ABU DHABI // A new charter outlining a nationally recognised code of conduct and values for Emiratis has been approved by the Cabinet.
The charter is part of a series of new educational initiatives aimed at promoting a country-wide civics curriculum.
It will be used in educational and cultural spheres and will raise "a national generation who are aware of their responsibilities and duties toward the nation, family and community", the state news agency Wam reported.
"The charter aims to develop a general and clearly defined frame for Emirati character to reflect its unique culture and connection to its values, traditions, heritage and its religion, Islam," the report said.
The Cabinet, which met yesterday at the Union House under the chairmanship of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, ordered the charter to be circulated to all relevant bodies.
The Cabinet approved a resolution directing the Ministry of Education to integrate a history course on the founding fathers into the national curricula.
The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research was also ordered to introduce Emirati studies as a mandatory subject for all graduates from national and private universities.
The new subject will include studies on the UAE's history, social culture, terrains, geography, laws and regulations.
Sheikh Mohammed also launched a number of initiatives to mark the 41st National Day.
The Cabinet approved a measure to support small and medium-sized enterprises by requiring that federal ministries and departments buy 10 per cent of all purchases locally.
"We will support the UAE youth, products and culture because the UAE is the source of our pride and our people are the source of our dignity," Sheikh Mohammed said.
Sheikh Mohammed also announced that Emiratisation would become a national priority in the coming year.
"The most important characteristic of the founding fathers and the most important lesson we learned from them is that the citizen is the priority, and we should give importance to building humans before building edifices," Sheikh Mohammed said.
"We announced today...that the year 2013 will be a year of creating jobs for UAE nationals, that will be a national priority for which all efforts must unite."
Other initiatives passed include commissioning the construction of a museum at the Union House and a directive for the Ministry of Economy to develop a quality mark for all national products.
The Cabinet dedicated the 19th day of Ramadan as "Emirati Humanitarian Work Day" in recognition of the anniversary of the death of Sheikh Zayed, the founder of the UAE.
High flag poles on which the UAE flag will be hoisted will also be erected in each emirate to complement the ones in Dubai and the capital.
