At first glance, you might think that I am calling for abandoning the art of daily interaction with people. That is not my intention. I am speaking about diplomacy as the official representation of a state in the world, emphasizing that representation is not limited to appointed diplomats. Each of us, when we cross our country’s borders, becomes its image and its voice.
I write these lines from China, carrying within me the image of the flag fluttering wherever I travel, and asking the question: how do we raise our flag high wherever we go? The brief answer is through high morals. The fuller answer is by turning ethics into a tangible daily practice.
The story begins the moment we board an airplane, especially on foreign airlines: how do we speak to the crew? How do we maintain the cleanliness of our seat? Then the journey continues at the airport, in taxis, hotels, and restaurants—in our manner of speaking, our respect for others, and our adherence to laws.
The challenge lies in achieving balance: openness to cultures requires flexibility in appearance and habits, but without shedding one’s identity. Yes to cultural closeness, but with the preservation of belonging. Representing the homeland is reflected in the places we choose, the activities we engage in, the language we use, and the impression we leave behind wherever we pass.
The conclusion is that representation is not exclusive to those in official positions; it is a responsibility we all share. The wider our presence in the world becomes, the greater the impact of individual behavior on our country’s reputation. I conclude with the timeless words of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the State, may God protect him:
“Any positive thing you do, they will say ‘the Emirati’… and any negative thing, they will say ‘the Emirati.’”
