The first reaction to the historic Anti-Discrimination Law issued by President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan was a huge welcome by UAE citizens and expatriates living in the country.

There was a sense of relief, a feeling of security. The region has been haunted by extremists spreading their doctrine of hate through bloodshed. The violence and the language of hate were seen everywhere in the world, especially the Arab world, in the media, social media and television. This was because of the events of the past few years. The blood-letting by extremists who have exploited religion for political and personal gain has been unprecedented.

The law has come at the right time to secure the UAE, its people and expatriates. It is an historic step. The UAE has taken a giant leap for its people and society, something that has never been witnessed in the Arab world.

The law sends a message of peace, tolerance, harmony and co-existence. Tolerance and harmony have always been rooted in the foundation of the UAE, which is why society is happy and the country is so successful. Hence, we have to ensure that we protect this wealth – tolerance and harmony - at all cost.

The law will help develop the stability of the nation because it guarantees the freedom of expression and religion. The nation will evolve based on equality, justice and fair play. There must be no discrimination based on religion, caste, creed or colour. A person should be judged on her or his role in society.

The UAE people should feel proud and respected. They will be evaluated on their achievements. They will not be judged based on their religion, caste, creed or colour. This itself is historic at a time when people the world over face discrimination based on their religion and colour. Tolerance and harmony, which were the foundations of the UAE and an integral part of its culture, have now become its core.

- Abdul Hamid Ahmad, Editor-in-Chief