Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed: Shared compassion is key to overcoming global challenges

Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi marks International Day of Tolerance

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, pictured with Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed, chairman of the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince’s Court. Courtesy:Show more

The UAE will continue working towards fostering peaceful co-existence to achieve a "brighter future for all", Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed said on Monday.

The Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces made the pledge to mark the International Day of Tolerance.

"Together, through the shared values of compassion, dignity and respect, we can overcome many of the challenges facing the world today," he said on Twitter.

Sheikh Mohamed also shared a video that included a montage of people of all faiths praying in the UAE.

"Tolerance is one of the causes for a happy life," an imam is heard saying. "It is a great human value that recognises diversity among people."

The video included words from Rev Canon Andrew Thompson, chaplain of St Andrew’s Anglican Church, who says: "In Arabic, the word for tolerance means inclusiveness. I see the UAE's commitment to that theme as an invitation. This is a global cause. We need tolerance in our world today."

And a rabbi is heard saying: "There are great moments when the Abrahamic traditions can come together: Muslims, Jews and Christians."

Clips from multi-faith events held in the Emirates can be seen in the video as well as renderings for the UAE's Abrahamic House of Fraternity, which will include a mosque, church and synagogue in the same compound.

"What we are proud of in the UAE is our residents and citizens. We are lucky that they are sharing their land and identity with us," Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed says.

November 16 was declared International Day of Tolerance by the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation in 1996. The annual observance day aims to generate awareness of the dangers of intolerance.