This country became home: UAE Residents Strengthen Bonds Through National Pledge and Commitment Initiative

Dubai: The UAE’s Pledge and Commitment initiative, launched by Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, has become a significant platform for expatriates to express their gratitude towards the nation that has provided them with opportunities, stability, and a sense of belonging. This initiative invites both citizens and residents to affirm their commitment to the UAE’s values and future, and has garnered widespread participation from the community.

The initiative not only serves as a national campaign but also acts as a personal testament for many expatriates, reflecting their appreciation for the life they have built in the UAE. Residents have shared their diverse journeys, highlighting a common theme of gratitude for the opportunities afforded to them.

A Place to Belong

Inas Ktaech, Clinical Director at Doris Duan Young Autism Centre, articulated her transformative experience since relocating to Dubai six and a half years ago. Originally from Lebanon and Canada, she sought better opportunities and found a nurturing environment that allowed her to grow both personally and professionally.

Ktaech emphasized the significance of signing the UAE Pledge and Commitment, noting that her clinic also joined the initiative to reflect its shared commitment to the UAE’s values. She stated, “It was an opportunity to reflect on everything this country has given me and to reaffirm my commitment to giving back through my work, values, and contributions to the community.” Working with children of determination and their families has inspired her to foster a more inclusive community.

She expressed her gratitude, saying, “Thank you, UAE, for the opportunities, the friendships, and the sense of belonging. Proud to call this remarkable country home.”

Pakistani expatriate Tariq Mohsin, who has lived in the UAE for over two years, echoed similar sentiments. He described the UAE as a place of ambition and innovation, expressing gratitude for the safety and growth it offers to residents from around the globe. Mohsin remarked, “This pledge reflects a shared commitment to contribute positively, uphold the values of respect and responsibility, and support the continued development of the UAE.”

Raising Families with Confidence

For many residents, signing the pledge was an opportunity to express appreciation for raising families in a secure environment. Hudoob Younis, a 37-year-old Jordanian-Turkish PR and Communications Manager, has resided in the UAE since 2014. She recently signed the pledge, reflecting on her life-changing experience in the country.

Younis noted the unique qualities of the UAE that foster a sense of belonging. “It’s not just about the opportunities or the quality of life. It’s the feeling that no matter where you come from, you can belong here,” she stated. She highlighted the importance of safety and stability for her children, emphasizing the comfort of knowing they are growing up in a supportive environment.

She also mentioned the collective reassurance felt by residents, stating, “That sense of trust is not something you can measure, but it is something you feel every day.” Her decision to sign the pledge was a culmination of over a decade of living in the UAE, where she has built her career and witnessed her children thrive.

Choosing to Return

Murielle Hebbo Kalash, a Lebanese senior copywriter, shared her unique perspective as someone born in the UAE but who moved to Lebanon early in life. After returning to the UAE five years ago, she found more than just a place to live; she discovered opportunities for growth and a sense of stability.

Kalash expressed her gratitude for the UAE’s continuous progress and opportunities. “Every time I come back, I feel the same thing: gratitude. Gratitude for a nation that continues to dream bigger, build further, and create opportunities not only for its citizens but for millions of people who now call it home,” she remarked.

Her experiences reflect the broader sentiment among expatriates who view the UAE as a land of possibilities, shaped by visionary leadership.

The Pledge and Commitment initiative has fostered a sense of community among residents, reinforcing their bonds with the UAE and each other. As expatriates continue to contribute to the nation’s growth, their stories serve as a testament to the transformative power of the UAE in shaping lives and fostering a sense of belonging.

Source: www.emirates247.com

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Published on 2026-06-08 13:30:00 • By the Editorial Desk