To commemorate the United Arab Emirates International Day for Tolerance, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, the ruler of Dubai and vice-president and prime minister of the country, has penned an inspiring message about coexistence and peace.
And it couldn't have come at a better time.
Our pride stems from the fact that we are a country where everyone thrives equally regardless of their differences, with true love and acceptance: a country where people live and work harmoniously, raising their children to enjoy a future free of the fear of extremism, intolerance or discrimination based on their race, color, religion, sect or ethnicity.
Sheikh Mohammed shared the message in a Linkedin article.
Sheikh Mohammed also points out that the UAE's heritage is steeped in coexistence. He shares personal memories from the majlis of his father, Sheikh Rashid Al Maktoum.
It comprised citizens young and old, fresh graduates and traditional Bedouins, citizens from various tribes and sects, and people of different backgrounds and races. They were equal in Sheikh Rashid’s eyes, and treated as such: with equal respect, appreciation and rights.
He also shares anecdotes about the nation's founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed Al Nahyan.
Sheikh Zayed welcomed everyone into his majlis, regardless of their tribe, sect, or denomination. He was generous with his time and love and, in return, people loved him irrespective of their differences. They all prayed for his soul when he departed us, passing on their admiration of him to their children and grandchildren.
Through initiatives such as a national day focused on promoting coexistence and appointing the world's first-ever minister of tolerance, the UAE is setting an example for the world to follow.
It would serve humanity well for Sheikh Mohammed's words of wisdom to be heard around the world. They seem particularly relevant right now, with the presidential election of Donald Trump, whose racist and Islamophobic rhetoric was seen as the crux of his campaign, and the rise of anti-immigration populist movements across Europe.
The Southern Poverty Law Center reports that there are currently 892 hate groups in the US, and has recorded over 300 cases of hateful harassment or intimidation since election day last Tuesday.
In 2015, anti-Muslim hate crimes spiked by 67 percent, the highest since 2001, when Al Qaeda attacked New York's Twin Towers killing over 3,000 people.
