Abu dhabi: Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, emphasized that the strength of the United Arab Emirates is rooted in its diversity and the integration and cohesion of all citizens and residents. He stressed that tolerance in the UAE is a lived reality for every citizen, resident, and visitor.
According to Emirates News Agency, on the occasion of the International Day for Tolerance, observed annually on 16th November, Sheikh Nahyan highlighted that President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan prioritizes preserving authentic Emirati values and societal cohesion. This approach was established by the UAE's Founding Father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who instilled principles of love, peace, and human coexistence in society.
Sheikh Nahyan announced that the Ministry of Tolerance plans to launch innovative initiatives to strengthen family-based tolerance, coinciding with the leadership's declaration of 2026 as the Year of Family. These initiatives will reflect cultural diversity and the globally integrated environment of UAE society. The ministry is also launching the National Festival of Tolerance and Coexistence under the theme "Hand in Hand," aligning with the Year of Community.
The Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence, since its inception, has worked to position the UAE as a global model of tolerance. The National Tolerance Programme, adopted in 2016, aims to reinforce the role of government and the cohesive family in building society. The National Festival of Tolerance, an annual event, brings together UAE society's diverse cultures to celebrate unity and shared destiny through cultural, artistic, and sporting activities.
Sheikh Nahyan detailed the Government as an Incubator for Tolerance initiative, built on pillars covering employees, institutions, society, and government. This initiative trains staff to apply values of empathy, cooperation, dialogue, and equality, ensuring government institutions exemplify positive coexistence. The Tolerance Knights Programme also prepares young leaders to promote tolerance and coexistence.
He affirmed the UAE's commitment to enhancing cooperation with countries to build a global framework for tolerance. The Global Tolerance Alliance, launched during Expo 2020 Dubai, aims to create an international network supporting human fraternity, coexistence, and peace. This involves sharing expertise with global communities and launching joint education and research projects.
Sheikh Nahyan stated that the UAE values its resident communities' national celebrations, believing the country's strength lies in the integration and cohesion of all citizens and residents. Social cohesion is seen as key to a stable and enduring renaissance, a principle upheld by President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
Youth play a strategic role in supporting tolerance initiatives, as they carry the UAE's message of noble human values. The ministry empowers youth to actively promote tolerance worldwide, collaborating with ministries and institutions to achieve this aim. Sheikh Nahyan emphasized that youth are the nation's hope and future, and preparing them is a shared responsibility.
He concluded by affirming that the UAE follows the path laid by Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, with tolerance as the foundation of sustainable development. The UAE actively promotes dialogue, rejects violence and extremism, and calls for nations to adopt peace as a basis for security and societal well-being.