UAE: A global capital of tolerance and peaceful coexistence

The United Arab Emirates marks the International Day for Tolerance on November 16, observed annually by the United Nations to promote unity, coexistence, and acceptance among peoples.

The UAE celebrates this day through initiatives that uphold human dignity, encourage coexistence, and foster respect for human rights, offering global programs that advance peace and stability.

Since its founding on December 2, 1971, the UAE has distinguished itself as a nation of peace, embedding values of tolerance, coexistence, and human fraternity. For the UAE, peace is not just a slogan—it is a strategic choice and a cornerstone of domestic and foreign policy. The country has evolved into a global hub for diplomatic engagement and a platform for dialogue among cultures, serving as a bridge between East and West.

Today, the UAE is recognized as a pioneer of global tolerance and peace, an approach reinforced by the continuous efforts and visionary initiatives of its leadership under President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

The UAE’s leaders, government, and people embody principles of love, coexistence, and respect, making the country a global capital of tolerance and a beacon for spreading coexistence worldwide. From the UAE, peace missions have been launched, including the Council of Elders, Abu Dhabi Forum for Peace, the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity, and numerous regional and international institutions.

The late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the UAE’s founding father, laid the blueprint for tolerance, peace, security, and cultural diversity. Today, with more than 200 nationalities living in harmony, the UAE enforces justice, respect, and equality through laws criminalizing hatred, extremism, and discrimination.

The UAE’s initiatives include the National Tolerance Program, the Anti-Discrimination and Hate Law, and centers to combat extremism and terrorism, alongside the historic Document on Human Fraternity issued in Abu Dhabi.

In February 2016, the UAE established the world’s first Ministry of Tolerance. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, Ruler of Dubai, said:
“We will never allow hatred in our nation, nor any form of discrimination among those who reside in it or carry its citizenship.”

Tolerance is part of Emirati society’s cultural heritage, and the ministry strengthens the nation’s commitment to intellectual, cultural, sectarian, and religious acceptance.

On June 8, 2016, the Cabinet approved the National Tolerance Program to uphold coexistence, acceptance, and mutual respect, while rejecting violence, bigotry, discrimination, and hatred. The program rests on seven pillars: Islam, the UAE Constitution, Sheikh Zayed’s legacy, Emirati values, international conventions, history and heritage, human nature, and shared human values.

Key pillars of the program include:

The UAE has introduced numerous measures to support these goals, including the 2006 International Judicial Cooperation in Criminal Matters Law and the National Counter-Terrorism Committee established in 2009.

In 2013, the UAE founded Hedayah, the first independent international center dedicated to combating violent extremism through research, dialogue, and training.

This was followed by the 2014 Anti-Terrorism Law and the 2015 Anti-Discrimination and Hate Law, criminalizing discrimination based on religion, sect, ethnicity, colour, or origin.

In 2014, the UAE also founded the Muslim Council of Elders to promote peace within Muslim communities and host activities through the Abu Dhabi Forum for Peace. In 2018, the World Council of Muslim Communities was established to support integration, civic participation, and coexistence while countering extremism.

The Muslim Council of Elders, headquartered in Abu Dhabi, brings together scholars committed to justice and peace. Its “East-West Dialogue” initiative fosters cooperation across cultures and faiths, promoting solutions to extremism and a global culture of peace.

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Center presents the true image of Islam and has become a key cultural landmark. Hosting over six million visitors annually, the mosque promotes tolerance through its architecture, cultural programs, and educational initiatives.

In 2019, the mosque hosted the historic meeting between Pope Francis and Grand Imam Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb during the Global Conference of Human Fraternity, reinforcing its role as a center for interfaith dialogue.

Established in 2017 under the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, the International Institute for Tolerance (IIT) promotes coexistence, human fraternity, and youth empowerment. It honours global figures of tolerance through the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Tolerance Award, recognising contributions in literature, arts, youth projects, and new media.

Founded in 2018, the council coordinates global Muslim communities, promoting integration, correcting misconceptions about Islam, and fostering social harmony and global peace.

Established in 2019 to commemorate the Document on Human Fraternity, the Zayed Award recognises individuals and organisations worldwide advancing human solidarity and overcoming division, celebrating exemplary contributions to peace and unity.