Sheikh Nahyan at the National Festival for Tolerance on Friday. WAM

Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance, said “The diversity and plurality of the UAE society, whether in colour, language, religion or nationality, translate the real wealth we are proud of in front of the world. We consider it the major factor behind the success of the UAE’s renaissance and progress, where tolerance has been our approach, while harmony, acceptance of the other and respect for difference have been the way of communication and cooperation in favour of all.”

He added, “The National Festival for Tolerance and Human Fraternity reflects all those values and principles.”

This came during the opening ceremony of the National Festival for Tolerance and Human Fraternity, which began on Friday evening at Umm Al Emarat Park in Abu Dhabi.

The second edition of World Tolerance Summit (WTS), to be held under the patronage of Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and themed “Tolerance in Multiculturalism: Achieving the Social, Economic and Humane Benefits of a Tolerant World” will have a unique Art and Photography Exhibition. A visual treat, available on Nov.13-14, will support the essence and spirit of the two-day summit in Dubai for a global cause.

The opening ceremony of National Festival commenced with a speech by Sheikh Nahyan, followed by the “Tolerance Chant,” which was sung by superstars Hussein Al Jassmi and Balqees Ahmed.

The Chant is written by poet Karim Iraqi and composed by Ibrahim Juma.

Hussein Al Jassmi expressed his pride in singing for the UAE’s tolerance.

Balqees said, “I am very happy to sing for tolerance as a precious human value at Umm Al Emarat Park, which is a symbol of giving inside and outside the UAE.”

The launch of March of Tolerance led by the Sheikh Nahyan, ministers, ambassadors, Arab and foreign artistes was launched in the park.

The opening ceremony concluded with a number of folklore shows of the world heritage performed by 12 local and international ensembles.

Sheikh Nahyan also inspected 226 pavilions of embassies and partners representing various federal, local, and private bodies, as well as the productive families and the Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination.

He hailed the great diversity that abounds in the festival this year.

“The National Festival for Tolerance and Human Fraternity is organised annually by the Ministry of Tolerance under the theme (On Zayed’s Approach), the historical leader and great founder who built this state on the principles of tolerance, dialogue and joint work to achieve good and prosperity for all,” Sheikh Nahyan said.

He continued, “The Festival affirms our adherence to the values of tolerance and human fraternity, which we endeavor to spread all over the world. We believe that all of us are equal in the society rejecting extremism and seeking to achieve peace, prosperity and a decent life for the world.”

“We are very proud of the Document on Human Fraternity, a joint statement signed by Pope Francis of the Catholic Church and Sheikh Ahmed El Tayeb, Grand Imam of Al Azhar, as a message of peace, love and harmony from the UAE to the whole world during a historic visit that took place on 4 February 2019 in Abu Dhabi,” Sheikh Nahyan added.

He also noted that the National Festival embodies the message of Emirati tolerance in all its activities. It translates the Document, which stresses the need to reject extremism, and to bring happiness and development to human society everywhere.

Sheikh Nahyan stressed that the Ministry of Tolerance is keen on holding activities of this Festival in Umm Al Emarat Park, where its premises is situated.

“Moreover, the park is named after a great lady, who presents tremendous achievements serving society and human beings everywhere. She believes in tolerance and human fraternity as the best way to achieve peace, understanding, development and stability all over the world,” he added

“This year’s Festival coincides with the UAE’s celebration of the Year of Tolerance, in which we express great pride in the UAE as an unique example of tolerance, coexistence and human fraternity, where dialogue and positive communication between communities, cultures and nations is a way to build fruitful relationships in society and the world,” Sheikh Nahyan said.