Press Releases
14 Feb 2018
RTA, Watani Al Emarat join hands to further national belonging & identity
The Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) and Watani Al Emarat Foundation have signed a partnership agreement aimed to cement, enrich, and preserve the national identity and belonging. The step stems from the keenness of the two parties to achieve corporate integration and set standards of sustainability and social development in the interest of the community and the entire nation.
Yousef Al Rida, CEO of Corporate Administrative Support Services Sector at the RTA, Dirar Belhoul Al Falasi, Director General of Watani Al Emarat Foundation, signed the Agreement in the presence of several officials from both parties.
“According to the agreement, the RTA will support the activities of Watani Al Emarat Foundation through deploying volunteers to assist with the national and communal events held by the Foundation, and broadcasting these events in the media channels (website, social media and Masar magazine) of the RTA. The two parties will also reciprocate media support, share expertise & practices, and coordinate in various matters that serve the objectives of the Agreement.
“Since inception, the RTA has always been working on furthering the values of citizenship and loyalty to the nation through active participation in the National Day and the Flag Day celebrations. The RTA also holds workshops to highlight the majesty of the Arabic language since it is the backbone of our heritage. We also focus on boasting of our glorious past and promising future as a means of cementing our identity in the conscience of our staffs and several community segments.
“We have also launched the ‘Read More’ initiative aimed at reviving the concept of ‘Reading Nation’ to make it synonymous with identity on the ground. Several events were held about ‘Al Sanaa Al Emarati’ or Emirati norms in a bid to instil the true Arabian traditions and customs in the minds of upcoming generations; who are entrusted to carry on with the nation’s identity in future,” added Al Falasi.
“The RTA has staffs who have a passion for volunteering and contributing to diffusing the culture; which is an integral part of the Emirati national character. This compassionate feeling is being reflected in smart apps to embed the true and seasoned values of the Emirati community. The Agreement will nurture these concepts and make them a strategic direction matching to the vision of our government in protecting the national identity from the global trends that blow national cultures and obliterate their features,” added Al Falasi.
“The Agreement aims to set up a cooperative platform assisting the corporate integration, and supporting national and communal efforts. It prompts us to realize the strategy, vision and objectives of the nation in volunteering, and invite social and civic participation. We are determined to set up a comprehensive system for bilateral cooperation in holding symposia, lectures and workshops focused on national identity and belonging.
“The new element in this Agreement is the intention of both parties to undertake programs for peaceful coexistence in the community, and caring for volunteering youth through capitalising on their abilities in a creative style for the benefit of all. We also need to hold periodic meetings to examine the best practices of both parties in various fields,” concluded the Director General of Watani Al Emarat Foundation.