Hand in Hand: UAE President names 2025 as the ‘Year of Community’

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has declared 2025 as the ‘Year of Community’, a national initiative aimed at fostering unity and empowerment across the UAE.

The initiative, launched under the slogan Hand in Hand, aligns with the leadership’s vision of strengthening community bonds and encouraging collaborative progress among all residents of the UAE.

The Year of Community will focus on fortifying family and community ties through preserving the country’s cultural heritage, nurturing intergenerational connections, and creating inclusive spaces for shared experiences.

Year of Community aimed at cultivating shared responsibility

The initiative also emphasises the importance of community service, volunteering, and impactful societal contributions as a means to cultivate a culture of shared responsibility.

The UAE leadership aims to unlock the full potential of individuals, families, and organisations by fostering skills development, nurturing talents, and promoting innovation, particularly in emerging sectors such as entrepreneurship and artificial intelligence.

This comprehensive approach is designed to support inclusive growth and ensure long-lasting positive impacts across the nation.

I am pleased to announce 2025 as the Year of Community in the UAE. Hand in hand we will work to strengthen social bonds, foster shared responsibility, and unlock potential for inclusive and sustainable growth. To all those who call the UAE home, I encourage you to think…

— محمد بن زايد (@MohamedBinZayed) January 27, 2025

The initiative will be overseen by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court, alongside Sheikha Mariam bint Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairperson of the Presidential Court for National Projects.

Together, they will guide the implementation of numerous events and initiatives throughout the year to strengthen community cohesion and uphold Emirati values.

In a statement, the UAE leadership extended an invitation to all citizens and residents to contribute their ideas and proposals aimed at enhancing social bonds and promoting community progress.

The Year of Community will also celebrate the cultural diversity that defines the UAE and emphasize the shared responsibility of building a strong and flourishing nation.

The declaration of 2025 as the “Year of Community” highlights our priorities for the future: strengthening social bonds and fostering unity across society.
The foundation of our nation’s strength lies in a united community, where individuals are connected, and care is extended…

— HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) January 27, 2025

Throughout the year, various programmes and activities will be launched to ensure a thriving environment where everyone — regardless of background — can participate in the ongoing development of the country.

Showing solidarity

The announcement also received support from the private sector. Mariam Al-Foudery, group chief sustainability and marketing officer, Agility Global, said: “At Agility, we fully align with the UAE’s ‘Year of Community’ theme – we have always believed in harnessing the power of our communities and have reached more than two million people through our community investments over the last two decades.

“Our strategy is to invest for the long term. In the UAE and across the GCC, our focus is on human capital development through digital skills and entrepreneurship programmes. We ensure that women and men participate equally in the programmes we fund, and work with charity partners that understand the local landscape and share our vision for sustainable, inclusive growth.”

Dr Funke Baffour Awuah, corporate head of Wellbeing, GEMS Education, also shared her thoughts on the announcement. “The declaration of 2025 as the Year of Community by Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan is a visionary initiative that underscores the importance of unity and shared responsibility in shaping a brighter future.

“At GEMS Education, we believe that the strength of a community starts with the connections we foster between families, schools, and society. Through our GEMS Family First initiative, we focus on empowering families to actively participate in their children’s educational journey. By providing workshops, resources, and opportunities for collaboration, we create stronger links between home and school, building a culture of belonging and mutual care.”

Dr Awuah added: “The Year of Community is a chance for us all to strengthen these connections, and we are proud to contribute to this national priority. By empowering families and promoting wellbeing, we are helping to build united, thriving communities that reflect the values of the UAE and create opportunities for future generations.”