Abu dhabi: Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, welcomed the team behind the national media initiative ‘Al Wathiqa’ at his Majlis in Abu Dhabi. The project was launched by the Zayed Higher Organisation for People of Determination, in collaboration with TRENDS Research and Advisory, with the aim of documenting key milestones in UAE history through the creative voices of People of Determination, within a contemporary cultural vision.
According to Emirates News Agency, Sheikh Nahyan praised the project for its national and humanitarian message, emphasizing that ‘Al Wathiqa’ stands as a pioneering model in leveraging media to promote national identity and empower People of Determination to actively contribute to shaping the historical narrative of the country. He expressed his delight in meeting the inspiring team, whose work on the project reflects the essence of tolerance, empowerment, and community partnership. The People of Determination involved have demonstrated a model of media creativity, proving their ability to convey the story of the nation in a powerful manner.
These efforts align with the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who places importance on People of Determination and believes in their vital role in building society and contributing to national development. Sheikh Nahyan also praised the partnership between the Zayed Higher Organisation and TRENDS Research and Advisory, acknowledging the center’s contributions in enriching the podcast episodes and ensuring their historical credibility.
Abdullah Abdul-Aali Al Humaidan, Secretary-General of the Zayed Higher Organisation for People of Determination, expressed appreciation for the meeting with Sheikh Nahyan, highlighting his support for People of Determination and the encouragement extended to the project team. Al Humaidan noted that the recognition of the ‘Al Wathiqa’ project by Sheikh Nahyan is a badge of honour. He emphasized the strategic partnership with TRENDS Research and Advisory, whose scholarly support played a vital role in the project’s distinguished form.
Al Humaidan added that ‘Al Wathiqa’ is more than a podcast; it is a national empowerment project merging media, heritage, and knowledge. It provides People of Determination with a platform to share cultural content that reflects their pride in the nation and enhances their media presence.
The ‘Al Wathiqa’ initiative is part of the ‘Talented Determination’ programme by the Zayed Higher Organisation, supporting the talents of People of Determination in fields like acting, broadcasting, painting, singing, and music. The podcast features five presenters with various challenges, trained in voice and media production. Across 25 episodes, they narrate stories from UAE history, including the lives of founding leaders, key heritage landmarks, cultural traditions, and significant national occasions.
Content development was led by researcher Jumaa Al Darmaki, in collaboration with TRENDS Research and Advisory, which played a key role in reviewing historical material and ensuring content accuracy. Al Wathiqa is part of the Zayed Higher Organisation’s vision to empower People of Determination in media and culture, reflecting a goal of transitioning from care to leadership.
