Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence
| Agency overview | |
|---|---|
| Formed | February 16, 2016 |
| Headquarters | Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates |
| Agency executives |
|
| Website | tolerance |
The Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence[a] is a government ministry in the United Arab Emirates that is in charge of regulating and maintaining religious tolerance and coexistence between indigenous and overseas communities in the country.
History
The ministry was created in February 2016 and was known until 2022 as the Ministry of Tolerance.[1]
The ministry was established in accordance with the National Tolerance Programme, a UAE government initiative of highlighting religious diversity and coexistence among communities in the country. The ministry was the brainchild of UAE Prime Minister Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum.[2] Sheikha Lubna Khalid al-Qasimi served as its inaugural minister until she was succeeded by Nahyan bin Mubarak al-Nahyan in October 2017.[3]
The Ministry promotes a yearly National Festival of Tolerance and Coexistence, featuring cultural performances by different communities. The 2025 edition had China as a guest of honor.[4]
The UAE sees tolerance as a source of "economic capital and attracting skilled migrants, entrepreneurs, and global investment. The tolerance agenda reinforces the country’s image as a safe and aspirational hub".[5] UAE's initiatives are also disseminated by other entities, such as the Hedayah think tank,[6] and the Al Sawab center, focused on countering extremist ideologies worldwide.[7]
Notes
References
- ^ Wam. "UAE minister issues a global call for tolerance". Khaleej Times. Retrieved 2022-07-07.
- ^ "اهم اهداف وزارة التسامح بقيادة وزيرة التسامح " الشيخة لبنى القاسمي "". المرسال (in Arabic). Retrieved 2022-07-07.
- ^ وام, أبوظبي- (20 October 2017). "نهيان بن مبارك: الإمارات نموذج عالمي في التسامح". www.emaratalyoum.com (in Arabic). Retrieved 2022-07-07.
- ^ Sharjah 24. "Nahyan bin Mubarak opens 7th National Tolerance Festival". Nahyan bin Mubarak opens 7th National Tolerance Festival. Retrieved 2026-01-26.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) - ^ FOUNDATION, OBSERVER RESEARCH. "Diffusing Tolerance: The UAE's Soft Power Through Migration". orfonline.org. Retrieved 2026-01-26.
- ^ "Here's how tolerance is reshaping mindsets in the MENA region". Hedayah Website. Retrieved 2026-01-26.
- ^ Mazzucco, Leonardo Jacopo Maria; Alexander, Dr Kristian (2023-08-30). "How the United Arab Emirates Has Promoted Tolerance, Co-Existence and Multiculturalism to Confront Religious Violence". Retrieved 2026-01-26.