BATOOL GHAITH (ABU DHABI)
The Day of Solidarity, observed annually on January 17, serves as a powerful reminder that unity and readiness are central to the UAE’s commitment to safeguarding its people and supporting regional and global stability.
This year, the Day of Solidarity marks the fourth anniversary of the terrorist attack that targeted the UAE in 2022, reflecting how a resilient nation transformed adversity into renewed confidence in the future.
The day recalls moments when Emiratis came together with courage and resolve, reinforcing values of loyalty, resilience and collective responsibility that define the nation.
Building on its cherished values of unity and humanitarianism, and its long-standing model of tolerance and peaceful coexistence, the UAE has developed a comprehensive framework that maintains a zero-tolerance stance towards terrorism and extremism.
The UAE’s counterterrorism approach extends across security, legislation, diplomacy and international cooperation. The country enacted stringent laws against terrorist acts, incitement, recruitment and funding, while ensuring strict enforcement through specialised courts and law enforcement agencies.
The UAE is also a key player in promoting security and stability at the regional and global levels and remains keen to cooperate with nations around the world to combat threats targeting stability.
Achieving global stability is a top UAE foreign policy priority, which is grounded in the principles of the UN Charter and the provisions of international law.
At the international level, the UAE works closely with global partners to prevent and counter terrorism, including intelligence-sharing, capacity-building and joint initiatives aimed at addressing radicalisation and violent extremism.
The country is home to Hedayah, the International Centre of Excellence For Countering Extremism and Violent Extremism, established in partnership with the Global Counterterrorism Forum.
Based in Abu Dhabi, Hedayah is a global hub for countering violent extremism. It supports governments and communities with training, research and strategy to prevent radicalisation and strengthen social resilience worldwide.
In another key initiative, the UAE and the US jointly launched the Sawab Center in 2015, a bilateral effort to counter extremist propaganda online.
Also headquartered in Abu Dhabi, the Sawab Center counters extremist propaganda online by amplifying moderate voices and exposing terrorist lies. It focuses on digital outreach and campaigns to undermine extremist recruitment and promote peaceful alternatives.
These efforts are part of broader international counterterrorism cooperation, with the UAE working closely with allied partners, including the US, to prevent the flow of foreign fighters, disrupt illicit financing networks and share intelligence.
The UAE also prioritises promoting tolerance and peaceful coexistence as a way to address the root causes of extremism. Initiatives include community engagement programmes, and international platforms for interfaith dialogue and cooperation.
The day also resonates with the UAE’s sustained commitment to combating terrorism and financial crime.
The UAE has developed a robust framework to counter terrorism financing and protect its financial system, led by institutions such as the National Committee for Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism and Financing of Illegal Organisations (NAMLCFTC).
Established under Federal Decree-Law No. (20) of 2018, the committee prepares national strategies, coordinates policies across relevant authorities and monitors their implementation to protect the UAE’s economic and financial stability.
Recent strategic updates include the 2024-2027 National Strategy for Anti-Money Laundering, Countering the Financing of Terrorism and Proliferation Financing (AML/CFT/CPF), which targets emerging risks and aligns with international standards to enhance the nation’s global leadership in financial integrity.
The UAE’s efforts have gained international recognition. In 2025, the country was removed from the EU’s high-risk list for money laundering and terrorist financing, an achievement attributed to strong national safeguards and strategic cooperation with international partners.
The country consistently reaffirms its resolve to combat terrorism in forums such as the United Nations, signalling diplomatic leadership in global security cooperation.
Through strong institutions, proactive policies and international cooperation, the UAE has long positioned itself as a regional and global leader in combatting extremism and terrorism.