Ever since the first UAE national conference was held in the late 1970s by the UAE Authors' Association, many national issues have been raised by the educated elite.

The conference was supposed to be held once every two years, but some circumstances prevented that, although the association is still active.

Accordingly, the national issues project was put on hold but the educated elite have spared no effort to bring it back in the limelight. Meanwhile, many calls were made to reopen the cultural dialogue or hold a national conference to discuss the concerns of the country and people.

Responding to these calls, the Arabic daily Al Bayan held a seminar titled "The UAE - Future Vision" during which many national issues were highlighted.

It is obvious that the discussion of national issues concerning people from different political and social backgrounds has once again come under the spotlight.

A number of economic, social and political issues were raised by a group of UAE nationals, who comprise the first generation after the creation of the federation. This generation realised the importance of belonging to a strong state that brings them together and protects their interests.

The strength of this small yet powerful country comes from the strong will of its leaders who place the interests of their people and the Arab nation above all other considerations. The discussion of national issues created an experienced and qualified generation who can point out the problems and suggest their solutions.

Al Bayan's seminar has thrown a stone into still waters, and brought to mind the rich intellectual movement of the 1970s.

This indicated the emergence of a new vision that considers bringing all issues to the discussion table as one of the features of the next stage. It has also become clear that someone was planning for the transition.

Not difficult

However, there is a plan to take UAE society into the future, in a world without borders, which would not be difficult for a society that has always been interacting with other communities.

It was at this stage that the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Community Development realised the time was ripe for holding the first national cultural conference.

The conference, held in Al Ain, addressed a number of national issues in the age of globalisation and under the new leadership of the UAE.

The two-day conference climaxed in an open dialogue between General Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and UAE intellectuals.

Shaikh Mohammad exchanged views with intellectuals on the cultural scene in the UAE and concerns of the educated elite. They also threw light on the new facts in the ever-changing world and the need to collectively move the country forward.

During the meeting, it was strongly felt that Shaikh Mohammad is very close to the common people and their concerns. This proves that the leadership and their people are fully aware of their responsibilities and are able to find solutions to any problems facing the country and that such problems don't stand in the way of development and progress.

The vital role of the Culture Ministry in organising this conference was evident. All UAE citizens hope that this role will be encouraged and that the ministry will play a constructive role in enhancing and enriching the cultural movement.

The gathering proved that maintaining strong contacts between all segments of UAE society would eventually benefit the nation and make the UAE a model that can be emulated by others.

Dr Mohammad Abdullah Al Mutawa is a Professor of Sociology at the UAE University, Al Ain.