UAE proves tolerance is essential for development

Co-existence, dialogue, tolerance. The UAE has become the global capital for these values. In fact, the country was founded 50 years ago on the principles of ‘respect, tolerance, and cooperation’. “To treat every soul, no matter what his creed or race, as a special soul, is a mark of Islam,” said the Founding Father Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan when the country was formed.

Tolerance is part of the culture, religion, and welcoming traditions of this country that believes in human capital above all else. And tolerance begins at home, in families; it spreads to communities and the society at large.

The UAE intends to make it a global movement as a counter to extremism that pits brother against brother, religion against religion, and country against country. The effort has been successful and the ‘clash of civilisations’ that was predicted after the 9/11 terror attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City, has been averted.

Extremist ideology has been contained with this push for tolerance and co-existence among people despite the rise of groups like Daesh and Al Qaeda. If the UAE with 200 nationalities can do it, other countries can also tread the path of dialogue and avoid disputes.