Tolerance is a key value of the UAE and a significant part of the country’s societal structure, Obaid Humaid Al Tayer, Minister of State for Financial Affairs, said here today in a statement as the UAE celebrates the International Day of Tolerance on 16th November.

The late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, founding father of the UAE, had been keen to promote the values of harmony, peace and co-existence among different cultures and civilisations, the Minister noted.

"Today, President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan continues to promote the principles of tolerance, along with Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and Members of Supreme Council, Their Highnesses Rulers of the Emirates," Al Tayer said.

The UAE has established itself as a global role model for tolerance, harmony and co-existence, adding these values to boost the country's future, he added.

"These efforts culminated with His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid forming the first Ministry of Tolerance in the Arab world and across the globe, as part of the structural change to the UAE government," the UAE minister said.

According to him, the UAE has succeeded in spreading the principles of tolerance, moderation and respect among people of more than 200 nationalities who co-exist in the country in full harmony.

"We instill tolerance and generosity as fundamental values of our society. In fact, these values are part of the UAE’s Constitution, which outlines the need to adopt the principles of mutual respect with all institutional operations and individuals, as well as promoting equality before the law, and practising freely the rights of one’s religion and faith," he said.

Al Tayer stressed that the UAE’s Constitution also outlines the freedom and rights of all residents as per all international agreements that call for tolerance, co-existence and non-violence, especially the international convention on the elimination of all forms of racial discrimination signed by the country in 1974.

"The country also works closely with different international, regional and local government entities to deepen the sense of tolerance and strengthen co-operation. These efforts have led to a community free of intolerance, violence and terrorism, and a society based on respect for cultural diversity and acceptance of other cultural, religious and intellectual traditions," he said.