The initiative, launched by Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, aims to strengthen social cohesion across the country.
Throughout the history of the United Arab Emirates, the strong bond between leadership and citizens has remained a key driver of stability, progress, and sustainable development. Against this backdrop, the “Ahd wa Waad” (Covenant and Commitment) initiative has been introduced as a new national milestone, reflecting the deep ties uniting Emiratis and residents with the country’s leadership. It also reinforces values of loyalty, belonging, and unity rooted in the legacy of the founding fathers and continued under the leadership of Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
In May 2026, Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan officially launched the “Ahd wa Waad” initiative during a national ceremony at the Abu Dhabi Energy Center. The event brought together more than 4,800 participants from across society, reflecting broad public engagement and the initiative’s inclusive national message.
The launch of the initiative
The launch ceremony marked a significant milestone in the initiative’s rollout. Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, alongside 30 prominent public figures, signed the “Ahd wa Waad” document before opening participation to all attendees.
This symbolic gesture highlighted the initiative’s participatory spirit and reinforced the idea of shared national responsibility between leadership and society.
The initiative was not confined to those attending the ceremony in person. It was also launched digitally, allowing citizens and residents across the United Arab Emirates to take part through an online platform accessed via a QR code. Widely shared across digital platforms and social media, the QR code extended participation beyond physical boundaries, turning the initiative into a nationwide movement accessible to all.
The significance of “Ahd wa Waad”
The significance of “Ahd wa Waad” lies in its expression of pride, appreciation, and gratitude toward the leadership of Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, whose vision has guided the country’s development, progress, and global competitiveness.
Under his leadership, the UAE has further strengthened a distinct development model focused on investing in people, while promoting tolerance, coexistence, and openness to the world.
At its core, the initiative conveys a national message that the UAE’s international standing is the result of long-term strategic vision and leadership, rather than chance. It highlights how sustained planning has helped build a country characterised by dignity, confidence, and strong global standing. Today, the United Arab Emirates is widely recognised for its competitive economy, advanced institutions, and cohesive society that enjoys security, stability, and a high quality of life.
The initiative also reflects the country’s broader sense of national unity, bringing together citizens and residents on a shared platform to express appreciation for a leadership that has fostered an environment supportive of living, working, and innovation, while reinforcing community partnership as a foundation of sustainable development.
A progressive model of community diplomacy
Observers describe “Ahd wa Waad” as a form of community-based soft diplomacy. It signals that the UAE’s strength is not based solely on economic growth and infrastructure development, but also on a culture of trust between leadership and society, and a high degree of national cohesion that has long underpinned the country’s stability and progress.
From a societal perspective, the initiative helps strengthen a culture of national responsibility and belonging by encouraging all segments of society to express appreciation for the leadership and commitment to the country’s development journey. In doing so, it reinforces a sense of collective ownership in shaping the future of the United Arab Emirates and safeguarding its achievements.
The “Ahd wa Waad” digital platform
The “Ahd wa Waad” digital platform allows citizens and residents to participate through a simple and accessible process. Users can access the platform, register their full name and category, review and accept the national pledge, electronically sign the document, and receive a digital certificate confirming their participation in the initiative.
At its core, “Ahd wa Waad” extends beyond the signing of a symbolic document. It represents a collective expression of commitment to the values of unity, loyalty, and national belonging, while reaffirming the pledge to continue supporting the advancement of the United Arab Emirates and strengthening its global standing.
The initiative also reflects the human and national bonds between leadership and society, underscoring the idea that the UAE’s progress is driven by unity, social cohesion, and a shared vision for a more prosperous future for generations to come.
As participation grows among people of different nationalities and communities across the country, “Ahd wa Waad” is emerging as one of the notable national and societal initiatives of 2026. It highlights the UAE’s emphasis on building trust, loyalty, and mutual respect between leadership and society, reaffirming that the nation’s long-term success is rooted in collective values and shared responsibility.
