The UAE, a hub for tolerance

Tolerance is a virtue and an intrinsic part of the Islamic culture. It is observed at all levels: individual, organizational and national. The UAE society has been an undisputed example of being a tolerant and inclusive country.

The UAE, home to more than 200 nationalities and a multi-religious expatriate community that outnumbers the population of Emirati nationals, is viewed as a beacon of tolerance and peaceful coexistence for millions of people in the Middle East.

Tolerance as a state policy received a big boost in 2019 after the UAE proclaimed it the Year of Tolerance in the country.

The year 2019 saw the UAE create a special Ministry of Tolerance, establish the International Institute for Tolerance, introduce an anti-discrimination and hate act, and set up centers against extremism and terrorism.

Experts believe the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region has been wracked by religious radicalism, violent extremism and sectarian strife. 

In recent years, however, the concept of tolerance has expanded regionally with many Arab countries working to spread the principles of tolerance and coexistence, reject extremism and emphasize on the acceptance of the other. But more work in this area still needs to be done.