A Christmas message from tolerance minister
As Coptic Christians from Egypt and Orthodox Christians from Europe celebrated Christmas in the UAE on Monday, the Minister of Tolerance shared his message of peace, harmony and respect for all religions and beliefs across the country.
Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance, gave a speech — delivered on his behalf by Sheikh Mohammed bin Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan — in a ceremony held at St Anthony’s Coptic Orthodox Cathedral in Abu Dhabi. It was attended by a large crowd of Egyptian expats and a number of officials.
“It is vital to maintain the values of brotherhood and communication among believers of various religions and to maintain respect for each other’s rights and values for the good of everyone,” Sheikh Nahyan said.
He said the celebration marked a good start to the Year of Tolerance in the UAE, a country that values its Arab and Islamic heritage and calls for mutual respect among all religions.
“We hope that the new year of tolerance in the UAE will be a year of peace, harmony and security in the whole world. We in the UAE are fully convinced that tolerance is an essential part of the fabric of a successful society. It is a vivid embodiment of
It is vital to maintain the values of brotherhood among believers of various religions and to maintain respect for each other’s rights and values.”
Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance
the teachings of Islam and a means of positive communication with everyone,” Sheikh Nahyan said.
The minister called on everyone to take part in the year-long celebration of tolerance in the country. “I take this opportunity to invite you to actively participate in the activities of the Year of Tolerance in the UAE and build bridges of understanding, coexistence and dialogue.”
Reham Khalil, Minister Delegate and Charge d’Affaires of the Egyptian Embassy in the UAE, conveyed the Christmas greeting of Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi to the community.
In her speech, on behalf of Egyptian Ambassador Sherif Mohamed El Badawi, Khalil expressed her sincere thanks and appreciation to the UAE for its community model that is anchored on the values of peace and tolerance.
In the same way, she stressed on how Egypt also embraces coexistence and moderation, veering away from fanaticism and extremism.
Christmas is an occasion to draw inspiration from the foundations of civilisation, she said.
Speaking on behalf of Tawadros II, Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of St Mark, Rev. Anthony Michael, pastor of the cathedral, extended his thanks to the President, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan; His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai; His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces; members of the Supreme Council and Rulers — Photos by M.Sajjad of the emirates; and to the UAE government and people, for welcoming the Egyptian Coptic community, as well as all other Christians and members of different religions, allowing them to practice their customs and rites. —