The declaration by His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, to make 2019 the Year of Tolerance reiterates the nation’s commitment to the approach it adopted since its founding by the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Sheikh Zayed believed in the values of tolerance, and recognized that nations rise by upholding human dignity, openness and co-existence with others. He also recognized that these factors act as key drivers of sustainable development, prosperity and economic growth in the UAE.

The late founding father followed a policy of openness and tolerance, and was committed to strengthening relations with the UAE’s neighbouring countries, particularly the Gulf states, which have deep-rooted historical ties with the country. H.H. also built a nation that provides humanitarian aid and assistance globally, enabling the UAE to attain a leading international position in the area. It was under his leadership, that the UAE became widely recognized as a nation of goodness and giving.

The late founding father also fostered a culture of tolerance - a move that was evident from his writings, and manifested in the UAE providing humanitarian aid and assistance to friendly countries regardless of their religion, ethnicity or race. These are the intrinsic values of tolerance in the UAE’s heritage, which bind humanitarian relations and social cohesion as keys element in the progress and stability of our societies.

H.H. Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, continued on this path, reiterating that the culture of tolerance is deeply rooted in the UAE - home to more than 200 nationalities of different ethnicities, race and religion who coexist in harmony, peace, security and with love.

The UAE has committed itself to spreading the message of peace and tolerance across the world. Legal and legislative frameworks have been put in place to ensure this happens internally, as well. In 2015, a federal law was issued to combat discrimination and hatred – a law that protects everyone in the UAE. In fact, in 2016 the UAE ranked first in the region and third globally on the tolerance index issued by the International Institute for Administrative Development in Switzerland.

In 2016, the UAE became the first Arab country to appoint a Minister of State for Tolerance with the aim to promote the values of tolerance, diversity and acceptance. In 2018, UAE’s humanitarian aid reached more than 147 countries, making it the largest donor in the world relative to its national income. Additionally, the UAE held the World Tolerance Summit, which was attended by more than a thousand international delegates.

The leadership's declaration of 2019 as Year of Tolerance saw the historic visit of the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Dr. Ahmad al-Tayyeb and His Holiness Pope Francis, the Head of the Catholic Church, grabbing the world's attention and highlighting the UAE’s efforts to spread the values of tolerance and coexistence between religions globally, while presenting itself as a model for tolerance and acceptance.