'There is something truly special about this place': Why thousands of residents signed the UAE pledge

Dubai: The only incentive - an opportunity to express their connection ​to the UAE and its future.

And that was all that was needed for thousands of residents to join the online community movement to sign the UAE’s Pledge and Commitment initiative.

The initiative, which was launched by Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, reflects appreciation for the leadership of UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and his role in strengthening national security, social cohesion and stability.

One of the UAE residents who signed the pledge was Indian expatriate and travel writer Kaunain Fatima, who said what stood out to her was the fact that so many people chose to participate despite having nothing tangible to gain.

“I saw the UAE National Pledge everywhere on my feed in the past week, and I had to look it up. Over 5,000 people signed something that gives you nothing back. No coupon, no freebie … just people showing up because they wanted to.”

Fatima, who has spent most of her life in the UAE, said the initiative resonated deeply with her own family's story.

“My dad moved here 30 years ago with nothing but a suitcase and a lot of hope. He built a life, raised a family, and never looked back. I grew up watching this country give him, give us, more than we ever anticipated. Stability, dignity, opportunity. The kind of foundation that lets you actually dream,” she said.

That foundation gave her the confidence to leave a well-paying corporate job two years ago and pursue a career as a travel content creator.

“The UAE makes you believe that betting on yourself is worth it. That spirit of ambition, of building something from nothing, it's everywhere here,” she said.

Having travelled extensively around the world, Fatima said the sense of belonging she feels in the UAE is rare.

“I've travelled to 29 countries and I can tell you, not every place makes you feel like you belong to it. The UAE does.”

For others, the pledge reflected a shared commitment to the country's future and the values that have shaped its development.

Ghanian national and IT support professional Fernandes Geoffrey, an IT support professional in Dubai, said he was encouraged by the number of residents embracing an initiative centred on reflection, personal growth and community.

“I am honoured to live and work in the UAE, a nation that champions innovation, excellence, and sustainable growth,” he said.

“Guided by the principles of unity, tolerance, and ambition, we remain committed to contributing to a future filled with opportunity and success for generations ahead. Together, we innovate, grow, and build a lasting legacy,” he said.

For Indian expatriate Divya Singh, Head of Marketing at Shams Free Zone, the initiative was an opportunity to reflect on the life she has built in the UAE over the past seven years.

Having previously lived in London, the Indian national said one of the UAE's defining qualities is the sense of safety and security residents experience every day.

“It’s the comfort of knowing your child can grow up in a safe environment, the confidence that comes with going about daily life without fear, and the reassurance that the well-being of residents remains a national priority,” she said.

She said recent regional developments had only reinforced her confidence in the country's preparedness and leadership.

“While headlines often focus on uncertainty and conflict, the reality on the ground in the UAE is one of calm, preparedness, and confidence. As residents, we have seen firsthand the efficiency of the systems in place and the unwavering commitment of the leadership to ensuring the safety and security of everyone who calls this country home. The UAE has given countless people, including myself, the opportunity to thrive, and that is something I never take for granted.”

For 38-year-old Indian banker Shezeen Anwer, signing the pledge was a deeply personal decision.

Having grown up in the UAE and partly in India, he said the Emirates had always been a constant presence throughout his life.

“Some of my most cherished childhood memories are from Abu Dhabi. The streets, the places, the people, it all shaped who I am today,” he said.

After completing his studies, Anwar returned to build his career in the UAE.

“Building my career here felt like coming full circle. There is something truly special about this place. The warmth, the energy, the ambition, and the beautiful mix of people and cultures.”

Speaking about why he signed the pledge, Anwar said: "The UAE is not just a country I live and work in. It is home, in every sense of the word. Signing the pledge was my way of celebrating that and giving back to a place that has given me so much.”