Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed receives Tolerance Logo

New logo presented to Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi by Noura Al Kaabi, chairperson of the Year of Tolerance Executive Committee

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed receives the badge featuring the new Year of Tolerance logo from Noura Al Kaabi, Minister of Culture and Knowledge Development, during a Sea Palace Barza. Mohamed Al Hammadi /Show more

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, was presented with the new Tolerance logo to be used after this year ends.

Sheikh Mohamed received the logo from Noura Al Kaabi, Minister of Culture and Knowledge Development, and chairperson of the Year of Tolerance Executive Committee, during a Sea Palace Barza in Abu Dhabi on Monday.

The logo is an illustration of Sheikh Zayed, the Founding Father, wrapped in a ghaf tree leaf.

Sheikh Mohamed said he was pleased to receive the "authentic national symbol", state news agency Wam reported.

He said the ghaf tree has great significance as a symbol of coexistence in the desert and is strongly associated with Emirati heritage.

The first majilis were held beneath the shade of ghaf trees as tribes gathered to discuss daily matters.

The evergreen ghaf tree also symbolises sustainability because of its ability to adapt to the harsh desert environment.

It was also a source of sustenance to Bedouins who would eat the young leaves and seed pods. Wood from the trunk would also be used as fuel and to build homes.

The tree is protected under laws issued by Sheikh Zayed that prohibit its felling throughout the country.

Sheikh Mohamed said the design paid tribute to Sheikh Zayed as promoting the values of tolerance was to carry forward his legacy.

The official Year of Tolerance logo that will be in use until year-end features three ghaf tree branches. It was unveiled by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, in February after 2019 was declared the Year of Tolerance by President Sheikh Khalifa last December.