and preserve the environment for future generations. The Year of Sustainability made significant progress in promoting sustainable practices and inspiring collective action. The UAE’s ambition to invest AED 600 billion in clean and renewable energy sources over the next three decades reflects its dedication to a greener and more sustainable future. The Blue Residence Visa was also launched in 2024 in line with the theme of the year – sustainability.
2023: THE YEAR OF SUSTAINABILITY – PROMOTING CLIMATE ACTION
Sustainability took centre stage in 2023 as the UAE embraced the Year of Sustainability. As announced by the UAE President, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Year of Sustainability was crucial in protecting the country’s land and resources. This announcement further strengthened the country’s commitment to continuing the tradition of sustainability under the theme ‘Today for Tomorrow.’
The UAE Year of Sustainability 2023 included initiatives, activities and events in line with the values of sustainability and the legacy of the country’s Founding Father, the late His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan (may he forever rest in peace).
This theme emphasised the nation’s commitment to protecting the environment and creating a sustainable future. The UAE has been working towards this goal, evidenced by hosting the global climate summit, COP28, at Expo City Dubai in November 2023. The conference brought together world leaders to address pressing climate issues and commit to achieving net-zero goals.
2022: YEAR OF DISTINCTION AND PRECEDENCE
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum wrote a poem describing 2022 as the Year of Distinction and Precedence. He hopes the nation will move forward with determination, creativity and skill.
The overall objectives of the 2022 theme include the following:
- To contribute to the fields of education, culture, production and trade.
- To ensure the country moves forward on “a path that unites us with strength.”
2021: YEAR OF THE 50TH – CELEBRATING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY
The UAE 2021 theme was the Year of the 50th, announced in April 2021 by the second UAE President, the Late His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan. As the theme implies, it celebrated the 50th anniversary of the United Arab Emirates. These celebrations lasted until March 31st, 2022.
A Golden Jubilee Committee was formed a few years ago by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to realise the theme’s vision. Under the chairmanship of H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and Her Highness Sheikha Mariam bint Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan as Deputy Chairwoman, the committee was responsible for creating year-long activities, long-term initiatives and celebrations.
The UAE commemorated five decades of achievements, growth and unity. Various events and initiatives were organised to honour the country’s progress and pay tribute to the leaders and visionaries who played a pivotal role in shaping it into what it is today. The Year of the 50th reflects the nation’s pride in its accomplishments and commitment to a prosperous future.
2020: TOWARDS THE NEXT 50 – SHAPING AN AMBITIOUS FUTURE
As the UAE approached its 50th anniversary in 2021, a new theme emerged: Towards the Next 50. This theme symbolised the country’s determination to shape an ambitious future for the next five decades.
The UAE aims to build on its achievements and continue its progress, innovation and sustainable development journey. The FANR Public Outreach Sessions and Government Outreach Sessions were crucial in educating the public and government entities about FANR’s roles and responsibilities as the UAE’s nuclear regulatory body.
2019: YEAR OF TOLERANCE -EMBRACING DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION
The Year of Tolerance, celebrated in 2019, highlighted the UAE’s commitment to promoting tolerance, respect and peaceful coexistence. The UAE is known for its diverse population, with people from different nationalities, cultures and religions living harmoniously. This theme aimed to strengthen the country’s position as a global hub for tolerance and inclusivity.
The UAE educated the public and government entities about the importance of tolerance and understanding through various initiatives, such as the FANR Public Outreach Sessions and Government Outreach Sessions.
2018: YEAR OF ZAYED – HONOURING THE LEGACY OF THE FOUNDING FATHER
2018 marked the Year of Zayed, a tribute to the late His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the Founding Father of the UAE. His vision and leadership laid the foundation for the country’s progress and prosperity.
The UAE celebrated Sheikh Zayed’s legacy by organising various initiatives and events. Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan declared 2018 the official Year of Zayed to commemorate the 100th anniversary of his birth. The UAE’s commitment to the principles and values established by H.H. Sheikh Zayed continues to shape the nation’s journey.
2017: YEAR OF GIVING – BUILDING A CULTURE OF GENEROSITY AND VOLUNTEERING
The Late His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan declared 2017 the Year of Giving. The theme created a culture of volunteerism, philanthropy and loyalty to the country. One of the biggest initiatives of the year was the UAE Food Bank, which was introduced by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid.
The year also took inspiration from the giving nature of the UAE’s Founding Father, the late His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
The UAE, known for its philanthropic efforts, encouraged individuals and organisations to contribute to social causes and positively impact society. As part of the Year of Giving, the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR) launched the “Give Back” initiative, encouraging its staff to volunteer their time and skills to benefit the community.
2016: YEAR OF READING – NURTURING A NATION OF KNOWLEDGE SEEKERS
In 2016, the UAE celebrated the Year of Reading, recognising the power of knowledge and the importance of reading in personal and national development.
The Federal Reading Club was established, providing federal government employees with a platform to engage in reading activities and discussions. The club offered opportunities to meet authors, explore new books, and exchange ideas, fostering a culture of reading within the government sector. The UAE aimed to build a society driven by knowledge and continuous learning by promoting literacy and a love for books.
The primary aim of the 2016 Year of Reading was to promote reading and foster a generation aware of and knowledgeable about global cultures. In line with the annual theme, the National Reading Law was also launched. The year saw the development of a 10-year national plan for reading.
At its conclusion, the Year of Reading witnessed more than 1,500 reading initiatives, the purpose of which was to launch a strategy to make discipline a natural part of the lifestyle in the UAE.
At the closing ceremony of the Year of Reading 2016, a decree for the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Library in Dubai was established to boost the reading culture in the Arab world.
2015: YEAR OF INNOVATION: PIONEERING A CULTURE OF CREATIVITY
UAE year themes started with the Year of Innovation in 2015. The initiative was launched on August 15 2015, under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai and Prime Minister of the UAE. The purpose of the Year of Innovation was to enable private and public sectors to cultivate and work toward transforming the country into a global leader in innovation.
FAQS ABOUT UAE YEAR THEMES
APART FROM UAE YEAR THEMES, WHAT ELSE HAS THE UAE LAUNCHED FOR THE COUNTRY’S BETTERMENT?
The UAE Energy Strategy 2050 is a prime example of the country’s efforts to boost its infrastructure. It aims to increase the UAE’s dependence on clean energy from 25% to 50% by 2050.
Another initiative is the UAE Vision 2021, which aims to make the United Arab Emirates one of the best countries in the world in terms of social and economic development.
WHAT ARE THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE FOUNDING FATHERS OF THE UAE?
The achievements of the UAE founding fathers have had a major impact on the prosperity and development of the United Arab Emirates. For more insight into the various contributions of the country’s royals, check out the major contributions by the UAE’s royal families.
That concludes our guide to the UAE theme of the year from 2015 to 2024.
The ‘UAE Themes of the Year’ have played a pivotal role in shaping the nation’s trajectory and highlighting its aspirations for progress, innovation and sustainability. From the Year of Innovation to the extended Year of Sustainability, each theme has showcased the UAE’s commitment to creating a better future for its people and the world.
Curious about the emblems that embody the UAE’s spirit? Check out our blog on national symbols of the UAE and the stories they tell.
As the UAE continues its journey of growth and development, these themes serve as a reminder of its values and vision. The UAE’s ruling family’s dedication to embracing new ideas, fostering tolerance and safeguarding the environment sets an example for nations around the globe.
Stay tuned to MyBayut to learn more about life in the seven emirates of the UAE!
