"We should be proud of being a nation where different nationalities are living in peace and harmony. With true love and tolerance, all live and work together to build their children's future without fear of intolerance and hatred or racial discrimination or distinctions based on color, religion, race or ethnicity."
This is the message Dubai's ruler, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, the vice president and prime minister of the UAE, shared with the world in honor of the International Day of Tolerance on Nov. 16.
Naming a major bridge in Dubai "Tolerance Bridge" to mark the day, Sheikh Mohammed said that "love and tolerance" are "foundations" of the UAE, according to The National. He also stressed that these values are absolutely "essential" to the nation's development and future progress.
Referencing his deceased father, Sheikh Rashid, Sheikh Mohammed highlighted how coexistence and understanding were core values promoted by the former ruler.
"I still remember the majlis of my father, Sheikh Rashid (may God have mercy on him) that happened more than four decades back ... the nature of the gatherings. They included citizens, young and old; the villagers as well as urban community; and people from different tribes, faiths, origins and races. For Sheikh Rashid, all of them were citizens, they were given [the] same respect, rights and duties. And even gifts," Sheikh Mohammed said, according to Khaleej Times.
"We see the people equally, as God created them; no one is superior to others except in knowledge, or adherence to the laws and constitution, and by respecting our nation," he said.
Regionally, the UAE has been a leader in promoting tolerance and inclusion.
Last year, Sheikha Lubna Al Qasimi was appointed as the UAE's Minister of State for Tolerance, hailed as a world first. In the position, Sheikha Lubna moved to establish International Tolerance Day as well as launch the world’s first-ever Tolerance Charter.
The Muslim country also ensures that various religious groups are accommodated, with numerous Christian churches, Hindu Temples and other places of worship widely present throughout the country. Historic Christian sites in the country have also been hailed and honored as integral parts of the nation's heritage.
“Tolerance is an obligation as all people are created equal by God, whether they are Muslim or not," a video share by Sheikh Mohammed notes.
