UAE President declares 2019 as '#YearofTolerance'

The President stressed that the Year of Tolerance would be an extension of the Year of Zayed.

The year 2019 will be celebrated as the 'Year of Tolerance' in the UAE, the President, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, has declared. It will highlight the UAE as a global capital for tolerance, through its various legislative and policy-oriented goals to instil the values of coexistence and peace in local, regional and international communities.

This is the fifth in theme-based observation of years in the UAE, starting with 2015 being marked as the Year of Innovation; 2016 dedicated to reading initiatives; 2017 to giving drives; and 2018 to commemorate the 100th birthday of the late founding father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

The President said the Year of Tolerance is an extension of the Year of Zayed, as it upholds the values of tolerance and coexistence that the late Sheikh Zayed established among the people of the UAE.

"Instilling values of tolerance carries on Sheikh Zayed's legacy and teachings," Sheikh Khalifa said. "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."

The Year of Tolerance will focus on five main pillars. The first will deepen the values of tolerance and coexistence among cultures and peoples by concentrating on teaching the youth about the values of tolerance.

The second pillar seeks to solidify the UAE as the global capital for tolerance, via a series of initiatives and projects specialised in tolerance and dialogue between various cultures and civilisations. The third pillar will enact multiple cultural programmes and contributions to build tolerant communities.

The fourth pillar will focus on legislative and policy-oriented objectives that contribute mandating cultural and religious tolerance via dialogue. The fifth pillar will focus on promoting tolerance and coexistence via targeted media initiatives and projects.

Bridge of communication

Sheikh Khalifa affirmed that declaring 2019 as the Year of Tolerance reflects the approach adopted by the UAE since its establishment to be a bridge of communication between the peoples of world, and their various cultures. This is done in an open and respectful environment that rejects extremism and emphasises the acceptance of the other.

Sheikh Khalifa noted the critical role the UAE plays in building global tolerant societies, adding that the country has for decades "carried a global message" for tolerance and cohesion.

"We look forward to further contributing towards building societies that believe in the values of tolerance, cohesion and dialogue, and establishing concrete models improving tolerance and coexistence both regionally and internationally.

"Here in the UAE, the Year of Tolerance will be celebrated as a national effort towards further advancing a decades-long dream of creating a tolerant and cohesive society, open to peoples of varying cultures and religions from around the world. The UAE and Tolerance go hand-in-hand." - Wam

Tolerance is a way of life in UAE

> You are required by law to be tolerant: In July 2015, a law was issued that criminalised hatred. Law No. 02 of 2015 on Combating Discrimination and Hatred aims to protect everyone in the UAE, via a solid legislative ground for the environment of tolerance, coexistence and acceptance. The law aims to fight discrimination against individuals or groups based on religion, caste, doctrine, race, colour or ethnic origin.

> There is a minister for tolerance here: In 2016, the UAE Cabinet introduced the first post of the Minister of State for Tolerance

> A programme to boost coexistence: In 2016, the UAE Cabinet launched the National Tolerance Programme to boost the values of tolerance and coexistence and to reject attitudes of discrimination and hatred.

> Renaming a mosque: As a practical application of the principle of tolerance, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, ordered renaming the Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Mosque in Al Mushrif, Abu Dhabi, to 'Mariam, Umm Eisa' - Arabic for 'Mary, the mother of Jesus'.

> Centres for countering extremism:

- International Institute for Tolerance: Aims to promote the culture of tolerance regionally and globally

- Hedayah: Arabic for guidance, Hedayah serves as the premier international hub for policy makers, practitioners and researchers to enhance understanding and promote tolerance, stability and security.

- Sawab Centre: The UAE and the US cofounded Sawab ('right path' in Arabic). It is an online engagement initiative in support of the global coalition against extremism. 

• Abu Dhabi