Week-long tolerance fest celebrates Zayed’s legacy

abu dhabi — Senior government officials, students, artists, writers and diplomats will take part in the fourth edition of the

National Festival for Tolerance and Coexistence that begins on November 9.

Most of the events will be hosted online as a precautionary measure against the spread of Covid-19.

The week-long festival encourages compassion and peaceful coexistence. The annual event celebrates the ‘International Day for Tolerance’ and promotes the values of tolerance and human fraternity.

The festival presents to the world the UAE’s legacy as set by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan 50 years ago.

Addressing a virtual Press conference on Sunday, Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance, said: “The festival illustrates the role of values in promoting hope among all UAE residents, motivating them to work, create, and innovate.”

He said his ministry’s role is to promote values of tolerance, coexistence, respect and acceptance of others “intellectually, culturally and religiously”. It also renounces violence and extremism through programmes and initiatives organised throughout the year.

Through several interactive programmes and activities, the festival will envision the future of Emirati values and principles for the next 50 years. There will be virtual activities and events by ministries, local governments, and public and private institutions across the country.

6,000 students to take part

More than 6,000 students from 81 public and private schools from across the emirates will take part in the festival. This will be done in coordination with the Ministry of Education and emirate-wise education councils.