Dubai Crown Prince and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, today, has launched a new initiative to help instill the spirit of national identity among government employees as part of the 37th UAE National Day celebrations.
The programme that will be implemented with immediate effect by all Dubai Government departments concurs with the guidelines set by UAE President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyanto name ‘2008’the Year of National Identity.
According to the initiative, Dubai Government departments will have to adhere to wearing the national dress while participating in international events, especially while serving as official representatives of the Dubai Government at conventions or conferences and other official events;  Selecting Arabic names for government initiatives, projects and programmes to reflect the importance of the Arabic language; and using  the Arabic language as the primary means of communication, internally and with other government entities as well as the private sector, with an option to use an additional language if needed.
The initiative also requires employees to use the Emirati and Arab heritage when choosing giveaways and gifts so as to promote awareness about the national culture and improve knowledge of the Arabic language among government employees.