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Joyalukkas Group celebrates Papal visit in the Year of Tolerance

The UAE is home to acceptance and opportunities for expatriates from all over the world, states Joy Alukkas, Chairman and MD, Joyalukkas Group

When His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, announced the year 2019 as the Year of Tolerance, Emiratis as well as expatriates from over 200 countries residing in the UAE cherished the moment as a celebration of inclusivity.

For decades, the UAE has been home to many expatriates who have lived in harmony without any discrimination, which truly characterises the nation's diverse society.
Making the event even more special is the scheduled visit of Pope Francis to the UAE.

During the three-day visit, Pope Francis is scheduled to hold a Holy Mass at Zayed Sports City Stadium and will attend a meeting with members of Muslim Council. Pope Francis will also receive a copy of Celebrating Tolerance, written by the Reverend Andy Thompson, MBE during his visit. Close to a million Catholics residing in the UAE will get a chance to attend the Papal mass and get a glimpse of the Pope.

Sheikh Mohamed summarided the Year of Tolerance by saying: "We recall the great heritage that Sheikh Zayed founded on tolerance, and today characterises UAE's diverse society. The world today needs universal human values to be promoted for the sake of future generations."

The progressive vision of the nation is built on the fundamental value of tolerance and promoting acceptance, which has helped the country take tremendous strides towards prosperity, and today, has Gulf region's most advanced economy.  

Known as the land of dreams, the UAE is filled with stories of success and has provided a platform for many expatriates and entrepreneur in fulfilling their aspiration. One such entrepreneur who realised his ambitions in the UAE is Joy Alukkas, Chairman and MD, Joyalukkas Group.

Joy Alukkas began his entrepreneurial journey with the establishment of his first jewellery showroom in the UAE in the year 1987. Joy Alukkas says: "The cosmopolitan culture, progressive vision of the Government and business-friendly initiatives made businesses to thrive in the UAE, and I owe all my success and achievements to this great nation."

He added: "What attracts people to the UAE is its culture of being tolerant, the promotion of acceptance, and absolutely no bias on caste, creed, race or nationality. I wish that countries across the world adapt the culture of the UAE to make the world a better place for all."

Jolly Joy Alukkas, wife of Joy Alukkas fondly remembers her journey in the UAE as she says: "Being born and bought up in India, I was skeptical about moving to a new nation, but the UAE put me at ease from the very beginning."

From developing a sense of belonging to raising her kids, the country felt like a home away from home. Joy Alukkas thanks the rulers of the UAE for their vision in building a nation built on tolerance and for giving many expats like him an opportunity to fulfil their dreams.

"We also warmly welcome the visit of his holiness Pope Francis to the UAE and are sure his visit will further bless this great nation of Tolerance, its visionary leaders and the people."