UAE Pledge and Commitment initiative: The message behind the certificate flooding social media

Dubai: If you’ve been on social media this week, you must have invariably seen a friend, colleague or acquaintance share a ‘Certificate of appreciation’ in participating in the UAE Pledge and Commitment initiative.

But what exactly is the pledge, and why are so many UAE residents signing it?

Here are the details.

The UAE Pledge and Commitment is a national initiative that invites community members to express their loyalty and belonging to President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and highlights principles including peace, coexistence, social cohesion, national responsibility and passing the country's values on to future generations.

Participants receive a digital certificate after signing the pledge online through the official platform.

"Hand in hand, we, the citizens and residents of this blessed land: Pledge our loyalty and allegiance to our wise leader, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, may God protect him. He embodies our country's honour and dignity. He is a leader who provides us with security and safety. He is a statesman who makes sound decisions with resolve and courage. His Highness is a towering model and guiding light in dedication, service, and love of country. He provides the living example that productive work enriches life, and that patriotism and sincere commitment to the United Arab Emirates are both a duty and a privilege. Your Highness, we commit to you, before God and the nation: that, under your leadership, we shall always be loyal to this dear country. We shall live together in peace and harmony. God willing, we shall fulfil our duty to pass on the intrinsic values of the nation to future generations. Your Highness, as our role model, we follow your example, as one united people and one cohesive society. Under your leadership we will achieve all the progress, security, and safety that we seek. Through you, Your Highness, the United Arab Emirates is prominent and raises its flag proudly, asserting its place in the world with confidence, capability, and wisdom."

For many participants, the pledge has become an opportunity to express gratitude for the opportunities, safety, stability and sense of belonging they have found in the UAE.

Residents who spoke to Emirates 24|7 said signing the pledge allowed them to reflect on the lives they have built in the country — from raising families and advancing careers to contributing to their communities.

If you, too, would like to be part of this national initiative, you can sign the pledge online and receive a personalised certificate of appreciation as well. Read our step-by-step guide here.