Twenty-eight outstanding Emirati students from across the seven emirates have been hand-picked to raise awareness about national identity, while promoting the culture of giving back to the community.

The students, aged between 12 and 17, were nominated based on their knowledge, skills, and personality by 'Journey of the Union', an initiative that will allow the chosen ones to tour the entire country on a seven-day journey, visiting the nation's most historical and modern sites.

The first day of the journey began on Sunday morning, where the students toured Al Ain, where they met Sheikh Tahnoon bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, Ruler's Representative in Al Ain Region, and visited Strata Manufacturing, before making their journey to the modern Louvre Abu Dhabi Museum.

Throughout the initiative, students will visit famous UAE landmarks and historically rich cultural sites, as well as governmental entities, including Sheikh Khalifa Center for Research and the Federal National Council, both of which are crucial organisations that help serve the nation and its people.

Mariam Khalid Al Kaabi, 15, from Muzeara School in Ajman, told Khaleej Times she is proud to take part in the seven-day journey, adding that this unique experience aims to deepen one's knowledge of UAE's heritage. "If I can describe this experience in one word, it would be 'amazing'," she said.

The student said that meeting Sheikh Tahnoon on Sunday empowered her to see things differently. "Meeting Sheikh Tahnoon was an amazing experience, because he encouraged us to continue our journey to success, to make the country proud and to also be proud of our country and history."

After just one day of the journey, Al Kaabi has already decided to study engineering and follow a career in aircraft-making. "I feel so proud to be part of this journey."

Rowda Abdullah, 12, from Umm Al Quwain, said the initiative is already having a positive impact on the students.

"Speaking to Sheikh Tahnoon about our journey makes me feel like an important individual, encourages me to focus on my education, and makes me feel so proud of this country."

Saif Ali Al Qubaisi, chairman of Al Bayt Mitwahid Association, said that educating young Emiratis about their culture and heritage is crucial, which is why the initiative is not only focusing on modern landmarks, but historical ones too. "The journey will introduce our students to the achievements of our nation, which came through the country's unity and the cohesion of our leaders, leading to the enhanced spirit of loyalty towards our nation."

"With the Year of Zayed fast approaching, there's no better place to start the Journey of the Union than Al Ain, the birth place of our founding father Sheikh Zayed," he added.

Dr Amna Dahak Al Shamsi, assistant undersecretary for Welfare and Activities Sector of Ministry of Education said the programme, which is now in second year, also aims to enhance talents and skills of students.

"We believe that it (programme) will represent a real turning point in the personalities of the participating students, who were chosen based on their excellence as an Emirati student.

"We also added a category for innovation and challenge within the nomination phase, where students will have to submit their ideas of what can be done to maximise the experience for students in future editions."

Dr Al Shamsi pointed out that the Ministry will continue to encourage students to participate in initiatives and activities that will broaden their national awareness, by introducing them to the country's immense achievements.