Divisiveness has no place in the UAE. The people of this country made this clear recently after some anti-Hindu statements were made on social media following the announcement of plans to build Abu Dhabi’s first Hindu temple. What was most gratifying about the denunciation of the offending tweets is that it emerged spontaneously from the general populace rather than being announced by the authorities – demonstrating the high value that we, the citizens and residents of the UAE, place on the principles of tolerance and harmony.
As the Geneva Centre for Human Rights Advancement and Global Dialogue chairman Dr Hanif Al Qassim said, such intolerant ideas don’t represent the true teachings of Islam. He praised the UAE for providing an open environment for the exchange of beliefs and cultures, which had attracted more than 200 nationalities to the country and had helped it to keep thriving.
The UAE has long been known for its tolerance. Dubai has long had a Hindu temple, and there are many other places of worship across the emirates where followers of different religions are able to practise their rituals freely. As just one example, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid, Vice President of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, recently provided land for a Sikh temple in the emirate.
In a world where extremist groups are fighting each other and killing the innocent in the name of religion, the UAE provides an example for the world to follow. The policy of tolerance sends a powerful message that progress happens when people are given the opportunity to practise what they believe in. The only way to make the world a more peaceful and prosperous place is to cut the roots of divisive ideas and teach people how to live together.
There is a reason why the UAE is a beacon of stability in a war-torn region: our belief in tolerance.
