ASILA AL BADI (ABU DHABI)
As the UAE prepares to celebrate its 54th Eid Al Etihad, Emirati students studying abroad are marking the occasion with renewed efforts to maintain cultural identity and community cohesion. Through organised student societies, they are hosting commemorative events and building networks that offer academic, social and emotional support to their peers throughout the year.
"It's more than just an event, it's about our shared identity, unity, and the bonds we build while living abroad," Abdulla Ali Alyasi, Secretary of the UAE Society in Leeds, told Aletihad.
He added that celebrating the day from abroad over several years has given it a different meaning.
"It's actually my fourth year celebrating the National Day outside the UAE, and each year has made me feel even more connected to my country and more appreciative of our culture, traditions, and sense of pride."
Alyasi explained that consistent engagement throughout the academic year helps sustain that connection.
"Our society stays active throughout the year with continual social events and cultural activities. Our communication platforms remain lively and responsive, ensuring that students always have access to friendship, advice, and encouragement throughout their journey of being a student abroad," he said.
In the United Kingdom, the UAE student society in Leeds has seen steady growth in its membership and reach, particularly during Eid Al Etihad celebrations. Students say that, besides serving as a moment of national pride, the day also reminds them to preserve long-rooted Emirati traditions even outside the country's borders.
"Our connection to our customs is deep, and our adherence to our traditions is strong," Budoor Ahmed, a biomedical sciences student at the University of Leeds, told Aletihad.
"We continue to carry the values of our ancestors - generosity, hospitality, respect for elders, responsibility, tolerance, and community solidarity - in our hearts. To maintain our connection while overseas, we endeavour to represent our identity honourably."
Law student Hind Bahjat echoed this sentiment, saying the sense of shared tradition offers comfort far from home.
"Being part of a community that shares the same traditions makes me feel at home, even when I'm far away," she told Aletihad.
"We celebrate national events and support each other just like family. Our country's values guide me every day, and I'm proud to represent the UAE here in Leeds. May our nation continue to grow, succeed, and stay united."
While large-scale celebrations may not take place in every city, students continue to mark the occasion with small gatherings, traditional meals and active communication within their societies.
"As we mark the 54th National Day, we extend our appreciation to our leaders and our community," said Budoor Ahmed.
"Living abroad has only strengthened our pride in being Emiratis and our commitment to continuing the legacy of our founding leaders."
In the US, the UAE Society NYC, established in 2024 as a cross-campus platform for Emirati students at NYU, Columbia, Princeton and Cornell, has implemented a structured strategy to encourage participation both in person and online. Emirati community values of coexistence form a key part of their approach, as their activities often focus on cultural continuity, peer support, and broader engagement with other communities.
"We create 2 spaces - a physical and a digital space - where Emirati [and even non-Emirati] students can connect and celebrate the rich heritage and ambitions of the UAE," Mohamed Alremeithi, President and Founder of the society and a third-year student at NYU, told Aletihad.
The group regularly hosts cultural and social events tailored for Emirati youth. One recent highlight was a collaborative initiative with the UAE Youth Delegates to the UN and the Sino-Gulf Youth Network, held to mark the UAE's 2025 "Year of Community."
"Instead of the traditional panel, we designed a two-hour, in-person gallery-style session that featured a practical exchange of Emirati and Chinese food, music, art, poetry, clothing and open dialogue," Alremeithi said.
"The outcome of this event was powerful… I believe this was a huge milestone for us to build tolerant bridges with other cultures, eliminating prejudice or discrimination."
The society also maintains an active presence on Instagram (@uaesocietynyc), using the platform to update students on upcoming events and UAE-related occasions. A recent project included a collaborative Flag Day video featuring Emiratis across several American universities.
Alremeithi said that the society's cross-campus structure helps overcome the challenge of small, dispersed Emirati student populations.
"My role is to create a space of what I call positive exposure that leverages the Emirati ambition and New York's cultural, technological and professional environment. I make sure that every new student is reached out to personally and made aware that they have a home base in the UAE Society whenever they need it," he explained.
Alremeithi added that the group also connects students with broader events and industry figures, creating a wider network of cultural and professional exchange.
"Students come back to the UAE not only with a diploma, but with a much broader Emirati network, a unique cultural and professional experience, and a solid system that supports them academically, culturally and professionally."