UAE Cultural Index reaches 75% completion

The Ministry of Culture and Knowledge Development has announced that the UAE Cultural Index is 75 percent complete.

"The UAE Cultural Index, which includes the most influential cultural factors prevailing in UAE society, is one of the most important cultural projects by the Ministry since 2008. This is because it is considered an efficient reference in drawing strategic cultural plans, in line with the vision of the UAE 2021," said Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Culture and Knowledge Development.

Sheikh Nahyan's remarks came during the seventh session of the UAE Cultural Index organised by the ministry, in cooperation with the University of Sharjah, the Federal Authority for Competitiveness and Statistics, the Dubai Statistics Center and the Department of Economic Development in Abu Dhabi, to identify the status of culture and its trends in UAE society.

The cultural index is based on conducting field studies using the direct interview method, where researchers visit around 1,000 systematically chosen Emirati families to cover all emirates of the UAE and all social classes to ensure reflecting the diversity available within the UAE society regarding gender, age group, educational level and accommodation. Another sample will include 100 public figures who hold senior positions in federal government ministries, local departments and private sector institutions.

"The project, which is 75% ready, aims to identify the most important cultural and community values within the UAE society through a systematic and well-thought-out implementation method that will cover all the UAE, delivering conclusions, recommendations and initiatives that would ultimately enhance community values" Sheikh Nahyan added.

He assured that all the disclosed information will be dealt with complete confidentiality and will only be used for scientific research and remains within the scope of the committee supervising the UAE cultural index.

The Minister of Culture and Knowledge Development explained that the importance of the cultural index lies in its results, which the ministry will make available to various institutions in the country to take into consideration in the development of its strategic and plans. "The cultural index is based on four primary determinants, how the UAE society sees the world, community values and virtues, economic behaviour of individuals within the UAE society, and finally the social behaviour of individuals," he elaborated further.

Sheikh Nahyan highlighted that the results of previous sessions of the UAE Cultural Index demonstrate the development of the UAE society and the rise in the level of community awareness. Analytical studies of the index reached 65 percent in 2008 and 66 percent in 2009 and increased to 80.3 percent in 2015. "This assures that the efforts, plans and initiatives undertaken by the wise government have reaped its fruits," he added.

The Ministry of Culture and Knowledge Development, through its projects and initiatives, seeks to raise the level of cultural awareness among members of society. It also aims to preserve the UAE's national identity, enhance the capabilities of Emirati youth and innovators, and invest in their energies and talents.

Sheikh Nahyan emphasised that the UAE Cultural Index initiative would not have been successful without the generous support of the wise leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.