Tolerance is a stepping stone to acceptance

Abu Dhabi - Tolerance is not an end goal as it's a stepping stone towards the ultimate goal which is acceptance.

The UAE is playing a global role in spreading the values of tolerance which "the world needs right now," Mohammed Abdul Latif Galadari, Director of Galadari Brothers, said at the launch of the Khaleej Times' Tolerance Talks series.
"The way the UAE has earned the respect of other nations is commendable and the way they look up to the values of the UAE proves it. Hence we've seen recently, the UAE very naturally steps in to help solve international issues," said Galadari.
Also read: Tolerance is UAE's soft power: Sheikh Nahyan
"Let us work hard on the initiatives set by our leaders and internally by ourselves towards the Year of Tolerance. But tolerance is not an end goal as it's a stepping stone towards the ultimate goal which is acceptance."
He said when Galadari Brothers started off their business in the 1960s, "it was our Emirati values of tolerance that made us welcome people from every other country join us and contribute to making what the UAE is today".
"Even in our business, diversification is one of the most robust principles we have and it has contributed immensely to the success of our group. I think, it is very necessary to have the culture of tolerance at workplace and once you have that in place, you are allowing people from different countries and cultures to come in with their unique skill sets and contribute to your growth. If I limit my workforce to represent a certain faith, culture, gender or demographics, I am limiting the talent pool available to me, which is critical to the growth of my business."
Galadari said his travels abroad and compulsory visits to churches, temples and other cultural sites when he was a child, shaped his understanding of different religions and their cultures.
"Understanding others' faith and culture has made me understand the world better. If I wouldn't have been exposed to other faiths and religions, I realise I might have ended up taking an unnecessary offence to some of their ways," he said.
anjana@khaleejtimes.com

• Abu Dhabi