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30 Years
YEAR OF
TOLERANCE
Together, let’s make the UAE
the global capital for tolerance,
co-existence & cooperation.
co-existence
tolerance
dialogue

The UAE is officially celebrating the values and meanings of tolerance in 2019, to establish its status as a global capital for tolerance and a nurturing environment for the diverse cultural backgrounds living and working peacefully side by side in the country.

The announcement from the UAE’s wise leadership of 2019 as the Year of Tolerance invited all people, organisations and government entities to accept the values of tolerance in all aspects of their lives, actions and activities. It presents an opportunity for the country to strengthen its role as a world model of harmony, respect and acceptance within a framework that formally supports and consolidates these progressive values.

The idea of tolerance is deeply rooted in the fabric of the culture, heritage and traditions of the UAE, a society that derives its priorities from a combination of its Islamic religion, centuries-old authentic Arab customs, as well as the teachings and wisdom of the nation’s blessed founding father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, consolidating the pillars of goodness on which the country was established.

The UAE has established itself as a bridge of communication between the peoples of the world and, since its establishment, has created an open, respectful environment that rejects extremism and promotes cultural tolerance.

“ To treat every person, no matter what his creed or race, as a special soul is a mark of Islam. ”
Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Founding Father of the UAE
“ Instilling values of tolerance carries on Sheikh Zayed’s legacy and teachings. It is one of the most important attributes that we can impact on our people and the global community to ensure the safety, stability and happiness of peoples across the world. ”
Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed, President of the UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi
“ The UAE must lead the way for intellectual, cultural and media initiatives that further consolidate the values of tolerance and co-existence, opening up to cultures of the region and the world as a whole. ”
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai
“ Nations built on values of tolerance, love and respect are those that can achieve lasting peace, security and stability on their development journeys. The UAE is a place of tolerance, co-existence and openness to other cultures. ”
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces
A timeline of tolerance
In 1972, the United Arab Emirates was founded on the established principles of respect, tolerance and mutual cooperation. This is where we began.
Timeline
Seven pillars of tolerance
The UAE’s Year of Tolerance will focus on seven core pillars
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Tolerance in the community
This pillar promotes tolerance within family members, consolidates values of respect and harmony among different cultures, and activates the role of UAE community centres across the country to promote tolerant, cohesive societies.
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UAE model of tolerance
This pillar will solidify the UAE as the world capital for tolerance, via a series of initiatives and projects to drive tolerance and dialogue between various cultures and civilisations.
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Tolerance in education
This pillar aims to solidify teachings behind the values of tolerance within the UAE’s education systems, across schools and universities.
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Tolerance in legislation
The Supreme National Committee for Tolerance will continue to develop policies, legislation and executive regulations that guarantee the sustainability of tolerance, dialogue and cohesion among cultures.
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Tolerance in the workplace
Safe, tolerant and cohesive work environments are promoted in both public and private sector organisations, via educational programmes that highlight equal opportunities for all.
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tolerance in the media
The media is recognised for its important role in disseminating values of tolerance and co-existence via targeted campaigns. The UAE Model of Tolerance will also be promoted across media channels and social networking sites.
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Tolerance and culture
Cultural tolerance will be achieved through various events and programmes celebrating over 200 nationalities resident in the UAE, thereby enhancing cross-cultural interactions in the arts.
historic papal visit
A SIGNIFICANT START TO THE YEAR OF TOLERANCE

Religion has been touted as a major reason for discord amongst the world’s peoples. Yet, in a highly significant start to the Year of Tolerance, the UAE warmly welcomed the leader of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis, in a historic, first ever papal visit to the Gulf region. The Pope arrived on Sunday 3 February for a three-day UAE Year of Tolerance event, which included the joint signing of a Human Fraternity Document with Dr Ahmed Al Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, which “invites all persons who have faith in God and faith in human fraternity to unite and work together”.

The country is home to over 200 nationalities, more than 40 churches of different Christian denominations, a Sikh temple and several Hindu temples. Construction of a major new Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi is underway and expected to be complete by 2020.

Poster
IconSheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, walks with Dr Ahmed Al Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al Azhar, and Pope Francis, Head of the Catholic Church.
openness & tolerance make sense for UAE prosperity too
The UAE has been recognised globally for its open, active and transparent economic platforms. The creation and maintenance of a sustainable and diversified economy is a component of the country's Vision 2021, in which it is stated that the UAE will be flexible in adopting new economic models and capitalising on global economic partnerships to guarantee long-term prosperity.
Badges
‘Ease of Doing Business’
(World Bank Report, since 2012)
Badges
‘International Talent’ index
(IMD World Competitiveness
Yearbook 2018)
the ghaf tree
as a symbol of tolerance

Simple yet symbolically strong, the leaves of the evergreen Ghaf form the official logo for the UAE Year of Tolerance. The Ghaf is the UAE’s national tree, a true survivor in the face of fiery temperatures, searing winds and harsh desert conditions. Even during long, dry periods, the Ghaf spreads out its lush green canopy, generously providing shelter and shade for all.

For thousands of years, people have gathered under Ghaf branches to discuss their views and debate daily matters. The tree is a symbol of tolerance and coexistence, long associated with the heritage and community approach of the country.

share your views & ideas
Has tolerance touched your life in some way? Do you have ideas to share about the value of tolerance in the UAE?If so, we would love to hear from you!
Please briefly submit your story or comment on this form and hit SEND. We will be sharing the most interesting or inspirational contributions with our followers on social media, to ensure we keep the spirit of tolerance alive all year.